Potty training is one of the most awaited milestones for all parents. No parent has ever said they miss changing diapers for their kids – it is presumably the least glamorous part of parenting. So every parent starts potty training the moment their child is “big enough”. However, it is not as easy as that.
When To Start Potty Training Your Toddler?
No matter what age your friend’s kid was potty trained, remember that your child is unique and will follow a different routine. Potty training is all about timing. If you force your baby to potty train before he is ready, then it will actually do more harm than good. If your baby is not physically capable of holding his pee in when he feels like it, then he is not ready to be potty trained. By forcing him to do so will give him a negative association with potty training altogether – and this will result in potty training taking longer than it would otherwise have.
Once you feel that it is the right time to potty train your child, then there are many tips and tricks available that will help you potty train your child successfully. If your baby is a boy, read 10 Successful Potty Training Tips for Boys and if your baby is a girl, read 10 Successful Potty Training Tips for Girls.
8 Essential Potty Training Products For Toddlers
Fortunately, you do not have to fight the potty training battle alone. There are many products that are available in the market that will help you potty train your child better.
Here is a list of eight potty training products that will aid you while helping your child be potty trained:
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- Potty Seats: There are many lidded potty seats available in the market which will make a very cute first potty seat for your child. They come in all colors and with different features. Fisher Price has a model that they call as “My Potty Friend” that plays music when your child sits on it. Some of the models also has a flush button that again plays music when the child is done. There are other models that come with a toilet dispenser. If you are buying a potty seat for your baby, read 10 Tips To Buy The Right Potty Seat For Your Toddler
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- Potty Toppers: Some kids do not like potty seats. These kids would rather use the same toilet as their mammas and papas. For those little champs, potty toppers are the solution. This is a small seat that can be placed on top of the adult toilet and which will ensure your baby does not fall in. Again, these toppers come in various colors and designs and it might be a good idea to let your child pick one
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- Potty Training Dolls: Yes, you heard that right. These dolls help your child learn about potty training. The doll can intake water and after a while it would need to pee. And you and your child can place the doll on the potty seat and the doll will pass “urine” (of course, not real urine!). It will help your child understand how water he drinks turn into pee in some time
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- Toilet Targets: These are fun products for your boys. Stick them in various spots inside your commode and ask your little boy to do some target practice. Who said potty training cannot be fun?
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- Potty Training Chart & Stickers: A great way to reward your child for his potty training efforts. Try hanging a chart on the wall. Go for a game like approach where the child gets to mark his chart with colorful stickers every time he uses the bathroom. Even if he tinkles a tiny amount, reward him. The child gets to win a prize at the end, like an ice cream, a chocolate or a new toy!
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- Potty Watch: Make your little one feel all grown up with his watch. The potty watch helps your little one know when it’s time to go to the bathroom! You can set the timer at different time intervals and when its time, the lights will flash indicating your little one to try going to potty. Interesting isn’t it – it saves you all the effort of constant reminding
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- Potty Training Books: If your little one loves listening to stories so why not make potty training a story time. There are plenty of books available in the market that will help your child learn the basics of potty use by listening to the stories consisting of their favorite characters. With plenty of hilarious texts and playful illustrations these books are a good aid for your child
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- Training Pants: If you continue putting diaper for your child during potty training days, then it might defeat the purpose. Use training pants instead that will help control leaks during any accidents
Of course, just because you are equipped with the best practices, knowledge and the products mentioned above, it does not mean that you will not face setbacks. If you do, refer to our Best Tips to Deal with Potty Training Setbacks.
You also need to remember that patience is key while potty training. You should not force your child to potty train and understand there is no deadline. Here are 5 Important Do’s and Don’ts Of Potty Training so that you do not make any mistakes that make your child uncomfortable.
For more on this topic, please refer to Potty / Toilet Training
All the best!
