Potty Training Tips for Families with Toddlers

Potty training is an important milestone in a toddler’s development. While each child will reach this stage at their own pace, there are some tips that can help make the transition easier for families. Here are some potty training pointers to help both parents and toddlers navigate this new skill successfully.

Look for Signs of Readiness

The first step is to watch for signs that your toddler is ready to try using a potty. These can include showing interest in the potty, having longer dry periods between nappies, communicating the need to go, or expressing discomfort with soiled nappies. Toddlers are typically ready to start potty training between 18-36 months, but every child develops differently. Don’t force potty training before your little one exhibits readiness.

Make the Potty Accessible

Have a potty chair available in the main living area so your toddler can sit on it comfortably whenever they want. Letting them get used to the potty and see family members use the toilet helps motivate them to try it out too. Praise your toddler when they show interest in the potty. If you are fostering with an agency like Fosterplus, consider fun decorations like stickers or their favourite characters to make it more engaging and fun.

Dress for Success

When you start potty training, have your toddler wear loose, easy-to-remove bottoms like leggings. Allowing quick and easy undressing means fewer accidents and quicker trips to the potty when nature calls. Going nappy-free or using training pants/pull-ups can also motivate potty success.

Schedule Frequent Potty Breaks

Take your toddler to sit on the potty at consistent times during the day, like first thing in the morning, after meals/snacks, before naps, etc. Stay with them for support and use books or songs to pass the time. Regular potty breaks get toddlers into a routine and familiarise them with the proper procedure. Even if they don’t go every time, consistent practice is key.

Watch for Signals and Cues

Pay close attention to your toddler’s body language and tells when they need to use the potty. Signs may include holding themselves, squatting, whining, or heading to a private corner. Act quickly when you observe these signals to guide them to the potty right away. Verbalise what you see, for example, “You’re holding your pants, let’s use the potty!” so they associate cues with the need to go.

Use Encouragement and Praise

Clap, cheer, give high-fives, and offer encouragement when your toddler uses the potty successfully. Never scold or show disappointment for accidents as that instils shame. Put soiled clothes in the laundry without fanfare. Remind your toddler that using the potty means growing up.  

Be Patient and Consistent

Potty training takes time and accidents will happen! Stay positive, calm, and consistent in your approach. Independent potty skills may take weeks or months to master. Try not to compare your child’s progress to others. Keeping frustrating emotions in check will help your toddler stay confident. 

Make sure everyone is on board with potty training techniques to provide a unified approach. Share progress updates and accidents with daycare providers and grandparents so they can reinforce the same methods. Consistency across caregivers is key to avoiding confusion. Celebrate successes as a family!