Community Questions - Potty training tips?

"Please can you share any tips for potty training that you found useful? There's a lot of 'advice' online but none of it seems to be working for us."

Potty training can be a challenging experience for both you and your little one. Every child is different so what works for one family may not work for another. However, here are some steps that helped us when we potty trained our toddlers which will hopefully help:

1. Timing: Wait until your child is ready. Most children are ready between 18 months and 3 years of age, but every child is different. Signs that your child may be ready include showing interest in the potty, staying dry for longer periods of time, and communicating when they need to go.

2. Introduce the potty: Introduce your child to the potty by letting them see you use it and explaining what it's for. You can also let your child sit on the potty with their clothes on to get used to it.

3. Schedule: Set up a regular schedule for potty breaks, such as after meals or before bedtime. This will help your child get used to the routine and make it easier for them to learn.

4. Positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their efforts and progress, even if they don't successfully use the potty at first. This will help encourage them to keep trying.

5. Consistency: Be consistent with your approach and don't give up too quickly. It may take some time for your child to get the hang of it.

6. Patience: Be patient with your child and try not to get frustrated if accidents happen. Remember that this is a learning process and your child is doing their best.

7. Gradual transition: As your child becomes more comfortable with the potty, you can gradually transition them to underwear and encourage them to use the toilet instead of the potty.

Remember, every child is different and potty training may take longer for some children than others. Be patient, stay positive, and celebrate your child's progress along the way.