On Starting the Potty Training Journey

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From finger foods to first steps, there are so many milestones in the first few years of a kiddo’s life. In fact, we just started transitioning Bryce into a big boy bed (ahh!)

Another huge milestone on the horizon? Using the potty all by himself, a true sign of growing up!

Now that Bryce has transitioned into the 2 year old toddler room at daycare, I’m thinking it’s time we start the potty training journey. Plus, I’m seeing several signs that tell me he’s ready, so I better get ready too! Bryce and I are hoping to accomplish this big accomplishment as smoothly as possible, and I’ve been reading and collecting info along the way, things we will need, etc. and I wanted to share it with you.

There are tons of opinions and resources out there, so no matter what approach we take, I have these tips to give me my potty training foundation:

Time it right.
Bryce will need to be potty trained by next fall when he starts school, so thankfully we have some time. But more importantly, Bryce needs to be emotionally and physically ready for it. And as parents, we have to be ready for it with our full support, because it really is a team effort. This summer seems like the perfect time for all of us.

Watch for signs of readiness.
Bryce is showing some key signs, like staying dry for a few hours at a time, and showing interest in using the potty at home and at daycare when others do. He also has some key tasks down like being able to follow instructions, and taking his clothes on and off.

Find what works for you and your little.
Rewards & incentives. 3 day method. Potty training in blocks. The list goes on and on. There’s no doubt a ton of info and approaches to potty training, but it all boils down to trusting your instincts and being in tune with your little. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to potty training, so we are trying to decide what makes sense based on how Bryce learns best and deals with new and unfamiliar situations.

Look for helpful tools.
Whether it’s potty songs, books or even apps or progress charts or resources like this Potty Partnership site, there are lots of great tools out there that can help your kiddo. Bryce really likes books and songs (I swear, he can hear a song a couple times and memorize the lyrics), so we are going to try these to help reinforce our efforts.

Be supportive and patient…consistently.
This is easier said than done, especially when your patience is tested after multiple accidents, or a rushed trip for a bathroom break at the grocery store. But the more supportive and consistent we are, the better his chances are that this whole potty thing will work.

Get the right gear.
You’ve got to have the essential equipment and supplies on hand to start this journey. That can include things like a potty chair or potty ring/step stool, TP or flushable wipes, a fun new hand soap, a mattress cover and extra sheets on hand, a potty watch or timer (there’s an app for that!), cleaning supplies and rewards if you choose to use them.

We opted to get a big supply of Pull-Ups® Learning Designs® at our local Sam’s Club. Bryce had fun looking at the cool designs and the big boxes. (Sidenote: Sam’s Club is this Mama’s happy place. Buying in bulk is the way to go- whether it’s online, via their subscription service or by using the in-store app to bypass the line, I love knowing we are stocked up on all our essentials!)

The Pull-Ups are the perfect training pant to help Bryce on his potty training journey. They have an underwear-like design that helps teach him how to put them on and take them off and easy open sides for quick changes if he needs it.

They also work as a teaching tool: the designs fade when wet to promote learning- so cool! Glad we have a big box of Pull-Ups on hand…being prepared is key. Wish us luck!