Contrary to popular belief among parents, potty training toddlers does not have to be a difficult task. With proper preparation and knowledge, the process can actually go quite smoothly. The following are our top 5 tips for potty training toddlers.

Patience is Key
The first step to success in potty training toddlers is having patience. You need to know up front that this process can often take quite a bit of time. If you have patience with your child throughout the process, including during the setbacks, your child’s confidence with themselves will be boosted. Additionally, if you’re trying a particular method of potty training and it doesn’t work, don’t stress out. Move on and try something else.

Age is Important
As you’ve likely heard, the ideal age range for potty training toddlers is between 18 months and 3 years. If you decide to start potty training prior to 18 months, you may face more difficulty than is necessary as your child isn’t quite physically capable of controlling their bowel movements or bladder. Generally, the longer you wait, the better your chances of success with the process.

Watch Closely for Sign of Potty Training Readiness
There are a few clues to watch for you help you know when your toddler is ready to begin the potty training process. These can include:

• Consistency in times of urination or bowel movements

• The ability to maintain a dry diaper for two or three hours at a time

• The ability to follow basic verbal commands

• Discomfort with wet or dirty diapers

• The ability to sit still for 10 minutes or longer

Items Needed for Potty Training Toddlers

• Pull-ups or underpants

• Potty training chart

• Potty training chairs in any bathroom your child may choose to use

• Rewards for potty training successes

Potty Training Rewards
Whether or not your parenting style frequently includes praise and rewards for the achievement of milestones, the use of rewards or “treats” is incredibly effective for potty training toddlers. If you praise and reward your toddler after each and every small success, your child will maintain much more interest in the process and find that potty training is actually fun, as opposed to fearsome and confusing.

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to potty training toddlers. However, if you take some time to plan in advance and gather the tools and rewards that will make this process enjoyable for your child, you’ll achieve success in potty training your toddler in no time.