How to Potty Train Your Toddler Girl

Today I decided to take the plunge and begin the process of potty training with The Ballerina. Her older sister The Princess was very easy to potty train the second time I attempted. During the whole process I learned a lot, the first time around I learned all the things that you should not do and then 6 months later when we tried again I finally figured out how to successfully potty train my daughter in 3 days. Every child is different but I think there are some universal truths to the potty training process. This is how I am tackling potty training with The Ballerina who is not quite 2 1/2 years old.

1. Gather supplies. You will need a potty or an insert for a regular toilet ( I prefer insert because it is less mess), new underwear that they get to pick out ( my daughter chose Fancy Nancy today), sheet protectors and mattress pads so accidents don’t ruin the mattress and diapers.

2. Make Sure Your Child is Ready to Potty Train. Over the years I found only a few signs of readiness that are strong indicators your child is ready and willing to be potty trained. Can they keep their diaper dry for several hours at a time? Do they acknowledge when they have to go to the bathroom? Are they showing interest in using the potty? Are they bothered by a wet or soiled diaper? Can they pedal a bike? ( this may seem odd but the coordination of muscles used to pedal a bike is the same coordination needed to stop and start the urine flow) I know there are others but I have found that these are key indicators that they have a genuine interest in learning to use the potty.

3. Do Some Prep Work. Be for you dive right into potty training you need to lay the groundwork for using the potty. As you begin to see some of the readiness signs start suggesting they use the potty. If they begin removing wet or soiled diapers remind them that they can use the potty and get rid of the diaper all together. Once your child is showing consistent interest it’s time to loose the diapers.

4. All or Nothing Approach. I prefer the all or nothing approach. I find pull-ups to very confusing for kids and they prolong the potty training process, not the mention they are expensive. If you need to use a diaper use a diaper but don’t use the pull-up. I take my child to the store to purchase new underwear, we discuss how special underwear is and how we always keep it dry. Upon retuning home the diaper is removed, new underwear put on and away we go. If it is nice out I try to stay outside as much as possible the first few days.I do use a diaper at night until they are mostly staying dry in the day then I no longer have a diaper at all.

5. Avoiding Accidents. The job of avoiding accidents falls on you the trainer for the first few days. I set a timer for every 30 minutes and every time it goes off I take my child to the toilet. By making them use the potty often you avoid accidents and build up self-confidence.

6. Waterproofing. Accidents will happen so instead of sticking diapers on your child when you are worried try to take steps to protect your home. Make sure your child’s mattress has a waterproof protective sheet on it. I would put a plastic backed picnic blanket on the couch when my daughter had rest time so if she did have an accident no big deal. Try to do activities in areas of the house that provide easy clean up.

7. Stay Home. Plan on staying home the first week you take away diapers. It is an adjustment for everyone and your child will learn better when they are in their own home and you can consistently monitor them.

8. Give them Praise. Make sure you are staying positive and praising your child for a job well done. If you want to reward them that is up to you, I found that stickers and toys back fired and became a bribery as opposed to my daughter actually learning to control herself and use the potty. High fives, hugs and lots of praise are a great way to encourage your child and when they have an accident be understanding and compassionate more often than not they are more devastated than you are.

9. Accidents Will Happen. Be realistic accidents will happen for a while especially at night but just be aware of potty cues and make sure you child is not drinking too much before bed and that will pass as well and you will soon have a fully potty trained child. I keep a portable potty in my car the first few months so when they have to go and you are not near a restroom you don’t have to worry about accidents.

Good luck, I will keep you posted on my new adventure with The Ballerina!