It is hard potty training any of your kids but the first child is probably the hardest. You don’t know what you are doing and can get easily frustrated. I’d like to share my potty training tips for new parents as I recently went through this myself.
I don’t think I’ve felt this clueless about something since the first day I brought my baby home from the hospital.
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Potty Training Tips for New Parents
Start getting them used to the potty
Even if they aren’t ready to start potty training, let your child sit on the potty and flush it themselves.
After they sit on the potty, start teaching them how to always wash their hands. My daughter loves washing her hands, she thinks it is so fun.
You can even let them come in and watch how you use the potty and make it seem like it is so much fun.
Be Prepared
Make sure you have everything you will need on hand before you even start potty training. I have a list of potty training must haves that you can make a checklist with.
Only dress them in pants or skirts that are easy to get on and off.
I love the pants with elastic in them! If you have a girl, now is the time to put her in dresses and skirts until she gets a good grasp on this whole potty training thing.
You don’t want to have to rush to the potty only to struggle with a buckle or belt. It’s a good chance they will end up having an accident.
Invest in coffee filters
If you are going to be using a potty chair, make sure to line it with a regular coffee filter to make clean up so much easier. No one wants to clean poop out of those things.
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Potty Training Methods to Try
Let them wear Crocs or flip flops
Accidents are going to happen. If you are going outside or running errands let you child wear some Crocs, flip flops, or something else that is easy to just rinse and wipe off.
You don’t want to have to clean pee out of sneakers or canvas shoes. This is probably why most people start potty training in the spring and summer months.
Don’t force the flush
Some kids are scared of the sound the flush makes so don’t force them to flush it. This will only prolong them from wanting to use the potty.
My daughter has anxiety and can’t handle loud noises. She was terrified of using the toilet because of the loud flush.
Just flush it yourself after they leave the room and eventually they will want to start doing it on their own.
Praise for the little things as well as the big
Kids love praise as a reward. Let them know how great they are doing. You can even make up a potty song or dance and do it with them every time they use the potty.
Even if they just sit on the potty let them see how happy and excited you are.
Use training pants to prevent leaks. I know that there are all kinds of different potty training methods, but you can always use training pants to help with the transition from diapers to underwear if you feel it is right for you and your child.
I like using the Pampers Easy Ups, especially at night, to help prevent any leaks. They have cute designs that my daughter loves.
When we first started potty training, she was so scared of public restrooms because of the loud noises. I would just put her in some Easy Ups whenever we were out running errands.
Potty training can be a struggle and will take time. There is no magic one size fits all method. Just use some of these potty training tips for new parents and see which ones work for you and your child.
Amy Deeter says
Something that worked for me when my children were younger is a prize chart every time they went to the bathroom
Birdiebee says
Use a reward system/chart as well as provide plenty of praise through the potty training process.
Rajee Pandi says
Using a rewards system worked
Carolyn Daley says
Be patient, don’t stress about it, and use a reward system.
Leanne Godfrey says
Giving lots of praise worked for us! Have a great weekend!
Sand says
I was told to use cheerios for target practice for my little boys.
Cindy says
Wear pants that you can unbutton. I tried to unbutton his pants but could not. Luckily, we could slide his pants down.