Potty Training Your Toddler: The Best Resources & How To Do It

It’s approaching that familiar phase again—the time to embark on yet another round of potty training with a toddler! This time, I’m feeling a tad more equipped than my initial endeavor with my son. The first attempt always seems the most daunting due to the uncertainty, I actually postponed potty training because of the fear of the unknown. But once you’ve been through it, you fine-tune your methods and tackle the second round with even more confidence. Whether you’re diving into potty training for the first time or gearing up for round two, here’s everything that’s been effective for me and what I wholeheartedly recommend. Here is Potty Training Your Toddler: The Best Resources & How To Do It.

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Potty- Training Your Toddler: How To Do It

I know it might seem a bit unusual to discuss how to potty train before listing the resources, but it’s incredibly important to establish a game plan first and then acquire the necessary resources or tools.

I’ve only read one potty training guide or book, and let me tell you, it’s all you need. With its practical advice, step-by-step approach, and insightful tips, this book is a reassuring guide that leaves no room for doubt. I wholeheartedly believe in its effectiveness because it just works.

But before we get to what that book is, can we just take a moment to appreciate the mamas who have paved the way and generously shared their wisdom with us?! Personally, I’m incredibly grateful for their wealth of knowledge and I know that life would be a lot more trial and error without their blessings.

My sister-in-law is one of those amazing mamas who has navigated potty-training beforehand and graciously passed on her wisdom.She introduced me to the ultimate potty training guide, “Oh Crap! Potty Training,” and it’s been an absolute lifesaver for me.

As I mentioned earlier, I kept postponing potty training my 2 1/2-year-old son because I was scared of the unknown, and truthfully, I was terrified of the thought of pee on my floor! Even though my son showed clear signs of being ready, it was after chatting with my sister-in-law and her giving me this potty training book to borrow, I decided to put on my big girl pants and start! But I didn’t truly feel equipped until after I read this book. That’s why I’ve said before, it’s crucial to have a game plan set in place first!

And let me tell you, this book is the complete game-plan! ‘Oh Crap! Potty Training’: Everything A Modern Parent Needs to Know To Do it Once and Do It Right by Jamie Glowacki lives up to its title! It’s the ultimate guide for parents diving into the wild journey of toilet training. ‘Oh Crap! Potty Training’ truly empowers parents to approach potty training with confidence.

Podcast

So, let’s say you’ve read the book and you’re still in need of a little extra support and guidance—no problem! Jamie Glowacki has got you covered with her podcast titled “Oh Crap: Potty Training!” There, you can find answers to common questions and struggles that parents face with their little ones. If it seems like your toddler is having a tough time, both the book and the podcast offer solutions and strategies to help you navigate through any challenges.

I like to give a heads up to fellow mamas who enjoy listening to podcasts while multitasking around the house. Jamie Glowacki is a spirited and unapologetic person, which I absolutely love her for! She might let out a few colorful words when she’s excited or really trying to make a point. I’m not the biggest fan of my kids hearing that, so I’ve learned to tune in during nap time or after they’re in bed to avoid any surprises! Even with that in mind, I still find her wisdom and insights incredibly valuable. Her straightforward approach and genuine advice make her podcast a must-listen for me.

Potty-Training Your Toddler: The Resources

Now let’s jump into the resources! Who doesn’t appreciate a helpful list? As a mom, I find life just a tad simpler when everything comes neatly organized. That’s why I’m going to lay out all my recommendations to ensure you’re fully prepared and equipped to tackle potty training head-on.

I’m going to break it down into the first necessities you really need and then the extras that I found made the transition into everyday potty training with a toddler seem more doable.

The Must-Have Resources:

The first resource you’ll need is a portable potty—it’s an absolute must! You can go all out and opt for the cute mini toilet (like I did, caught up in the cuteness) or simply get a standard potty. The key is having a portable option that you can bring to every room you’re in with your little one during the early stages of toilet training.

The second must-have resource is a stepping stool for your bathroom sink. Going to the bathroom and washing hands naturally go hand-in-hand! So, as you teach your little one, it’s essential to make your sink accessible to them.

Which brings me to my last must-have for them—a faucet extender to make it easier for your little ones to wash their hands. And here’s a fun tip: try using foaming soap! My son absolutely loved the playful, foamy bubbles while washing his hands. One of my favorite brands that’s nontoxic and smells amazing is ATTITUDE Foaming Hand Soap.

The Extra Resources:

Here are some additional potty-training tools that I found helpful as my son moved beyond the portable potty phase.

The built-in potty training seat that attaches directly to your toilet is a simple and space-saving way to provide easy access for your toddler to use the big potty.

With its curved design that fits around the toilet, the squat stool is another great space-saving solution to help your toddler access the big potty! Both the built-in potty seat and squat stool are perfect for one-bathroom homes where everyone shares the space.

Other options for portable potty seat is this all in one step stool and potty seat with easy fold-up for storage.

When your little one is ready for underwear, it’s time to look for special potty training underwear. They’re a bit thicker, so those occasional dribbles aren’t such a big deal, meaning fewer constant changes for you!

Another fantastic option for on-the-go potty training is the My Carry Potty. It’s perfect for keeping in the car for those emergency stops when there’s no bathroom in sight! I used to keep it right in my stroller when out for a walk with my toddler or at the park. It’s easily accessible and quick to pull out when needed.

A book and a song never hurt anyone! While it’s not necessary, my son always enjoyed singing silly songs about going on the potty and reading fun books. Some of our favorites at home are “Diapers Are Not Forever” and Daniel Tiger’s Toilet Training Sound Book.

Final Thoughts:

Remember, like with everything you and your little one embark on for the first time, it’s important to set the tone! Stay positive and remain calm. It’s a new experience and a big change for your little’s! There are bound to be accidents, and pee may end up on the floor. Take a deep breath, and don’t make a big scene. Just offer encouragement and reassure them that it’s okay to try again! You’ve Got this!

I hope this has helped you feel equipped and ready to tackle potty-training your toddler! If you are looking for more ways to better prepare your little for potty training or any other new experiences, read 6 STEPS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS THROUGH NEW EXPERIENCES.

Hugs, Mama, You are doing a great job!

Cassie