And finally, we have come to the end of our potty training series!!! We hope your potty training journey is going on smoothly, and we're sure you're handling the minor bumps along the way pretty well! While you already have everything you need to get your toddler potty trained, our final post in the series is about some little potty training hacks that can help to make your life a lot easier. As you know by now, potty training a finicky toddler isn't easy, so every bit of help is welcome!
1. Put waterproof sheets everywhere
When your little one starts potty training, he's bound to have lots of accidents, which you need to prepare for. This translates into 'waterproofing every possible surface in your home', so roll up all the carpets, put waterproof sheets on sofas, beds and even car seats. When messes are easy to clean, it takes out a lot of stress from potty training.
2. Set a timer to pee
During the intial phase of potty training, you need to remind kids every now and then to use the potty, a task that is best achieved with the help of a timer. Set it so that you get a reminder every 30 minutes and you'll be able to prevent many accidents this way.
3. Sing Happy Birthday
No, not while cutting the cake, but while washing hands. It can be difficult for kids to decide how long to wash their hands after using the potty - too little may not get them clean and too much wastes water. The duration of singing Happy Birthday twice is just right to get those grubby hands clean.
4. Have a target in the toilet
If you're potty training a girl, this doesn't apply to you; it's for the little boys to perfect their peeing aim. Drop a piece of cereal into the toilet water and ask them to hit it. This is a fun game for them and results in zero clean up for you! You can also try a target sticker like this one.
5. Get a Potty Routine chart
For young toddlers, it can be hard for them to remember the complete sequence of using the toilet that includes wiping, flushing, washing etc. So get a potty routine chart, laminate it and stick it up on the bathroom wall at their eye level so that there's no more confusion. You can get a free printable chart from Hloom.
6. Get the right underwear
Moving to big girl or big boy underwear is a big deal, so make it a memorable moment! Get underwear in comfortable fabric, with good elastic and most importantly - in your child's favorite character! Seeing their virtual friends along their potty journey will give kids that extra level of comfort. Get these Cars themed briefs for your little one who loves vehicles.
7. Make your own training pants
Training pants can be very handy during the potty training stage, but many Moms worry about the cost. By making your own, you can enjoy the convenience of these pants while saving money and the environment at the same time! These are easier than they look; get the full tutorial from So Easy Being Green.
8. Get stretchy pants with elastic
In order for potty training to be truly successful, your child needs to be able to identify her body's triggers, pull down her pants and underwear and get to the potty in time. Make things easy for her by getting her stretchy pants with elastic waists which are easier to slip down and up. Buy these in bulk - you'll need a lot!
9. Use apps to make it fun
Kids today love anything to do with a screen, so make the most of it to keep them interested in using the potty! There are many potty training apps out there, such as ' Potty Training - Learning with the Animals ', which is among the free ones. Keep changing apps so he doesn't get bored.
10. Get ready to bribe
Yes, yes, we know what all the parenting gurus say about bribing kids, but we really think you should make an exception for potty training! Have a special treat exclusively for successful potty use, one that is 'forbidden' at other times. Your child will be thrilled to have a successful go at the potty and be rewarded with it!
11. Keep aside special books for potty
We've already listed out our top picks for potty training books; choose a few from this list and put them in a basket by your child's potty. These are meant to hold his interest while using the potty, and are not to be used at other times. You can also add a small toy here to make it even more fun.
12. Install a bidet
If you don't have one already, install a hand-held bidet right away! This nifty device takes up very little place in your bathroom but is a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning gunk out of diapers or underwear. Just hold the dirty underwear over the toilet and let the bidet spray it all down the drain!
13. Spare change of clothes
When going out, make sure you have not one but two sets of clothes, and not just underwear - pants and shirts as well! There's no predicting how big an 'accident' you may have, so it's a good idea to carry along an extra set of clothes for yourself too!
14. Wear waterproof footwear
You need to expect accidents when you go out too, and while changing underwear and clothes may be easy, it can be harder to deal with urine-soaked shoes! It's safer to wear waterproof, washable footwear, like Crocs, at least till your little one is completely potty trained.
15. Carry a travel potty seat
Don't let your toddler regress just because you're going out! Carry along a travel potty seat so that he can still continue his training regardless of where he is. You can get all kinds of foldable potties which are easy to transport and use.
16. Spot the bathroom first
No, this isn't some new party game! Whenever you arrive at a new place, find the bathroom first of all, so you can make a dash for it the minute your little one starts doing the 'potty dance'!! For better results, check out where you can find extra paper towels and soap, so your little one can go about his business without too many interruptions.
17. Protect your mattress
As we've described in our previous post on night time potty training, kids can take a while to be completely dry at night. So in the meantime, it can be a pain laundering a wet, soiled mattress in the middle of the night, so keep your sanity intact with a mattress protector, or even with a waterproof sheet under your child's bedsheet.
18. Keep the sanitizer close
And your hand wash closer...okay, just kidding, as you handle dirty underwear, wet sheets and so on, it's a fact that you'll come in contact with a fair amount of germs. Keep the sanitizer within easy reach so you can access it as soon as you're done with the yucky stuff.
19. Use panty liners
Even once kids get the hang of the whole potty routine, it can take some time for them to get the timing right, which can lead to some minor leakages. In order to cut down on laundry, you can use panty liners during this stage, which are perfect for the purpose!
20. Get that urine smell out
Every parent who has potty trained their child knows the difficulty of trying to get rid of that urine smell - all the air fresheners in the air won't work! Fill a spray bottle with 3 parts water and 1 part plain vinegar. Spray this mix over the area, leave for 10 minutes and then soak it up with a towel. Sprinkle baking soda, cover with a dish washing solution and scrub it in.
With these potty training hacks, toilet training will become just a little easier for busy Moms, and we all know how we appreciate every little help and tip that comes our way! So we hope this entire series has been helpful for you and your tot, and that you're all progressing along nicely. Just remember, patience and consistency is important, as is lots of love!
