All you need to know about potty training with Erin from readytopotty.com

Erin Elkin’s Background?

Erin, a former teacher and reading coach with many years of experience working with young children is also a potty training consultant and valuable asset to the ready to potty team! Erin also has two boys of her own, so she knows what it’s like to take on the daunting task of potty training. Parents love working with Erin as she takes her time in getting to know your child and offers advice based on your child’s unique situation. Erin has helped hundreds of families and can’t wait to help you with your potty training journey.

What are the first steps in the potty training journey?

The first thing we have to do is make sure that your little one is ready for potty training. There are some key indicators that will let you know when your little one is ready to start potty training. It’s usually much easier if the little ones are at least 18 months or closer to the 2-year range. You want to make sure they can communicate when they need to use the bathroom: sign language or the actual words work. The next thing you want to ask yourself is, can your little one pull their pants up and down? Some little ones are really interested in potty training. For examples, they will ask mommy or daddy what they are doing in the bathroom. Once you start thinking about potty training your little one, have it become part of your daily conversation throughout the day and make it exciting! You can also pick a couple potty training books and start reading it to them on a daily basis.

What are the potty training supplies I need?

• Potty chair or seat reducer
• Stepstool
• Underwear

You want your child involved, so get them excited about their underwear. If you don’t know if you should buy a potty chair or a seat reducer, it’s best to get both. The seat reducer on the big toilet can be intimidating for some children, and the potty chair on the floor can be moved throughout the house or even be taken outside during the warm summer months, when your little one is playing outside.

Did someone say potty training rewards?

You want potty training to be a positive experience. Your toddler is learning a new skill, and therefore we want lots of positive reinforcement! It could be a little toy or a piece of candy, whatever works with your little one.

Some ideas for potty training rewards are:

• Candy
• Little Toys
• Bubbles
• Stamps
• Stickers
• New Books
• Screen Time
• Quality time with Mom or Dad
• Marbles
• Sticker Charts to earn a bigger Prize

If your little one is not excited about his or her potty rewards anymore feel free to change it up!

Do you suggest using a timer for potty training?

This depends on your little one. Either your little one will love the timer idea or hate it. For some kids it works really well going to sit on the potty every 30-45 minutes and for others it may become a power struggle or a pain when you want to take them away from a fun game they are playing at the moment. Sometimes it works better when you set a timer on an ALEXA, so ALEXA will tell them that it is time to sit on the potty. There are also potty training watches that will change colors to remind them to go to the potty.

How long does it usually take to potty train?

We would love to get it done over a long weekend but most commonly it takes between 3 to 6 months. Consistency is key here and there will be accidents but don’t worry this is totally normal. Just keep in mind that you want it to be a positive experience.

How can you add potty training to your little one’s schedule?

When you start potty training, you want to implement potty times: in the morning after they wake up, before their nap and after their nap, before you leave the house, before bed, etc.

What should parents avoid during their potty training journey?

Don’t give up if it gets hard, just keep going.

Don’t worry about accidents, they will happen and it will help if you keep your calm.

Don’t get mad, be positive to make it easier for your little one.

Don’t use diapers/pull-ups during the potty training process. You want your little one to get used to the feel of underwear so that they have to listen to their body cues.