Potty Training
By Maureen Ryan, About.com Guide
Is My Toddler Ready for Potty Training?
Enthusiasm and desire are necessary ingredients when it comes to potty training, but there are other signs of readiness your toddler should exhibit before you get started in earnest.
- Signs of Potty Training Readiness
- Video: Getting Your Child Ready for Potty Training
- Will He Ever Tell Us He Needs to Go Potty?
- Is My Toddler Too Young to Potty Train?
- Is My 19-Month-Old Ready to Potty Train?
- Is Sitting on the Potty OK if Your Toddler Isn't Ready?
- Things Parents Can Do To Encourage Potty Training Readiness
- Potty Training Readiness Quiz
Potty Training Gear
The great thing about potty training is that it can be done very frugally. Parents who want to save money can start out with simple underwear or training pants and use their own toilet. Parents who want to spend more can use disposable training pants and purchase a potty chair. Other gear can help your toddler on her journey but keep in mind the most important thing you can offer is your support.
- Potty Training Books
- Before You Buy a Potty Chair
- Potty Chairs
- Toilet Seat Inserts
- What are Pull-Ups?
- What Should My Child Wear During Potty Training?
- Do-it-Yourself Toddler Clothing for Potty Training
- Printable Potty Training Charts
- Six Things to Make Potty Training Easier
- Keep Your Toddler's Clothes Around to Use After Potty Training
- Saving Money While Potty Training
- Review: Toilet Buddies Toilet Bowl Attachments
- Review: No More Diapers Video
- Review: Elmo's Potty Time
- Review: Go Potty Go Video
- Review: Corolle Potty Training Dolls
Getting Started Potty Training
You know you're ready. You've got the gear and now you and your child can jump in feet (or buttocks) first! Here are some potty training dos and don'ts as well as practical advice from other parents that will get you on your way.
- How Do I Get Started?
- What Words Should I Use for Urine and Feces?
- Parents Share the Words They Used with Their Toddlers
- Potty Training Mistakes to Avoid
- Common Potty Training Problems
- Video: Potty Training Success
- 10 Tips to Make Potty Training a Success
- Video: Easy Potty Training Clothes
Potty Training Away from Home
When you or your child are away from home you may find you need to adapt your potty training plan. In addition, if your child is in child care, is going to visit family or friends, you will want to enlist the help of others and make sure they are on board with your plan.
- Potty Training at Child Care
- Enlisting the Help of Friends and Family Members
- Potty Training While Out and About
- Fear of Public Restrooms
Special Potty Training Situations
Some parents may find that they are need to adapt their approach to potty training. What works for one child doesn't always work for another -- especially when you have twins, triplets or other multiples, or if your child has special needs.
- Potty Training Multiples
- Potty Training a Child with Special Needs
- Potty Training a Child with Autism
- The "No-Pants" Method
- Potty Training for Foster Parents
Potty Training Problems and Setbacks
Along the road, you're bound to encounter some road blocks to complete potty training success. Some of these can be overcome by taking a new approach or even taking a step back from training. Other issues will need to be handled with the help of a professional health care provider. Also, beware of methods that promise overnight results. These methods often don't work and can even be harmful.