8 Potty Training Tips: Get Started!

Now that the holidays are over, I’ve decided to jump head first into potty training.

 

Please send help.

My little one (or not so little one) is now 21 months old. We started her off with the potty at 18 months old but, due a lot of travelling in the months of September and October and then the chaos of the Holidays–we decided to put it on hold. At 18 months she was using the potty every time I sat her in it.

So, I know that she enjoys it.

Now, that her father and I have a lot more time to focus on it (I know that sounds terrible) we are going to go full force and are ready to get started!

First off, I know potty training a girl is much more easier than a boy–I must say, I’ve heard, as I do not have any boys. But, with my oldest we started trying at 12 months old and due to a few accidents felt that we should wait a bit longer.

18 months rolled around and we tried again and B O O M.

In less than 2 weeks she was in big girl undies and trained.

With little to no accidents.

I got off easy.

Well, Mimi has a far different character than Gabs and I can tell with her it’s going to be more of a challenge. So, if you are about to embark on this same journey or already have and would like to add some tips, please do!

Here are 8 Tips I’ve used for potty training a Girl:

1. Get your Princess her throne.

Every Princess needs a throne, make sure when you buy one that it is easily mountable, colorful is always good too. There are so many to choose from and as long as your little one likes it. You are good to go. Mimi loves animal and though I was pushing the Princess one, she took to the cute froggy that reminded her of her favorite movie, Rio.

Don’t ask me why.

2. Get her used to the potty.

Let her sit on it and explore the potty before she uses it. Use one of her favorite toys and “mimic” using the potty.

3. Simon Says… Pee!

I know some people may think it’s crazy but, YOU mama, sit down on the porcelain throne and use it. In front of your little girl. This is a great time for you to sit her on the potty. You may be surprised when you hear a little fountain echo.

 

4. Reward her efforts.

Once she’s used the potty, make sure to reward her hard work! LOL. I used to have little stars or her favorite character stickers and she would add a sticker to her potty every time she used. She LOOOOOVED it. Praise is always a MUST and encouragement.

 

5. Go BUCK nekkid.

Now that she knows what the potty is for and how to use it, it’s time to teach her WHEN to go. This is always something very broad because there are so many routes to choose from. With my first I simply gave her a lot of “FREE CHEEKS” time and let her walk around diaper less and it worked.

If you are going to do this, be prepared for accidents.

I also had her use big girl undies. This time around I don’t know if I will use pull-ups as I haven’t come across any green pull-ups. I know Seventh Generation has them but, not to any store I’ve been. Anyway, pull-ups, undies or buck nekkid will teach them when they are wet and that it’s time to use the potty.

 

6. Accidents happen.

Be prepared for accidents and never ever make them feel like it’s a bad thing. Always encourage them that next time when it’s wet, it’s time to use the potty. Or come up with a word that she will know and recognize. Always watch for signs that she needs to potty, like holding herself, doing a pee-pee dance or she may give cues or signs.

7. Overnight training.

I always used regular nappies at night when we first started training and then slowly moved into pull-ups and eventually big girl undies. It all depends how your child is taking to it and what “stage” you think they are in. Best bet to know is how wet, if at all, her diapey is when she wakes up in the morning. If it’s really wet, odds are she’s not ready for night training yet. The best part to encourage it, is to take her to the potty every night before she goes to sleep, that way she gets used to it. I used to do this every night with Gabs and soon enough she was staying dry through the night and using the potty first thing in the morning. I also tried to limit fluids directly before bed.

8. Jump in but, take your time.

Last but not least, expect accidents and never make your child feel bad for wetting the bed or having an accident. I know none of you would do that anyway, but–just a thought. I know that it can be frustrating but with a lot of patience and time, you will be nappy-free and that’s something to be happy about.

Also, get your extended-family involved. The more people that are there to encourage, the faster they will be trained. I know when she goes to her grandparent’s, they help with that. My first trained quickly due to a lot of help from my parents.

I love them.

Anyway, I’m ready to embark into potty training and though I am no expert and would love to hear any of your tips, I hope mine can help a bit. Either way, wish me luck and send me good potty training vibes!

I need them!

When did you start potty training and do you have any tips you can share?

 

Let me know!

Til then, cheers m’deres!