Potty Training Tips & Tricks

Have no fear, potty training tips are here! Toileting is an important milestone and it can be challenging for parents and families to teach their children this functional task. We have compiled a collection of adaptation potty training strategies to support all families along this journey. 

• Children with sensory modulation difficulties may not tolerate the smells of air freshener or soaps. Try unscented fresheners and soaps to reduce the many odors found within a bathroom.  
  
• Next, consider the noise. Bathroom spaces are often small causing the noise level to increase and at times causes children to become overwhelmed. Leave the bathroom door open to decrease the sound levels while flushing and washing hands. Count to 3 with your child to prepare them for the noise of a flushing toilet. Try using ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones to decrease the sound intensity and help your child tolerate the auditory input as they are learning about the bathroom. Allow your child to leave the bathroom during the first few weeks of potty training before flushing or allow him/her to choose who gets to flush. If you are in a public restroom, cover the automatic sensor with your hand or a post-it to avoid a sudden flush. 
• Tactile sensitivities can also impact a child’s potty experience. If your child does not like the feeling of wiping, try using warm wet wipes or flushable baby wipes.   
  
• The sight and feeling of the large toilet seat can also bother children. Try purchasing a fun vinyl ring or potty chair and a stool to support your child’s posture. This will help relax your child in order to aid in excretion. You can also bring your child to the store to help you pick out their favorite potty chair or vinyl ring. 
• Keep up with a potty schedule. Bring your child to the bathroom on regular intervals, such as first thing in the morning, before and after a nap, before and after play, before meals, before leaving the house, and before bed.   
  
• Dress your child in easy to remove clothing, such as clothing with elastic waistbands. Buttons, snaps, and zippers can be difficult for a child to manipulate, especially when in a hurry!
• Use a visual schedule or checklist. Take pictures of your bathroom and items in the bathroom, such as toilet paper, the sink, the toilet, etc. Create a step by step visual of the potty sequence. A visual schedule can help to prepare your child with what to expect in the potty process. You can also allow your child to place a sticker or cross out each step once it is completed to provide them with positive feedback.