Going from Diapers to the Potty
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Being ready to use the potty is an exciting yet challenging time in your child's life. There is no set age to learn how to use the toilet, but there are some cues you can look for so you’ll know when it’s appropriate for her to begin.
Signs your child may be ready for the potty:
- She can follow simple instructions
- She can undress herself
- She can give you verbal or facial cues that she needs to use the toilet
Remember that your child must also be emotionally ready, so it's important to be patient and encouraging. If she keeps resisting, give her more time and continue to stay positive and reassuring as you help her through this process.
Below are tips and video to help you and your child go from diapers to the potty.
My Very Own Potty
If possible, take your child to the store with you to choose and purchase the potty together. When you get home, introduce your child to his very own potty. Help him personalize it by decorating the lid with his name, stickers, or colored markers. Point to and label the various parts of the potty, such as the seat and the flusher, and show your child how the potty works. Your child can even sit on the potty a few times with his pants on, so he knows he won’t fall in. To make him feel even more comfortable during this time, read him a book about using the potty.
Watch Together: Kids Talk About Their Artwork
Talk Together: After your child decorates his potty or draws a picture, talk about it. Why did you use that color? Why did you make that shape?
Uh-Oh, Gotta Go
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Help your child listen to her body and recognize the feeling she gets right before she has to go to the bathroom. When she gets that feeling, emphasize that she should stop doing whatever she is doing and say, "Uh-oh, gotta go!" Remember to tell your child that accidents will happen and that's okay. Praise her for even the small accomplishments, such as recognizing the feeling that she has to go.
Wipe, Flush, and Wash Keep a potty routine as your child is getting started. Help him learn and follow the steps of using the potty. Remind him that after going pee pee or poo poo, he needs to wipe with a little bit of toilet paper. Then he needs to flush. At first, he can help you press the flusher down. Over time, encourage him to press the flusher on his own. Finally, after using or even touching the potty, remind him to wash his hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing the ABC song twice.
Watch Together:
Washing Your Hands Talk Together:
What are the steps it takes to wash your hands? What is the order of the steps? Keep Trying
Never scold or punish your child while she is learning to use her potty. All children have accidents, so remember to stay patient and use gentle reminders to encourage success. Help your child regain confidence by saying, "That's okay. Next time, you'll remember to use your potty!" The most important thing is for your child to feel proud of herself and keep trying.
Watch Together:
I Tried Talk Together:
What new things have you tried? Great Job
Cheerfully praise your child not only for succeeding but also for trying! Continue to reward him with hugs and encouraging words. Let your child know you support him as he learns. After a couple of successful tries, you can even get him excited and motivated by going to buy big kid underpants. Have your child keep track of his own progress by using reward stickers to decorate a blank notebook or a poster chart. Keep this near the potty. Each time he successfully goes, he can place a sticker in his notebook or chart! When you feel that your child has learned to use the potty on his own, present him with a reward certificate and let him know just how proud you, Elmo, and his Sesame Street friends are of his big accomplishment!
Watch Together:
Pride Talk Together:
How do you feel when you use the potty? 
“I soon realized that no matter how ready I was, it wasn't going to happen until she was ready, both physically and mentally.”
—Karen Kane
