This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.
I’ve been dreading it for some time now, but my twins have turned 2 and the time has come to start potty training. I’m worried about training two at once and the work involved. Fortunately, with Pampers Easy Ups and some other tricks, I know we will accomplish it and the girls will reach our summer potty training goal.
The first step in potty training is always to make sure your child is ready. For my girls, I’ve noticed that they’ve started to show the following readiness signs:
* staying dry longer, especially during naps
* can pull pants up & down
* showing interest in the potty/bathroom
*showing signs of independence and takes pride in accomplishing something
*can follow simple instructions & completing tasks requested
Below are some of my other potty training tips – I hope to report back once my girls are trained about what worked / didn’t work!
Tips for Potty Training
Talk & Read about Potty Training
Before starting the process, read books, and talk about it. It’s good to get your child intrigued and interested before diving in. Fun books, like this one below, are a great way to get the conversation and fun going!
The Best Way to Learn is to Teach
Teach a doll how to use the potty and let the child (or children in my case) teach the doll. Through the act of teaching, they retain and understand more. It’s even better if you can use a doll that actually goes “potty” with using water.
Dress for the Occasion
Now that we are in potty training mode, I am putting my girls in dresses daily. It helps that it is warm weather now, too. It is easier for me to assist them and for them to access their Pampers Easy Ups. I especially love that they look and feel like underwear and the characters provide fun and excitement for your child.
Use Pampers Easy Ups
Pampers Easy Ups are a natural choice. They offer outstanding leak protection, even overnight. The absorbent core holds 25% more than other leading training pants – meaning fewer leaks! It makes the transition from diaper to Easy Ups a simple one.
Rewards
Have chosen rewards on hand. I like using stickers and having a simple goal like 3-4 stickers at first, so the child feels success. When they reach their goal, we reward big. Have things on hand for rewards that you know will be a treat for your child. I like small toys like this chalk set and bubble maker.
Factor in Your Schedule
Think about when you are potty training. Before the birth of a sibling or right before a long vacation may not be the best time. You know your child best, so you must think about when it will work best for them. Try not to put pressure on either. If you set yourself up with a deadline – i.e. having to be potty trained in time for school to start – it makes the process more difficult. Be prepared to stay close to home – but if you find yourself out and about, a portable potty may be helpful.
What potty training tips do you have?
Get Connected with Pampers
Twitter Party
If you are potty training this Summer, don’t miss the #PampersEasyUps Twitter Party for tips & tricks to make your journey more successful.
Pampers Easy Ups Twitter Party
Tuesday, June 10th at 8pm EST
RSVP: http://twtvite.com/
To participate, follow your hosts @DoubleDutyDivas, @BridgetteLA, @CeceliaMecca @AngieKcom @WhatMommiesNeed @RamblingChick, and our sponsor @Pampers.
Twitter Party Prizes to include:
100 ct Easy Ups,Sesame Street Portable Potty
100 ct Easy Ups, Baby BanZ Sun Protective Beach Tent
100 ct Easy Ups, Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike
100 ct Easy Ups and Splash Zone Spray N Splash Inflatable Water Park
RSVP: 100 ct Easy Ups
Giveaway
I am excited to be able to giveaway, to one reader, a Pampers Easy Ups Prize Package:
100 ct. Pampers Easy Ups
Portable Potty
Other Fun Items to kick off the summer for your child!
Estimated Value: $100
Enter to win via Rafflecopter below!
ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address; Open to Residents in the US. This giveaway starts on 6/10/14 and ends on 6/26/14 at midnight EST. By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules, posted in the giveaway tab and in the Rafflecopter widget. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. All prizes will be awarded. Void where prohibited by law. (Cash and prizes estimated total value $100) Prize and fulfillment is the responsibility of and at the discretion of the sponsor. Please see all rules/guidelines before entering.
Cold Season: Tips for Feeling Better
Take Care During the Holidays | Simple Tips with V8 +HYDRATE®
Baby Gift & Monogram Shadow Box DIY
5 Ways to Celebrate Every Day & Enjoy Life
Kathleen says
June 10, 2014 at 7:32 amIt was helpful for my first son to try pooping on the potty first. He was in a predictable rhythm of going a certain time of day so I could anticipate when to get him to the potty.
betsy says
June 10, 2014 at 9:40 ami feel like being consistent is the most important
Kelly D says
June 10, 2014 at 11:06 amMy tip is to limit drinks as it gets closer to bedtime for night training.
Melissa M says
June 10, 2014 at 11:54 amDont rush it!
Ashley H says
June 10, 2014 at 1:30 pmPatience is important.
Katherine says
June 10, 2014 at 4:08 pmI just put them on every so often but didn’t demand it
Jessica Beard says
June 10, 2014 at 7:54 pmMake potty training fun and use a reward chart. Patience is key!
D Schmidt says
June 10, 2014 at 8:07 pmMy best tip is to be consistent with whatever you do! Its important to let them know you mean what you say.
Darlene Owen says
June 10, 2014 at 8:26 pmMy advice is to be consistent, if you are going to potty train do it, don’t go back to diapers, this gets too confusing for the little ones.
Megan C says
June 10, 2014 at 8:44 pmMy biggest tip would be to wait until they are absolutely ready, beginning too soon will only lead to resistance. We trained both of our daughters in a matter of three days by waiting until they were two and a half and showing signs of readiness. Now with #3, my first son, I am a little more clueless LOL! Will be reading the above tips for some ideas on training a boy.
patricia says
June 10, 2014 at 8:51 pmall of your tips are helpful, especially the list of readiness signs – my son will probably start using the potty in a couple of months, and I didn’t really know how to tell if he’s ready.
tls simms says
June 10, 2014 at 9:49 pmI let my 3 year old watch his dad and older brothers go potty…its almost working 🙂 thanks
lana says
June 10, 2014 at 10:17 pmhave no tips at all for potty training
Tabathia B says
June 10, 2014 at 10:28 pmI started by putting my daughter on the potty every morning and let her sit for several minutes until she peed
Stacey b says
June 10, 2014 at 11:41 pmMy tip would be to have patience, and don’t give up, Some days it feels like a never ending battle but it does have an ending!
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
June 11, 2014 at 1:12 amHaving Pampers Easy-Ups certainly would’ve made potty-training easier for me! My kids are grown now. I’m hoping to win this fabulous prize for my oldest daughter (who will be potty-training my grandson soon, I’ll be sure to pass on your suggestions)
Laurie Nykaza says
June 11, 2014 at 5:01 amWe used stickers to get the kids to go they loved it having a chart was fun
April Brenay says
June 11, 2014 at 1:04 pmanything done right takes time, try not to get frustrated with set backs
Tarah says
June 11, 2014 at 2:18 pmMy tip is to wait until they’re ready – not force it when you’re ready.
nickie says
June 11, 2014 at 2:23 pmPatience is very important
Em Ma says
June 11, 2014 at 3:14 pmMy best tips are to be consistent and give lots of positive reinforcement.
Leigh Anne Borders (@laborders2000) says
June 11, 2014 at 5:16 pmBe patient and set up a reward system that does not involve food.
Tamar says
June 11, 2014 at 8:39 pmThe 3 day potty training method was great for my son. My daughter is about to get started.
Sara Floyd says
June 11, 2014 at 8:58 pmI am just starting with my daughter now!
Amanda Hoffman says
June 12, 2014 at 8:07 pmgive rewards and be patient
Aly says
June 12, 2014 at 11:37 pmWe do rewards at our house – he gets an m&m for sitting down (trying), and an m&m for actually going. I like your idea of “banking” stickers though for a prize!
shelly peterson says
June 13, 2014 at 12:38 amDefinitely have patience and using a reward system helps.
Jessica Sage says
June 13, 2014 at 12:40 amYour most helpful tip in my mind was to factor in your schedule!
Leela says
June 13, 2014 at 7:10 pmI tried treats such as cupcakes.
Angela Saver says
June 13, 2014 at 8:51 pmMy best tip is very frequently ask your little one if they need to go potty so that it is on their mind often.
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
anna pry says
June 14, 2014 at 3:26 pmits so much easier if you wait until the child is really ready to potty train
stacy says
June 14, 2014 at 8:49 pmMy biggest tip? Stay relaxed about it. If you’re uptight…your child will be too
Jessica says
June 14, 2014 at 11:44 pmWe are still working on potty training, but I think it is important to ask and remind your toddler to go potty a lot.
Lauren Becker says
June 15, 2014 at 10:58 pmI really like your Reward idea. That’s what I would suggest to someone too, because it makes going enough exciting!
Monique Rizzo says
June 17, 2014 at 12:17 pmI put cheerios in the toilet so my little guy could practice aiming.
Megan Sweet says
June 18, 2014 at 12:27 pmThe one that was most helpful, was to just be encouraging and let them do it in their own time when they’re ready. Forcing it never helped, but letting my daughter be part of the process was really helpful- picking her own undies, her own kid toilet, etc.
danee sarman says
June 18, 2014 at 12:42 pmI havent started yet but I think patience is most important
jennifer says
June 18, 2014 at 1:29 pmwe have been making a huge deal out of it! Lots of praises, claps, hugs, etc. anything to make it exciting!
Brandy Fisk says
June 18, 2014 at 2:41 pmLots of positive reinforcement.
Danielle Porter says
June 18, 2014 at 4:05 pmStickers work as a great prize and are super cheap!
Luna S says
June 18, 2014 at 6:40 pmTo keep them sitting down read them a book or tell them a story it helps them stay relaxed.
Diane Cooper says
June 18, 2014 at 9:34 pmMy best tip is to take them with you to the bathroom every single time you go and sit them on their potty. They will eventually get it.
Jodie Rosenblum says
June 18, 2014 at 9:53 pmI haven’t yet, but I think the best tip is to factor in schedule.
Julie Lee says
June 18, 2014 at 10:41 pmWe went cold turkey and went bottomless for a week and he was able to catch on pretty quickly.
Cindy A. says
June 18, 2014 at 11:33 pmI use stickers also. My tip us be patient and every child is different. My older daughter was potty trained righg after turning 1. MY baby now is over 2 and she has no interest in it at all!
Dawn S. says
June 18, 2014 at 11:36 pmI think your tip about using rewards will work very well.
lisa kay says
June 19, 2014 at 11:57 amDon’t rush the little one and be consistent when they have an interest in the Potty
Abby says
June 19, 2014 at 1:19 pmThe only tip I can offer is to be prepared to ignore most of the “advice” from others. Nearly every mom has tips to offer, but you’re the only one who knows your own child and who can determine when he/she is ready.
Sarah Cool says
June 19, 2014 at 3:29 pmI like your rewards tip!
Cathy C says
June 19, 2014 at 5:48 pmI like the reward system, I will try it with my 3 year old grandson I am training! thanks!
Nicole-Lynn says
June 19, 2014 at 8:58 pmBeing consistent and having patience is my advice! Thanks for the opportunity!
Birdiebee says
June 19, 2014 at 10:16 pmI like your “Dress for the Occasion” tip. For girls, this makes potty training that much easier.
Rebecca says
June 19, 2014 at 10:20 pmI think that patience and consistency is key!
jenn mcclearn says
June 19, 2014 at 10:30 pmI think my best advice is to read their cues and take them potty when they ask, forcing them doesn’t seem to hep but rather makes them resistant to the potty
Stephanie Gossett says
June 20, 2014 at 12:08 amMy biggest tip is to compare your child with others. Every child develops differently. They are ready when they are. All of my girls were praised for their effort more than anything!!! Thank you for this chance!
teffgossett@gmail.com
Gina H. says
June 20, 2014 at 12:40 amI like your tip to teach a doll how to use the potty.
Katy M says
June 20, 2014 at 11:45 amLots of patience! and give them LOTS of juice to drink, more opportunities to use the potty!
Maria B says
June 20, 2014 at 11:54 amI like to use Cheerios so the kid can aim for them in the potty.
Megan says
June 20, 2014 at 3:03 pmI used sticker charts with my three oldest. Here’s hoping it’ll work with my last one.
Lizzie S says
June 20, 2014 at 4:54 pmBest thing is not to rush it and be supportive and consistent
stephaniet says
June 20, 2014 at 5:51 pmPraise is great when they do well and otherwise don’t force it , be patient and praise.
Mel says
June 20, 2014 at 6:07 pmOne thing I do is ask them many times a day if they need to go so they can start to recognize it themselves.
leslie roberts says
June 20, 2014 at 9:24 pmI agree with the whole let them show you their ready to start potty training by showing interest, in the bathroom when you go
Terri Moore says
June 21, 2014 at 2:02 amthe best thing was to throw a “party” when they went. Calling Grandma to help celebrate is good too.
carol j says
June 21, 2014 at 8:00 amwe put underwear on our oldest but no pants so he did not forget he was training. also, lots of positive reinforcement.
Stephanie Phelps says
June 21, 2014 at 6:04 pmMy best tip is to potty train in the summer so you have less clothes to take on and off it makes it easier on you and your washing machine!
Tina says
June 21, 2014 at 8:37 pmI use a lot of the same tips you listed. I like the dress for the occasion most.
Rebecca Parsons says
June 21, 2014 at 10:42 pmI like the sticker idea, I think rewards are great encouragement.
Becky VanGinkel says
June 22, 2014 at 1:45 amMy favorite tip of yours is to not pressure your child!! A lot of moms make the mistake of potty training when they’re ready, not when their child is ready.. and it causes a lot of stress and unhappiness. I have a 15 month old daughter who is constantly taking her diaper off and running into the bathroom like big sister.. I hope to start training her soon! Thank you for the opportunity to win such an awesome prize 🙂
babydjs_mom@yahoo.com
Jillian T says
June 22, 2014 at 4:35 pmHave a lot of patience and be consistent.
Nancy says
June 22, 2014 at 6:29 pmSome tips for potty training: when children show readiness, train in warm weather on washable surfaces with as few clothes on as possible. You don’t want anything to slow down success! Also have the potty around so they are familiar with it before you start training! Good luck.
Brittney House says
June 22, 2014 at 9:13 pmMy kids respond well to rewards.
tina reynolds says
June 23, 2014 at 12:02 pmTake it slow patience is the key and also make it fun
jenn giannetto says
June 23, 2014 at 5:48 pmi think that remembering to dress kids in clothes that are easy to take off is a big help in potty training
Kristy Thiel says
June 23, 2014 at 6:11 pmDefinitely wait until they are ready!
Dawn Monroe says
June 23, 2014 at 6:34 pmMy tip is that it’s easier to potty train in the summer because the child has less clothes to worry about. Every little thing helps.
Paula Michele Hafner says
June 23, 2014 at 9:03 pmDon’t try to start before the child is ready and physically able to hold their blander. They also need to be able to communicate that they need to use the potty. If you do try too soon, it can take a really long time and be frustrating for both the child and the parent.
Sunnie says
June 23, 2014 at 9:24 pmId say to have patience with it and try not to be angry about it.
Kathy Davis says
June 23, 2014 at 10:31 pmHaven’t thought about teaching a doll first. Good idea.
Jenny Q. says
June 23, 2014 at 10:42 pmI love the idea of book and dolls. It is a great idea to encourage using the potty.
Sara says
June 23, 2014 at 10:56 pmDon’t sweat it, don’t rush it. Kids will use the potty when they are ready. Not encouraging, I know, but it is true.
Sandra says
June 24, 2014 at 11:01 amI liked your tip on reading to them and giving them a toy to help teach them go to the potty. What do you dress a boy in for potty training?
Danalee Davis says
June 24, 2014 at 1:51 pmDo not start before your child is ready. It will just end up being frustrating for you and him/her.
Claire says
June 24, 2014 at 5:03 pmthe sticker idea is great.
brittani adams says
June 24, 2014 at 6:54 pmThe best tip is reading about it, my son liked to copy lots her learned in books so it worked well for us.
Jill Myrick says
June 24, 2014 at 8:46 pmThe rewards tip has worked the best for us. Offering a sticker for the sticker chart or a gold star for the chart on the fridge works great. It gives them an incentive to do a good job.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
kelly says
June 24, 2014 at 10:02 pmDon’t rush it.
Francine Anchondo says
June 24, 2014 at 10:48 pmbe patient
Nicole Sender says
June 24, 2014 at 11:46 pmConsistency is most important. Know your child’s habits and signals.
raquel perez says
June 25, 2014 at 8:07 amThe way I did with both of my girls, is I made it a routine a consistent routine. No discipline if they had accidents , it happens. I’ve seen some parents who discipline accidents and that is a huge no no… it make the child feel insecure, guilty, and will in turn have more and more accidents.
Teresa Thompson says
June 25, 2014 at 9:27 amWe always use a reward system.
jules m. says
June 25, 2014 at 12:06 pmmy kids were super stubborn but i found that less pressure and more rewards helped the most
saralynns2 says
June 25, 2014 at 12:43 pmI like the idea of stickers for rewards rather than a food item 🙂 Also, the idea of reading books about how ‘cool’ potty training can be is a great idea!
Mihaela Day says
June 25, 2014 at 1:16 pmMake potty training fun by using a reward chart
Tabitha says
June 25, 2014 at 1:24 pmWhat worked for me was a 2 hr. rule.
I made her try and pee every 2 hours.
Sarah Hall says
June 25, 2014 at 1:31 pmMy biggest tip for potty training is patience. Don’t feel like your child has to hurry up and be trained.
jeremy mclaughlin says
June 25, 2014 at 2:07 pmPatience is very important.
amy says
June 25, 2014 at 2:12 pmi don’t have any tips yet as we haven’t officially started yet. I let my daughter pick out a potty seat so she may be a little more invested in using it, but overall she is not super keen on the idea. ill take all the tips i can get.
Ed says
June 25, 2014 at 2:40 pmI like the sticker concept.
Suzanne h says
June 25, 2014 at 2:43 pmWe did potty treats. M&ms or cookies. Sure, he was wired for a few days, but it worked.
Virginia Rowell says
June 25, 2014 at 3:24 pmI love your reward system. It would be perfect for my granddaughter.
kathy pease says
June 25, 2014 at 3:32 pmI like the rewards idea and using stickers it seems like it would make potty training fun
susan smoaks says
June 25, 2014 at 3:38 pmthe only potty training tip i have is to be consistent and patient.
Mallory Weaver says
June 25, 2014 at 4:59 pmMy son is not potty training yet, but he will be soon, and these are all helpful!!!
allyson tice says
June 25, 2014 at 5:47 pmMy tip is to never force them to go potty! they will tell you when they are ready to go!
Ashley C says
June 25, 2014 at 6:38 pmI think following your child’s lead is the best tip I received. Every child is different and no one concept/technique will always work
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Laura S says
June 25, 2014 at 8:42 pmWhen you make the change, stay strong and stick to the underpants. No more diapers.
sarah says
June 25, 2014 at 8:44 pmConsistency is key…and making it fun.
Michelle S says
June 25, 2014 at 8:54 pmDefinitely agree with “dressing for the occasion” since it’s summer it’s easier to have the little one in dresses for ease in going potty.
Courtney P says
June 25, 2014 at 9:15 pmI let my boy run around naked when he was potty training!
Georgia Beckman says
June 25, 2014 at 9:28 pmI think you’re tip about staying close to home is spot on. I think it’s unfair to expect them to potty train if you’re running hither & yon. This isn’t going to take the rest of your life. Plan on at least a week or two of staying around the house when you first begin potty training.
Sherl Bastien says
June 25, 2014 at 9:31 pmDon’t rush it. And try to make it a little game for them
Matthew Solo says
June 25, 2014 at 9:56 pmAlways aim down!! 🙂
Melinda Stephens says
June 25, 2014 at 10:48 pmI love the idea of teaching a doll to use the potty. We are getting ready to potty train in just a few months and I never would have thought of that.
lala villanueva says
June 25, 2014 at 11:29 pmModeling after a parent is very helpful.
Kim Reid says
June 25, 2014 at 11:52 pmMy best tip is to wait until the child is ready, thanks!
Fiona N says
June 25, 2014 at 11:59 pmI set time to wake him up for potty training!
Thank You