Potty Training requires lots of new materials to have the best chance of success. You of course need a little potty, but what about potty training items for when you’re out in public? There are so many options out there. I’ve been potty training kids for 10 years, let me help you narrow it down to my favorite tried and true potty training tools and supplies.
Little Potty
There are a ton of little potty’s on the market. I like Fisher Price’s Learn-to-Flush-Potty that sings when the sensor detects pee, because it’s extra exciting for kids. I will warn you that the sensor doesn’t last forever, but a little potty isn’t needed forever either. This potty also has a flush sound and song. Lastly, the seat can be put on a big toilet when you’re ready to transition.
Another fan favorite is First Year’s Super Pooper. It looks like a real potty and makes a flushing noise. The best feature is the foot lift that raises toddlers’ knees closer to their chest for the best pooping position, similar to squatting. In addition, the seat can also transition to a big toilet.
When you’re having success with potty training and your child can pull down his pants, he’s ready to be more independent. Now you can offer him a step up to the big potty. I love this cushioned seat that can fold up and store to the side of the potty. It is light and easy enough for a child to position on and off a toilet.
Travel Potty
As children learn to control their bladder, you will find yourself in a pickle at times when they have to go immediately. The My Carry Potty will save you if you’re in the car, at the park, or even zoo. To others it looks like a little kids’ suitcase, but it actually opens up into a potty. The best part is that it’s low so the child’s knees are close to their chest and it has a leek proof seal so that you can dump the pee later in an appropriate area.
Now, if you’re in the grocery store or airport, you will want a compact potty seat that fits in your purse or diaper bag, but can also sit on top of a regular toilet. For this I recommend a foldable seat. We like this owl design as it makes it a little more fun and underneath it has a no slip design. Don’t forget to pack a wet bag and change of clothes for outings; even a fully potty trained child will have accidents.
Potty Training Books
It’s helpful for children to read books they can relate to as they go through this big transition. This is bibliotherapy at its best! Potty training books will go through the steps a child will take such as accidents, sitting on the potty, flushing, and washing hands. Seeing a character do it helps your child process the new routine. If your child has a favorite character it’s definitely worth checking to see if they have a potty training book, such as Potty Time with Elmo or My Thomas Potty Book! Here are my top 5 favorite potty training books to read with kids.
- The Potty Book for Boys (for Girls), by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
- Diapers are not Forever, by Elizabeth Verdick
- Let’s go to the Potty, by Allison Jandu
- Daniel Goes Potty, by Maggie Testa
- Dino Potty, by Rainstorm Publishing
Pretend Play Potty
If your child is into pretend play and imitating your cooking, cleaning, or occupation, you could buy a tiny doll potty. Children learn through play and that’s why they enjoy playing ‘kitchen’ and other everyday tasks. Pretend play enhances their understanding of the real world and life skills. Helping their doll or stuffed animal go potty, gives your child a different perspective on the task. They have taken an abstract memory of themselves using the potty and recreated it with their doll. This leads children to process their thoughts and reactions to the real life scenario and problem solve road blocks for future attempts. In addition, your child can bring what they’re playing with to sit on the play potty while they go too. This makes them more likely to separate from an engaging activity when the feeling of pee or poop comes.
Potty Training Underpants
In the beginning of potty training it’s best your child go commando until he is successful at recognizing the feeling that pee is coming. When you’re ready for underpants, I recommend training pants. They aren’t as tight around the waste to trick your child’s muscle memory into thinking they have a diaper on again. In addition, they’re thicker so if a little drop of pee comes before they make it to the potty it won’t get on their pants too. If you are still anxious about long rides or outings, Gerber’s waterproof pants over the training pants can allow you to take a deep breath. This is better than putting your child in pull-ups or over prompting and pressuring the child to go pee, causing them anxiety too.
To learn more about the importance of a pressure free potty training environment, check out our newest online class Potty Training 101. It’s instructed by me, Kelsey Dickson, as I am a Certified Potty Training Expert through the famous author Jamie Glowacki of Oh Crap! Potty Training.
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About The Author
Kelsey Dickson has over 15 years of experience working with children as a nanny, preschool teacher, and now a mother. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and is a Certified Potty Training Expert. At Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny she is the eLearning and Social Media Manager. Check out our online childcare classes, such as Baby Sign Language and Sleep Coaching 101! In her free time she enjoys gardening with her son, going for walks with her husband and dog, and discovering local wineries in New England.
