Potty training is a huge step in a child’s journey towards independence, and as a parent, helping your child reach this milestone can feel both exciting and a bit daunting. Every child is different, and the process is not one-size-fits-all! 

Erica Bethe Levin, founder of baby food brand Globowl, offered us some helpful tips and expert advice to help make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your little one. 

1. Learn how to tell when your baby is ready to start potty training. 

One of the most critical steps in potty training is recognizing when your child is ready to begin. Here are some signs that your child may be prepared to start potty training:

• Physical awareness: They notice when their diaper is wet or dirty and may communicate discomfort.
• Predictable bathroom habits: Your child has regular bowel movements or shows signs of needing to go.
• Motor skills: They can pull their pants up and down.
• Interest in the potty: They express curiosity about the toilet or want to imitate older siblings or parents.

It’s essential to wait until your child shows these readiness signs, as starting too early can lead to frustration for both of you.

“Although my daughter was physically ready to start potty training and exhibited all of the recommended signs, she was by no means ready mentally or emotionally,” Bethe Levin says. “She made this perfectly clear when we would praise her about using the toilet and she would retort: ‘No, I’m a baby!’ We never pushed it again, reaffirmed that she was still our baby, and let her go when it was the right time for her. I kept telling myself, she’s not going to go to college without knowing how to use the potty, an expression I used to find annoying. Although patience is challenging, know that it will happen when it’s supposed to.”

2. Equip yourself with the right potty training tools. 

Having the right tools can make the potty training journey easier.

“Some children like the potty training seat that sits on top of the regular toilet; others prefer the child-sized potty that sits on the floor,” Bethe Levin says. “We tried each of them and when our kids picked their potty of choice, we kept the other one in the car for when we were on-the-go!”

Consider these items to help set your child up for success:

• A child-sized potty or potty seat: A potty chair designed for kids can feel less intimidating than an adult-sized toilet.
• Training pants or pull-ups: These can serve as a bridge between diapers and underwear.
• Step stool: For kids using a potty seat on the toilet, a step stool helps them feel secure and promotes proper posture.
• Rewards system: Stickers, small toys, or a simple cheer can go a long way in encouraging your child.

3. Create a consistent potty training routine. 

Establishing a routine can provide structure and help your child understand what’s expected. Here’s how you can build a routine:

• Set regular bathroom breaks: Encourage your child to sit on the potty at consistent times, such as after meals, before bedtime, or when they show signs of needing to go.
• Use consistent language: Terms like “potty time” or “bathroom break” can help create familiarity.
• Read potty-themed books: Stories about potty training can make the process relatable and fun for your child.

“The first time I caught my son “reading” on the toilet, I couldn’t breathe I was laughing so hard,” Bethe Levin says. “Once he saw me from outside the bathroom, he screamed “Pwivacy!” I knew I had found the right potty training book because he was amused and, therefore, didn’t need me. Since he was distracted by such entertaining literature, his body naturally did what it was supposed to naturally do before he even realized it!”

4. Make potty training fun and positive. 

Potty training doesn’t have to be all business! Making it a positive and enjoyable experience can motivate your child. Here are some ways to keep it lighthearted:

• Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s sitting on the potty or successfully using it, acknowledge and celebrate every effort.
• Add a playful element: Singing songs or playing games can make the experience enjoyable.
• Encourage independence: Let your child choose their own underwear or potty seat design to build excitement.

“All kids are encouraged by different rewards and reinforcements,” Bethe Levin says. “For us, it was all about fun. After a successful potty trip, the entire family would dance, clap, do a conga line… anything that made our baby happy and encouraged. Rewards are not limited to just presents, stickers or toys. Do what makes YOUR family smile!”

5. Handle potty training setbacks with patience. 

Accidents are a natural part of the potty training process. Instead of focusing on the setbacks, use them as learning opportunities. Here’s how to respond:

• Stay calm: Avoid showing frustration or disappointment. Instead, offer reassurance and remind your child to try again next time.
• Be prepared: Keep a bag with extra clothes and diaper wipes handy for accidents.
• Keep perspective: Potty training takes time, and regression is common during changes like travel or starting preschool.

6. Encourage healthy bathroom hygiene. 

Teaching good hygiene habits is a valuable part of potty training. Teach your little one how to use toilet paper and/or wipes effectively, then show them how to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Bethe Levin recommends taking your hygiene routine with you outside the house, too. “As a neurotic mom, I wish every public toilet was as clean as the ones in my home,” she says. “Since they’re anything but, I took the opportunity while in the cleanliness of my own bathroom to teach both of my kids how to use public restrooms the way I wanted them to. I limited touching with their hands, toilet paper on the seat, and opening the door with a paper towel.” 

7. Personalize your potty training approach based on your child’s personality. 

Every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor the potty training process to suit their personality and preferences. Here are some examples:

• For independent learners: Give them space to try on their own while offering guidance when needed.
• For kids who need encouragement: Use a sticker chart or other visual rewards to track progress.
• For reluctant children: Use gentle encouragement and avoid pressure; sometimes a little extra time is all they need.

8. Be mindful of sustainability. 

Potty training offers an excellent opportunity to instill eco-friendly habits early on. Here are some sustainable swaps to consider:

• Reusable training pants: These washable options reduce waste compared to disposable pull-ups.
• Conscious cleaning products: Use natural cleaners to handle accidents.
• Sustainable potty seats: Look for potty chairs made from recycled materials or designed for long-term use.

“This may sound silly, but kids love large quantities of everything, from plain white coloring paper to chocolate chips,” Bethe Levin advises. “Teach them early that they do not need to unroll an entire thing of toilet paper and that, in most situations, just a few squares will do. It’s easier to teach them moderation early than fixing excess later on.”

9. Recognize when to seek help. 

While most kids will master potty training in their own time, it’s important to recognize when additional support may be needed. Consider seeking advice from a pediatrician if:

• Your child is over three years old and has no interest in potty training.
• They experience pain or discomfort during urination or bowel movements.
• You’re concerned about underlying medical issues.

10. Celebrate the potty training victories! 

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate the big and small victories! Acknowledging your child’s progress reinforces their confidence and motivates them to keep going. “Again, whether it’s a conga line, a crazy dance, a made-up song, or a few coins for their collection, celebrate this enormous win with your child,” Bethe Levin says. “As adults, we clearly don’t give it a second thought in our day-to-day lives, but this is an astronomical victory for a small child. Their success is your family’s success and it deserves all the celebration you can muster — even if it’s 4am. ”