Potty Genius Blog
6 Potty Training Tools You Need
by Brittany Tacket, MA
Brittany Tackett is a psychotherapist, life coach, mental health writer, and mommy to an infant daughter. She currently works part-time as a play therapist at a local elementary school and spends the rest of her time writing, parenting, and running an online collectibles shop. Her approach to mental health is holistic and encompasses all aspects of the human experience. She is trained in a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, applied behavioral analysis, art therapy, neurolinguistic programming, and positive psychology.
6 Potty Training Tools
Potty Training Tool #1: Toilet Target. Toilet targets are just like they sound, targets to help little boys learn how to aim into the toilet. There are a variety of different toilet targets on the market, from float targets that you drop into the water to toilet stickers and decals.
Potty Training Tool #2: Potty Training Incentive Stickers. While you can use any stickers, your child likes as a reward for using the potty, there are special stickers on the market with images that “magically appear” when your child urinates. These stickers can provide incentive for the child to use the potty so that he can see what new animal or shape will appear next. Some are reusable and others are biodegradable.
Potty Training Tool #3: Potty Training Watch. Potty training watches are a must-have for potty training a child who thrives on routine. But, even less-structured children can benefit from scheduled potty time. Having a set schedule for toilet time will help children get used to being on the potty throughout the day. Realistically, you can use any timer for this, but many toddlers enjoy having their own special watch with personal and fun reminders.
Potty Training Tool #4: Fold Up Potty Seat. Fold Up Potty travel seats are great for parents and toddlers on the go. They’re easy to carry, store, clean, and use. All you must do is take it out and place it on top of the adult toilet seat and fold it back up when your child is finished.
Potty Training Tool #5: Character Underwear. Dressing your child in their favorite character underwear is a great way to get him enthusiastic about potty training. Some children get really excited about wearing underwear with their favorite characters on it and will gladly trade in their diapers for it. Underwear is also a good choice because it lets your child recognize that he is wet whereas diapers pull the wetness away from the skin.
Potty Training Tool #6: Special Potty Training Seats. There are a variety of different potty chairs on the market, all with different features and designs. Find a seat that works best for your child. Some are shaped like animals or themed with your child’s favorite characters. Others provide teaching, such as the Fisher-Price Learn to Flush, which includes a flush with rewarding sounds, music, and lights to help children learn to flush. Modern parents may go for the 2-in-1 potty/activity seat designed to hold an electronic tablet and transform from activity seat to potty seat as soon as the toddler needs to go.
