If you’re getting ready to start on the journey of potty training your little boy, congrats – this is a big deal! Potty training is a monumental occasion for you and your little one and also a major step in your child’s development.
Both experts and parents themselves tend to agree that toddlers boys are somewhat more difficult to potty train than girls. After all, they can’t just sit and do the whole job. There’s much more to going “number one” than just standing, as your bathroom floor will soon find out!
Every toddler will have a unique way of learning to use the toilet, including differences in potty training boys vs girls. If you’re attempting to potty train a boy specifically, there are certain things that you need to be aware of.
How Do I Know if My Son is Ready to Be Potty Trained?
Trying to potty train before your child is ready is one of the most common potty training mistakes parents often make. However, it is one that is easily avoided.
The key to potty training is waiting for your son to be willing and able to perform the steps necessary to use the potty. In fact, waiting for them to be ready will save you both a lot of headaches and accidents! Once they’re ready, the process will go so much faster and you’ll be happy that you waited.
Before you begin on the journey of potty training, ask yourself a few questions. Can your son:
- Let you know that he has to go potty? Either verbally or nonverbally.
- Does he point or tell you that he either has to go or has already gone in his diaper?
- Pull (or at least attempt to pull) pants up and down?
- Climb onto the potty or able to sit on his own potty?
- Show discomfort when his diaper is wet/ soiled?
- Stay dry for a long period of time, ie. through naps, or several hours throughout the day?
If your son is showing one or more of these signs of readiness, he may be ready to begin potty training!
What is the best age to start potty training boys?
Although some children may be ready as early as 18 months or sooner, other children may not start showing signs until age three!
The median age to potty train a boy is about 2.5 – 3 years old, however it is important to realize that all children are different and develop at different stages.
Since the process is tricky in itself, parents don’t need to make it even more difficult. No matter what estimations say, we should always listen to our little boys’ inner rhythm.
“Once they are ready, training will take less time, minimizing or downright eliminating the risk of failure.” states Stephanie Thompson from Pregnancy Loop.
When is the Best Time to Start Potty Training a Boy?
Potty training your son takes some motivation and cooperation from him, so the most important of the potty training tips to remember is to start when they’re ready.
Some boys are ready early, as I mentioned around 18 months, but others won’t show interest until past their third birthday.
Many experts believe that boys, on average, stay in diapers longer than girls because they’re more active and are less likely to stop to use the potty.
While getting a head start sounds like a good idea – buying fewer diapers rocks – the process will take a lot longer if you don’t wait until they’re ready to begin.
Why Does Nighttime Training Take So Long?
Most experts believe that nighttime potty training takes time because his body has to be ready to hold his urine for an extended time frame. Some kids sleep a solid 10 to 12 hours, and that’s a lot of urine for a small bladder.
It’s not unusual for boys to need months or years to mature enough to be consistently dry at night. No matter how many potty training tips you try, this is partly developmental.
However, you can help.
The biggest way to support your son is to limit how much he drinks after 5 PM and make sure you wake him up for a final bathroom trip when YOU go to bed.
32 Potty Training Tips for Boys
The most painless way to potty train your boy is to go gradually. Make sure they have an understanding of what is involved in potty training, including what the toilet is, what happens there, what comes out of their body, what ends up in their diaper, and how it feels when it comes out.
Once you have determined that your son is actually ready to begin, it’s time to focus on strategy. Here are a few tips and tricks for potty training boys that ACTUALLY work.
1. Start Gradually and Make it Part of the Daily Routine
When you’re ready to potty train your boy, talk about the potty ALL THE TIME. During diaper changes, meal times, play times, in the car, and while you’re in the bathroom.
The more they hear about it, the more they will understand what will be happening and what’s expected of them. Getting them slowly acclimated to the process helps a lot when first starting out.
We tried to spring potty training on my son at 26 months and he wanted no part of it. We attempted to put him on the potty every 30 minutes, but he just whined and wouldn’t make.
I decided that I didn’t want to force it and make him resent the process, so I let it be. However, I continued to ask him if he wanted to go on the potty every day before bath time or after dinner.
One day it just must have clicked and he said “Yes” and was so excited to start using the potty. He peed on it and hasn’t stopped since! I’m so glad that I didn’t force it from the beginning and perhaps make him scared of the potty.
2. Start when you can devote a large chunk of time
Don’t start full blown potty training on a random Wednesday after work when they’re going to be in daycare for the next few days.
The ideal time to start is at the beginning of a long weekend or the longest period of time that you will be staying at home.
Potty training takes a lot of time and dedication from YOU as the parent. It’s not all on your child.
Most people say your child can learn to potty train within 3 days, but that may be for children who are a little bit older. For younger ones, I would make sure you have at least a good 5 day stretch where you are home and committed to training.
However, many experts say that toilet training isn’t fast, and for some kids it takes up to a whole year before they fully grasp the entire process.
Lots of grace is needed for everyone!
3. Let Them Be Naked
Nothing quite gets your toddler ready for going potty than spending time naked! This way, they will feel and see when they are wet or have an accident and be more aware of that sensation.
When they are wearing pull-ups or underpants at the very beginning of potty training, they may feel too comfortable (like it’s a diaper.
You’ll want to stay close by and watch for signs that your little one needs to go, like holding himself, crossing his legs, bouncing up and down, or whining. The more time that your little one spends outside of his diaper – the faster he will potty train!
However, be prepared for accidents and definitely try to keep them in an area that is protected or can be easily cleaned (ie. tile floors).
4. To Sit or To Stand?
That’s always the question when potty training boys! From personal experience, I always recommend to start potty training sitting down, and this is one of my favorite potty training tips for boys.
This will be much more comfortable for him, and as the child is likely to have a bowel movement at the same time, it is far more practical. You can also teach him how to make pee and poop at the same time instead of teaching him peeing standing up and pooping sitting down.
Related: Toddler Scared to Poop? How to Get Rid of Potty Training Anxiety
If you start on a little/mini potty help them aim downward so you don’t get a spray all over the bathroom floor. If you start them on a regular-sized toilet, have them face the tank and you’re MUCH more likely to keep your floors clean!
Once they master sitting down, then they can be taught to stand using a small urinal or on a stool next to the toilet. Try to make the transition as easy as possible for them by providing the right equipment when you first teach them, as well.
5. Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools can not only make potty training easier for your child, but simpler for you, as well. Don’t discount these potty training tips – they really work.
From toilet seats, to car seat liners, and lots in between, here are the products that can help make the process of potty training boys a bit easier:
Spuddies Potty Seat with Ladder
This Spuddies Potty Seat with a Ladder is fantastic for giving your toddler the independence they need to get themself on and off the potty. It’s so much easier to start using the regular potty from day 1 so that you don’t have to transition them from a small portable potty chair to the regular-sized one.
This potty seat makes it easy to climb up and sit right down on their own. The handles and step also help when he is pushing to get their poop out.
What makes this seat great for boys especially is that there is a little notch on the front that will guard their pee from spraying on the floor before they learn how to aim it downward.
Portable Potty with Liners
This Portable Potty by Poppy Potty has been a lifesaver when we leave the house or even go outside in the backyard. It conveniently folds right up making it so simple to carry and my favorite feature: disposable liners!
You’re able to store the liners with the potty and pull them out as needed. They make for super simple clean-up when you’re out because you’re not always close to a sink or toilet to dump out and clean a potty out.
We bring this potty everywhere with us and it fits so nicely under my stroller or even in the diaper bag as it conveniently folds up. This way I’m always prepared for when my son says she has to go and I don’t have to take him in a public bathroom!.
Read more about the Poppy Potty and Tips for Potty Training On-The-Go here.
Potty Training Urinal
This urinal will allow your child to learn how to stand up while they pee. This is better to be used after they have gotten used to urinating on a regular toilet sitting backwards.
You can suction this right to your bathroom wall at the perfect level for your toddler boy.
Potty Training Underwear or Pajamas
Although I don’t recommend using underwear while you’re potty training (because they should be bottomless at home at all times), you’ll need to put bottoms on them when you’re out.
These potty training underwear have an extra thick layer of fabric that really help absorb accidents. They don’t act like pull ups to keep all the pee in, but really just help stop a “down the leg flood.” I found these really useful in saving a few outfits when the inevitable accident happens.
If they do have an accident, you just have to replace the underwear and not the pants too, making you go through a lot less clothing.
You may also want to try Potty Training Pajamas- or Peejamas! Peejamas are an environmentally friendlier, more affordable, and more stylish alternative to disposable daytime and nighttime diapers or trainers.
They simply have an absorbent layer built right into the pants so if your little boy has an accident, you don’t have to worry about it making a mess in the bed. Peejamas are created from safe fabrics and provide maximum absorbency of urine.
6. Try Some Fun Gear Too
Toddlers need to be entertained and thrive on stimulation. If you’re potty training your boy, make it fun by singing songs, playing games, and even acting silly. You can read books, play videos or even just talk about some of their favorite topics.
Also, try some fun new gadgets like a Potty Watch! Little boys are BUSY and this can sometimes make potty training a bit more difficult. Between playing, naptime, eating, and more playing, they may grow uninterested in anything that interrupts their typical day.
Buying a potty watch can avoid this dilemma. Potty watches will play fun songs and flash lights when it’s time to go potty. This will make it seem all the more fun for your little one!
As an added bonus, they are not associating YOU with nagging to go potty, but instead listening to their “watch”.
7. Make It A Game
Tapping into his love for games and competitive spirit may be just the trick you need to make potty training successful for your little one.
Make going to the bathroom a fun game that your little boy can win! Consider placing cheerios in the toilet that he can aim at with a prize at the end for “hitting the target”.
My son absolutely loved these Toilet Targets (above) as a fun way to incentivize potty training for boys. These targets are made up of biodegradable paper that you slip into the toilet bowl.
They can then aim to pee on the toilet target while in the bowl as a little game. They also have fun pictures that you can choose based on your child’s interests (ie. transportation, animals, etc)
PeeBall (it’s like Skiball) is a fun game that your little one can ‘play’ while trying to aim into the potty.
8. Don’t use Pull-ups During the Day
A pull-up is not a necessary transition between diapers and underpants which many people think. Unless you feel it is necessary when you leave the house, you don’t need to put a pull-up on your child.
They are essentially the same as a diaper so they won’t feel the sensation of being wet!
Pull-ups just make it easy to pull on and off when you do take your child to the potty, but I don’t recommend them unless you’re worried about accidents when you’re out or during bedtime.
If you’re worried about ruining underwear or cleaning up the mess of accidents, Potty Training Underwear shown above instead.
9. Capitalize on Rewards
Find whatever it is that motivates your toddler and place heavy emphasis on the fact that they will receive it if they make on the potty. Some kids will respond well to pretzels, goldfish, m&ms, stickers, or even just singing a song.
If your child has a really tough time even getting on the potty, you may want to reward him for merely sitting on it. If they don’t have a problem sitting on it, but making on it is the hard part, only reward when they make.
Once they are making often, or when you tell them it’s time to go, only give them the reward when they ask to go potty. Gradually fade out the reward to where they don’t need it anymore.
You want to start with the least restricted reward system. If your child has no problem getting on the potty, don’t give a reward everytime he sits on the potty. The reward should only be for something that they haven’t completely mastered yet.
My son absolutely loved the Potty Time Adventures reward system. Similar to an advent calendar, they get a sticker or a prize every time they make on the potty. It’s a bit better than just a sticker chart because they actually get a reward every time.
If your little boy loves cars and trucks, he will LOVE this Potty Advent calendar.
If you’d like something simple, you can use a sticker chart reward system like this one to encourage using the potty.
Some children may get super excited by stickers and filling up the lines when they did a good job. Once they filled a row with stickers, they get a prize of their choice.
Download this FREE printable potty training chart here.
10. Bring a Travel Potty EVERYWHERE With You
It’s essential to have one of these portable potty seats with you at all times to prevent any accidents from happening, since it may take months to get them fully potty trained where they can hold their pee in public for awhile.
You’ll find yourselves running through shopping malls, busy restaurants, and stopping at gross gas stations the moment your child says “I have to pee.” So if you have your own personal potty seat, you won’t have to feel so skewed at at these places.
11. Fill Them Up
Make sure you’re offering them plenty of fluids throughout the day to ensure they have a lot of pees and poops. The more opportunities to go on the toilet, the better.
Even if they have more accidents because they are filled up, this gives you more opportunities to correct their actions. The more they drink, the more times they will go on the potty each day. So keep offering them water and let them walk around with their water cup so they drink as much as possible.
Related Post: How to Get Your Picky Eater to Try New Foods
12. Put Them on the Potty in Intervals
When a toddler starts potty training, they won’t know what the sensation of having to go feels like. Therefore, you can’t expect them to just tell you when they have to go. Setting a timer may help you to catch them having to pee before they have an accident.
You can try setting a timer for every 20-30 minutes to put them on the potty or getting used to their routine of when they typically go pee/poop throughout the day. If they always poop after lunch, make sure you put them on more frequently after lunch until they make on the toilet.
However, if it seems like you’re putting them on the potty too frequently, increase the time in between. Your child may get frustrated by being told to go on the potty so much when they don’t need to.
13. Stay Positive and Be Patient
Try to remain as positive as you can throughout the entire experience. It is easy to accidentally fall into a negative mindset after all the constant work and multiple accidents. However, remaining positive is important in setting your son up for success.
Avoid using harsh negative words during accidents or when they’re not communicating with you. Instead focus on positive reinforcement including encouraging words and praise for small accomplishments like holding their pee for 20 minutes, telling you that they have to go, or even just sitting still on the potty while they tried).
14. Let Him Watch and Learn
Whether it’s dad, grandpa, older siblings, cousin, uncle, or another trusted male figure in their life, toddlers learn best by imitating. They are more likely to do something if they see a trusted family member or friend do it first.
Moms are amazing and are often left in charge of the potty training, however, we simply cannot model peeing standing up! Letting a trusted male figure model this for your son can definitely help to speed up the process.
15. Teach Proper Hygiene at a Young Age
Teach them to wipe their penis before their buns. Boys are statistically less likely than girls to get UTI’s, but it still happens and is much more likely when wiping in the opposite order- Teach them to wash their hands, even after peeing. Just because they didn’t get pee on their hands doesn’t mean they didn’t just touch an area that could be spreading germs.-
16. Consistency Is Key
If you are not being consistent in your potty training, it isn’t going to work. If your child is attending daycare or spending time with anyone other than you, it is important that everyone use the same systems, rewards, and techniques.
The more consistent everyone can be, the faster your child will potty train.
Talk to your daycare provider to see what their schedule looks like.
Many daycares take their toddlers to the potty every 20 to 30 minutes without fail. If that’s the case, you should follow their same lead at home.
Consistency really is one of the best potty training tips to remember.
17. Use special books or toys
Using special books or toys during potty training can be a helpful and effective strategy to make the experience more enjoyable and engaging for your little boy. Here’s a more detailed explanation of how to implement this tip:
- Designate Potty-Time Only Items: Select a few books or toys that your child finds particularly interesting or captivating. These items should be reserved exclusively for potty time. The novelty of these special items will make them more appealing to your boy, and he will look forward to using the potty just to have access to them.
- Create a Potty-Training Basket: Assemble the chosen books or toys in a small basket or container and place it near the potty. Make sure the container is easily accessible and within your boy’s reach. You can decorate the container with stickers or drawings to make it even more enticing.
- Introduce the Basket Excitingly: When it’s time to start potty training, introduce the potty-training basket to your child enthusiastically. Explain that these are special items meant to be enjoyed only when he sits on the potty. This will build anticipation and excitement around using the potty.
- Use Books and Toys as Distractions: Sometimes, toddlers can feel anxious or restless while sitting on the potty, especially if they are not used to it. The special books or toys can serve as distractions, keeping your child entertained and engaged, which can make the potty experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
- Encourage Independent Play: As your little one sits on the potty, encourage him to explore the books or toys on his own. This helps develop a sense of independence and accomplishment while using the potty, as he becomes engrossed in the activities.
- Make It a Positive Reinforcement Tool: Praise your child for using the potty successfully and spending time with the special items. Positive reinforcement is crucial during potty training, as it reinforces the idea that using the potty is a great accomplishment.
- Rotate Items Regularly: To keep the excitement alive, periodically rotate the books or toys in the potty-training basket. Introduce new items and retire some older ones. This will maintain the novelty and freshness of the special items, preventing them from losing their appeal over time.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. If your boy loses interest in the books or toys during potty training, be flexible and try other engaging methods. The main goal is to keep the potty training process positive and encouraging.
By using special books or toys during potty training, you not only make the experience more enjoyable for your little boy, but you also create a positive association with using the potty. This can help him feel more comfortable and motivated to use the toilet, ultimately leading to a successful potty-training journey.
18. Let him flush and wash hands
Allowing your little boy to flush the toilet and wash his hands during potty training is not only a practical step in the process but also an important way to foster independence, responsibility, and good hygiene habits.
1. Encourages Independence: Allowing your child to take an active role in flushing the toilet and washing hands empowers him to be independent. It gives him a sense of control over his actions and surroundings, which can boost his confidence during the potty training journey.
2. Builds a Sense of Accomplishment: Flushing the toilet and washing hands are small tasks, but they can be significant achievements for a toddler. Praising your little one for completing these tasks on his own reinforces positive behavior and helps build a sense of accomplishment.
3. Establishes Good Hygiene Habits: Potty training is an excellent opportunity to instill good hygiene habits in your child from an early age. Teaching him to wash his hands after using the toilet reinforces the importance of cleanliness and reduces the risk of germs and infections.
4. Show and Tell Approach: Initially, you can demonstrate how to flush the toilet and properly wash hands to your little one. Use simple, step-by-step language and allow him to observe. You can even make it a fun activity by singing a handwashing song or using colorful soap.
5. Supervise and Support: As your child starts to take on these tasks, continue to supervise and offer support when needed. Encourage him to reach the sink and faucet comfortably, and ensure he understands the importance of using soap and rinsing thoroughly.
6. Use Visual Cues: Place a visual cue or reminder near the toilet and sink area. This can be a picture chart showing the steps of flushing and handwashing, which serves as a helpful reference for your child.
7. Make it a Positive Experience: Praise your little one each time he flushes the toilet and washes his hands successfully. Positive reinforcement encourages him to repeat these actions and creates a positive association with using the bathroom.
8. Be Patient and Allow Time: At first, your child may need assistance or reminders to flush and wash hands correctly. Be patient and avoid rushing him. Over time, he will develop the skills and confidence to do it independently.
9. Teach Proper Handwashing: Ensure your child understands the importance of using soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and rinsing well. Proper handwashing is essential for maintaining good health and hygiene.
10. Celebrate Progress: As your little one becomes more proficient at flushing and handwashing, celebrate his progress and acknowledge his growing independence. These are significant milestones in his potty training journey.
By letting your little boy flush the toilet and wash his hands during potty training, you not only promote hygiene and independence but also create a positive and enjoyable bathroom experience for him. Remember to be patient, encouraging, and supportive throughout the process, and your child will develop these essential habits with confidence.
19. Use potty-themed media
Using potty-themed media during potty training can be a fun and engaging way to introduce the concept of using the toilet to your little boy. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to incorporate potty-themed media and its benefits:
1. Introduce the Idea Playfully: Potty-themed media, such as books, cartoons, or videos, can serve as a playful introduction to the idea of using the potty. Look for age-appropriate content that features characters going through the potty training process or using the toilet, as this can make the experience more relatable for your child.
2. Capture Your Child’s Interest: Children are naturally drawn to colorful and entertaining visuals. Potty-themed media can capture your child’s interest and attention, making him curious about the topic of using the potty.
3. Teach through Stories and Songs: Potty-training books or cartoons often include stories and songs that explain the process in a child-friendly manner. These narratives can help your little one understand what to expect during potty time and ease any anxieties he may have.
4. Choose Positive and Encouraging Content: Look for media that portrays the potty training experience in a positive and encouraging light. Avoid content that may be scary or intimidating, as you want your child to associate potty training with a positive and fun experience.
5. Make it an Interactive Experience: While watching potty-themed videos or reading books, engage with your child by asking questions or pointing out key concepts. Encourage him to imitate what he sees in the media, such as sitting on a potty chair or pretending to flush a toy toilet.
6. Use Songs and Rhymes: Potty-training songs and rhymes can be a great way to make the process enjoyable and memorable. Sing along with your child and create a fun atmosphere around using the potty.
7. Reinforce Learning: Use potty-themed media as a tool to reinforce what you are teaching during the potty training process. Discuss the characters’ experiences and relate them to your child’s own journey, emphasizing that using the potty is a natural part of growing up.
8. Gradual Exposure: Introduce potty-themed media gradually, especially if your child is initially apprehensive about the idea of using the potty. Let him watch or read about it at his own pace, and be sensitive to any signs of discomfort.
9. Incorporate Real-Life Examples: If the potty-themed media features real-life children going through potty training, point out these examples to your child. Seeing other kids being successful at using the potty can be motivating and reassuring for him.
10. Celebrate Achievements Together: Use potty-themed media as a platform to celebrate your child’s successes. When he successfully uses the potty, praise him and mention how the characters in the media also celebrated their achievements.
By incorporating potty-themed media into the potty training process, you create an enjoyable and positive learning experience for your little boy. It can make the concept of using the toilet more familiar, exciting, and less intimidating, leading to a smoother and more successful potty training journey. Remember to combine media exposure with patience, encouragement, and support as your child progresses in his potty training.
20. Dress for Success
“Dress for success” in the context of potty training boys refers to choosing appropriate clothing that allows your child to easily and independently manage going to the potty. Here’s a more detailed explanation of why dressing for success is essential and how to implement it during the potty training process:
1. Choose Easy-to-Remove Clothing: Opt for clothing that your child can easily take off by himself. Elastic waistbands, pull-on pants, or pants with snaps or buttons that are easy to undo can help your boy quickly get to the potty when he feels the urge to go.
2. Avoid Complicated Outfits: During potty training, it’s best to avoid clothing with too many layers, belts, or overalls that require a lot of effort to remove. Complicated outfits can lead to accidents if your child can’t undress fast enough.
3. Consider Training Pants or Underwear: Transitioning from diapers to underwear is a significant step in potty training. Choose training pants or underwear that are comfortable and designed for easy removal, as they allow your child to feel wetness, which can aid in the potty training process.
4. Keep Spare Clothes Handy: Accidents are a normal part of potty training. Always keep spare clothes within reach, either at home or when you’re out and about. This way, you can quickly change your child if he has an accident without causing discomfort or embarrassment.
5. Dress for the Season: Be mindful of the weather and dress your child accordingly. In colder months, choose pants or layers that can be easily removed, even with shoes on. In warmer weather, lightweight and breathable fabrics can be more comfortable for your child.
6. Involve Your Child in Clothing Choices: As your child becomes more independent, involve him in choosing his outfits for the day. This can create a sense of ownership and responsibility, encouraging him to take care of his clothes and use the potty when needed.
7. Demonstrate Proper Dressing and Undressing: Teach your child how to undress and dress himself, as this is a crucial skill during potty training. Show him how to pull down his pants and underwear and how to pull them back up after using the potty.
8. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child when he successfully dresses and undresses himself for potty time. Positive reinforcement will motivate him to continue being independent in managing his clothing during the potty training process.
9. Be Patient and Understanding: Dressing for success is a learning process, and accidents may happen along the way. Be patient with your child and offer support when needed. Avoid showing frustration or disappointment during these moments.
10. Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate each milestone in your child’s potty training journey. Whether it’s learning to dress and undress or using the potty successfully, celebrate these accomplishments as they are essential steps toward potty training success.
By dressing your child for success during potty training, you create an environment that promotes independence and supports his journey to becoming a potty-trained little boy. It reduces barriers to using the potty independently and empowers your child to take ownership of the process. Remember to be patient, supportive, and understanding, and your child will become more confident and capable in managing his clothing during potty time.
21. Be patient with Regressions
During the potty training journey, it is common for children to experience regressions, which means they may temporarily revert to having accidents or showing resistance to using the potty. It’s essential for parents to be patient and understanding during these periods. Here’s a more detailed explanation of why regressions happen and how to handle them with patience:
1. Understand that Regressions are Normal: Potty training is a significant milestone for toddlers, and like any learning process, it can have its ups and downs. Regressions are a normal part of the journey as your child is still adapting to this new skill.
2. Avoid Punishment or Scolding: Reacting negatively to regressions by punishing or scolding your child can create anxiety and stress around potty training. It may cause your child to associate using the potty with negative emotions, making the process more challenging.
3. Stay Calm and Supportive: Instead of getting frustrated, remain calm and supportive during regressions. Reassure your child that accidents happen, and it’s okay. Show empathy and understanding, letting him know that you’re there to help and guide him.
4. Look for Triggers: Regressions can be triggered by various factors, such as changes in routine, stress, illness, or even new experiences. Try to identify any potential triggers and provide extra comfort and support during these times.
5. Reestablish a Routine: A consistent potty schedule can help minimize regressions. Reestablish a routine for potty breaks, especially after meals, before bedtime, and upon waking up in the morning. Consistency can help your child regain confidence in using the potty.
6. Provide Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement: When your child shows progress or makes an effort to use the potty, provide positive reinforcement and encouragement. Praise his attempts and successes, no matter how small, to boost his confidence and motivation.
7. Involve Your Child in Clean-Up: If there is an accident, involve your child in the clean-up process. This helps him understand the consequences of not using the potty and encourages responsibility for his actions.
8. Be Patient with Nighttime Training: Nighttime potty training often takes longer than daytime training. If your child experiences nighttime accidents, be patient and consider using training pants or protective bedding until he gains nighttime bladder control.
9. Communicate Openly: Encourage open communication with your child about potty training. Ask if anything is bothering him or if he has any concerns about using the potty. Listening to his thoughts and feelings can provide valuable insights.
10. Celebrate Progress: Celebrate even the smallest achievements or steps forward in potty training. Recognizing progress helps your child see that he is making improvements and that setbacks are temporary.
Remember that potty training is a learning process, and each child develops at their own pace. Regressions are normal and don’t indicate failure. By being patient, supportive, and understanding, you create a positive and encouraging environment for your child to continue his potty training journey with confidence and success.
Night Potty Training Takes Longer
Once your child understands and grasps potty training during the day, it’s time to create a game plan for staying dry at night.
This will take time. You want your son to reliably use the potty throughout the daytime without accidents. Then, start checking his diapers in the morning and after naps to see if they’re dry.
Some boys stay dry after naps within six months of potty training, but nighttime training is a whole different beast.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics ,10% of 7-year-olds and 5% of 10-year-olds still wet the bed. Nighttime training is a lot harder, so give everyone – including yourself – a lot of grace in this area.
Here are some additional tips and information to help with potty training boys:
22. Offer Independence in the Bathroom
To encourage your little boy’s independence in the bathroom, consider setting up a child-friendly potty training station. This can include a step stool to reach the sink, a soap dispenser he can use, and a basket of clean hand towels. Allowing him to take care of his hygiene after using the potty fosters a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency.
23. Address Nighttime Potty Training
Nighttime potty training typically takes longer than daytime training. Some children may continue to have nighttime accidents even after they’ve mastered daytime potty training. To help with nighttime dryness, limit drinks in the evening, ensure your child uses the potty before bedtime, and consider using waterproof mattress protectors or disposable bed pads.
24. Be Mindful of Underwear Choices
When transitioning from diapers to underwear, choose underwear with fun and engaging designs. This can make the idea of wearing “big kid” underwear more exciting for your child. Avoid using pull-ups during the day as they can feel similar to diapers. Instead, opt for regular underwear or training pants designed for potty training.
26. Plan for Outings
When you’re out and about, plan for potty breaks. Be prepared with portable potty seats, disposable liners, and a travel potty. Familiarize your child with public restrooms and show him how to use them safely. Always carry spare clothes and essential supplies for on-the-go potty training.
27. Stay Consistent with Rewards
If you’re using a reward system to motivate your child, consistency is key. Ensure that you follow through with rewards every time he successfully uses the potty or reaches a milestone. This reinforces positive behavior and encourages him to continue making progress.
28. Encourage Communication
Encourage your child to communicate when he needs to use the potty. Teach him to use words or gestures to express his needs. If he’s not yet verbal, be attentive to his non-verbal cues and respond promptly when he signals that he has to go.
29. Prepare for Public Restrooms
Public restrooms can be intimidating for young children. To ease their anxiety, carry sanitizing wipes to clean toilet seats if needed and use disposable seat covers. Familiarize your child with the flushing and handwashing process in public restrooms to make it a less daunting experience.
30. Be Patient with Individual Timelines
Every child has their unique timeline for potty training. Some may catch on quickly, while others may take more time to fully grasp the process. Avoid comparing your child’s progress to that of others and focus on celebrating his personal achievements along the way.
31. Seek Professional Advice if Needed
If you encounter significant challenges or resistance during potty training, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a pediatrician or child psychologist. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your child’s specific needs and any underlying issues that may be hindering the process.
32. Celebrate Graduation from Diapers
When your child successfully completes potty training, make it a memorable occasion. Celebrate his transition from diapers to underwear with a small party or special outing. This not only marks an important milestone but also reinforces his sense of accomplishment.
Remember that potty training is a significant developmental step for your child, and it’s essential to approach it with patience, positivity, and flexibility. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can create a supportive and encouraging environment that helps your little boy successfully navigate the potty training journey.
In the end, try not to stress too much! Your child will not be heading off to college in diapers!
Potty training can be stressful enough for your little boy without adding your high expectations and strict timelines. Use this as an opportunity for growth and quality time. Have some patience, remain positive and consistent, and have fun!
Your little one will be using the big potty in no time at all! Do you have any other potty training tips for boys that worked well for your family? Let me know in the comment section! If you want more detailed tips on potty training your child around 2, check out my other post here.
