The Ultimate Potty Training Kit: Everything You Need to Start
This post may contain affiliate links; please see our terms of use for details.
- A potty training kit is a collection of helpful items you’ll need to get your child potty trained without frustration.
- Toilet wipes, travel toilet inserts, and flushable wipes are all good items to have in a toilet travel bag.
- Your little one will need clothing that is easy to get on and off.
If there are two words that make just about any parent nervous, it’s these—potty training.
How long will it take? Will I be stuck in the house for weeks? Will I end up with pee all over my brand-new rug?
Many parents look at potty training as a difficult process that will require much sacrifice. This might cause them to be reluctant to start. And when you’ve got weekend plans, vacations scheduled, or no time to stay at home, it never seems like a good time to start.
There is no question that potty training can be intimidating. This is especially true when it’s your first time trying it. However, with the right tools and education, the potty training process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
As you start your journey, you’ll find plenty of potty training methods to choose from. You’ll also find potty seats and other potty training accessories to fit your needs. How do you know what you’ll need?
This is where assembling a potty training kit comes in handy! With the right tools and a plan, you’ll be set up for success. Use this helpful guide to get started with your own potty training kit.
Getting Ready for Potty Training
So you’re ready to begin toilet training? That’s great! Learning to use the potty is an exciting milestone for children, and it gives parents freedom from diapers.
However, you’ll want to be sure both you and your child are ready before beginning. If you don’t prepare before you begin, you might end up feeling discouraged and frustrated.
These helpful questions will help you decide if you’re ready to begin.
Is your child ready to potty train?
We know you’re eager to move out of the diaper stage. Just think of all the savings! But if you move before your child is ready, you might do more harm than good.
When your child is ready to start the potty training process, you’ll notice certain signs. These behaviors include:
- Your child is showing interest in the toilet. They might follow you to the bathroom and watch what you’re doing. They might also try to mimic your actions.
- Your child can tell you when they’ve gone to the bathroom. They might say “pee” or “poop” after they’ve gone. They might also tell you when they need to go or hide when they need to eliminate.
- Your child is able to follow simple instructions. If you say “now let’s wipe and flush,” they are able to do it.
- Your child pulls at a wet or dirty diaper.
- Your child wakes up from their nap with a dry diaper.
There’s no exact number of signs you need to see before you start potty training. However, we recommend waiting until you see at least two of these signs.
Will your upcoming schedule allow for potty training?
Are you about to go on vacation, move, start a new job, or enter into any other transition or new environment? If so, this might not be the best time to begin toilet training. You want to make sure your child has a solid routine and feels comfortable.
A good time to start potty training is after summer vacations end, after the holidays, or other times when a normal routine is established.
You’ll also want to be sure you aren’t already feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members or take some items off your plate during this time. If you’re relaxed and focused, you’re more likely to see success.
Which potty training method will work best for you?
One important step in the potty training process is getting a solid plan. This is why it’s important to decide which toilet training method will work best for you. Toilet training methods can serve as a guide to help you navigate toilet training your child.
For example, if you like to see results fast, you might consider the 3 day potty training method. This will require staying at home and focusing on your child alone for those 3 days. So you’ll want to be sure you can commit to this.
There are other similar methods like naked potty training and oh crap potty training that will produce similar results. Each method has slight differences that make it unique.
If you’re trying to potty train a child who is older than 3, or have had little potty training success in the past with your child, late potty training methods might work best.
Must-Have Essentials for a Potty Training Kit
Now that you’ve prepared yourself for toilet training and determined if you’re ready, it’s time to assemble your potty training kit. If you’ve never heard of these kits before, don’t worry. We’re going to walk you through the process and answer all your questions.
What is a potty training kit?
A potty training kit is a collection of helpful items you’ll need to get your child potty trained without frustration. This might include items like a special potty seat, training pants, flushable wipes, etc.
Ideally, this kit should be stored in a bag you can easily take with you when you leave the house.
- Comfortable potty chair with backrest and armrests
- Sturdy design with rubber strip underneath
- High splashguard prevents spills
- Easy to empty and clean
What basic tools and items are needed for potty training?
There are basic items that make toilet training easier. These will help whether you are at home or out and about. These include:
- Potty seat (This can be an insert that fits in a regular toilet seat or a small potty that sits on the floor.)
- Step stool (You’ll only need a step stool high enough to help your child get on the big toilet or help them reach the sink for washing.)
- Extra clothes (If you’re out of the house, you’ll want to have extra clothes in your bag or car in case of accidents.)
- Rag towels for cleaning up accidents on the floor
What’s the ideal clothing for potty training?
Your little one will need clothing that is easy to get on and off. You want them to be able to get on the toilet with ease and not struggle with their shorts or pants.
In the beginning stages of toilet training, you might prefer to leave them naked or in just a t-shirt. Later, you can add underwear and shorts. Just be sure to choose bottoms with an elastic waist and no buttons or snaps.
What are some potty training accessories you can add?
The basic needs of toilet training only include a few items. However, there are plenty of accessories that make toilet training more fun. These include:
- Training pants (These can either be disposable training pants or absorbent, washable training pants.)
- Stickers and sticker chart (Or any kind of fun reward you’d like. This might include small candies, toys, or even hand stamps.)
- Flushable wipes and kid-friendly handsoap
- Potty training books for kids
- Potty watch (These are special watches that alert your child when it’s time to go potty.)
- REALISTIC DESIGN: The Summer My Size Urinal makes it easier for little boys to learn to go standing up. This toddler toilet features a sleek and modern design based off an adult urinal, ensuring a comfortable and confident transition to the real thing.
- REALISTIC FLUSHING SOUND: Designed to mimic an adult urinal, the toilet handle on this training urinal features a realistic flush sound to help encourage and reward your little one.
- EASY AND QUICK SET-UP: This toddler urinal attaches to your wall with adhesive strips, making set-up quick and easy.
- TARGET FOR AIM PRACTICE: Practice makes perfect! The simple and fun toilet target makes it convenient for little boys to practice aiming.
Potty Training Gear for Boys
When potty training boys, parents might find that their child needs some encouragement to get them excited about potty training. Thankfully, there are plenty of helpful items you can purchase to help with the process.
Since most boys stand to pee in the toilet, having something to aim at almost makes it a game. Toilet targets float in the toilet water and flush down after your child is done. They also come in fun patterns.
Another option for boys is to get a small urinal. These come in a variety of colors and shapes and might make the experience more exciting as well.
Also, boy’s training underwear often come in patterns and characters that appeal to boys. Let your little one go with you to the store and pick out their pack. This gives them a sense of ownership in the process.
Potty Training Gear for Girls
When potty training girls, parents will have a lot of options for training pants, potty seats, and step stools that come in colors or patterns their child likes. Many items also come with popular characters on them. Your little girl will likely enjoy shopping for potty accessories with you.
Having an accessory to wear, like a potty watch, might also encourage your little girl to use the potty. Be sure to have stickers, small toys, or other rewards to keep her excited.
Potty Training Travel Must-Haves
Traveling with a little one who is new to the potty can be challenging. You’ll need to consider what accessories you’ll want on hand for the trip. You’ll also need to decide if it’s worth continuing to train while you travel.
Here are some things to consider.
Will you be traveling long distances?
If you’ll be flying or driving for a long period of time, you’ll likely have to take more bathroom breaks than you’d like. For this reason, many parents choose to let their children wear disposable training pants when traveling. This prevents messy accidents in the seat and keeps you from having to stop every twenty minutes.
This doesn’t mean you can’t continue to potty train when you get to your destination. Just be realistic about your expectations.
If you have a busy schedule, bring them to the bathroom as much as you are able. Don’t stress if you miss bathroom opportunities. Once you are back home, you’ll be able to resume your normal toilet training routine.
Will my child be using public restrooms?
If your child is new to public restrooms, they might feel apprehensive at first. If this happens, don’t force it. You don’t want to lose progress and create fear.
If your child is fine with public restrooms, just bring along the necessary items so they feel comfortable. Toilet wipes, travel toilet inserts, and flushable wipes are all good items to have in a bag.
- Your New Travel Potty Training Solution: The Potette Plus is your new convenient potty solution for traveling with your toddler. Our innovative foldable potty seat for toddler travel works as a trainer seat and travel potty, all in one! Bring the ultimate portable potty experience on your family’s next adventure, carry it on the go, and add it to your camping essentials!
- Expertly Crafted For Comfort and Safety: Unlike most standard toddler potties, our travel potty seat features a built-in splash guard to keep the mess inside of the toilet bowl, while our slip-resistant handles to give your little one a sanitary place to hold on. The contoured seat and well-balanced rubber base keep your toddler secure and comfortable during potty breaks. Our toddler toilet is suitable for children up to 50 lbs.
- The Dual-Purpose, Portable Toddler Potty: The Potette Plus is the perfect toddler potty to take on the go. Just fold it flat to fit in your diaper bag or purse. It’s that easy! You can also fold your Potette Plus flat to use as a sanitary toilet ring that securely fits most standard toilet seats, or you can lock the patented, hinged plastic legs upright to turn it into a potty chair for toddlers. Your newest kids potty training toilet will be your most convenient toddler travel essential!
- Convenient For Every Adventure: Each Potette travel potty comes with a drawstring carrying bag so you can take it on every family adventure. Plus, we offer a reusable liner for training at home and disposable liners for on-the-go convenience. Whether in the car, a public restroom, a camper, or an RV, the Potette Plus will make bathroom breaks a breeze.
What potty training tools should I have when I travel?
Having a toilet training travel bag along with other accessories is essential if you’ll continue potty training while traveling. Here are some items we have found helpful:
- Small potty chair for the car (The travel potties often have special bag inserts that can be removed and tied up after your child goes potty.)
- Pull-ups or training pants (If you have a long car trip, you’ll likely want to use these to prevent accidents and reduce the number of stops.)
- Potty seat inserts for a traditional toilet (We recommend getting a folding travel toilet insert. These will easily fit in a diaper bag or small travel bag.)
- Flushable wipes and hand sanitizer
- Several pairs of clothes (You likely won’t be doing laundry. Have a few spare outfits in your diaper bag in case of an accident.)
Helpful Tools for Potty-Resistant Children
What do you do if your child refuses to use the potty? Or what if they develop a fear of using the big toilet?
Don’t force your child to use the potty. Doing so can increase the fear or resistance. Instead, focus on making toilet training a positive, fun experience.
Here are a few tips you can use to encourage your child to use the potty:
- Use rewards to encourage behaviors you want to be repeated. (You can even reward your child for just sitting on the potty if that’s a huge obstacle.)
- Don’t give consequences for accidents.
- Let your child pick out fun underwear.
- Provide plenty of fluids and fiber in their diet to prevent constipation.
- Read books about potty training and show examples of big kids who use the potty.
FAQs
What potty training tools are helpful for children with special needs?
When potty training a child with special needs, it’s important to be patient. You’ll want to remember that this isn’t a race. Don’t worry about how long it takes.
Surround yourself with plenty of support from people who have done this before. They will likely have plenty of advice and will encourage you on the days you feel discouraged. You might even find specific online groups such as groups for autism and potty training.
Look for potty training items that will eliminate some of the frustrations your child might have. For example, a potty seat with handles might keep a child from feeling unsteady when climbing up. A small potty chair that doesn’t flush might eliminate the fear of a flushing sound in children with increased sensitivity to sounds.
Remember to reward and praise your child. Your positive attitude and patience will be key throughout the whole journey.
Related Posts
IEPs, Potty Training
7 Sample Toileting IEP Goals
Toileting IEP goals should address the specific needs and abilities of each child. Be flexible and patient as your child works on their toileting skills.
Potty Training
How To Deal With Constipation When Potty Training
Constipation is common amongst children of potty training age. Many children suffer from potty training constipation, but there are things you can do to help.
Potty Training
5 Potty Training Games To Make Potty Training Fun
Learning to use the toilet doesn’t have to feel like hard work. There are lots of potty training games you can play with your toddler to make learning fun.