Potty training is always a hot topic among parents, and with the arrival of summer, this might be the perfect time to start potty training your toddler. Summer often means that your little one can wear less clothing and roam around outside more freely, which certainly sets you up for a good start.

I’m Mille Poppins, and I work as a baby care specialist. Today, I’m going to share my best potty-training tips and the many great reasons why the summer is the ultimate time to start!

Millie’s 11 Top Potty-Training Tips

The number of potty-training techniques out there is endless, and many parents are curious about the best way to potty train. The truth is, you might have to go through some trial and error before you find the best potty-training method for you and your toddler. I’ve put together my top tips below to guide you through this exciting milestone. And here’s a nice spoiler: You’ll soon realize that simple is usually the way to go!

1.      Start Potty Training during the Summer

Start potty training on a weekend or when you have a stretch of 2–4 days you can spend at home. This reduces the initial pressure of being out and about when your child needs to use the potty. Instead, plan for lovely summer days in the yard, at the park, or at the beach—wherever you’re enjoying the sunshine together. 

2.      Make Potty Time More Fun
Have a special toy that they can play with when sitting on the potty or toilet. This could be a special book or a fun bubble blower if you're potty training outdoors. 

3.      Make Your Toddler Feel Included
Pick out the color and unbox the new potty together—BabyBjörn’s Potty Chair comes in plenty of colors, so your toddler can choose their favorite. Make it exciting and talk about potty training in the days leading up to the start.

4.      Embrace the Mistakes
If your child does have an accident, it’s important to remain upbeat and positive. Always take them to the potty following an accident and say, “Let’s see if there’s anything left!” It’s important that they associate the sensation of going to the bathroom with sitting on the potty. 

5.      Encourage Your Child throughout the Day
Keep asking them throughout the day—every hour or so—to sit on the potty. And keep the potty in sight. This means moving it from room to room and even bringing it outside for playtime. 

6.      With Clothing, Less Is More
Let your child wear as little as possible from the waist down since this makes potty training much easier. It’s also one of the reasons why summer is such a great time to start—less clothing equals less clean-up when mishaps occur! If you need your toddler in underpants or clothes, try to size up so it is easier and less frustrating for them to pull their pants up and down. I would also advise skipping dresses for a few days and having your child in elasticated shorts that are free of buttons or clasps. 

7.      Take the Potty Training Outdoors
Another reason why summer is a good time to start potty training is that you can bring the potty outside. Keep it close by while your toddler plays and ask them frequently if they need to go. Since the sun is much stronger during the summer months, it’s best to have your toddler playing in the shade when outdoors—this of course also includes having the potty in the shade. I recommend BabyBjörn’s Smart Potty since it’s compact, easy to clean, and easy to move around. 

8.      Start Small
The big toilet can be intimidating at first. Try to have a floor potty as an option and always encourage a seated position for potty training for both boys and girls. Once your child is more comfortable using the potty, you can start practicing on the big toilet with a Toilet Training Seat.

9.      Keep a Potty-Training Schedule
If your child goes Number 2 regularly, be mindful of what time of day they usually go. When it’s time, try to have them sit on the potty a bit longer—sing songs, watch the iPad for ten minutes, or read a book with them. 

10.       Nighttime Potty Training Tips
For overnight, your child will most likely still need a diaper. If you can, make this new and exciting, too! Rather than keeping the same diapers they’ve always worn, you can purchase the “grown-up” pull-ups that are lighter and thinner. It’s also always a good idea to take your child to the potty before they go to bed at night and as soon as they wake up in the morning to create a familiar routine.

11.      Potty Training Sticker Chart
Praise and rewards always work like a charm, so one of my best potty-training tricks is to use a potty training sticker chart to track your toddler’s progress. Every time your toddler does a good job, you can let them place a sticker on the chart. Perhaps in the shape of a star or why not a sticker featuring their favorite cartoon character? Hang the chart near the potty or in the bathroom, and you’ll see how your child will light up with pride every time they get a new sticker!

Common Potty Training Questions

Why Should You Potty Train in the Summer?

With the warmer days, your child can wear lighter clothing and run around diaper-free, making it easier for them to reach the toilet or potty in time. It also minimizes the mess in case of any accidents—because accidents do happen! 
 

Potty Training Boys—What’s the Difference?

Potty training boys can be a little bit different from potty training girls, and it’s not unusual for them to need some extra time to learn the difference between going Number 1 and Number 2. It’s good to start by teaching them how to go sitting down before moving on to teaching them how to go standing up.

How Long Does Potty Training Take?

Potty training a toddler is a gradual process that can take three to six months, but remember—all kids are different. Some might catch on quickly, while others may need extra time to get the hang of it. If you begin too early, it often takes longer overall, and mastering staying dry at night can take months and sometimes years.

What is the three-day potty training method?

The three-day potty-training method is like a boot camp for your child. It involves a strictly timed schedule for using the potty, which can cause stress and put pressure on your toddler. It’s important to keep in mind that this approach doesn't work for all parents or kids.