Potty Training

Ah, potty training. It’s a huge milestone for toddlers, and, sometimes, a source of stress for parents. As much as you might be looking forward to saying goodbye to diapers forever, teaching your little one to use the toilet can seem like a daunting task. If you’re nervous about approaching this milestone and aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry, we break it down for you in our potty-training 101 guide. Get started with some essential purchases like a potty chair or toilet seat adapter, step stool, and reward chart or stickers. Training underwear and cleaning supplies are also helpful to have on hand. Our editors selected their top toddler training pants recommendations to help get you started.

Potty training can be tough, but the right equipment can make it more enjoyable for your toddler. There are two potty training options: a stand-alone potty chair or a kid-size seat that fits onto your standard toilet. Many toddlers are intimidated by the size of the toilet, so starting off with a pint-sized version made just for them can often be a step in the right direction when it comes to potty training. We outline the pros and cons of floor potties and toilet attachments in this product guide.

Most experts recommend offering both options initially, as some toddlers prefer the security of a floor potty while others like mimicking adult toilet use with an attachment.

These potty training books for babies and toddlers can (hopefully) make the process a little more enjoyable. Start reading potty training books several weeks before beginning active training, typically around age 18-24 months, to build familiarity and interest. From demystifying the strangeness of poop (and the reassurance that everyone does it) to friendly faces cheering your little one along, the best potty training books were written with curious—and maybe a little nervous—toddlers in mind.

An average time frame for success in the method of toilet training we’ve outlined above is three to six months, although it’s common for children to continue having problems with bed-wetting until they are five or six. Depending on the child, potty training might take up to 10 months. However, some parents are able to potty train their child in a single weekend.

Portable potty seats can be valuable for maintaining consistency during outings and travel, especially during the early stages of training. Check out travel-friendly options and other parent-tested favorites in our best potty training accessories list.