Everything You Need to Potty Train Your Child

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Potty training.

We all have to potty train our kids at some point right? But the truth is, it’s a dreaded task that we much rather skip out on. The meltdowns, the extra laundry… the meticulously planned meal times, bed times and even play times are all coordinated all around potty time. One quick search on Amazon will give you lots of choices if you want to know how to get it done.

One book in particular, “Oh, Crap Potty Training“, captures the sentiment perfectly of how parents feel when it’s time to toss those diapers. But what do you need to buy to get started with potty training? For our oldest (Rain Drop), I used the 3 day potty training method. Yes, three days!

It worked like a charm until we had to travel, then we all had to adjust.

Basically, you have to quarantine yourself to the house for three days and hopefully potty training is done. No grocery shopping, no running errands. Nothing. I sure wish I had Amazon Prime back then.

For our son (Sun Ray), I waited until he was a bit older. When he was about 2 and a half I started telling him that soon we would be taking away his Pull-Ups. When we were on the last pack I said, “After we finish this sleeve, that’s it”. He in turn told me, that he wanted to start now.

And that was it. I didn’t finish the sleeve of diapers. We just bought him some big boy underwear and that was it. Sure he had accidents, here and there. But it was much easier to potty train a child that was ready and willing than one that was being told when he should be ready.

To all the parents that have been there done that… We salute you. To the parents and caregivers moving forward with potty training, I’m writing this for you. This is not a “how to potty train” post but it will give you everything you need to buy to get it down.

So here you go, everything you need to potty train your child.

Disposable Training Pants or Diapers

In the beginning stages of potty training, diapers are out and Pull-Ups are in. Depending on what potty training method you use, you may skip this stage all together. But, I don’t think so.

Big Boy/Big Girl Underwear

It’s best to get underwear with the child’s favorite characters or colors on it. Even better if you can take your child with you to pick out that underwear. Buy lots of underwear, because after some particularly messy accidents, you may just want to throw one or two away.

Disinfecting Wipes

There will be accidents. Lots of accidents. Use disinfecting wipes to clean hard surfaces and to clean off public toilet seats before using.

Portable Potty Seat

I recommend buying at least two potty seats. Buy a seat for each floor of the house (Useful, if you have a multi-level home). You should also buy a folding potty seat. These really come in hand for when you’re not home or while traveling.

We still use our folding potty seat for our 3 three year old even though he’s been potty trained for a while now. Toilet bowls are large and his butt…not so much.

Diaper Wipes

Even though potty training kids no longer need diapers, it’s a good idea to keep some wipes on hand to keep them nice and clean.

Back Pack

Get your child a pack back to keep all his potty training supplies for days when he’s on the “go”. Items like the folding potty seat, extra under wear, extra clothes and wipes.

Potty Training Video

Most kids at this age, tend to be visual learners. Getting a potty training video or DVD like Elmo’s Potty Time is a great investment. And it’s fun too!

Polyvinyl Mattress Cover

While your kid gets a handle on potty training, be prepared that accidents will happen. Many of those accidents will happen at 3 o’clock in the morning, when they’re already sleeping. A polyvinyl mattress cover will keep the kids mattress dry and minimize the stress and odor that comes with a wet mattress.

Potty Training Book

The three day potty training method worked for us but, it’s not without it’s drawbacks. Take a look and find a method that will work for you and your child.

Potty Training Doll

Whether you have a boy or girl, a doll may be a good idea to help your child learn how to use the bathroom on their own. Just ask Dr. Phil! He swears by it. This doll comes with a a potty seat that can flush. It even shows number 2 in the potty! I kind of wish that I hadn’t gotten rid of ours now because the price has gone way up from when I bought ours.

Reward Stickers

For kids between 2-5, stickers are a hot commodity. Not to mention as rewards, stickers work like a charm. I bought this pack of a 1000 and we’re still working our way through.

Paper Towels

Sometimes, just some good old paper towel will do the trick. And they’re super absorbent.

Bed Mats

Bed mats will save you from having to change sheets whenever there is an accident. Simply remove the backing and apply to your kids’ sheets at bed or naptime. Remove and use a new one, once it’s soiled. Hopefully that won’t happen too often. It works like a charm.

Portable or Travel Potty

I never used a portable potty for my kids but, one of my friends, highly recommends it. According to her, “I’m not a fan of just pulling over in the woods to pee!” So there you go.

Your complete go-to list of everything you need to potty train your kids.

Do you have any resources for parents or that helped you potty train your kids? What would you add to this list?