20 Best-Ever Potty Training Tips

Trust us -- we know these top tips work! We tapped the experts -- Parents.com readers, who swear by each and every one.

By Lauren Wiener

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Are you counting down the days to the toilet transition? Or maybe you've already dabbled in a few less-than-successful attempts? Either way, we heard one thing again and again: Your kid has to be good and ready. And don't worry, he will be someday. "No child is going to graduate high school in diapers," says Carol Stevenson, a mom of three from Stevenson Ranch, California, who trained each one at a different age. "But it's so easy to get hung up and worried that your child's a certain age and not there yet, which adds so much pressure and turns it into a battle." Once you're convinced your kid's ready to ditch the diapers (watch for signs like showing an interest in the bathroom, telling you when she has to go, or wanting to be changed promptly after pooping), try any of these tricks to make it easier.

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Comments (89)

tamorasue wrote:

I have a question. . . My 4-year-old has been trained for nearly a year. But now he is pooping in his pants again. I'm at my wits end with him. Being nice and understanding doesn't help. Screaming doesn't help (sorry ~ told you ~ at my wits end). Nothing seems to work. What can I do about this? This is my 4th kid and I've never had this problem before. I don't think it's anything medical. Honestly, I think he's just being lazy.

12/29/2011 05:39:27 PM Report Abuse

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12/27/2011 10:40:57 AM Report Abuse

junepartridge wrote:

I think we've incorporated just about every one of these tips! :) Stickers worked for a little while, lots of praise and celebration definitely work, we spend a little time colouring while sitting for #2. My mother-in-law started a race to the bathroom where she'll say "I'm going to beat you there and go first!" and my daughter seems to love the challenge! She's excited to say "I beat you!"

11/4/2011 10:17:11 AM Report Abuse

thebusymombouti wrote:

The Little Looster was super helpful for us with both girls: http://www.busymomboutique.com/Little-Looster-Potty-Step-Stool_p_51.html

8/13/2011 12:48:30 AM Report Abuse

candicebobst wrote:

My son is 26months old and he likes to stand in front of the potty or even sit down but he almost thinks it is a game and never really does anything. We have had a couple little drops but that is about it. Should I not worry too much about this?

7/18/2011 07:02:23 AM Report Abuse