Helping Your Child Know When to Go to The Bathroom

Potty training can feel like a wild and winding adventure, full of dizzying highs and lows. One of the biggest challenges is recognizing when your kiddo needs to use the bathroom . So, how can you understand their signals that suggest that they may need to go?

• Keep An Eye on Their Body Language: Kids often give  clear signals when they need to go. You might notice them freeze, wiggle, or cross their legs like they’re doing a secret potty dance. Some might even clutch their pants or show off a little “potty two-step.” These quirky moves are their way of saying they need to go, even if they haven’t put it into words yet.
• Observe Their Facial Expressions: If you suddenly see them furrow their brow or get a serious look, it’s a sign they’re trying to hold it in. When their fun and games pause, and their focus narrows, it’s time to swoop in and steer them gently toward the bathroom.
• Use Potty Watch Notifications: These nifty gadgets buzz at regular intervals, making bathroom breaks a fun game! The watch makes each trip feel like a mini adventure, keeping your child engaged and excited. Before you know it, potty time will be something they eagerly anticipate.
• Let Them Tell You: Motivate your little one to use their words for bathroom breaks! Teach them fun phrases like “potty time” or “got to go” to signal their needs. When they use their new potty talk, make it a big deal .

The big adventure of potty training is hopefully going  to be smooth and fun for you and your child! Dive into this guide to help make this a rewarding journey, making every step of the way an exciting milestone.

• Let’s Make a Potty Party: Let your kiddo pick out their own portable potty seat and Pull-Ups® Potty Training Pants . You could also jazz up the bathroom with their favorite stickers or toys. Throw a celebration with a “Potty Party” featuring their favorite tunes and a special treat. The idea is to turn the potty into a cool, exciting tool that feels like a fun new voyage rather than just another chore.
• Set up a Consistent Routine: Plan potty breaks right after meals, naps, and before bedtime. Use a cheerful potty song or a fun, musical timer to signal when it’s time for a bathroom break.
• Show and Teach the Way: Kids pick up on things by watching, so let them see you or older siblings use the toilet. Break down the process with clear, simple steps. Make handwashing a fun part of the routine, too! This is the opportunity to reinforce all these good habits together.
• Patience Goes a Long Way: Every child’s potty journey is unique, and bumps along the way are part of the ride. When accidents happen, stay cool and supportive. Remind your little one that learning takes time, and they’re rocking it. Flexibility is key – tweak your approach to fit their needs and keep the experience positive and encouraging.

Kick-off this new journey with rewards that are exciting and motivating  to your child. Check out our free printable templates  that are bound to thrill them! Every successful bathroom visit earns them a new sticker. Once the chart’s full, they score a special prize. Watching their progress can spark motivation and turn potty training into a fun endeavor.

You might want to consider giving small rewards along the way. Whether it’s extra playtime, a yummy snack, or a new book, pick rewards that are simple but also meaningful. Surprise your child with fresh incentives to keep them engaged and eager.  Make sure they know that every potty win is celebrated, so do it with enthusiasm and praise! 

Remember, rewards are all about turning potty training into a positive adventure! Use them to highlight achievements and cheer on progress, not as bribes (as tempting as that might be). Keep it consistent and choose rewards that match your child’s interests and stage of development.

Potty training is not a standard formula that works for everyone. Each child is unique, so customizing your approach to fit their individual needs can make all the difference!

For the more independent kiddos, give them some control over the process! Let them  assist in picking out their own potty seat and training pants. Encourage them to take the lead in recognizing when they need to go, uplifting their sense of freedom and making them feel like potty pros.

Some children might need a more gradual approach. Start by casually introducing the potty with no pressure. Let them explore and sit on it with their clothes on first.  Ease them into using it with less clothing until they’re totally comfortable with the real deal.

Potty training is not easy. Here are some common challenges that you might face:

Problem	Description	Solution
Accidents Happen	Accidents can be frustrating and discouraging.	Stay calm and positive. Celebrate small victories.
Resistance to the Potty	Your child may be uncertain about using or refuse to use the potty.	Make potty time fun with stories and playful elements.
Inconsistent Progress	Progress may seem uneven, with periods of regression.	You may need to go back and redo the basics. Maintain a positive atmosphere.

Let’s begin the potty experience with Pull-Ups® Potty Training Pants for Boys  and Pull-Ups® Potty Training Pants for Girls !

Designed with your Big Kid® in mind, these training pants deliver the ultimate combination of comfort and protection. Made with soft, breathable materials, they ensure your child stays comfy all day long. The refastenable sides ensure quick changes as well as features soft and breathable materials.

Pull-Ups® feature Disney ® graphics that fade when wet, helping teach your kiddo to stay dry. They don’t want Mickey Mouse to disappear! With underwear-like fit and absorbency zones designed for boys and girls, you can count on up to 100% leak-free protection.

Don’t know which training pants are right for your child? Take the Pull-Ups product finder quiz  to find out!

POTTY TIME IS FUN TIME WITH PULL-UPS®