7 holiday potty training tips

As parents, potty training in summer might feel like the obvious choice. But there’s a lot to be said for holiday potty training, meaning that there’s no need to wait for warmer weather when you think your toddler might be ready.

In winter, not only is it easier to stay indoors, but there’s less to miss out on when hibernating yourself for a week of potty training.

During the colder months, potty training can be used as a wonderful opportunity to live on the living room rug, play board games, unplug and just spend lots of time together.

Here are our best holiday potty training tips.

1. Warm clothes

One of the best ways to potty train is to leave your little one naked from the bottom half, down. The same goes for potty training in the winter!

Make sure that it’s nice and warm in your house and pop a cosy jumper and socks on your semi-naked toddler. If it really is too chilly, opt for a pair of simple bottoms that are easy to remove (hello elasticated waistbands!) and that you don’t mind being the recipient of a few accidents...

2. Don’t rush things

Don’t rush into potty training if you don’t think that your toddler is ready. Wait for some of the most common clues before you get started, these include:

• Not wanting to stay in a wet nappy
• Remaining dry through naps (or maybe the night!)
• Signalling when they’ve done or are doing a wee/poop
• Being interested in yours and others’ use of the toilet/potty

If you’re not sure, purchase a potty and pop it somewhere that’s accessible for your toddler - this could be the living room, the kitchen, or a downstairs bathroom - and simply ask them if they want to do a wee on it. You might be surprised by their response!

3. Teach them potty vocab

Introduce potty and toilet vocabulary by investing in a couple of potty-related stories. Stress the most important and easiest words - such as wee wee, poo poo, and potty - so that your toddler learns how and when to use them.

If you’re not shy, you could also talk your toddler through your own use of the toilet - telling them when you need to use it, what you’re doing, and that your pants are dry.

4. Make it fun

Make the transition to the potty a fun and exciting time for your toddler. You could take them shopping to choose their very own space-themed pants, maybe you even want to let them have a say in the potty that you buy.

If you’re creative, how about a potty song that you can teach your toddler to sing every time they use the potty?

5. Encourage regular potty use

Frequently remind your toddler that the potty is available whenever they need to use it, as well as asking them regularly if they would like to.

One way to remember to do this is by asking them on the hour, after meals, and whenever you need to use the toilet yourself.

6. Don’t make a big deal about accidents

Accidents are a part of the potty training process whether you like it or not. Sure, you might have a few more clothes to throw in the wash, and potentially a little wee on the floor, but it’s all part of the journey.

Try not to make a big deal or fuss about any accidents. No fuss means that your child will not develop anxiety around needing the toilet.

7. Give praise

Celebrate your toddlers potty success - even if this is only sitting on it! Don’t reward your toddler with food, but you could use a sticker chart or verbally celebrate their efforts.

Once your toddler is potty trained you can say goodbye to nappies once and for all! It’s an exciting time, have some fun with it!