How to potty train a two year old. Is it possible? Anything is possible. It is a matter of whether your toddler is ready or not.

My first two sons potty trained at a preschool age. My youngest son is a whole different story. Maybe because he has two older brothers he became interested sooner.

Pros & Cons

There are pros and cons to potty training at an earlier age. At 2 years old your child may not fully understand the whole process of learning to go on time and not wait until he can no longer hold it in. When your child is a bit older, potty training can be done in just a week or even just a few days! It all depends on your child.

Signs Your Toddler is Ready

Some signs your toddler is ready to potty train: Your toddler will want his diaper changed immediately after a wet or soiled diaper. My son started to tell me when he was wet and wasn’t all that interested in diapers anymore, which prompted me to start potty training him. I also noticed he stayed in a dry diaper longer.

Things That Help with Potty Training

Some things that helped me potty train my son was the Potty Time with Elmo book! My son would demonstrate each page of the book. The flushing and wiping the seat is his favorite LOL. It can be a while, but sitting on the toilet to read helps. He also loves, “Daniel the Tiger” potty time video. You can find the video on the PBS app or on youtube.

My son isn’t too interested in sitting on the potty unless he has to poop. My second oldest used the bathroom with him and that was a game changer. Older siblings are very helpful. If sitting doesn’t work for your son try standing. He loves going with his brothers or my husband.

Stick To a Routine

Once you start, you want to make sure you stick to a routine. The best way to start is when you don’t have much going on. Plan to be home for most of the day. If you have to go out, put a diaper on but at home, it’s training mode! Start by taking your toddler to the bathroom every 15-30 minutes. In the beginning there will be lots of accidents. But that is the way to learn! Gradually increase the time once your toddler is getting more used to the potty.

Potty Training Accessories

When you have to go, you have to go. However, there are a few things you should consider to help for a smooth transition.

Underwear

Underwear is a must. You can get fun characters on them, if that helps. Your toddler will be aware when he is wet. With a diaper, he may just sit in it a bit longer if he is distracted. I definitely bought into the training diapers in the beginning. They worked for my 2 oldest children but my youngest didn’t really care for them.

Step Stool

This one is pretty important. You want your toddler to become independent. He will need a step stool to reach the toilet and to wash his hands.

Potty Seat

You can purchase a seat for your toilet, which is what I have or a mini toilet for your toddler. There are also traveling seat covers that fold in half!

Rewards

Every child is different. Some really like getting stickers or candy. The first few days, I rewarded my son with a cookie everytime he went. But he was more excited about going than getting a reward so I dropped the reward. However, once he was going consistently I bought him Iron Man as a surprise on what a big boy he is using the potty.

Lots of Praise

Most important is lots of praise! Everytime your toddler uses the potty get super excited on what a great job he did. If he has accident, just say it’s okay and bring him to the potty. Getting upset will only frighten your toddler and he may regress for a bit.

Fully Potty Trained

My son is 98% potty trained at this point. He still isn’t night trained but that can take a while for kids. He now tells me when he has to go but sometimes tells me after the fact. But the great thing is he can wait 3 hours before going to the bathroom. We go out and run errands. I never have to worry about an accident. Part of my routine is to take him to the bathroom when I have to go. As he gets older he will learn to go on his own. He is already telling me when he needs to go!

Diapers

I still use regular diapers, as they are cheaper than training diapers and absorb a lot more for overnight and naptime. But I am already saving tons since I only use one to 2 diapers a day. Depends if my son takes a nap or not. However, he does nap in the car and wakes up dry with no diaper! Love it!

I hope these tips help you in the potty training process!

Happy Training!