Potty Training
Put your big girl pants on because we’re taking on potty training! If you’re thinking about potty training your child, there are so many books that can help!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The classic, Once Upon a Potty, is simple, straight-forward, and available in gender-specific versions.
Diapers Are Not Forever is also a simple, clear, book that’s great for toddlers, 2-year-olds or any child getting ready to start. It’s also available in Spanish!
What’s a Potty For? and What is Poop?- These fun and informative lift-the-flap books answer all potty-related questions for you. The engaging flaps and illustrations are perfect for toddlers and 2’s, who love to touch and explore. Try reading these books with your child while he/she sits on the potty, they might just keep him/her busy long enough for a little tinkle to come out.
Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty- a clever and silly twist on the classic Goldilocks and the Three Bears story. Goldi is tired of wearing her wet, soggy diaper. She knows she has to find underwear that’s not too big, too small, or too frilly and a potty that’s just right. Will she ever find it?
Butts Are Everywhere - Get your potty plan on track with this hilarious tale about tushies. This story will have you and your little reader giggling, as you explore all of the different names for the derriere. It might be just the ticket to getting your little one interested in putting her booty on the bowl.
Funny books like Even Firefighters Go To the Potty, Vegetables in Underwear, Polar Bear’s Underwear The Underwear Book, Toot, Potty! and No One Likes a Fart will leave you and your little one laughing. These are great books to keep on hand, because a little laugh can sometimes help spark interest. You can also read them while your child is sitting on the potty, which might help them sit a bit longer.
I Really Need to Pee - Uh oh! What happens when little Bush Baby REALLY has to go pee? He’s waited too long and really really has to go. Will he make it through the jungle to the bathroom in time? A fun rhyming book for little readers who wait just a bit too long.
Animals in Underwear ABC - Todd Parr’s books are my absolute favorite, so I was excited to find The Underwear Book at the library. Come along on an ABC adventure with animals in their underpants! Who knows, it might inspire your little one to try on some undies of their own!
The Butt Book - a fun and silly rhyming book about all things tushy-related? Yes, please! My kids absolutely loved learning all of the different words for their behinds. Plus it made a great primer in the days leading up to my son’s first week of potty training.
Using a book starring your child’s favorite characters may also inspire them. These typically aren’t my favorite kinds of books, but sometimes you gotta pull out the “big guns.” Try one from Elmo, Dora, Daniel Tiger, Thomas The Tank Engine or Paw Patrol.
Regressions
Many children experience a period of regression when potty training. One day they’re having success, the next, they’re back to having accidents. This often happens at the same time as a major life change, or a period of stress, such as the birth of a new sibling, starting a new school or class, loss of a loved one, big change in routine, etc. Check out the titles below, and speak to your child’s pediatrician, teacher and/or caregiver if a period of regression persists, they may have some good suggestions.
We Toot: A Feminist Fable About Farting- is a hysterical rhyming book about the gas we all pass. My daughter and I read this book for the first time and could not stop laughing! Your little reader will enjoy the fun story and you’ll love the body-positive messages. This title topples the stereotype that girls don’t fart, and challenges girls to be proud of their bodies.
In Potty Animals you’ll meet some animals who need help remembering to flush, wipe, not wait too long, and use the bathroom before going out. This is a great book to help your experienced child get back into the big kid potty rhythm.
Where Is My Butt? and Almost Everybody Farts are so silly, your child may forget to put up a fight! Sometimes all you need to get back on track is the distraction of a laugh or too.
The Potty Watch - you’re ace in the hole! It’s a great tool to have on hand. It’s just a timer that you set to ring every 30, 60 or 90 minutes. When the timer goes off, the watch flashes lights and plays a song as a reminder that it’s time to go. Little ones enjoy wearing a “big kid watch,” and parents find relief in not having to be the one to say “it’s potty time.” Available in blue, green and pink!
Pee-Pee Pads - I know this seems strange, but hear me out! I used these extra absorbent pads when potty training my daughter. I put them in her carseat, so I wouldn’t have to wash the entire carseat after every accident. I kept a bunch in the car to have when we were out and about. I covered the couch with them. It may seem silly, but it’ll save you a ton of cleaning and a lot of stress.
Quick Tips:
Speak to your child’s pediatrician, teacher or caregiver before you start. Take their input into account when considering if your child is ready or not.
Potty training takes TIME & PATIENCE. When you’re ready to start, choose a time when you and your child can stay home and do not have any major commitments. School vacations are a great time! The busy holiday season, or the time before a major event are NOT.
Reading potty books before you start is helpful, this allows your child to ask questions and get used to the idea in advance.
Help your child make connections between the book and him/herself. You can do this by reading the potty books while your child sits on the potty.
While reading, take your time, answer any questions that come up and acknowledge how he/she is feeling.
Re-read your favorites as often as you need!
Did these books help?
Need more titles?
Did you find books that were better?
Which books are your favorites?
Leave a comment below or send me an e-mail at bigbooksforlittlehands@gmail.com
