How to Potty Train a Girl – Our Top Tips
Potty training is a big milestone in your little one’s development– but of course, it’s not always the smoothest of journeys. We’re here to provide you with everything you need to know about potty training your little girl, from what age to start to potty training tips and how to make it an enjoyable and easy experience for you and your daughter.
What Age to Start Potty Training Girls
If you’re wondering when to potty train girls, most children are ready for potty training between 18 and 30 months. During this time, you may notice signs of independence and readiness to use the potty. However, it’s important to remember that every child is different; some may be ready earlier or later than this range. If your child takes a little longer to start, there’s no need to worry. Being patient and not rushing the process is essential. That said, delaying potty training too long may make the process more challenging. Starting gradually from an early age can help make this transition smoother.
Here are a few things to look for that may indicate your little girl is ready to start potty training:
They’re able to sit on a potty and are able to get on and off it
Stays dry for at least two hours during the day
Shows interest in using the potty or wearing underwear
Fidgets or goes somewhere quiet when they need a wee
Communicates when they need to go or recognises when they are wet or soiled.
Start potty training when your child feels comfortable and shows interest, avoiding times of major change, like moving house or starting nursery. Patience and consistency are key to success.
Tip Remember to follow your little girl’s lead when it comes to potty training. Notice her signs of readiness and make the potty training process a gradual learning experience. With time, patience and a little creativity, you’ll make achieving this milestone a much easier process for you and your daughter. |
How to Start Potty Training a Girl: Step-by-Step
If you’re wondering about the best ways to potty train a girl, starting gradually and getting them used to the idea of using a potty is generally a good idea. Regardless of when or how you decide to train your little girl, remember to stay positive, patient and consistent.
Here are a few steps to help you begin potty training a girl:
Readiness and Leading by Example
The first step in potty training your girl is recognising when she’s ready. If she begins to show you when her nappy is dirty or shows interest in using the bathroom, it may be time to start potty training. You can get her ready for the potty-training process by letting her observe you using the bathroom. Children frequently learn by watching and copying others! This provides an opportunity to teach her how it works and to demonstrate proper bathroom etiquette, such as washing her hands and flushing the toilet after use.
Another effective way to build her awareness is to use her favourite toys, like a teddy bear, to role-play using the potty. Additionally, consider introducing potty training through books and stories. The more enthusiastic she is about the potty, the easier the process will be.
Make the Next Steps
If your little girl can follow instructions and shows continued interest in using the potty, you can take the next step forward. You could allow her to choose the colour and design of the potty, making her feel included in the process and more eager to use it. You could also let her pick out ‘big girl’ underwear featuring her favourite colours or characters. If she has a favourite toy, consider getting a small potty for that toy as well, so your girl can feel more confident about using hers.
Routine and Structure
To potty train your daugther, it’s important to go at her pace. Keep the potty within easy reach and encourage her to use it whenever she needs to go. If she has an accident, just clean it up without making a big fuss. This way, she won’t feel anxious or worried about using the potty.
You can encourage your little one by allowing her to sit on the potty with her clothes on. This will help her feel more comfortable with the potty and increase the chances of using it when she needs to go. If she usually urinates or has a poo at certain times of the day, such as after a meal or before a nap, let her sit on the potty during those times and encourage her to use it. Remember to be patient and supportive throughout the process.
Go with the Flow
You’ll be able to figure out the best way to potty train your girl by going with the flow and following her lead. Start by keeping her in loose clothing that’s easy to take off to make potty training easier. You could also try out some ‘big girl’ underwear and no nappies. Remember to keep an eye on her and watch out for signs that she may need to use the bathroom (squirming, swaying and clutching her legs are often telltale signs). Act as soon as you notice that she needs to go and encourage her to let you know the next time. Openly communicating will make the process easier for you and her.
You could consider introducing her to nappy pants, also known as training pants, as a way to help her transition to using the potty.
Pampers has a range of nappy pants to help your little one on their potty-training journey. Try Pampers Premium Protection with super soft and stretchy materials that flex to your baby’s shape, helping to prevent gaps and leaks while providing superior comfort. They’re also easy to pull on and easy to take off, making them great for active babies and potty training. Or try Pampers Harmonie Pants for gentle skin protection and an all-around 360° fit for comfort and easy changing.
Make it Fun!
One of the best ways to keep your daughter engaged during potty training is to make it enjoyable for her. You can incorporate games and songs to teach her about hygiene. Allowing her to choose her own hand towel and soap can also help build excitement and eagerness to use the bathroom. Remember to emphasise the importance of wiping from front to back and disposing of toilet paper in the correct place.
When your little one uses the potty, offer her words of encouragement to support her progress and keep her motivated. Consider providing small rewards as incentives, such as stickers or her favourite snacks. You might also find it helpful to use one of our adorable potty-training charts.
Take the Potty with You
Consistency is key, so take your potty with you if you go out. This will help your little girl understand that she has to use the potty whenever she needs to go.
Potty Training Tips for Girls
If you’re looking for potty training tips you can see more in our dedicated article, or check out a few tips and tricks below for potty training a girl:
Choose a good time. Potty training your little girl requires consistency, so avoid starting during times of significant change, such as moving.
Promote positive talk. Normalise using the potty and toilet and choose positive language when referring to their bodily fluids or body parts. Let them know that everyone pees and poos and this is a normal part of life. Offer praise throughout their potty training and encourage their participation.
Expect mistakes. Potty training a girl can be challenging, and it’s normal for her to make mistakes. Remember, it’s all part of the learning process. Stay calm, clean up and encourage her to try again. Your patience and understanding will go a long way in making her feel comfortable and confident.
Ask for help. Potty training can be a challenging process, but you don’t have to face it alone. Don’t hesitate to seek support. Your child’s nursery teachers or childminder can be a valuable resource, and other parents who have gone through this experience can offer helpful tips.
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train a Girl
Potty training a girl doesn't have a set timeline, as the duration can vary significantly from one child to another. Some girls may be more physically and cognitively prepared for potty training than others, which can lead to quicker learning.
It may be helpful to note that most children can stay dry during the day by the age of 4; however, staying dry throughout the night might take a little longer.
The Bottom Line
Potty training your little girl is an exciting milestone that requires time and patience. Only begin the process when your daughter seems ready for this big step – which happens on average between 18 to 24 months or at the age of 3 years old. With positive reinforcement and a little creativity, your daughter will likely get the hang of potty training in a few months. Don’t worry if she’s having a hard time with potty training, she might just not be ready and it’s perfectly fine to try again another time.
How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.
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