How to Use Dolls to Potty Train a Toddler

Potty training your toddler can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Making sure your child is ready before you begin will save disappointment and frustration. Using dolls during the training makes the process easier for your little one to understand. A doll with a hole in its mouth so it can drink and wet provides the extra motivation needed to ensure success for you and your child.

Things You'll Need

  • Doll that drinks and wets
  • Potty seat
  • Lots of liquids
  • Stickers
  • Small treats

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your child is ready for training before you begin. Signs of readiness include being able to verbalize some form of, "I've got to go," so she can communicate her needs to you. If your toddler expresses some awareness of when she has to make, or has already made, she's probably ready. The Mayo Clinic website advises waiting until your toddler stays dry for several hours during the day and is able to pull her pants down and back up by herself. Demonstrate how the doll takes a drink and then sits on the potty to make, so your child can start to understand the connection.

    • 2

      Introduce the idea of the doll removing her underwear and sitting on the potty, so your little one can become familiar with the procedure.

    • 3

      Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids, so she'll want to go and you'll have more opportunity to practice. Give the doll lots of drinks as well. Kids love to copy their dolls, so this will help encourage their fluid intake.

    • 4

      Develop a routine. The Pampers.com website suggests the same sequence each time your child needs the potty. Mimic the routine with a dolly. For example, keeping the potty in the same location and teaching how to wipe and wash hands after each attempt establish the procedure.

    • 5

      Celebrate the doll's success when she tinkles in her potty. Make a big deal about it. Sing and dance. Give the doll a treat. You want your child to see how excited and happy you are with this success so your toddler will be encouraged to do the same.

    • 6

      Point out that the doll is now waiting to watch your child's turn on the potty so she can celebrate her success.

    • 7

      Give lots of praise and positive reinforcement when your child makes in the potty. Consider making a chart with stickers that can be accumulated to earn other treats. Don't express displeasure or frustration when the inevitable accidents occur. Let the doll have accidents too, so your toddler learns that changing wet underwear for dry ones is not so bad.

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