How to Potty Train with Underwear

There are many different ways to potty train a toddler. Some parents switch to pull-ups to get their child used to pulling down underwear, while still protecting the house from accidents. Others allow their children to run around without anything on, so that they don't have an accident while trying to get their pants down. Putting a child directly into underwear from diapers has its advantages, also, as the child knows exactly what is expected of them from day one.

Things You'll Need

  • Underwear
  • Potty

Instructions

  1. Before Starting

    • 1

      Take your child to the store and allow them to pick out whatever underwear they like. Pick up several packages, as they will go through it quickly, especially in the first few weeks.

    • 2

      Show the new underwear to everyone in the family. Get the child excited to use the underwear.

    • 3

      Allow the child to watch you use the potty, so that they know what is expected of them. Allow boys to watch Daddy and girls to watch Mommy.

    • 4

      Read books about potty training. Excellent books can be found at the library, or you can purchase them from a bookstore or online. Some good ones include "When You've Got to Go" by Janelle and Mitchell Kriegman, "Uh Oh! Gotta Go!" by Bob McGrath and "Once Upon a Potty" by Alona Frankel.

    • 5

      Pick the day that you are going to start. Make sure it is during a week that you can devote to staying home, for the most part. Children need consistency, especially when starting something new.

    Beginning with the Potty

    • 6

      First thing in the morning, take your child's night-time diaper off and take them to the potty. Put a pair of underwear on them and explain the plan for the day--that he is going to use the potty and be a big boy today.

    • 7

      Set a timer for 30 minutes. When the timer goes off, take the child to the bathroom. Encourage her to use the potty, and wait about five minutes. If the child doesn't go, set the timer for another 30 minutes, and repeat. If the child does go to the potty, set the timer for an hour before checking back with them.

    • 8

      Encourage the child each time they successfully use the potty. You can use rewards if you like, such as a sticker chart or a piece of candy for each success.

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