The best way to potty train a boy is to wait until he’s ready. It might sound obvious, but if potty training is pushed too soon, it could cause distress and take much longer.
There isn’t a ‘right’ age to start potty training a boy; those with older siblings might be ready at 18 months, whilst others could be closer to four. Look out for signs he’s ready to potty train, such as an interest in the toilet or pulling his trousers up and down.
On average, it takes boys longer to potty train than girls, so it’s important to be patient and pick a stable time in their life. If he’s just started a new nursery, moved to a new house or has a new brother or sister for example, it may be better to wait until things have stabilised before starting to potty train.
Before beginning to potty train a boy, it’s important you’re equipped with everything you need, including:
Children learn by imitation, so let him watch an older male they are close to when they use the loo; like his dad or brother. To toilet train a boy, it’s important he understands the difference between how men and women use the toilet. Just remember you will need to help him aim, that bit improves over time!
When starting to potty train your toddler, don’t wait for him to tell you he needs to go to the toilet. Instead, take him to the potty every hour or two and encourage him to go.
Keep an eye out for signs he needs to go, including clutching, wriggling or hopping.
Huggies® Pull-Ups® training pants for boys are designed specifically for toilet training and encouraging him out of nappies and nappy pants. The product’s Disney© design makes them look like a Big Kid pant and feel fun to wear, as well as feeling like a step forward toward the end goal of wearing real underwear.
Allowing your little boy to choose his own pants can be a great motivator – many will want to keep their favourite characters dry!
If potty training is going well with the help of Huggies® Pull-Ups®, you can start to think about arranging a special shopping trip with your Big Kid especially for him to pick out his own new, real underwear. Explain this is a 'grown up' thing to do in order to help them feel motivated and excited to take the next step. Involving children in choosing their own design enables them and empowers them to move forward.
When your child has an accident during the potty training journey, understanding that this is a crucial part of learning wet from dry, is helpful. Learning through experience is the most beneficial way. You can even show him where the potty is after the accident to reinforce the process and to reassure him. We know it can often be tiring but remember, it is a learning curve and we're here to help.
Below are some handy tips for potty training your boy and promoting those easier times:
Before beginning potty training, ensure everyone involved in his childcare is on board including childminders, grandparents and those at nursery. This ensures everyone involved remains calm and patient and your boy learns by one, consistent method.
Consistency is also key when potty training at night. It can be confusing to take him out of nappies in the day and put him back in them at night. With Huggies® Pull-Ups® for boys available in both day and night variants, consistency is achieved easily as your boy takes that step forward to becoming a Big Kid.
There is no quick way to potty train but tips, tricks and knowledge from those who have experienced it definitely helps. Whether it’s real-life stories from parents or advice from our potty training experts, we’ve got your back.
To craft your personal route to toilet success, check out our other tips and tricks to support you and your Big Kid along your potty training journey.
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