This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Pampers, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
"I know Kendrick Lamar has rightfully earned the title of “biggest hater,” but I feel like my experience with potty training at least earns me second place. (Unfortunately, my personal beef with the potty isn’t epic enough to win five Grammys.) At the very least, I can provide advice and my preferred potty training products that are actually worth it if you also have a strong-willed toddler with a potty aversion.
I’ve potty trained kids with very different personalities, resulting in unique experiences. It took two separate tries with my son, but it clicked after a couple of weeks during the second attempt. However, he fought it every step of the way, mostly because he’s never been a big fan of change. What worked best for him were incentives for sitting on the potty, like stickers or small treats, to make it more fun and less “world-ending.”
My daughter took much longer. We decided to try the gradual method, so we introduced training pants first before underwear. To get her invested in the whole endeavor, we used Easy Ups Training Pants with the Bluey design (big fans over here). We role-played with the potty and her dolls, too. The goal was to make it as exciting as possible so she wouldn’t resist like her brother. It took her about five months to fully make the connection, but it wasn’t as hectic or messy as the first experience (I thank the Easy Ups for that). And now that we’re finally on the other side, these are the potty training products I can confidently recommend:
Potty Training Products I Actually Used
Pampers
Since we did the gradual potty training method with my daughter, she used training undies for the first few months to help her practice pushing and pulling them down independently without the risk of accidents. I’ve used quite a few different brands for training undies, but Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants are stretchier, softer, and more absorbent than the others. Both of my kids also use Easy Ups at night and have never experienced any leaks. I always order them online for delivery because running to the store with two kids is not my idea of a fun time.
Available in sizes 2T-3T to 5T-6T.
Pampers
I prefer wipes to toilet paper those first few months of potty training because they’re better at cleaning every nook and cranny. These are gentle but grip the mess really well, so little hands learning how to wipe have a better chance of getting a good clean. The packaging for the Free & Gentle Wipes has a convenient release feature so only one wipe comes out (rather than 50 at a time like other wipe packs).
Frida Baby
I didn’t use this potty with my kids, but if I were to do it all over again, I’d buy the Frida Baby potty. It transforms into everything you need: a floor potty, a potty training seat for the big toilet, and a step stool. Plus, the handles make it super easy to move around the house and keep nearby so they can sit down in time to go.
Nuby
This is a great solution for car rides, especially if your kid is the type to fight tooth and nail to not potty before leaving the house (speaking from experience).
Exorany
My wiggly, impatient kids needed activities to keep them entertained on the potty long enough to finish their business, so this busy board was a lifesaver.
Horizon Group USA
We continued the Bluey theme from our Easy Ups and incorporated Bluey stickers for my daughter’s potty training chart. Even though rewards didn’t work as well for her, she still loved playing with these while she sat down.
UNREAL
For the kids who do love a treat, these chocolate gems have better-for-you ingredients. They’re a great alternative to M&Ms and are so tasty that I may have snuck a few bites myself.
Little Kids
Another way I helped keep my kids seated on the potty is by letting them play with bubbles (no spill, of course). The blowing motion also relaxed them enough for successful number twos.
SYWAN
The moral of the story when potty training is to make everything as fun and kitschy as possible to get your kids’ buy-in. A silly soap dispenser guarantees handwashing without an argument.
Amazon
When we first started potty training my son, we focused on sitting down first. Once he mastered that, we tackled standing and aiming. This toilet target light projects different cartoons to help kids visualize where to aim (and minimizes cleanup).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steph Alleva Cornell, Branded Content Editor
Since becoming a young mama in 2020, Steph has found joy in creating beautiful yet relatable content surrounding the raw realities of motherhood. She believes showcasing both the wonders and struggles of being a parent helps other mothers understand that they are not alone in their journey.
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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Pampers, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only feature brands we genuinely love.