Girls tend to be easier when it comes to potty training, compared to boys. While every child has their own personality, girls tend to want to please more than boys and that makes it easier to incentivize them. But that isn’t to say that potty training girls is always easy.
Many of the basics for potty training a girl will be the same as with a boy. The main difference is that you don’t have to transition a girl into standing once she masters the sitting mode. Understanding your child’s natural tendencies is the first step in potty training. You want to take their lead on things.
“There are very few things kids must be in control of. Their bodies are one of them," child and relationship expert Dr. Fran Walfish explained to Mom.com. "If your child gets the idea that you are too invested in them becoming toilet trained, they will use it against you. The toddler phase of development is crucial for young girls (and boys) to claim themselves as separate beings from Mommy and Daddy.”
Here are our best tips on potty training girls.
When to start potty training girls
Out-of-the-box tips on potty training girls
Even when girls are ready, there may be times when it isn’t easy to potty train them. You’ll want to have some tricks up your sleeve to help make the process easier for everyone.
9. Quit cold turkey
Registered nurse Molaka Reese told Mom.com that, “going bottomless for a few weeks to start — no underpants,” is her recommendation. This takes the safety net of diapers away. Remember that diapers and pull-ups wick away moisture and without them, your child will feel the wetness. When at home it can help to go with no pants, but while out just do away with anything under their shorts or pants.
10. Help them own the process
Jill Caratan explained to Mom.com that when kids are part of the process, they own it and feel like they need to succeed at it. “Make sure your girl is involved in choosing the training potty," she suggested. "If they’re part of the decision process, they’re part owners and feel more commitment to it.” It can also add the excitement of growing up.
11. Make it normal
Jen Al-Notman told Mom.com that making it no big deal is important in her house. Her daughter is a year old, and has been potty trained since she was around seven months old. “Do it in a routine or after a certain event. For example, we put her on the potty when she wakes up and she uses it every time," Al-Notman said. "We are casual with it. I see parents who put a lot of pressure on their kids to use the potty. For her its normalized and we try to not make a big fuss of it.”
