The Power of Potty Toys: A Simple Hack for Potty Training Success
Potty training can be one of the most stressful milestones for parents. Maybe your toddler refuses to sit on the potty. Maybe they last 10 seconds before jumping off. Or maybe they scream and cry the second you say, “time to use the potty.”
Sound familiar? These are some of the most common potty training struggles parents face.
The good news? There’s a simple solution I use with families all the time: potty toys!
What Are Potty Toys?
Potty toys are a small set of relaxing, low-stimulation toys that are only available in the bathroom. They stay in a box near the potty and come out only during potty time.
These toys aren’t your child’s favorite action figures or the most exciting new gadget. Instead, think simple:
Books
Squishy toys
Spinners
Sensory toys
The goal isn’t to hype your child up or distract them - it’s to keep them calm, engaged, and comfortable long enough for their body to relax and use the potty.
How Potty Toys Help With Potty Training
Potty toys are powerful because they solve several common potty training problems:
Refusal to go to the bathroom: Instead of saying, “It’s time for a potty break,” try saying, “It’s time for potty toys!” The focus shifts from the potty itself to something fun.
Not sitting long enough: Many toddlers hop right off after they get on the potty. Potty toys encourage them to stay seated for 3–5 minutes, giving their body time to relax and making peeing or pooping more likely.
Reward without food or candy: If you don’t want to rely on snacks or prizes, potty toys can act as a natural reward. Kids know that if they sit and try, they get access to the special toys.
How to Use Potty Toys Step-by-Step
Create a potty toy box. Keep it small, simple, and only in the bathroom.
Set the rule: Potty toys are for potty time only.
Transition with potty toys: Instead of announcing potty time, say “Let’s go play with the potty toys!”
Sit and play: Once your child is seated, offer the toys for 3–5 minutes.
Celebrate success: After they try or go, praise them and put the toys away until next time.
Why I Recommend Potty Toys
I bring potty toys to every in-person potty training session I do with families, and I can tell you they’re always a huge hit. Kids relax, parents stress less, and potty training becomes smoother.
If your child is stuck in the pull-up stage, refuses to sit, or gets up too quickly, this trick can make all the difference.
My Favorite Potty Toys
Here are a few of my go-to potty toys that work well for toddlers (affiliate links included):
Final Thoughts
Potty training doesn’t have to be a battle. Sometimes all it takes is the right tool to shift the experience from stressful to successful. Potty toys are a simple, affordable, and highly effective way to keep kids calm, help them stay seated, and create positive potty training routines.
Try them with your toddler and see the difference!