Potty Training Tips for Nannies

Potty Training Tips for Nannies

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Are you a nanny who has been enlisted to help families potty train? Or, maybe you’re a family looking to figure out what is appropriate to ask a nanny to help with potty training? You’re in the right place. The Potty School helps all kinds of families and caregivers learn to potty train the children in their care, and we’d love to share some tips with you!

Here are ten tips to help you navigate the world of potty training like a pro.

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1. Partner Up with Parents: Create a Potty Plan

Before introducing the potty transition, the first step is to get on the same page as the parents. Every child is unique, and every family has their distinct routines. Having an open conversation about their preferred methods, timing, and any special considerations is the best way to start the journey. A clear plan means everyone is working together, which makes the whole process smoother for the little one.

For expert guidance, suggest a consultation with a potty training specialist who can help create a personalized plan. If the family is watching their budget, consider recommending that they take a free potty training preferences quiz to figure out the best approach for their child.

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2. Gear Up! Gather those Potty Training Essentials

Having the right tools can make a world of difference. Check-out or list of potty training supplies! Work with the family to make sure these key items are ready to go:

• A potty that fits: This could be a child-sized potty or a potty seat that fits on an adult-sized toilet. Suggest a built-in potty seat – they're super convenient and hygienic! Just make sure they get the right one to fit the toilet shape: round or elongated.
• Training pants: These are must-haves for those in-between moments. Options can be reusable pants that can be washed in the washing machine, or something as simple as disposable ones.
• Easy-on, easy-off clothes: No complicated buttons or zippers! Suggest shorts, skirts, dresses, or even no pants. Parents can also let their kids wear old shirts to use as a cover-up while at home, and can use this method to avoid washing tons of tiny clothes. 
• Cleaning supplies: Let's be real, accidents happen. Every nanny has a story (or two!) about a potty training mishap. Stock up on wipes, disinfectant spray, and extra towels. Parents have even used bidets to help with easier clean up on the child and their soiled clothes.
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Need more ideas? Check out this helpful blog on potty training supplies!

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3. Diligence is the Foundation

Potty training often requires extra patience and attention, especially at the beginning. Prepare yourself for a long road and set yourself up for success. Get ready by:

• Setting the stage for potty training success: Keep potty training aids and tools within easy reach to make potty time feel fun, rather than a chore. By sparking the little one’s interest and curiosity, you can turn the training process into an enjoyable adventure together!
• Becoming a potty detective: Observe and learn the child's cues and bathroom patterns. Timing and cues are the keys to training their bodies on a good schedule!
• Supporting the family: Help the parents brainstorm good potty routines, if needed. Express your support and intention to continue the plan as the parents would while you have the child. 

Being proactive and reliable shows your dedication and reinforces your value as a childcare professional.

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4. Nighttime Training: The Biggest Step of Them All

While some parents separate nighttime and daytime potty training, tackling it together can be super effective for a lot of kids. If the family and you decide that your help with nighttime training would be something you all are comfortable with, work out a schedule with the family to ensure everyone is getting the rest they need.

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This one is a big step and may require you asking the family to working extra hours, or to enlist one of our potty training consultant's help.

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5. Clear the Path to Potty Success!

When it comes to nighttime potty training, easy access to the bathroom helps sleepy kiddos! Help the family keep a clear path to the bathroom, free from obstructions and distractions that might hurt or fully wake the child. For nighttime potty training, suggest adding nightlights along the way – it helps with visibility to prevent sleepy accidents.

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6. Plan B: When Nature Calls and the Bathroom's Busy

What happens if the bathroom is occupied when the child needs to go? Suggest keeping a portable potty in a handy spot, like the playroom or bedroom, for emergencies, if needed. This gives the child a convenient option and prevents any stressful situations.

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7. Consistency is Key: Stay on Track Together

Consistency is the meat and potatoes of successful potty training. Your role is to stick to the agreed-upon plan and use the same language, cues, and rewards as the parents. For example:

• Use consistent phrases: "Let's go potty" or "Time for a bathroom break!"
• Reward successes: You can use stickers, praise, small treats or something as simple as a high five.

Maintaining consistency helps the little one feel confident in the routine and learn faster!

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8. Patience and Positivity: Your Potty Training Superpowers

Remember, potty training is a long journey, and accidents are bound to happen. Celebrate those small victories, like when the child successfully sits on the potty, even if they don't "go." When accidents do happen, stay calm and reassuring. Avoid showing frustration – instead, let the child know that mistakes are a normal part of learning. These things will bring success in your adventure to the toilet with them. 

Create a positive and supportive atmosphere by:

• Using an encouraging tone: Even if an accident happens, keeping a calm and positive tone keeps the child from becoming wary.
• Offering praise and affirmations: "You're doing such a great job!"
• Staying straightforward during accidents: “Oops! Pee pee is on the floor. Let’s go to the potty and put the pee where it belongs.”
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9. Hydration and Diet: From Belly to Potty Time

Keeping an eye on the child's fluid and food intake can help you anticipate bathroom breaks. Encourage the family to:

• Provide balanced meals: Plenty of fiber helps with regular bowel movements. This helps predict potty times easier. 
• Limit sugary drinks: These can increase the amount of times that the little one needs to pee, and therefore will throw off predictability. 
• Keep track of water intake: Suggest increasing the child's water intake. Drinking more will make them go more often, and give them more opportunity to train. 

You can also keep a log of the child's bathroom habits to spot patterns and adjust the potty training schedule as needed. Often, kids will go at similar times throughout the day, according to their average schedules. 
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10. Flexibility is Your Friend: Adapt and Adjust

Every child experiences new things differently, and their potty training journey will be as individual as they are. Be ready to adapt the plan as needed. For example, if the child resists sitting on the potty, try making it more fun with books, songs, games, or toys.

Keep the lines of communication open with the parents. Discuss progress, share observations, and be willing to adjust the strategy together if something is not going right. Sometimes more brains make the best ideas!
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Bonus Tip: Celebrate Success!

Potty training is a team effort, and celebrating milestones makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Create a visual method for the child to see and celebrate with you! Share updates with the family so they can celebrate the child's achievements too.
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Ready to become a potty training pro? Check out these resources:

• Get help from a potty training specialist!
• Get stocked up for this big adventure!
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With preparation, patience, and a collaborative approach, potty training can be a positive experience for the family and yourself!. By following these tips, you'll not only help the child achieve an important milestone but also show off your skills as a truly dedicated nanny.