5 Tips for Potty Training During the Hectic Holiday Season

11/28/1984 | by Jen Singer

   Ah, I remember it well. It was the middle of December, and my son was staying dry through his marathon naps, talking about the potty and asking to be changed from his wet diapers. I knew these were signs of potty training readiness, but I also knew that my calendar was filled with crazy-busy holiday preparations, parties and shopping. How could I fit in potty training? 

    Well, it’s definitely possible to start or even keep potty training already in progress on track during the holiday season. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Pencil-in potty training. You're going to need to put potty training on your calendar, because it'll be too easy to skip it while you're, say, in the middle of cooking your holiday dinner or decorating the house. Set an alarm, perhaps on your phone with the new iGoPotty iPhone app from Pull-Ups®. Make sure you take your child to the bathroom whenever the alarm rings so you're consistent in your potty training, even when your schedule is filled with holiday prep.
2. Map out the potties. When I was potty training my son that December, I called ahead to a store to make sure their toilets were kid accessible. If you're taking your tot along to shop for the holidays, know where the potties are along your route. Also, pack up the potty ring, wipes and rewards so you can potty train on the road the same way you train at home.
3. Enlist help and understanding. Make sure that anyone who's helping you wrangle the kids during the holiday season helps you follow your potty training plan. That means stopping by the potty as soon as you arrive at a relative's house, no matter how much Grandma wants to smother the grandchildren with kisses, and slipping out of religious services when your little one announces he or she has to go to the potty.
4. Involve the big guy in red. If you celebrate the holidays with Santa, make sure you use him to help you potty train. Tell your tyke that Santa is proud of him for going on the potty. Leave special rewards (I used Santa stickers), and have someone pretend to be Mr. Claus on the phone to praise your tot for potty successes. If there is another holiday figure in your family tradition, please be sure to use him or her to help potty train.
5. Shop online. Who wants to navigate the crowded mall with a toilet ring and a toddler? So, I shopped online as much as possible or called my neighborhood babysitter to watch the kids while I was gone.  It’s important to tell the babysitter the details of your potty training schedule and ask that the sitter keeps it consistent when you are not around.

If your little one gives you the gift of potty readiness this holiday season, remember to be consistent, persistent and joyous. After all, your “Happy New Year” just might become diaper-free!