Potty Training Tip: Set a Timer

on July 25, 2009 at 8:38 AM

How do I toilet train my toddler? There isn't one answer for every toddler, so each week I'll shout out a new success story or quick tip from a CafeMom.

Tip #9: Set a timer

Since one of the roadblocks of potty training is getting kids to remember when to go, some moms have used egg timers, stove timers, or even special potty training watches like the one above.

Says Christy78:

"When I trained my kids, I first set it for five minutes. Every five minutes I put them on the potty. After a week or so I did it for 10 minutes. It takes some time, but any time she went I put a sticker on her potty chart."

Fancier products, like the Potty Watch ($11), works on the same principal. It helps remind children to give the pot a shot by playing music and lighting up at 30, 60, or 90 minute intervals, as set by their mom.

Be sure to check out these groups:

Potty Training Moms Support Group

Potty Training Just for Boys!!

Potty Training Little Girls!

I'd love to post your inspiring potty training tales! PM me or leave them here. And I need potty training photos, too. Just download to your page and tag or re-tag them dailybuzz and potty.

More tips:

#1 Potty Parties

#2 Treats and TV

#3 Leftover Easter Egg Surprises

#4 Go Naked

#5 Let's Feed Mr. Toilet

#6 The Natural Approach

#7 Drive a Hard Bargain

#8 Being Wet Works

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: gear, potty training

Comments (20)

daddy-mama

on Jul 25, 2009 at 7:34 PM

I bought a book called "Potty Training Boot Camp" (looked good to me becuase my dh and I were both in the army) Using a timer was one of the things it said to do. I had my son potty trainned before two years old and in only three days. I spent like $3 on a kitchen timer though. It works just as well.

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michelle6900000

on Jul 26, 2009 at 4:17 AM

i have a 2yr.old boy that im tring to potty train and i never herad that one before,i think i will have to try that one on him and see if that will work on him,cause right now he goes when he wants to and normally i put him on before he goes to bed at night,but i will have to do that on him

MamaOf3Girls09

on Jul 26, 2009 at 11:07 AM

how often did u set the timer for? 5minutes sounds a lil nuts...email me back !

toriandgrace

on Jul 26, 2009 at 12:44 PM

I agree, MamaOf3Girls09. You'd be putting the kid of the potty chair as soon as he got off, and when would you make dinner, clean anything.. etc? I've heard of every 15 minutes for a few days (still a little ridiculous, but not as bad) and I've heard half an hour.

blogginmomma

on Jul 27, 2009 at 12:19 AM

I have that potty watch and use it while we are out to remind both of us to try to use the potty. Lately my DS has been great at telling me if he needs to go but this is a gentle reminder. It also helps because it isn't ME telling him to go, it's the watch so he can't get frustrated with me telling him to go.

prettymama0607

on Jul 27, 2009 at 1:18 AM

what a waste of money and time, when the kid is ready, the kid is ready and he'll let you know, forcing and coercion only make for set ups of stress and frustration, they won't be in diapers forever , just be patient.

MOMofTwo_99_00

on Jul 27, 2009 at 1:38 AM

I agree 100% with the last poster. When a child is ready, They will let you know. I have three. And they all were potty trained befor three and all on there own times. No one forced them. They were just ready.

Patty M

digi23

on Mar 25, 2010 at 12:32 PM

i have twins that are going to be 3 in june n i have been trying to potty train them, its been 6 days n they only went once, what should i try ,,,,,and that timer does not work tried it already

KellyluvsJoey

on Apr 16, 2010 at 3:07 PM

I think the timer is a great idea! In fact, my sister-in-law and I just created an iphone app that has an adjustable timer, stickerbook reward system, encouraging sounds bites and pictures when your little one has an accident, and the best part is that it has predictive logic! It's called Potty Predictor. Check it out! I hope it helps!