Potty Training Tips You Need for the Holiday Season

I’m a Pull-Ups Potty Training Partner, and was compensated for this post as part of my relationship with the brand…

Can you believe the holidays are almost here? The stores are already full of Thanksgiving and Christmas goodies, my Pandora station has brought back my Christmas music station, and my stress level is rising day by day – as I think about travel and events and activities and parties and, and, and…. All the million other things going on this time of year.

The holidays are amazing and magical, no matter what your age. But, no matter what your age, they can still be stressful. Especially if you’re in the potty training stage – there are so many challenges at this time of year. But here are some tips and tricks I’ve used myself, that I hope can help to make it easier for you and your family. Learn how to get ready for the holiday season of travel and fun events…

1. Clothes: Think about the outfits you put your kids in. Puffy skirts that are hard to hold up above a potty chair, or new buttons and snaps on fancy trousers for boys, or any type of new zip or snap can be confusing for kids. So keep that in mind in mind as you shop for holiday gear. The easier the better. And think about things like – extra leggings or tights for girls, or maybe a second set of pants for boys.

2. Bathrooms: Whether it’s being uncomfortable in a mini-mart restroom or with the newness of grandma’s bathroom, new places can be intimidating. Be sure to discuss this beforehand. Let littles know about things like automatic flushing, sinks that turn on like magic, and how loud it all will be.

3. Supplies: Studies show that it’s best to be consistent with kiddos – and using Pull-Ups training pants are a necessity to have on hand throughout the entire potty training process, so be sure to stash some in your bag at all times. Even once you don’t need a “diaper bag,” you usually still need a “toddler bag” to be ready for emergencies. And I mean, Pull-Ups training pants are super fun, with all of the popular Disney characters. They are amazingly absorbent. And they teach kids great lessons about pulling pants up and down, to get them ready for big kid undies later on. Total win :)

4. Schedule: Holiday travel and events can mean tight schedules. But, as you plan outings, be sure to schedule some extra time for potty breaks. Whether it’s on the road where you map in extra rest stops – or just adding some extra time into your own agenda as you prep for holiday parties at home – make sure you leave enough time to not be stressed during potty breaks. Because a stressed out momma means a stressed out kiddo.

5. Treats and Drinks: Be aware of what your little one is eating and drinking during the holiday festivities. Too much to eat, or too many treats, can lead to tummy aches – which in turn lead to them not knowing when to do to the potty. And, too many cups or punch or juice at an evening party can lead to wetting the bed, when they usually don’t. One great idea to help with this are GoodNites Bed Mats – they help protect against accidents, no matter where you are. Which makes everyone happy. And speaking of good nights – check out all of these awesome tips to help kids stay dry at night.

6. Be Consistent: This is the most important. Try to keep up with your regular routines as much as possible. If you travel, bring things like your potty chair, special blanket or teddy, and any rewards you usually use – like stickers or suckers. And a great reminder when times get busy is to use the Time to Potty App – which is seriously, my NUMBER ONE recommendation to anyone who’s potty training. It gives you a timer on your phone, which beeps to let you know when it’s time to go potty again. It helps you stay on track, despite all of the holiday distractions – and gives kids something fun to motivate them. Also be sure to check out the Big Kid Academy, which offers customized activities and advice and is another great way to stay on track!

7. Be Patient: Regression can be normal. Even kids who are almost-to-fully potty trained can have setbacks you don’t expect. The holidays  are stressful for us all, so it makes sense that little ones would feel that stress too. And stress can make kids suddenly start wetting their pants or the bed. Some ways to overcome this are to make sure you’re giving them your full attention, at least a few times a day, no matter what else is going on. Have family members that are visiting {or that you’re visiting} give them accolades and encouragement when they go potty, and maybe go back to using rewards like stickers again.

And remember too…. Breath. The holidays get hectic. Preschoolers get hectic. Combined – it can lead to a lot of stress. Don’t let that happen. Just keep up the routines you’ve had, as best as you can. Be sure to keep supplies on hand, like extra clothes and Pull-Ups. Get the app, to keep you both on track with “potty times.” And keep your sense of humor. Because accidents happen. Trust me – they’re funnier later. Like this one….

When Abby was first learning to potty train, I heard her in the bathroom one day. Came in. And she was IN the toilet. She said – “I’m on the potty train mom. When does it start going?” Followed by some chugga chugga choo-choos. :) And it’s so funny how parenting has changed – my mom would have right away picked me up out of there. But I grabbed my phone to take a picture first <3 But how to you not capture a moment like that? It’s frustrating at the time – but it I promise, all of the potty training stress will fade away before you know it, and lead to lots of funny memories.

And as you can see – kids truly do LOVE Pull-Ups :) Abby is hugging all of her favorite characters – like Doc McStuffins and Ariel, from The Little Mermaid!

I asked on Facebook what challenges other moms face with potty training during the holidays – or what tips anyone has to share. Feel free to join the conversation – I LOVE to hear from you guys!