What Potty Training Prep Actually Looks Like (And Why It’s Easier Than You Think)
Lots of toddler parents hear the phrase “prep phase” and wonder:
What does that even mean?
Do I need a checklist?
Do we have to sit on the potty already?
Is this going to take forever?
The good news? The prep phase isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing things with intention.
It’s about helping your toddler feel safe, capable, and curious before you ask them to try something new.
You don’t need to overhaul your day to prep. It can be as simple as:
Narrating diaper changes in a new way (“You peed — I can feel it’s warm. One day soon, you’ll pee in the potty instead!”)
Letting them flush after you go
Leaving a potty book out where they can flip through it during quiet time
Getting used to the bathroom as a relaxed, familiar space — not somewhere new and serious
Prep isn’t about perfectly teaching them everything before you start.
It’s about gently opening the door so when it’s time, the potty doesn’t feel like a brand new, confusing world.
If you’re wondering when to start prepping, or how to actually weave it into your daily routine without turning it into a big production — that’s exactly what I walk you through in my potty training guide.
It’s all laid out step-by-step, so you can feel confident knowing you’re setting your toddler up for success before day one even begins.
✨ Click here to grab the guide and get your prep started today.