How to Potty Train a Girl

If you have both a girl and boy child, you might have already realized that potty training can differ a little between the two. If you are training your daughter right now, consider yourself lucky. Girls tend to pick up potty training habits quicker than boys. However, what doesn't change between the two is the amount of patience and positive attitude you'll have to exert.

Remember this about How to Potty Train a Girl

Just because girls tend to potty train faster than boys, doesn't mean you should start them earlier. If you start potty training any child before they're ready the process will just be longer and more drawn-out. Once you have determined that your daughter is ready to tackle potty training, use the tips below to start her off:

• Watch and learn. Toddlers learn by intimation, therefore if your daughter has seen their brother or father use the restroom standing up, they're likely to try. Explain to her how "mommies" and daughters have to sit down to use the toilet. Our expert potty training video can give you great parenting tips on the process.
• Personalize it. To make sure your daughter is comfortable, personalize her space. Bring in her favorite books and stuffed animals to the bathroom. You can also personalize her potty chair by decorating it with stickers or writing her name on it. Use her favorite stuffed animals to show her how to use the toilet. Using a printable potty chart is also a great way to make it a fun process.
• Potty placement. Place your daughter's potty in an accessible area, which is close to where she plays and spends most of her time. You can watch for signs that she has to use the bathroom, like holding her private parts, jumping up and down and swaying side to side. When you notice these signs encourage her to go into the bathroom with you.
• Correct methods. You'll need to teach your daughter the correct methods for wiping herself, which is front to back. If she wipes otherwise you need to explain to her why that's incorrect and how it could cause infections. If this proves too complicated, teach her to gently "pat" the area with toilet paper after urinating.
• Reward system. You can encourage your child to stay on the right potty training track by providing her with occasional rewards. Every time she has a successful potty day let her place stickers on the potty chart. You can also go on a shopping trip for her favorite princess "big kid" underwear.

Support Her Potty Training Efforts

Even if she experiences setbacks or doesn't seem to be getting the hang of things, continue to support her. Start dressing her in loose clothes so she can get them off easier when she has to go to the bathroom or make a log of her usual bathroom breaks. Keeping yourself aware of when she has to use the toilet will help her to remember. Just don't overdo it, pushing her too hard will only result in more diaper days.