9 Best Potty Training Books: 2023 Guide
If you’ve ever dived into the crazy journey of potty training, you totally get that it’s a roller coaster filled with wins, hurdles, and plenty of laughs! And let’s face it, we could all use a little guidance and humor along the way. That’s why we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of the best potty training books that’ll have you and your little one excited about saying goodbye to diapers.
In this blog post, we’re gonna dig deep into grasping what your little munchkin needs to conquer potty training like a champ. We’ll also scope out the array of potty training books out there and review our top picks for 2023, including gems like Diapers Are Not Forever, which is an excellent multilingual option, and The Potty Book for Boys/Girls, known for its gentle introduction to toilet training.
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When I began potty training my daughter, I thought I had it all figured out. Instead her resistance to the toilet training process was so strong, it quickly became a constant struggle. I searched for help and stumbled upon “P is for Potty! (Sesame Street) (Lift-the-Flap),” a cute book that made a huge difference. It features beloved Sesame Street characters like Elmo, and quickly captured my daughter’s attention and curiosity.
We made it a nightly routine to read P is for Potty together. The book sneaks in potty training tips right into the story which helped my daughter relate her experiences to those of the characters. The book is also interactive, like lifting flaps to find potty surprises, which my daughter loved! Thanks to P is for Potty!, we went from non-stop tantrums to a fun learning experience and my daughter became fully potty trained. It blew my mind how much help potty training books could be!
To learn more about the most common potty training mistakes and how to prevent them, check out 9 Most Common Potty Training Mistakes You Should Avoid.
Reviewing Top Potty Training Books for 2023
Potty training is a big deal for your little one, so let’s make it easier with these awesome potty training books. Your child will be using the potty like a pro in no time!
1. Best Classic Potty Training Book: Potty by Leslie Patricelli
The Potty book is a classic. This timeless story follows a toddler’s journey through the potty training process, offering scenarios that are both funny and very familiar. It contains simple and colorful illustrations and fun phrases (“Tinkle, tinkle, toot!”) that tend to be a hit with young readers. Parents who purchased the book for their kids swear by this book and say that it makes potty training more enjoyable.
2. Best Multilingual Potty Book: Diapers Are Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick
Diapers Are Not Forever is the ultimate bilingual book that helps kids understand the whole diaper-to-toilet transition. It has an English/Spanish version with simple words and colorful pictures that make potty training a breeze.
This book is a major success with parents from all backgrounds. Reviews rave about its bilingual feature, making it accessible to Spanish-speaking families. Simple language and colorful illustrations help kids understand the transition from diapers to the potty.
3. Best Gender-Specific Potty Training Book: “The Potty Book for Girls/ The Potty Book for Boys” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
For potty training books that are specific to boys or girls, check out The Potty Book for Girls and The Potty Book for Boys. They’re tailored to the specific needs and interests of each gender, making the potty training journey relatable and engaging for young children. They also include fun stories that’ll get your son or daughter excited about using the potty.
Parents with children who were hesitant about potty training love this book. According to Amazon customers, The Potty Book For Girls and The Potty Book for Boys gently introduce the concept and turn potty training into a fun learning experience.
4. Best Potty Book for Handling Accidents: A Potty For Me by Karen Katz
A Potty For Me by Karen Katz is all about embracing accidents as part of the learning process. It encourages kids to keep trying and not give up until they master the potty.
Parents appreciate A Potty For Me tackles accidents during potty training without making kids feel bad. Check out the positive feedback on Amazon.
5. Best Humorous Potty Training Book: Duck Goes Potty by Michael Dahl
Meet Duck in Duck Goes Potty, one of the funniest potty training books for kids! And let’s face it, the potty training process can be comedic. The main character’s approach to handling the ups and downs of potty training (like making accidents) is not only relatable but also genuinely funny. Parents love how this book resonates with their reluctant little ones.
Amid all the humor, the book does offer some great potty-training insights. And the story is short and contains bright and bold illustrations that are perfect for keeping your child’s attention! If you’re searching for a no-cry potty training solution that strikes the perfect balance between lightheartedness and learning, Duck Goes Potty deserves a spot on your list.
6. Best Potty Book with Familiar Characters: P is for Potty (Sesame Street) by Naomi Kleinberg
What better way to get your child comfortable with potty training than with their favorite lovable characters?! P is for Potty features Elmo, arguably one of Sesame Street’s most popular characters. Having Elmo guide your kiddo through the potty adventure is like having a trusted friend right there with them.
My kids loved this book and it inspired them to give potty training a chance! Part of the fun in P is for Potty is the lift-a-flap feature which adds an interactive spin. It’s no wonder it’s rated so highly by parents. Elmo’s in on the action, and that makes the journey from diapers to big-kid undies even more exciting and fun!
7. Best Board Book: Potty Superhero: Get Ready For Big Boy Pants! by Parragon Books
Board books are perfect for toddlers as they’re sturdy, easy for little hands to hold, and easy to disinfect (especially if they’re reading in the bathroom). And if your toddler is into superheroes, then we’ve got the perfect board book for you! Potty Superhero: Get Ready for Big Boy Pants follows a young superhero as he gears up to say goodbye to diapers and embrace the big-kid world of underwear.
The real charm? It skillfully weaves in the “how-tos” of potty training while keeping your munchkin engaged and giggling. So, if you’re looking for a potty-training ally that’s both educational and entertaining, Potty Superhero might just be your hero in disguise!
8. Best Potty Training Books for Number Two: Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
Even kids who take to potty training easily might still have trouble pooping in the potty. Here’s a book that’s straight to the point and absolutely essential for the potty training journey – Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi.
With its simple yet oh-so-relatable illustrations, Everyone Poops helps kids understand that going number two is a completely normal part of life. Parents love that this book takes away any embarrassment or awkwardness, and instead, leaves room for curiosity and understanding. It’s like a friendly reminder that we’re all in this together, and it’s okay to talk about the things we all do.
9. Best Potty Training Books for Parents: Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki
The Oh Crap Potty Training book is seriously a lifesaver for parents venturing into the wild world of potty training! The author Jamie’s writing is like a candid heart-to-heart with your closest pal – relatable, genuine, and sprinkled with humor. According to reviews, the book’s step-by-step breakdown makes the process feel manageable, and Jamie’s knack for anticipating potential roadblocks and offering solutions is pure gold.
Trust me, whether you’re waist-deep in potty training chaos or prepping for it, this book is your savior.
Choosing the Best Potty Training Books
So how do you go about picking the perfect potty training book for your child? – There’s a gazillion options staring at you from the shelves, promising to make potty training a breeze. Below are a few things to consider for choosing the right book.
What Your Kid Needs
Before attempting to use potty training books, you should know what your child needs. Every child is different, so a strategy that works for one may not be successful for another. Some might need a more gentle approach, while others need a more detailed explanation or reassurance about accidents.
If your little one is showing signs of readiness, like being interested in the toilet or hating a wet diaper, they might benefit from a straightforward guide that explains the ins and outs of pottying. Potty by Leslie Patricelli is a great choice. With its simple yet engaging illustrations and minimal text, it’s perfect for younger children who are just starting to explore the world of using the potty.
Different Types of Potty Training Books
Now that you know what your kid needs, it’s time to explore the different types of potty training books out there. You’ve got storybooks with beloved characters going through the same journey (like Sesame Street’s P is for Potty book I used for my daughter), providing comfort and familiarity for your little one.
Then there are interactive books with lift-the-flap features or sound buttons, adding a fun twist to learning about using the toilet independently. You can think of the lift-the-flap feature in these books as a mini treasure hunt. It gets your child physically involved, improving their motor skills while adding an element of surprise to the reading experience.
Sound buttons can also make stories more engaging and help your child associate specific sounds with certain actions. Imagine your child’s excitement when they hear the sound of a flushing toilet or cheers of celebration for a job well done. A good interactive option is Daniel Tiger’s Potty Time!, which has fun sounds and catchy songs your little one can sing along to.
If you want to expose your kid to different languages while they master the art of potty training, there are even multilingual options available, including the Diapers Are Not Forever book we recommended above. Talk about killing two birds with one flush.
And of course, let’s not forget about the quality of the book itself. Board books are durable and easy to wipe down and disinfect, especially if your child tends to read them while in the bathroom.
Easy-to-Grasp Content in Books
The journey of potty training can be a real struggle for parents and kids alike. It’s important to choose books that make the concept of potty training clear to even a very young child. The best potty training books are the ones with simple words and pictures that make you go, “Oh, I get it now.”
When it comes to potty training, little ones are still learning their ABCs, so don’t confuse them with fancy words or long sentences. Stick to books with short, sweet, and repetitive phrases that drive the message home.
But it’s not just about the words; pictures matter too. Visual cues can help kids remember things better. So, choose books with captivating illustrations that make potty training look like a piece of cake.
- Captivating Illustrations: Kids love bright, colorful pictures that grab their attention. So, go for books with vibrant images that show every step of the potty training process, from feeling the urge to washing those little hands.
- Detailed Depictions: Make sure the illustrations accurately represent real-life potty situations. Kids should be able to recognize the situations depicted so that they feel comfortable and prepared for their own potty experience.
- Inclusive Characters: Let’s keep it real and diverse. Including characters of different genders and races helps kids see themselves in the story. It makes potty training feel like an adventure they can all embark on.
So, remember, when choosing a potty training book, think about your child’s level of understanding. Find something that speaks their language and makes this important milestone a little less messy.
Conclusion
Navigating the potty training journey can sometimes feel like stepping into the unknown. Think of these books like friendly guides for your children, ready to share their wisdom, tricks, and maybe even a chuckle or two along the way. Each book on our list brings its own sprinkle of magic to the table, and you have the joy of picking the one that resonates best with your child’s unique personality.
So here’s to accidents turned into achievements, to the triumphant moment when they proudly use the potty, and to the incredible growth you’ll witness right before your eyes. Happy potty training– you’ve got this!
FAQs in Relation to Best Potty Training Books
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Hi I’m Yesenia,
a working mom of two kids. I’ve experienced all of the beautiful and crazy moments of early parenthood: breastfeeding, picky eaters, toilet training, balancing work with kids, and the list continues!
I created Hard Knock Mama to help working moms navigate through their child’s early years and find a successful balance in their home, work, and life.
