Potty Training Tips for Cloth Diapering Parents: A Sustainable Transition
Potty training is a milestone that every parent looks forward to—and maybe even dreads a little. As a cloth diapering parent, you've already made a commitment to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle for your child. So when it's time to transition from cloth diapers to potty training, it can feel like entering a whole new world. But don't worry! With a little preparation and patience, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. We’ll talk some of my favorite products that we’ve used along the way so there will be some affiliate links throughout. Affiliate commission help sponsor this website so I can continue to share my knowledge and journey with cloth diapering and potty training, thank you for your support.
In this post, I’ll share some potty training tips specifically tailored for cloth diapering families. These strategies are designed to help you make this shift while staying true to your values of sustainability and natural parenting.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Signs of Readiness
Before diving into potty training, it's crucial to recognize when your child is ready. This is true for all parents, but especially for cloth diapering parents, who may be more attuned to their child’s cues because of the extra attention cloth diapering requires.
Signs of readiness include:
Staying dry for longer periods
Showing interest in the toilet or potty
Being able to pull pants up and down independently
Verbalizing when they need to go or expressing discomfort with a wet or soiled diaper
Cloth diapers can make these signs more apparent, as they often feel wet sooner than disposables, making children more aware of the sensation. If you feel like YOU are ready and maybe your child is not, these are just recommendations there’s no harm in trying earlier than they are ready but you may run the risk of them not liking it and being defiant later down the line. Start slow and introduce things as a fun new thing that they can learn, toddlers want to learn and try new things, use that to your advantage!
Choose the Right Potty
Selecting the right potty is an important step in the process. For cloth diapering parents. You want your little one to feel comfortable going and also associate where they can and should be going. Often times it helps to get a mini toilet that resembles the bit potty because they see you use it and want to be like you. They could find the big potty scary or intimidating so this can be a great way to introduce the concept.
The downsides to this is now you have an extra thing to clean and you need to dump the content out after each use. I really hated this but my toddler found this so fun and he was excited to take his little bowl of pee to the big potty to flush it down. It’s gross, I know but this whole blog is yucky topic to begin with so buckle up.
Another option could be an on seat adapter to make it more comfortable for your little one to sit. We’ve had great success with the Jool Baby Quick Flip toilet seat. It’s super easy to install and quick to remove for easy cleaning. My toddler was able to grasp the concept quickly and was able to use the seat right away. If you have a taller set toilet this pairs well with a Squatty Potty, it serves as dual purpose, helps you poop and them reach the toilet and helps them balance so their feet aren’t just hanging.
Timing is Everything
When it comes to the important process of potty training, timing is absolutely key. As a dedicated cloth diapering parent, you may have a significantly better sense of your child’s natural elimination schedule and routines. Begin by offering the potty during those crucial, opportune times, such as first thing in the morning after waking up, right before or after their naps, and shortly after meals. This consistent practice helps your child become familiar with the concept of using the potty on a regular basis. If you find that you need a more effective, visual approach to track this timing, you might consider incorporating the use of a Visual Timer, which can serve as a helpful tool.
Consider Using Training Pants
-
Sizes Medium & Large
PUL Outer
Bamboo Terry Inner
Sizes 2T/3T & 4T/5T
PUL Outer
Bamboo Terry Inner
Sizes XS-Large
PUL Outer
Microfiber Core
Microchamois Inner
Sizes S-XXL
PUL Outer
Bamboo Terry Inner
Sizes 2/3 & 4/5
Polyester & TPU Outer
Hemp Viscose & Cotton Inner
Sizes S-XL
-
Toddler Size (Runs Big)
PUL Outer
Bamboo Terry Core
AWJ Lining
Adjustable Rise & Side Snaps
Sizes M-XL
PUL Outer
AWJ Inner (No Absorbancy)
Adjustable Rise & Side Snaps
PUL Outer
Minky Lining
Bamboo Core
Adjustable Rise & Side Snaps
-
Cloth training pants are a great option for the in-between stage. They are more absorbent than regular underwear but still allow your child to feel wetness, encouraging them to recognize when they've had an accident. Look for ones with a waterproof outer layer for extra protection.
Since you've already been washing cloth diapers, adding cloth training pants to the laundry routine won't be a huge leap. They’re a sustainable choice that aligns with your cloth diapering journey.
Stay Consistent & Make It Fun
Consistency is crucial in potty training. Try to stick to a routine and offer plenty of opportunities for your child to use the potty. Whether at home or out, make sure your child knows where the nearest bathroom is. If you’re out and about and using cloth training pants, bring a wet bag along—just like you did with cloth diapers—for any accidents.
Potty training can be a slow and sometimes frustrating process. But just like with cloth diapering, it’s all about patience and persistence. Celebrate small victories, and don’t stress over setbacks. Remember, every child learns at their own pace.
It’s also helpful to remember that, as a cloth diapering parent, you've already handled one of the most challenging aspects of diapering—managing the extra laundry! Potty training is just another step in your sustainable parenting journey.
Finally, make potty training a fun experience for your child. Let them pick out their potty, choose fun underwear, or even decorate their potty area with stickers. Positive reinforcement and a relaxed attitude will help your child feel more comfortable and motivated.
Conclusion
Potty training is a big step, but with the right mindset and tools, it can be a smooth transition. As a cloth diapering parent, you’re already familiar with the extra work and dedication that goes into making sustainable choices for your child. Potty training is no different. With patience, consistency, and a little bit of fun, you’ll soon have a potty-trained toddler who’s ready to leave diapers behind.
Good luck, and remember—you've got this!
What are your potty training experiences as a cloth diapering parent? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!
*This post may contain affiliate links. I do earn a small commission or store credit for some referrals purchased through these links. Any opinions shared are my own, I am just disclosing my material affiliation as required by the FTC. Commissions earned help continue to sponsor this content, donation, giveaways and more. Your support is so greatly appreciated <3
Need help finding something?
Shop Now
