Potty training rewards do not have to be sweets, and some families skip rewards altogether. If you would like to use something, praise, time together, small choices and a say in the underwear are all options that involve no sugar. Here is a list organized by type, plus a few ideas that fit in a pocket for outings.
Do you need rewards at all
Some children are motivated by the simple pride of doing something grown-up, and a smile is all they look for. Rewards are optional, and there is nothing wrong with leaving them out.
They can help when a child is hesitant and needs a reason to try. They can backfire when the child starts bargaining before every sit. A good test: if your child asks what she gets before she will try, the reward has become the point, and it is time to scale back.
Praise and attention
Your attention can be a strong reward for a toddler, and it costs nothing. The trick is to be specific, so she hears what she did right:
- You told me before you needed to go.
- You sat down and gave it a try.
- You washed your hands all by yourself.
Add a high-five, a silly dance or a short potty song if she likes the fuss. Some children find a big celebration uncomfortable, and a quiet smile and a thumbs-up suit them better. Follow her lead. A video call to a grandparent with the news can also be a treat.
Activities and time together
Some toddlers would rather have your time than a sticker. Short bursts of shared time can be earned in the same way:
- An extra book at bedtime.
- Five minutes of a game she chooses.
- Blowing bubbles or a short dance party in the kitchen.
- A trip to the playground, or a walk to look at the snow or the leaves, depending on the season.
Keep these small and immediate, so the link to the try is clear.
Small privileges and choices
Many toddlers like to be in charge of something. A small choice gives her that, and none of these cost anything:
- Choosing which song plays on the way to the park.
- Picking the cup or plate at the next meal.
- Being the one to press the button on the elevator.
- Choosing which stuffed toy sits beside the potty.
Make the choice available right after the try, not at the end of the day.
Letting them pick their own underwear or potty
For some children, the reward that matters is a say in the things that mark being a big kid. Let her pick the potty, choose a pair of underwear from the shelf each morning, or decide which training pants to wear.
If you use training pants, the design can be her pick; one option is Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants (Peppa Pig), 3T to 4T. If your child wears regular underwear, waterproof covers for potty training underwear are another thing to choose together; one listing, in a boys' size, is Joyo Roy Waterproof Covers for Potty Training Underwear, Boys, 3T. Check sizing on the diaper sizing guide, and browse the training pants collection for more.
Shop this guide
- Jool Baby Foldable Portable Potty with Travel Bag and 30 Liners, Sage (ships via Amazon)
- Reusable Potty Training Pants with Snaps, Cotton Bliss, Size M (16-28 lbs) (ships via Amazon)
- Potty Training Watch V2, Water Resistant, Musical & Vibration Reminder, Sky, with eBook (ships via Amazon)
- Zoocchini Toddler Potty Training Pants, 3 Pack, Organic Cotton, Sea Crew, 2T-3T (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Potty Training
- See all: Reusable Training Pants
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Rewards that fit in a pocket for outings
Away from home you may not have a chart to hand, and you may not want to carry a bag of treats. A few ideas that pack small:
- A small pad of stickers or a stamp and ink pad.
- A pocket-size notebook where she can add a mark.
- A finger puppet or small toy, big enough to be safe for her age, that only comes out for potty trips.
- A favourite song you can sing together or play on your phone.
Rotate them so each one stays special. If grandparents, daycare staff or other caregivers will be on potty duty, tell them what earns a reward and when you hand it over, so the rule stays the same even when the item changes.
Keeping rewards from becoming the point
The goal is for the potty routine to run without prizes. A few habits keep rewards in their place:
- Reward tries as well as successes, so leaks do not feel like failure.
- Try not to open every sit with a promise. Let the reward follow the try, so it reads as a thank-you and not a deal.
- Never take a reward away because of a leak.
- Shrink the rewards over time, then retire them when the routine is automatic.
Common questions
Is it okay to use no rewards?
Yes. Many children train with routine and encouragement alone, and rewards are one approach among several.
What if the reward stops working?
Rotate to something new, make the reward smaller, or take a break from rewards for a few days.
How soon after a try should I reward?
Right away where you can, so the reward follows the try closely. A reward that arrives hours later is harder to connect with it.
Should I reward dry nights?
Many families keep nights separate from daytime training, because a sleeping child cannot choose to try, and a reward for dry mornings can add pressure. If you have concerns about night-time wetting, ask your doctor or nurse.
Looking for help with sizes or supplies? Ask us through our contact page and we will reply within one business day.