Potty training supplies checklist: what to have before day one

Potty training supplies checklist: what to have before day one

A day-one potty training list can be short: somewhere to sit, a way to reach it, pull-on pants, spare clothes and something to protect beds and furniture from leaks. Everything else is optional. This checklist goes room by room and sorts items into what you need, what is useful and what can wait.

The short list for day one

If you buy nothing else, cover these six things:

  1. One place to sit: a potty chair, or a toilet seat reducer, which is a smaller seat that sits on the regular toilet seat.
  2. A step stool, so your child can reach the toilet and the sink.
  3. Pull-on pants in a size that fits now, either training pants or washable underwear.
  4. Several changes of easy clothes.
  5. Wipes and toilet paper within reach.
  6. A waterproof layer for the bed and for any sofa or chair your child uses.

Perfect gear matters less than having spare clothes and a plan for laundry in the first few days. Work out how often you can run a load before you decide how many pairs of pants to buy.

In the bathroom: potty or seat, stool and wipes

Choose one sitting option to start with. A potty chair stays on the floor, and a toilet seat reducer fits on the regular toilet. Either can work; the right one depends on your bathroom and on how your child feels about heights. Read the instructions and the product page for how each model is set up and cleaned.

Pick a stool that does not wobble and keep it where it can stay, so your child can reach the sink for handwashing every time. Keep toilet paper, wipes and a small lidded bin within toddler reach. Many baby wipes should not be flushed, so check the pack and your municipality's guidance.

For your child: training pants and easy clothes

Expect to go through more pants and clothing than usual, so plan around laundry days. Disposable pull-on training pants, waterproof covers over washable underwear and plain cotton underwear are all common choices, and some families mix them: one kind for the house, another for outings. Whatever you choose, check the size range on the product page.

For the bed and the sofa: waterproof layers

Leaks can reach beds and sofas, which are harder to wash than clothes. Two common approaches are a zippered mattress protector that stays on the mattress, and washable pads that you lay on top and launder after a leak.

One mattress option is the Vinyl Mattress Protector, Zippered, Twin. Check the size against your child's bed before ordering, because a crib or toddler mattress is smaller than a twin. Washable pads are in the washable underpads and bed pads collection. Follow the care label on whichever you choose, because washing instructions differ between products.

For the car and outings

Pack a bag you can leave by the door:

  • A full change of clothes and spare socks
  • A wet bag or sealable bag for used clothes
  • Wipes and a spare pair of pull-on pants
  • A foldable travel seat, if you want one

Any diaper bag or backpack you already own will do for this. If you are thinking of putting a pad or liner on the car seat, check your car seat manual first for what the maker allows.

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Nice to have, not needed

These make some families happier but are not required on day one:

  • Picture books about using the toilet
  • A sticker chart or another way to mark progress, if your family likes that
  • A second sitting option for another bathroom or a grandparent's home
  • A night light for the hallway or bathroom
  • A small shelf or basket just for potty gear

Wait and see what your child responds to before spending on any of these.

Shipping and timing your order within Canada

We ship within Canada only. Products tagged Ships via Amazon are delivered by Amazon in an Amazon box, usually in 2 to 4 business days. Other products ship from our own suppliers in a plain, unmarked box in 3 to 5 business days. If your order has both, expect them to arrive separately.

Order a week or two before you plan to start so you are not waiting on a missing item, and allow extra time in winter, when weather can slow deliveries. Check the shipping details at checkout for the current rate and the free-shipping threshold.

Common questions

How many pairs of training pants should I buy?

There is no set number. One way to estimate is to count how many diapers your child goes through on an ordinary day now, treat that as a rough figure for one day, and adjust after the first few days. For washable pants, multiply it by the number of days between laundry loads. For packs, the count is in each product title.

Do I need a mattress protector right away?

Some families fit one before the first nap without a diaper, since a mattress is harder to clean than clothes. Others wait and see how daytime goes. For questions about night wetting itself, ask your doctor or public health nurse.

What if my child is between two sizes of training pants?

Compare your child's weight with the range given for each size on the product page or the pack. If it sits near the top of one range, a smaller pack lets you check the fit at the waist and legs before you buy more in that size.

Is there anything I should skip?

Night-only products, a second sitting option and the next size up can all wait if you are starting with daytime at home. Order them once the first week shows what you use.

If you would like a second pair of eyes on a first order, use the contact page. Our team replies within one business day.