Potty training dolls are a popular potty training resource. While there are different features available, simply put, a potty training doll is a doll (or sometimes a stuffed animal) that can “drink” water and then “pee,” thus modeling for a toddler the potty training process.
But how effective are these dolls?
To answer this question, let’s look at the pros and cons of using this resource.
The advantages of using dolls to learn to go to the bathroom.
– Connecting the dots.
Watching the doll drink water and then let it out again into the potty is a powerful training tool that is extremely effective in helping most young children quickly understand the potty process.
This, in turn, helps the child understand exactly what the parents expect of him. Potty dolls help clear up confusion during the potty training process.
– Teachers are learners.
After you’ve shown your toddler how to use the potty by watching the doll, your child can continue to “train” the doll, effectively practicing potty training in the process.
A couple of days focused on this type of training and you could have a toddler who is out of diapers and on his way to potty training.
– Take advantage of natural benefits.
Little girls are often thought to use a doll to go potty because girls like to play with dolls and are often loving people.
However, that is shortsighted thinking.
Young children love the companionship angle of a doll, stuffed animal, or action figure. A potty doll can become a trusted friend for a child who is working on this important growth milestone. Sometimes a parent simply asking if the doll needs to go potty is enough of a reminder for a child to use the potty too.
What about the flip side? The cons of using dolls for potty training.
– Watch out for different features.
Some training dolls retain their fluid and “wet” on demand, exactly when you want them to. Others go to the bathroom immediately after receiving their bottle.
Some are bulky and difficult to use, working well in an adult’s hands but not in a child’s, which can lead to frustration.
– More mess.
If a child can easily use their doll to go to the bathroom, they could use it everywhere.
This could result in the water going where you don’t want it. You will need to monitor usage, at least initially.
– The cost factor.
Most of the time this is not a scam; These dolls are pretty well priced. However, I have seen some cost much, much more than average. What do you get for much more money? Please look carefully and compare all features to other similar dolls before purchasing.
Bottom line? Potty training dolls are a great potty training tool, especially if your child isn’t sure what the potty process is all about.
In fact, many of the potty training methods in a day rely heavily on a potty training doll to get their message across to a toddler, fast.
Consider your own child’s unique personality plus the details of how you would use this resource and you will make an informed decision that will help your child move forward in the potty training process.
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