Potty Training Twins

What is the potty-training process for twins or multiples? Should you train them jointly or individually? Here you will find the best strategy for successful potty training of twins.

We are all aware with the saying “every kid is different,” and this is a crucial factor to keep in mind when training your twins. When coming up with your training methods, focus less on the fact that your children were born at the same time and more on their own developmental stages.

You may find that one twin is ready months or weeks ahead of another in terms of developmental progress. I am often asked if their developmental differences would hinder the process.

Regardless of whether or not you have several children, potty training success is primarily dependent on developmental and behavioral milestones and not so much on age. According to the Mayo Clinic, many children are ready to start potty training between the ages of 18 months and 24 months.

Here are some tips that will make it easier.

1. Be Flexible

Potty training twins is similar to potty training a single kid. There are some obstacles that parents of single children do not face. Your twins may get envious of each other if they are not developing at the same rate. Potty training them both will require a great deal of flexibility. It’s a good idea to have two potty chairs, and, later, two potty seats.

Remember that each twin is unique, and be prepared to tailor your potty-training approach to each of them individually. Toddlers are naturally inquisitive and like helping a great deal. Your twins may even want to assist in removing each other’s waste. If you believe that both twins are equally prepared for the toilet, you may train them simultaneously. If one seems more prepared than the other, individual instruction will be most effective.

2. Make sure they’re ready first before you start

If one or both of your twins exhibits any of the following behaviors, potty training may be appropriate:

Maintaining dry diapers for extended durations of time (about two hours or so).
They inform you when they need to use the restroom or when they need to have a bowel movement.
They despise wet or soiled diapers and will request that you change them.
Their bowel movements become more predictable and occur around the same time daily.
They are able to pull their own trousers down (a skill necessary for using the potty independently).
They want pull-ups or underwear.
They express a desire to use the toilet or are curious about YOUR restroom habits.

3. Stock up on supplies

Here are some things you may need:

Little potties (although some parents skip this step and move directly to the large toilets with a potty seat) – the identical one for each twin to prevent arguing! If you want to distinguish them, you might have your young children adorn them with stickers. Moreover, they will be enthusiastic about using them.
Step stools for the toilet (if using a large toilet) and sink.
A Timer, which you can set to go off every 15 to 20 minutes at first, so kids remember to use the toilet (or you may even try a designated Potty Watch).
Incentives (if this makes sense), such as chocolate chips and stickers for the reward chart. Ensure that each of your children has their unique incentive system that works best for them.
Underwear that your twins choose for themselves.

Pull-ups will continue to be handy during naps and at night. Daytime potty training is quite different than nighttime potty training. We do not advocate using pull-ups during the day if you are using the two-day technique, since they are essentially diapers.

4. Make a plan for accidents

You can anticipate twice the mess while toilet training twins. Some parents and children find success with the 3-day technique, while others must give it as much time as necessary. A “one size fits all” strategy will not always be effective. Make a concerted effort to keep a happy atmosphere when potty training your twins.

Double the fun, double the thrill, double the difficulty, and yes, double the poop. When toilet training twins, you should anticipate double the mess. Sometimes, when your child feels the urge, they don’t make it to the potty fast enough.

One of the most effective methods for potty training twins or any child is to let them to run about throughout the day without underwear or in adult-sized underpants. There’s a strong possibility they won’t even realize they’ve urinated in a brand-new diaper since modern diapers are so absorbent. Obviously, the al dente infant will have mishaps, and you should anticipate them. When they do, don’t make a big deal about it. Purchase disposable bed pads or bed wetting blankets and place them in areas where your children play. Cover furniture and flooring to make clean-up as simple as possible for yourself.

When you have your child sit on the potty, you can help them feel secure and independent by dressing them in clothes they can take off easily. Avoid cumbersome snaps, zippers, and buttons. That will make them feel like a big kid. When one of your twins has an accident, do not use humiliating words or impose consequences. Instead, use sticker charts when they do it right.

Potty training twins isn’t easy, but it’s possible. And you can do it! You’ve got this. Be patient with yourself, and you will get there.

References:

“Potty Training Twins Tips and Expert Advice.” What to Expect, www.whattoexpect.com, https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/potty-training/potty-training-twins.aspx#:~:text=You%20can%20also%20help%20the,both%20kids%20on%20the%20potties. Accessed 5 July 2022.

“Have Twins? 11 Tips for Easier Potty Training.” Verywell Family, www.verywellfamily.com, 12 Apr. 2020, https://www.verywellfamily.com/potty-training-twins-2447280.

Editor & Multiples Guru, Marissa Bader, and Marissa BaderEditor & Multiples Guru. “How to Potty Train Twins – Lucie’s List | 2022.” Lucie’s List, www.lucieslist.com, 19 Apr. 2019, https://www.lucieslist.com/potty-training-twins/#gref.

Garcia, Nina. “Potty Training Twins: The Ultimate Guide – Sleeping Should Be Easy.” Sleeping Should Be Easy, sleepingshouldbeeasy.com, 9 Dec. 2020, https://sleepingshouldbeeasy.com/how-to-potty-train-twins/.

G, Dhanya. “How to Potty Train Twins Fast (Proven Tips).” Parenting Passage, parentingpassage.com, 2 Dec. 2016, https://parentingpassage.com/potty-training-twins/.

“9 Simple Tips for Successfully Potty Training Twins – Team Cartwright.” Team Cartwright, team-cartwright.com, 5 Apr. 2019, https://team-cartwright.com/potty-training-twins/.

“Potty Training Twins Tips and Expert Advice.” What to Expect, www.whattoexpect.com, https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/potty-training/potty-training-twins.aspx. Accessed 5 July 2022.

Daniel, Stef. “Potty Training Twins – Expect Twice the Accidents.” Potty Training Twins – Expect Twice the Accidents, www.professorshouse.com, 25 Mar. 2015, https://www.professorshouse.com/potty-training-twins/.

Staff, MomsWhoThink. “Tips For Potty Training More Than One Kid.” Moms Who Think, www.momswhothink.com, 15 Oct. 2014, https://www.momswhothink.com/tips-potty-training-one-kid/.

“Potty Training Clothes For Success | Pull-Ups®.” Potty Training Clothes For Success | Pull-Ups®, www.pull-ups.com, https://www.pull-ups.com/en-us/potty-training/how-to-start/how-to-dress-for-success. Accessed 5 July 2022.

littlebunnybear. “How to Potty Train Multiple Children.” How to Potty Train Twins or Multiples –, littlebunnybear.com, 28 Apr. 2020, https://littlebunnybear.com/2020/04/28/how-to-potty-train-twins-or-multiples/.

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Potty Training Twins

1. Be Flexible

2. Make sure they’re ready first before you start

3. Stock up on supplies

4. Make a plan for accidents

References:

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