FAQ
Frequently asked questions about how to potty train a boy or a girl with Potty Duck
How do I use this toy for potty training?
Encourage your child to play with Potty Duck to begin learning the concepts of potty training and using a toilet.
Using the toy as an example, teach your child the words pee, toilet, flush, and "go potty." Continue to teach words as your child takes over control of making the duck pee in its toy toilet. For more, see Training Tips.
How do I know when to start potty training with Potty Duck?
The best time to start is before your child is ready for potty training, because this gives your child time to gradually begin learning through play. It is never too early to have your child begin playing and learning with Potty Duck. Preparing children in advance is the preferred approach of pediatricians. For children who are very young (less than 18 months) or who are not yet ready, parents can demonstrate the toy's use for the child.
A developmental milestone like learning to walk, potty training is best done over time and with practice.
For more information, see our blog, When to start potty training and signs of readiness.
Is there a concern with starting potty training too early?
While some people still believe that starting potty training early raises concerns, there is no modern scientific evidence to support that belief. In fact, today’s science indicates that waiting too long to start causes difficulties. In one study, children who waited to begin until after 32 months of age were more likely to struggle with daytime incontinence. See more at parentingscience.com.
Won’t Potty Duck just encourage children to pee in the tub?
Actually, no. Potty Duck teaches that pee belongs in a toilet. While some children have always peed in bathtubs and a few always will, Potty Duck encourages children to put pee in a toilet.
Is there a difference between how to potty train a boy or a girl with Potty Duck?
Potty Duck uses the same approach for both boys and girls. Both begin learning by playing with the toy and then practice sitting on their own toilet seat when they show signs of readiness. It is widely recommended that boys start by sitting. Teaching them to stand to pee comes later.
Can daycare centers use Potty Duck?
Yes, children can play and learn gradually with Potty Duck in daycare centers just as they would at home. The small toilet attaches to any surface, such as a sink, a small basin, or a water table.
Daycare centers are advised to keep an extra Potty Duck (or a picture of the toy) in the bathroom to help children remember what they learned. Based on guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Shelly recommends using Potty Duck in both 18 month classrooms and in 2 year old classrooms in order to support gradual learning. To ensure the child receives consistent messages at home, parents should be encouraged to reinforce daytime learning by using a Potty Duck in play at home and/or at bath time.
For centers that have small sinks, it may be helpful to attach only the lower suction cup of the toy toilet. This will elevate the toilet so children can easily see the toilet bowl emptying out when they press the big blue button to flush it.
How do I keep Potty Duck fresh and free from mildew?
After each use, squeeze out as much water as you can, then let Potty Duck and its potty air-dry completely. Once a week rinse the inside of the duck with household vinegar to prevent mold and empty completely. No need to rinse- a little vinegar in a bathtub is harmless. Extra single ducks are available to order. See cleaning instructions.
Is Potty Duck safe?
Yes. Potty Duck is BPA-free, phthalate-free, and meets or exceeds all U.S. and Canadian safety requirements for children’s toys. Potty Duck also comes with cleaning instructions. Potty Discovery, LLC is committed to designing, manufacturing, and distributing safe, quality products. Our production partner has been certified by the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI) as maintaining a safe and humane workplace. We have also partnered with Intertek, one of the world’s leading independent testing authorities, and global leader in safety and quality assurance services. Our products meet and exceed the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM). Safety Certificate available on request.
More questions?
See our training tips and our Blog, or send us an email. We love to hear how families are potty training their children with Potty Duck!
