"We armed ourselves with hundreds of pairs of pants": top tips for potty training twins

For twin mum Jennifer, the idea of potty training her three-year-old daughters, Gabriella and Maria, had always been met with a mix of uncertainty and frustration. After several attempts using a gentle approach, she and her husband realized they needed to commit fully to the process. “We decided it was time to fully commit,” Jennifer explained. They had tried using potties around the house and occasionally sitting their daughters on the toilet when out and about, but the results were far from what they expected. The experience had led to frustration, with the girls not responding well to the gradual method.

Jennifer’s story is a reminder that potty training twins—or any multiples—requires a great deal of patience, consistency, and flexibility.

Preparing for success

With a plan in place, Jennifer and her husband decided to choose a weekend to fully dive into potty training. Preparation began a few days before the big weekend. The couple introduced the concept of “big girl pants” and used visual motivators like star charts and the promise of a special trip to the cinema to build excitement. Jennifer’s approach was to make the experience fun and motivating for the girls, encouraging them to look forward to this new milestone.

The weekend arrived, and Jennifer was armed with a steady routine, plenty of tiny pants, and some carpet cleaner for the inevitable accidents. She made sure to take the girls to the bathroom every 20 minutes, which, although challenging at times, helped establish a clear expectation. There were a few mishaps, but Jennifer started seeing signs of progress. By the time the weekend ended, they were all exhausted but hopeful.

This period highlights an important lesson: while potty training requires effort and consistency, creating an environment where the children are encouraged and motivated is essential. The positive reinforcement Jennifer used, along with the structured routine, was crucial in getting her daughters on the right track.

Overcoming setbacks

However, the road wasn’t smooth, especially when it came to transitioning from home to nursery. The first day back at nursery was a major setback. Despite their hard work, the girls had accidents at school, and Jennifer was left feeling deflated. “Seven changes at nursery later, they were back in pull-ups,” Jennifer recalled. However, the nursery staff reassured her, acknowledging the progress the twins had made. This encouragement was key in motivating Jennifer to continue.

It’s important to remember that setbacks are normal, and progress isn’t always linear. The encouragement Jennifer received from others helped her realize that potty training is a journey, not an instant success. This experience teaches parents not to give up, even when things don’t seem to be progressing as expected. Support from others, whether from professionals or fellow parents, can provide reassurance during tough times.

Patience and perseverance

As time passed, Jennifer saw the fruits of her patience. The twins gradually learned to use the potty, with Maria leading the way. “The first time Maria came up to me and said, ‘I did a wee-wee by myself,’ I couldn’t believe it,” Jennifer shared. Soon, Gabriella followed suit, marking a huge milestone for both girls. However, Jennifer also recognised the unique differences in her daughters’ personalities. Maria, a people-pleaser, responded quickly to praise, while Gabriella needed more time to adjust to the changes, and this led to more accidents.

Jennifer’s experience underscores a valuable lesson for parents of multiples: every child is different. While one twin may pick up the concept quickly, the other might take longer. As a parent, it's essential to recognise these differences and approach each child’s potty training journey with patience and understanding. No two experiences are alike, even within the same family.

Building confidence

Once the twins became more comfortable with potty training at home, the next hurdle was going out in public. “It took me a while to feel confident enough to leave the house with them in pants,” Jennifer explained. The temptation to rely on pull-ups was still strong, but over time, she built a routine that made her feel prepared for outings. She emphasizes that patience is key when potty training, as well as being ready for the unexpected.

Jennifer’s advice to other parents is to remember that every child approaches potty training differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. “Take spare clothes everywhere,” she advises, acknowledging the inevitable accidents. And perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Seek advice from other parents,” she adds. Potty training may feel overwhelming at times, but with persistence, encouragement, and the support of others, it’s possible to get through it successfully.

Jennifer’s story is a testament to the power of patience, flexibility, and understanding when it comes to potty training twins. While the process can be challenging, the rewards of seeing her daughters gain independence and confidence have made it all worth it.