Sure Support Training Potty: How to Start Potty Training

By Cosco Kids US Official Site | Car Seats, Strollers, & Baby Gear | Published: 2026-10-16

Category: How-to Guides

A step-by-step plan for starting potty training with a Sure Support training potty, from spotting readiness signs to building a routine that sticks.

Quick answer

Start potty training when your toddler shows a few readiness signs, then keep the first two weeks low-pressure: short, timed sits on the Sure Support training potty, praise for trying, and no punishment for accidents. Consistency matters more than speed, so pick a routine you can repeat every day.

Set up the potty before you start

Place the Sure Support training potty in a room your toddler already uses, such as the bathroom or playroom, and let them sit on it fully clothed for a few days. This removes the fear factor before any pressure to perform. Keep wipes, a change of clothes, and a small step stool within reach so you are not scrambling mid-accident.

Build a two-week routine that fits your day

Offer a potty sit at predictable moments: after waking, after meals, and before bath or bed. Keep each sit to two or three minutes, and use a timer or a song so your toddler knows when it ends. If nothing happens, say 'good try' and move on. The goal in week one is cooperation, not results.

Handle accidents and outings without derailing progress

Accidents are information, not failure. Clean up calmly, involve your toddler in putting dirty clothes in the laundry, and remind them where the potty is. For outings, bring a travel potty seat or a portable training potty if you have one, plus spare clothes. Boys and girls both benefit from sitting first; if your son wants to stand, teach that only after sitting is consistent.

Your step-by-step potty training plan

Step 1: Check for readiness signs: Look for dry periods of two hours or more, discomfort in a dirty diaper, interest in the bathroom, and the ability to follow simple instructions. Do not start during a move, a new sibling, or a major routine change. Checkpoint: at least three signs present before you begin.
Step 2: Introduce the Sure Support training potty: Put the potty in a familiar room and let your toddler sit on it clothed for a few days. Read a book or sing a song so sitting feels normal, not like a test. Common mistake: forcing a sit when your toddler is upset; back off and try again later.
Step 3: Schedule timed sits: Offer a sit after waking, after meals, and before bath or bed. Keep each sit to two or three minutes. Praise any attempt, even if nothing happens. Checkpoint: your toddler stays seated for the full two minutes without a struggle.
Step 4: Switch to training pants or underwear: Once your toddler is comfortable sitting, move out of diapers during awake hours. Expect accidents in the first week; they help your toddler feel the sensation and learn cause and effect. Common mistake: switching back to diapers after one accident; that resets progress.
Step 5: Handle accidents calmly: Clean up without scolding, involve your toddler in putting dirty clothes in the laundry, and remind them where the potty is. Keep the tone neutral and practical. Checkpoint: your toddler can walk to the potty after an accident when prompted.
Step 6: Practice outings and nights: Bring a travel potty seat or portable potty, spare clothes, and wipes. For nights, keep the bedtime routine calm and expect night training to take longer than daytime training. Common mistake: expecting night dryness at the same time as daytime success; they are separate skills.

Products that support the routine

Happy Heights™ High Chair & Toddler Tower [Y7937A1]: The Happy Heights High Chair & Toddler Tower from The First Years combines a multi-stage high chair with a Montessori-inspired toddler tower in one space-saving design. If your toddler wants to be near you during potty time, a tower lets them stand safely at the sink to wash hands while you manage the potty routine.
CoolCore™ Insulated Toddler Trainer Cup, 8 Oz - Converts to Water Bottle [Y12048A1]: The CoolCore Insulated Toddler Trainer Cup has a double-walled bottle with a stainless steel interior and a DropGuard outer wall that protects against denting and reduces the clang when dropped. A trainer cup that survives toddler tosses makes it easier to keep drinks available during long potty sits without adding stress.