Potty training dolls are a popular toilet training resource. While there are differing features available, in a nutshell, a potty training doll is a doll (or sometimes a stuffed animal) that can “drink” water and then “pees”, thus modeling for a toddler the potty training process.

But just how effective are these dolls?

To answer this question, let’s look at the pros and cons of using this resource.

The pros of using potty training dolls.

– Connecting the dots.

The act of watching the doll take in water and then let it out again on the potty chair is a powerful training tool that is extremely effective at helping most toddlers quickly understand the potty process.

This in turn helps a child understand exactly what a parent expects of them. Potty dolls help clear up confusion during the potty training process.

– Teachers are learners.

After you have shown your toddler how to use the potty chair by watching the potty doll, your child can continue to “train” the potty doll, effectively practicing toilet training in the process.

A couple of days focused on this type of training and you could have a child who is out of diapers and well on her way to being potty trained.

– Taking advantage of natural bents.

Little girls are often thought of as using a potty doll because girls like to play with dolls and are often nurturing people.

However, that is a short sighted thought.

Little boys love the companion angle of a doll, stuffed animal or action figure. A potty doll can become a trusted friend for a boy who is working at this important milestone of growing up. Sometimes a parent simply asking whether the potty 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 to using potty training dolls.

– Watch out for different features.

Some training dolls hold their liquid and “wet” on demand, exactly when you want them to. Others potty immediately upon being given their bottle.

Some are bulky and difficult to use, working fine in an adult’s hands but not in a child’s, which can lead to frustration.

– More mess.

If a child can easily use his potty doll, he just might use it everywhere.

This could result in water going where you don’t want. You’ll need to supervise usage, at least at first.

– The cost factor.

Most of the time this is not a con; these dolls are priced quite well. However, I have seen some costing much, much more than the average. What are you getting for so much more money? Look carefully and compare all features to other similar dolls before buying.

Bottom line? Potty training dolls are a great toilet training tool, especially if your child is unsure of what the potty process is all about.

In fact, many of the potty-train-in-one-day methods rely heavily on a potty training doll to get their message across to a toddler – fast.

Consider the unique personality of your own child plus the details of how you would use this resource and you’ll make an informed decision that will help your child make forward movement in the toilet training process.

Author Bio: Colleen Langenfeld has potty trained four kids and helps other moms get more out of their mothering at http://www.paintedgold.com . Toilet train faster using her potty reward charts and creative ideas plus uncover more about potty training dolls by visiting her website today.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: potty training dolls,potty training doll,toilet training