What you need to know about potty training your twins

You have twins so, like me, I'm sure your thinking about how difficult potty training twins must be. Well, according to all of the leading specialist it doesn't have to be. But first, is your child even ready to potty train? Are they showing you signs that they are ready? If you are unsure here are some signs one or both of your twins may be ready to potty train. 

Signs your child is ready for potty training

  • You are changing fewer wet diapers
  • You can predict approximate times for your child's bowel movements
  • He/she announces their bodily functions
  • He/she hates dirty diapers 
  • He/she is able to perform simple undressing 
  • He/she is able to use and understand words for bathroom needs
  • He/she wants live demonstrations 
  • He/she hides when he/she is having a bowel movement 
  • He/she asks to be changed when they have a dirty diaper 
It is important to remember that each child develops at their own rate, so while one twin might be ready to start potty training the other twin may not be. So if you are worried because a friend of yours has a child close to the age of your twins that is already potty trained then don't be. These things take time. Keep in mind that if your child is not ready for potty training then even the best potty training techniques may not do the trick. 

Getting down to business 

  • Don't worry about potty training your twins at the same time unless they are both ready
As I said before, each child develops at their own rate so don't worry about potty training them at the same time. Sometimes twins will be potty trained as much as a year apart and that is nothing to worry about. Its quite possible that seeing their twin use the potty may even help the less eager twin become ready but once again if it doesn't then don't worry. They will be ready when they are ready. 
  • Definitely get two potties 
You should definitely get two potties, that way they will each have their own (which is just more sanitary anyways) and you can even allow them to decorate them. Allowing them to decorate them will not only verify which is theirs but it will get them more excited about using their new potties. It almost turns it into a sort of game. 
  • Get them excited 
About a week before you go to get the potties start getting them excited about it. Tell them whats going to happen, read them potty training books and take them to the store to pick out their new big boy or big girl underwear. Make this fun for them and they will be more excited about potty training. 
  • Be ready to accept help
This is something you probably already should have learn when you had twins in the first place but once again you need to be ready to accept help in preventing accidents. There are two of them after all so when your helping one twin on the potty it can be incredibly easy to miss the other twin getting ready to soil your bed. Recruit someone, be it your mom, your partner, or what have you, to help keep an eye out for potential accidents. 
  • Rewards are great 
Even when they only get a small little drop of number one or two into the toilet make a big deal out of it. Make sure you are specific about what your are excited about ("Yay, you went pee pee in your potty!") to make sure they understand what they did right. For twins the best rewards are actually pretty simple like a silly happy dance because that way even the twin who did not go in the potty can participate and won't feel jealous of the other twin. 
  • Sticker charts are a definite no 
Don't use sticker charts with twins, this will only make it look like you are comparing the two which can cause they other twin to become jealous and competitive. The twin that is not as far into their potty training will know their siblings progress without you pointing it out. Sticker charts have been known to backfire with twins. 
  • Don't scold for accidents 
This is probably my biggest suggestion, don't scold for accidents. Accidents are going to happen one way or another, simply say something along the lines of, "woops, you had an accident. Lets try to get it in the potty next time." Just keep saying "pee goes in the potty," and eventually it will sink in. Scolding can make your twins feel ashamed and has also been known to backfire. 


Keep in mind these are only suggestions and as I have said before every child is different. If you find something that works better for you and your children then you should of course go by that method. Good luck in your potty training!