How to Potty Train Twins: 5 BEST Tips

If you’re toilet training for two, you may be wondering: “Is it really harder to potty train twins?”

At first glance, it seems like the answer should be “yes!” Wait – not so fast. Potty training twins can be (almost) a breeze…that is, if you know what to do.

I’ve helped thousands of clients teach their little ones successful potty training. Here are my top 7 tips on how to potty train twins — it’s easier than you think!

1. Have Plenty of Books and Activities Ready

A little preparation can go a long way! Find books, stickers or other activities that can be done while seated.

Why it Works:

• A fascinating book or activity will help keep both children seated.
• Special “potty time” books motivate kids to sit on their training seat.
• You won’t be scrambling for something to keep them engaged.

2. Set a Potty Time Schedule

(NOTE: This is NOT the same as a positive reinforcement chart. See “What NOT to Do” below for more information.)

Create a fun, appealing visual schedule to visit the potty every half-hour or so, or set your phone for every 20-30 minutes. When the alarm goes off, say “potty time!” and race the kids (safely) to the potty.

Why it Works:

• At 15-24 months, your children may be too immature to know they’re about to “go.” Setting a schedule makes it easier to catch that first success in the potty.
• With both twins on a schedule, neither feels they are being taken away from the fun. It is simply potty time, just as there is lunch time, nap time, and time to go to the park.

3. Train Them Together

Sometimes, one twin is ready to potty train before the other one is. What then?

Train them together anyway. You don’t need to put pressure on the “lagging” twin. Instead, buy two training potties, introduce both twins to them, and invite both children in when one of them needs to potty.

Why it Works:

• Neither child will feel “lonely” or like they’re missing out while sitting on the potty.
• More trips to the potty mean less chances of an accident.
• You don’t have to chase one twin around while the other is getting on and off the potty, or is calling for you

4. Forget the Pants (For Now)

It can be tricky to pull down two sets of pants plus two diapers or pull-up pants. (Trust me when I tell you, an accident is practically guaranteed going that route!)

Instead, when you’re home, let your twins run around in just their diaper or training pants.

Why it Works:

• Training and pull-up style toddler pants are easier for little ones to pull down than clothing.
• If one of your twins has an accident while you’re seating the other, there are no leaks into regular clothes.

5. Have Them Both Sit Down 

If you have boy-girl twins, teach them both to potty sitting down. You can transition boys later to standing at the potty.

Why it Works:

• If you have fraternal boy-girl twins, or are training two toddlers close in age, they’ll be curious why the other isn’t standing/sitting. That means lots of trying out to compare methods, and lots of hopping off and onto the potties rather than sitting.
• Duplicating their potty routine for both siblings will help instill the steps in their minds.
• Transitioning one twin to standing up at the potty should be easier to do a few months down the road. (Though do expect the other twin to sit or stand in imitation at least a few times!)

What NOT to Do

• Do not compare your twins’ progress. If one twin potty trains within two days, and the other is still having accidents after three weeks, don’t say, “Look at Jackson. He goes in the potty.” The less-successful sibling may rebel by refusing to go on the potty at all. Or their self-esteem may take a blow.
• Do not praise the child personally in terms of “good or bad.” They are not good or bad based on how quickly they toilet train. Instead of “good girl, Ella!” try saying, “Great job! High five.”
• Do not use a sticker chart. This is another form of comparison. Your observant little ones will quickly see who’s “winning” – and that’s not the sort of rivalry you want.
• Do not force either child to sit on the potty. If they keep getting up after a couple of gentle reminders, say, “Good job, you sat on the potty!”
• Do not punish either twin for accidents. These will happen. Say, “Thank you for telling me. Let’s get cleaned up.”

Your Twins WILL Potty Train — In Their Own Time

…but not always on your time. Little ones not taking the hint? Try my AMAZING 3-Day (yes, really) Potty Training course for your twins’ best success!

Click here to get started on how to potty train twins, PLUS get special tips, expert advice and more.

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