Best Potty Training Books for Toddlers

Sometimes the first hurdle of potty training is getting your little one to understand what’s been happening in their diapers. And it’s not uncommon for toddlers to suddenly be embarrassed by the fact that they poop. The reassuring lesson of this classic book is that poop happens naturally after you eat, so everyone who eats, poops. Everyone.

If your little one is brand new to the potty and feels a little unsure, they’ll probably find this story very relatable. The toddler in this book takes their time approaching their new potty, waiting until they’re truly ready. Playful rhymes, bouncing rhythm and fun lift-the-flaps can ease potty time worries and remind your toddler that it’s okay to not be ready right away.

Using encouraging words and a fun little song, this book helps your toddler remember to listen to their body to know when it’s time to go. The pages gently guide your toddler step by step through the potty process, from what your potty might look like, to how your body might feel, to waiting and waiting (and potentially having an accident, which is okay!), to finally using the potty, horray!

“I could go in my diaper, but should I?” Once a diaper isn’t the only option anymore, a very important question arises. The toddler in this silly story looks to others for the answer. Where do kitty and doggy go potty? After a little potty dance and a lot of waiting, something finally happens! Tinkle tinkle toot, “I did it!”

Got a little dinosaur fan? This friendly dino brings you along during their potty time, explaining every step of the way with easy-to-follow instructions. And if your toddler loves unicorns, this book comes in a unicorn version, too!

Using silly rhymes about all your toddler’s heroes, this book reinforces the idea that everyone poops, even superheroes, firefighters, soldiers and movie stars. Knowing that the people they look up to also have to use the potty might inspire reluctant little ones to give potty training a try.

Talking about poop all the time can feel a little tedious, so here’s a potty training book that focuses on another (hopefully less gross) aspect: underwear. Some diapers may look cute, but they’re nothing compared to the variety of fun and adorable designs found on tiny undies. Even better, preschoolers tend to get really excited at the prospect of picking out their own set and feeling so grown up. Note: Since this is a gendered book, there’s also a version that gets girls excited about upgrading to panties.

Fans of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will instantly recognize the song in this story as Daniel reminds readers “when you have to go potty, stop and go right away.” This book is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers who are past the first few hurdles of potty training but still need a little help remembering to go right when they feel like they need to. And Daniel’s catchy song makes for a perfect reminder. Keep in mind: some parents said the sound on the toilet flush button wore out very quickly.

Got Cocomelon songs stuck in your head? Here’s one more! “The Potty Song” plays when you press the middle button on the sound board, and you can sing along when it appears in the story of JJ learning to use the potty. The book also makes flushing and soap bubble sounds to go along with the steps of potty time.

If your little one has been potty training for a while and knows the basics, then they’ll love going through all the familiar steps alongside Elmo and his cousin Albie. As Elmo wipes, flushes and washes his hands, toddlers can help out by lifting the flaps to reveal a roll of toilet paper, running water in the sink and more. Keep in mind: this book isn’t great for little ones who are brand new to potty training, as many of the lift-the-flaps don’t have to do with using the potty and could distract from the learning process. And while some of the steps of using the potty are mentioned, the story focuses more on the fact that Elmo and Albie are both already potty trained.