Potty Training DVD Reviews -- Potty Training Tips

Potty Training can be stressful for both parents and kids, which is why a DVD on the topic can be helpful. Potty Training DVDs provide a multi-media introduction to the toilet learning complete with favorite characters and fun songs.  Children will focus on the topic for up to 25 minutes which will help reinforce Potty Training basics.

The only question is, which DVD is the one for you and your child? Read on to learn about the various Potty Training DVDs on the market.

I Can Go Potty was released in 2003 and is 25 minutes long. Most parents who have watched it feel that it offers poor potty training support. The concept is a 'potty training safari' complete with wild animals. One screen shot shows a real alligator gnashing its teeth, which was enough to frighten more than one child off the potty altogether.

Parents also felt the actual content portion of this DVD was too short and didn't like the long video infomercials pitching additional products. Further, some parents didn't like the fact that the DVD shows kids playing with their potty like a toy as this is not behavior they want their child to emulate.

Beyond that, the DVD covers the basics of using a potty and uses the 'Big Kids Go Potty' rationale to motivate kids to learn how to potty.

This DVD should be rented before buying to ensure it's what the parent wants.

This highly rated DVD was released in 2004 and is about 30 minutes long. Packed with content, this dvd features:

-A discussion of the difference between being a baby and a "big kid."

-Songs that talk about being a "big kid."

- Defines what pee and poop is.

-Introduces the potty and toilet paper--equates it with wipes used during a diaper change.

-Features a song about how to occupy yourself while on the toilet. -Songs about wiping (front to back) using a teddy bear to show how to wipe and songs about washing your hands.

- Reassures kids that it takes time to learn how to use the potty and accidents are normal.

- Has a princess story at the end with 'royal underwear' that little girls (and boys!) might enjoy.

The majority of parents who use this DVD like it, but some parents did not like how the DVD makes being a 'baby' a shameful negative--the last things kids still struggling to learn the potty need is to be ashamed. Younger toddlers may not 'get' this DVD because, while it shows lots of kids on the potty, it doesn't spend a lot of time talking about what the potty is for. So younger children who don't fully grasp potty training may just think they are watching kids play. Several families felt the production value was poor as well.

Go Potty Go! released in 2007 is a 20 minute long potty training DVD. Parents rate this DVD highly, but, be forewarned, it is all cartoon, no live children for your child to model themselves after.

The basics of using the potty are introduced through catchy songs and cute cartoon characters. What makes this DVD good for younger children is the fact that it is so basic. However, some kids may be confused about translating what they see in the cartoon into real life.

It's very likely that another potty training DVD will be required in addition to this one to fully cover the topic for kids.

This DVD released in 2006 is one of the longer potty training DVDs on the market at 45 minutes. It also appears to be going 'out of print' which is a shame because this is one of the better DVDs on the topic of potty training.

The DVD features excellent music and production values and doesn't just cover potty training, but the psychological changes involved in growing up. This is a sensitive, gentle DVD that is perfect for kids who aren't sure they are ready to grow up.

While all the beloved Sesame Street characters are present, real kids are used as well and shown on the potty.

Not all parents love this DVD, but their quibbles were minor. Some felt it was confusing for their child to see Elmo outside of his usual 'Elmo's World' format. Others wanted more footage of kids on the potty.

While it appears the DVD is no longer being produced, it can still be found second hand and on Amazon.com through their 'see all buying options' feature.