Is a Potty Training Doll Necessary?

Some potty training approaches specifically instruct you to use a potty training doll. The purpose is for your child to 'teach' the doll how to go on the potty. If you are using such an approach, then you will need a doll. Many of the 'quick train' approaches, where you train your child in a very short period of time (e.g. a day), use a doll as part of the training process. If your child is ready to potty train, these approaches can be very effective. However, it is critical to follow the directions carefully, step by step.

Perhaps you'll take a more casual approach to potty training your child. Even if the training method you plan to use does not requre a doll that goes potty, it certainly can't hurt the potty training process to have one. The doll is a motivating way to introduce your child to the concept of going on the potty, and also a convenient way for your child to learn about the body parts involved in going potty! 

These dolls that drink and go pee can be very pricey though, and a good alternative is for your child to learn about going potty by watching someone else (e.g. sibling or parent) use the toilet. Another less expensive option is to role play using the potty with a stuffed animal or doll that your child already has (and loves!). Granted, your average Elmo doll doesn't actually produce anything on the potty, but it's still a fun way for your child to become familiar with the whole idea!

Of course, there is something very appealing about having a doll that drinks real water and then goes pee! Plenty of children have been successfully potty trained without one, but they are kind of fun... Have you used one of these potty training dolls to train your child? If so, how did it work and would you recommend it to other parents?