How to Potty Train and What You Need in 2024

Potty Training Methods

There are several popular potty training methods to consider, each with its own approach. Here are five commonly used methods:

(1) Child-Oriented Method: This method, popularized by pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton, emphasizes going at the child’s pace. Parents watch for signs of readiness and gradually introduce the potty without pressure.

(2) 3-Day Method: Developed by Lora Jensen, this intensive method involves dedicating three days to staying at home and focusing solely on potty training. It requires a high level of commitment but can yield quick results.

(3) Scheduled Potty Training: This approach involves taking your child to the potty at regular intervals throughout the day, regardless of whether they show signs of needing to go. It helps establish a routine and reinforces the habit.

(4) Parent-Led Potty Training: In this method, parents take the lead by guiding their child to the potty at specific times, such as after meals or before bedtime. This method relies on consistency and routine to help the child learn.

(5) Potty Training in a Week: Similar to the 3-Day Method but with a slightly longer timeline, this method involves dedicating a week to potty training. Parents focus on creating a consistent routine and using positive reinforcement to encourage progress.

Choosing the right method depends on your child’s personality and your family’s lifestyle. The key is to stay flexible and patient, adjusting your approach as needed to support your child’s success.

Step 5: When Accidents Happen

Accidents are a normal part of the process — you actually need accidents to happen for kiddos to start understanding how to potty train and start strengthening their muscles and learning how to hold pee before getting to the potty. How you respond can impact your child’s progress:

• Stay Patient and Calm: Avoid showing frustration or disappointment. Reassure your child that accidents are okay and part of learning.
• Constructive Responses: Help your child understand what happened and encourage them to try again next time. Offer support and praise for their efforts.

Step 6: Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence and motivation:

• Rewards and Praise: Use small rewards like stickers or a favorite treat to celebrate successes. Verbal praise and hugs also go a long way in making your child feel proud.
• Tracking Progress and Celebrating Milestones: Keep track of progress with a sticker chart or progress journal. Celebrate major milestones, like staying dry all day, with special activities or rewards.

Step 7: Naptime and Nighttime Potty Training

Naptime and Nighttime potty training often follows daytime training and requires additional strategies:

• Strategies for Nighttime Dryness: Reduce liquid intake before bedtime and encourage your child to use the potty right before sleeping. Use waterproof mattress protectors to handle any accidents.
• Consistent Dry Diapers: Before removing the diaper at night, look for consistent dry diapers over several months. This indicates that your child’s bladder muscles are strengthening and they are learning to hold in urine.
• Patience and Individual Pace: Understand that every child develops at their own pace. Give them time to strengthen their bladder muscles naturally. Once they have had several months of dry diapers, transition from diapers to training pants or underwear at night.

Step 1: Preparation

Getting ready for potty training is crucial for setting a positive tone. Start by talking to your child about the process and involving them in preparations:

• Create a Positive Mindset: Explain the concept of using the potty in simple, encouraging terms. Use positive language and make it sound exciting.
• Involve Your Child: Let your child choose their own potty chair or potty seat. Picking out special underwear together can also build excitement and a sense of ownership.

Step 2: Setting Up

Setting up the right environment can make a significant difference:

• Choosing the Right Potty: Decide between a standalone potty chair and a potty seat that fits on your regular toilet. Some children prefer the security of a smaller potty chair, while others like using the “big” toilet.
• Potty Training in Different Locations: Set up potties in key areas of your home, such as the bathroom and playroom. This accessibility can help remind and encourage your child to use the potty.

Step 3: Starting the Process

• Day 1: Introducing the Potty: Start by having your child sit on the potty fully clothed to get comfortable. Gradually transition to sitting without a diaper.
• Encouraging Your Child to Sit on the Potty: Make sitting on the potty a regular part of your child’s routine, such as after meals and before bedtime. Use books or songs to keep them engaged while sitting.

Step 4: Consistency and Routine

Establishing a consistent routine is key to success:

• Regular Potty Schedule: Take your child to the potty at regular intervals, such as every two hours, and after meals or naps. Consistency helps reinforce the habit.
• Using Reminders and Cues: Use gentle reminders and cues, like asking if they need to go potty or setting a timer. Visual aids like sticker charts can also be motivating.

Step 5: When Accidents Happen

Accidents are a normal part of the process — you actually need accidents to happen for kiddos to start understanding how to potty train and start strengthening their muscles and learning how to hold pee before getting to the potty. How you respond can impact your child’s progress:

• Stay Patient and Calm: Avoid showing frustration or disappointment. Reassure your child that accidents are okay and part of learning.
• Constructive Responses: Help your child understand what happened and encourage them to try again next time. Offer support and praise for their efforts.

Step 6: Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence and motivation:

• Rewards and Praise: Use small rewards like stickers or a favorite treat to celebrate successes. Verbal praise and hugs also go a long way in making your child feel proud.
• Tracking Progress and Celebrating Milestones: Keep track of progress with a sticker chart or progress journal. Celebrate major milestones, like staying dry all day, with special activities or rewards.

Step 7: Naptime and Nighttime Potty Training

Naptime and Nighttime potty training often follows daytime training and requires additional strategies:

• Strategies for Nighttime Dryness: Reduce liquid intake before bedtime and encourage your child to use the potty right before sleeping. Use waterproof mattress protectors to handle any accidents.
• Consistent Dry Diapers: Before removing the diaper at night, look for consistent dry diapers over several months. This indicates that your child’s bladder muscles are strengthening and they are learning to hold in urine.
• Patience and Individual Pace: Understand that every child develops at their own pace. Give them time to strengthen their bladder muscles naturally. Once they have had several months of dry diapers, transition from diapers to training pants or underwear at night.