Potty training can vary widely depending on tots, but the fastest method is the “Three-Day Potty Training Method.” According to the book Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year, you only need a long weekend. Of course, picking the RIGHT long weekend is key. The other popular method parents are using to quickly train their child is the Oh, Crap! method based on the best-selling book.
Here’s a look at both options, keeping your child’s healthy development in mind:
Three-Day Method
Preparation:
— Pick a long weekend: Choose a time when you can devote three days without distractions.
— Gather your supplies: A potty chair, training underwear, easy-to-remove clothing and lots of fluids for your child.
Day 1:
— Ditch the diapers: Start the day by explaining to your little one that they will no longer wear diapers (except during sleep).
— Stay close to the potty: Keep your child in the room with the potty chair and ask them frequently if they need to go.
— Watch for signs: Observe closely for any signs that they need to go and immediately guide them to the potty.
— Celebrate success: Give lots of positive reinforcement — like clapping and cheering — when they successfully use the potty.
— Handle accidents calmly: If accidents happen, stay calm, clean up, and remind them to use the potty next time.
Day 2:
— Consistency is key: Continue the same routine as Day 1. Your child will begin to understand the connection between the sensation and using the potty.
— Practice patience: Expect accidents, but keep reinforcing the routine.
Day 3:
— Reinforce independence: Encourage your child to tell you when they need to go. Gradually reduce prompts as they start to recognize the urge themselves.
— Venture out (if ready): You might try a short outing with easy access to restrooms to test their progress.
Post-Training:
— Nighttime training: Nighttime training may take longer. You can either continue using diapers at night or try waking your child during the night to use the potty.
— Keep a routine: Maintain a consistent potty routine, especially after meals and before bedtime.
— Patience and encouragement: Continue to offer praise and support even after the three days as your child fully adjusts.
Tips:
— Stay positive: Avoid showing frustration during accidents. Positive reinforcement works best.
— Be patient: Every child is different. Some may need more than three days to fully potty train.
This method can be intense but is effective for many children. The key is consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement.
Oh, Crap! Method
The “Oh Crap!” potty training method — developed by mom and potty training guru Jamie Glowacki — emphasizes a child-led, no-nonsense approach. Here’s how to use it:
Understand
— Child-Led but Structured: The method is flexible to your child’s readiness and development but is structured around a progression of steps.
— Readiness: Look for signs that your child is ready for potty training, such as staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom, or expressing discomfort with dirty diapers.
Prepare
— Timing: Choose a time when you can stay at home with your child for a few days without major distractions. This is often called the “naked” phase.
— Supplies: Get a potty chair, plenty of cleaning supplies, and lots of patience. You won’t need pull-ups or training pants, as the method emphasizes going straight to underwear (or nothing at all) after the initial phase.
Phase 1: Naked and Awareness
— Naked Time: Let your child go naked from the waist down at home. This helps them become aware of their body’s signals.
— Observe: Watch for signs that your child needs to go (e.g., fidgeting, holding themselves) and quickly get them to the potty.
— No Pressure: Keep it positive and low-pressure. Celebrate successes without punishment or shame for accidents.
Phase 2: Commando Phase
— Loose Clothing: After a few days of naked time, transition your child to loose clothing with no underwear. This helps them feel when they are wet and reinforces the connection between the urge to go and using the potty.
— Reinforce: Continue to guide them to the potty and reinforce their successes.
Phase 3: Adding Underwear
— Underwear Time: Once your child is consistently using the potty, introduce underwear. This can be a big step, as some kids may regress a bit with the added layer.
— Stay Consistent: Keep a consistent routine, and continue to reinforce potty usage. Accidents may still happen, but stay calm and patient.
Nighttime Training
— Optional: Some parents choose to wait on nighttime training until the child is fully daytime trained. However, if you want to start, you can use a similar approach — either going cold turkey on diapers or gradually transitioning.
Troubleshooting
— Regression: If your child regresses, take a step back. Go back to a previous phase if needed, and remain patient.
— Challenges: If you encounter resistance, try to understand your child’s feelings and address any concerns without forcing the issue.
Stay Positive and Encouraging
— Praise Successes: Encourage and praise your child when they use the potty successfully.
— No Punishment: Avoid punishing for accidents, as this can create anxiety around potty training.
Be Patient and Persistent
— Potty training can take time, and every child is different. Stay consistent, and give your child the time and support they need to succeed.
The “Oh Crap!” method emphasizes understanding your child’s cues and working with them patiently and consistently. It’s a method that requires dedication but is designed to be effective by aligning with your child’s natural development.
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