Potty Training in 5 Simple Steps
The journey to a potty trained toddler can be an empowering experience for both you and your little one.
Nurture your toddler’s independence and honor their sensitive period for toileting independence while enjoying the natural opportunity for skill building and bonding that comes with potty training using this simple guide.
getty images
Step 1: Adult Prep
To prepare yourself mentally and emotionally, set your intentions and equip yourself with an understanding of your toddler’s social and physical development; Your toddler was built for this. Approach the process with patience and positivity, and remind yourself that misses (not making it to the potty in time) are a normal and important part of your child’s learning.
Step 2: Toddler Prep
With preparation, you can have a toddler that’s ready to potty train by 18 months. Encourage your child's interest in toileting independence through playful interactions and storytelling. Introduce a daily diaper-free time to help them connect their bodily sensations with functions. Maintain a light and factual approach to cleaning up accidents to keep motivation high.
“You’ve peed. Let’s clean up your body. And clean up the floor. Does your belly feel lighter now that the pee is out?”
The longer they have been in diapers without attention given to their toileting, the more important this step is.
Step 3: Dry Days
Transition to diaper-free days, using a bare-bottom approach at home for 3-7 days, directing your child to the potty each time they start to go or placing them on it if they are not moving to it themselves. Keep instructions short and factual during this time.
“You’re pooping. Sit.”
“Now your poop is in the potty. Yes - that’s where it goes!”
Prompt your child to use the potty at natural transition points in the day, like before and after meals, nap, and bathtime. Encourage regular and easy to pass poops with gut-friendly foods and water.
Step 4: Daytime Confidence
Gradually integrate potty use into your daily routine, starting with short 15-minute outings and expanding over time. Maintain a curious and supportive attitude, fostering comfort in various settings, from the park to public restrooms.
“Where should we place the potty at the park? You can carry it and find a spot.”
“Can you hear the toilet flushing from here? Yes? Me too. Let’s go inside the bathroom and watch all the water go woosh. There are so many toilets. Can you spot one that is available?”
Step 5: Continued Independence + Dry Nights
Support your child's ongoing independence by coordinating with caregivers. An increase in misses could be due to sickness or a change in schedule. Make sure to offer your child additional support during these challenging times. Continue to monitor bowel and bladder patterns for regularity. And know that consistent dry days will lead to dry nights.
Remember that your toddler’s body is wired for potty independence between 12-24 months, but they need you to lead with confidence. With your thoughtful guidance, your child will be making steady progress towards potty mastery in no time.
Recommended Books: Diaper Free Before Three and Toileting Awareness and check out our recommended products for potty training here.
ERIKA FRASER is the founder of Bueno Market and the newly launched EMMI Parenting app, where parents, educators, and businesses use her courses and tools to find joy, purpose, and community in early parenthood.
She’s also the writer behind Raise In Place, the online publication with a community of over 500 families exploring our natural capacity to nurture. She started her career in as a UX and Design consultant for technology startups after receiving her BA Economics from University of Waterloo. As a mom of 3 little ones, and with over 20 years of professional Design and Education experience, she guides families with evidence-based and principled practices, inspired by Montessori and Permaculture, to help parents grow and thrive together with their children. Learn more at buenomarket.com.