Potty training is a key developmental milestone, marking your child’s growing independence. Every child is different, and choosing the right potty training method for your little one can help make the process positive and less stressful from the start. An American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) study even suggests that children learn better when engaged in some form of play (and are actively involved in their own learning) - so why not make potty training more of a playful experience? Let’s explore the different potty training methods and offer tips to help your child succeed, no matter which method you choose. When is Your Child Ready for Potty Training? The success of potty training often depends on your child’s developmental readiness. Signs of readiness can vary, but typically, children show a mix of physical, cognitive, and emotional cues before they are ready to begin potty training. Here are some common readiness signs: Staying dry for extended periods: Your child can stay dry for at least two hours during the day, indicating bladder control. Showing interest in the toilet: Your child expresses curiosity about the toilet, perhaps asking to use it or watching family members with curiosity. Having regular bowel movements: Your child’s bowel movements are predictable and occur at regular intervals. Communicating needs: Your child can communicate when they need to use the potty, either through words or gestures. Being able to pull down pants and underwear: This shows the necessary motor skills for using the potty independently. Every child is unique and their pathway to potty training may start at different times. For the full list of potty training readiness signs, check out our blog on When to Start Potty Training for more guidance. How to Start Potty Training Your Child Once you’ve identified the signs of readiness, it’s time to start potty training. Potty training is a team effort, and it's just as important for you to be ready as it is for your little one. To keep the transition as smooth as possible: Choose a supportive environment: Pick a time when life is relatively calm, and you can dedicate consistent attention to potty training. Avoid major distractions like vacations, new siblings, or moving. Aim for a peaceful, distraction-free zone where you can focus on this important milestone together. Start slowly: Begin with short, fun sessions on the potty. Think of it like a game—the goal is to make it enjoyable and exciting. Gradually increase the time spent, just like adding more pieces to a puzzle. Positive reinforcement: Reward even tiny victories with big cheers, colorful stickers, or special treats to keep your child motivated. Be patient: Potty training takes time. Avoid rushing the process or applying pressure. Remember, every child is different, and it may take some time for your child to feel comfortable using the potty. Listen to your child: Pay attention to your child's cues. If they seem hesitant or uncomfortable, take a step back and try again in a few weeks. It’s important to respect their individual timeline and adjust your approach based on their needs. Potty Training Methods to Try The AAP emphasizes using a positive and supportive approach throughout potty training. Using encouraging words about your child’s body, pee, and poop will help them develop a healthy attitude toward the process. Avoid negative language like "dirty" or "naughty," which can create feelings of shame and make potty training more difficult. Here are three popular methods to consider: 1. Brazelton Child-Oriented Approach This method, developed by pediatrician T. Berry Brazelton, is child-led and focuses on letting your child take the lead in the potty training process. How it works: Introduce the potty casually and let your child explore it at their own pace. Offer opportunities for your child to sit on the potty, even if they don’t pee or poop. Use positive reinforcement, like praise or rewards, to encourage your child’s potty training efforts (ex: peeing and pooping in the potty without prompting). Avoid punishment or shaming for accidents. Pros: The Brazelton method is child-led, avoiding pressure or coercion, which can help create a positive and supportive environment for potty training. By allowing the child to set the pace, the Brazelton method can minimize stress and anxiety for both the child and the parent. Since the child leads the process, the Brazelton method is more likely to be effective for children who need a more flexible time frame to graduate from potty training. Cons: Parents using the Brazelton method need to be patient and willing to adapt their approach based on the child's cues. This might require more effort and time commitment..If parents are not consistent in their approach or if there are significant changes in the child's environment, the potty training process may be delayed or disrupted. Practical tip: Because the Brazelton method is all about taking the child’s lead, offer them choices. Give them a chance to pick out fun potty chairs or underwear, and celebrate every attempt your child makes. 2. Scheduled Potty Training This method involves setting a routine where your child uses the potty at regular intervals throughout the day, regardless of whether they feel the need to go. How it works: Set a schedule for potty breaks, usually every 1 to 2 hours. Encourage your child to sit on the potty, even if they don’t always need to go. Use reminders, like a timer or a potty chart, to keep the schedule consistent. Pros: The structure can help children learn quickly, and a routine can give them a sense of predictability (making the process less overwhelming). Scheduled potty training also establishes clear expectations for both the child and the parent, reducing confusion and frustration. Cons: It is possible that this approach may not align with your child’s natural elimination patterns and could lead to accidents if they’re not ready at scheduled times. For some children, a strict schedule can create additional stress or anxiety, especially if they are not used to a structured routine. Scheduled potty training may limit flexibility, making it difficult to adapt to unexpected situations or changes in the child's routine. A family road trip or an even errand across town can be challenging to align with your established potty schedule. Practical tip: Using predictable incentives, like giving them a sticker or blowing bubbles every time they pee or poop on the potty is a great way to motivate them to repeat the desired behavior. 3. Elimination Communication (EC) Elimination Communication (EC) is a method where parents observe their baby’s natural cues to predict when they need to go and respond by holding them over a potty. How it works: Watch your child’s elimination cues, such as squirming or specific noises. Hold the child over the potty at key times (after meals, waking up, etc.) to encourage them to pee or poop in the potty. Pros: EC often involves close observation and intuitive communication between parent and child, which can foster a deep and meaningful bond. By eliminating the need for disposable diapers, EC can significantly reduce waste and environmental impact. This method aligns with a child's natural elimination patterns (without cues or prompts from the parent), which helps them develop of sense of independence and control over their bodies. Cons: This method requires significant time, awareness, and dedication from parents and may not be suitable for all families. Even with careful observation and communication, accidents may still occur, especially during the early stages of EC. Parents may also need extra support when implementing and maintaining this method due to the attention and time it requires from family members. Practical tip: Combine Elimination Communication (EC) with other methods and follow your baby’s natural cues to establish a routine that works for both of you. Potty Training Tips for Parents Potty training can have its ups and downs, but with the right approach, you can be prepared to manage challenges like accidents, regression, and nighttime bedwetting with confidence. Accidents Happen Accidents are a normal part of potty training and shouldn’t be met with punishment. Instead, try to respond in a calm and positive way by: Cleaning up together: Involve your child in the clean-up process to help them understand how to handle potty-related accidents. Offering reassurance: Let your child know that it’s okay and that they’re still learning. Avoiding shame: Never shame your child for an accident, which can harm their confidence in forming new habits on their own and slow progress. Regression is Expected Regression, just like accidents, is a common stage in learning how to use the potty themselves and doesn't necessarily mean that your child isn't ready to be potty trained. Major changes like moving or a new sibling can trigger regression, but it’s a normal part of the process. Return to a previous step: If your child is regressing, try returning to a previous step in the potty training process, which can help them feel more comfortable and confident. Positive reinforcement: Continue to offer praise and rewards for using the potty successfully. It’s important to keep your child motivated and focused on their goal of being a “big kid.” Nighttime Potty Training Is your child wetting the bed at night? That’s ok. Nighttime potty training typically takes longer than daytime training. In fact, up to 40% of children in the U.S. continue to wet the bed after being fully trained during the day. Make sure to: Limit fluids before bed: Reducing your child's fluid intake before bedtime can help decrease the number of times they need to get up to use the bathroom. Use waterproof pads: Consider using waterproof pads on your child's bed to protect it from accidents. Be patient: Remember that nighttime potty training takes time. Be patient and consistent, and eventually, your child will be able to stay dry throughout the night. The Right Training Potty to Support You and Your Child Choosing the right potty can make a big difference in your potty training experience. The Chicco Toddler Training Toilet offers features designed to make training easier and more comfortable for your little one. The 3-in-1 Potty Training System transitions from a standalone potty to a toilet seat stool, helping toddlers gain confidence at every stage of the process. FAQs on Potty Training Methods What’s the best potty training method? The best potty training method depends on your child's individual temperament, developmental readiness, and your family's circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Many parents find success by combining elements of different methods, such as the Brazelton child-oriented approach, scheduled potty training, or elimination communication. How do I handle potty training regression? Regression is a common part of potty training. It can occur for various reasons, such as stress, illness, or a change in routine. If your child experiences regression, don't get discouraged. Instead, take a step back and reassess your approach. When should I start nighttime potty training? Nighttime potty training is often a natural progression after daytime success. However, some children may take months or even years to stay dry at night. The timing of nighttime training depends on several factors, including your child's physical development, sleep patterns, and readiness. If your child is showing these signs (waking up dry or wanting to wear underwear), you can gradually introduce nighttime potty training by limiting fluids before bed, encouraging them to use the potty before going to sleep, plus providing a nightlight or a small potty in their room. Potty Training is a Journey Potty training is a personal journey for every child and family. You don’t need to stick to just one method—many children benefit from a combination of verbal, physical, and social training. Patience, positive reinforcement, and celebrating every success will help build your child’s confidence and self-esteem, leading to better potty training outcomes. Need help getting them excited about using the potty? Look for these most-loved potty training books that can make the process more enjoyable for both of you: You Poop Here by Paul Meisel I Use the Potty by Maria Van Lieshout Potty by Leslie Patricelli Potty Animals: What to Know When You’ve Gotta Go! by Hope Vestergaard Even Superheroes Use the Potty by Sara Crow For more helpful tips and resources for your baby, check out the Chicco Baby Talk Blog!