Potty training is a major milestone in your child’s development, and the prospect of accomplishing it in just three days may seem like a daunting challenge. However, with the right plan, preparation, and a lot of patience, it’s an achievable goal.
Consider the popular three-day strategy if you’re willing to commit to potty training throughout a long weekend. For many parents, the idea that their child could learn to use the potty in a matter of days, or perhaps just one afternoon, may seem almost too good to be true. It seems sense, particularly if you’ve heard stories about potty training being a difficult and drawn-out process.
This method, which is sometimes called the “three-day potty training,” has its origins in the 2006 Diaper Free Toddlers curriculum developed by educator Julie Fellom. Since then, several authorities on potty training, such as Allison Jandu and Sarah Selzinck, have modified and improved the technique, changing the emphasis from obtaining total potty training success in three days to focusing on a condensed and intensive training period to make substantial progress.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps, offer valuable tips, and guide you on how to prepare for a successful three-day potty training journey.
Scroll down and read out the mamaadoptation article How to potty train your child in 3 days: A comprehensive guide for learning more about potty training.
Related: Potty Training Girls: Tips & Advice
How Does Three-Day Potty Training Work?
The three-day potty training method requires a great deal of concentration, commitment, and hard work. It’s commonly known as the “bare-bottomed” method, which states that your child should wear loose-fitting pants without underwear when out or at daycare, and remain nude below the waist for the first three days of training. Diapers or training pants are still appropriate for bedtime and naps.
Every fifteen minutes for the duration of these three days, encourage your youngster to try using the potty. Ample amounts of milk, water, and diluted juice can help to improve the outcome of this process. Extra liquids are an essential part of the training since they enhance the urge to use the potty.
Raising your child’s knowledge of their body functions is the major goal of the no-underwear or no-diaper rule. This strategy might lead to a few mishaps, giving you a chance to teach your child about how their body works without using shame or punishment. There will also be less washing to worry about!
Before Start
Readiness:
Finding out whether your child is ready for potty training is the first step in the three-day process. Every child is unique, but the majority of them begin exhibiting symptoms between the ages of 18 and 24 months. Watch for signs such as interest in using the potty, prolonged dryness, or need expression.
Potty Training Readiness Checklist
- Your child seems interested in the potty, toilet, or in wearing underwear instead of diapers.
- Your child can understand and follow basic instructions.
- Your child can walk.
- Your child stays dry for at least two hours during the day.
- Your child is capable of pulling his pants up and down.
- Your child signals when he needs to go.
- Your child informs you when his diaper is wet or dirty.
Gather the Essential:
Please make sure you have the necessary items before starting your expedition. Training pants, underwear, cleaning supplies, and a kid-sized potty or potty seat for the main toilet are usually included in these.
What you’ll need to get going is as follows:
- Toilet seats are a must for any major space where you and your child spend time together, not to mention restrooms.
- Keep an abundance of thirst-quenching snacks on hand, such as salty crackers or meals high in water content, like watermelon and popsicles, to encourage frequent urination.
- Make sure your youngster has multiple pairs of loose-fitting jeans when you leave the house.
- To keep your youngster hydrated, make sure you have an ample supply of water or diluted juice available.
- Have a little towel handy to drape over the car seat to protect it from accidents.
- Have cleaning tools, clothes, cleaning solutions, and a plastic pail on hand in case of an accident.
Having these essentials in place will make the potty training process smoother and more manageable.
Communication and Preparation:
Start talking to your youngster about using the potty. Make positive and interesting use of books, movies, or open talks to acquaint them with the process. Select a period, like a long weekend, when you can minimize outside distractions and give your full attention to the potty training journey.
Here are the steps involved in using the potty:
- Lowering your pants and underwear.
- Taking a seat on the potty.
- Urinating or having a bowel movement into it.
- Cleaning yourself after.
- Pulling up your pants and underwear.
- Flushing the toilet.
- Washing your hands.
These are the sequential actions children learn when transitioning to using the potty independently.
Choose a Focused Time:
Pick a long weekend or a time when you can devote all of your concentration to starting the potty training process. Cut down on other obligations and diversions so you can concentrate on your child.
Related: Going Back To Diapers After Potty Training (Dealing With Regression)
Potty Training In 3 Days: How To Do It
Engaging in three-day potty training is a more concentrated and demanding approach compared to the traditional, slower method. It’s important to recognize that maintaining a positive attitude throughout these three days might require effort and assistance from others. The crucial elements here are patience, a positive mindset, and adaptability, all while keeping in mind that the process may vary in effectiveness for different children.
Day 1
- Start your day when your child wakes up. Throughout the day, let them remain unclothed from the waist down. Alternate with your partner in keeping a close eye on your child for any signals indicating they need to use the potty. If they begin to go, swiftly carry them to the potty while saying, “We pee in the potty.”
- Incorporate salty or hydrating snacks into their diet throughout the day, in addition to regular nutritious meals, and ensure everyone drinks plenty of water to prompt frequent bathroom visits.
- Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small (even a few drops of pee or a bit of poop in the potty instead of on the floor). When this occurs, engage in your potty celebration dance. You can also offer praise, high-fives, and similar positive reinforcement.
- In the event of an accident, while cleaning up, repeat the phrase, “We put pee (or poop) in the potty.” Never scold or shame your child for accidents, as they are a part of the learning process.
- Notify your child that it’s time to use the potty before naptime and bedtime. (Avoid asking your child, as they might decline the opportunity.)
- Before they go to sleep, place a diaper on your child.
Days Two and Three
- Continue with the same routine as day one.
- On day two, after your child’s nap, take a brief outdoor stroll together following a successful potty trip. Ensure that this outing doesn’t exceed 30 minutes, and inform your child that you can return home immediately if they feel the need to use the potty. During this outing, have your child wear roomy pants with no undergarments – no diapers, training pants, or underwear.
Note: (Bring extra clothing for your child just in case an accident occurs and you don’t make it home accident-free.)
Valuable Tip For Success:
Consistency is Essential: Adhere to the timetable and maintain a consistent approach.
Encourage Independence: Promote your child’s independence by allowing them to flush, wash their hands, and perform other tasks related to using the potty.
Celebrate Progress: Mark even the smallest accomplishments to motivate and inspire your child.
Accept Accidents are Normal: Mishaps are inevitable during the potty training process. Reassure your child that they’re okay.
Training at Night: Remember that effective daytime training usually precedes successful nighttime toilet training.
Consult a Professional: If you are having trouble or your child is refusing to go potty, you might want to talk to your doctor or a child development professional.
Nighttime Potty Training Tips
- Make a trip to the potty the final step in your bedtime routine.
- Establish a bedtime routine that’s calming and relaxing.
- Ask your little one to start their morning with a trip to the bathroom.
- Use training pants.
- Offer reassurance when an accident happens.
- Don’t punish — praise and support a successful night.
- Tell your child that they can wake you up at night if needed.
- Ensure the toilet is accessible to your toddler.
- Communicate —- explain why bed-wetting happens and that is normal.
- Make the switch to “big kid” under-wear exciting.
- Use a plastic mattress protector or sheet.
- Prepare for accidents —- have extra sheets and fresh pajamas at hand.
- Be patient — potty training is a journey that takes time.
What To Do After The First Three Days Of Potty Training
It’s critical to keep up the excitement and stick to regular toilet training techniques following the intense three-day training session. In the days that follow this first training phase, you should think about taking the following actions:
Maintain the Routine: After the tough three days are done, stick to the routines and habits you’ve developed. Reiterating the lessons your child has learned requires consistency.
Apply Positive Reinforcement: Keep praising and celebrating your child’s accomplishments. To keep them motivated, give them praise, promotions, or a potty training chart.
Keep a Potty Schedule: Adhere to a consistent plan for taking bathroom breaks. Remind your child to use the restroom as soon as they wake up, right before bed, and during the day frequently.
Dress for Success: Give your kids simple clothes to take off so they can go to the bathroom quickly. They can arrive on time more easily as a result of this.
Training at Night: Continue using training pants or diapers at night as it typically takes longer to gain bladder control during the night.
Be Ready for Setbacks: Be prepared for sporadic mishaps or setbacks. It’s a necessary aspect of learning, so instead of getting frustrated, respond with tolerance and encouragement.
Maintain Open Communication: Keep lines of communication open by encouraging your kids to tell you when they need to use the restroom. They feel more in charge of the procedure when there is open communication.
Monitor Progress: Keep a close check on your child’s development and modify your strategy as necessary. Since each child is unique, adapt your strategies accordingly.
Benefits of Toilet Training
Potty training is an important developmental milestone for your child and has several noteworthy benefits.
Independence: By encouraging your child to assume greater responsibility for their physical needs, potty training helps them feel more independent and autonomous.
Cost Savings: Since you’ll require fewer diapers over time, switching from diapers to underwear or training pants will save you money.
Eco-Friendly: By eliminating the need for throwaway diapers, potty training lessens your environmental impact.
Improved cleanliness: As your child learns to use the restroom and wash their hands on their own, potty training encourages improved cleanliness.
Convenience: Since changing diapers is no longer necessary, trips and travel are more convenient.
Improved Sleep: After nighttime toilet training is completed, you and your child can both sleep through the night without interruption.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: When your child uses the potty successfully, their confidence and sense of self-worth increase.
School Readiness: Enrollment in preschool or daycare programs frequently requires completion of potty training.
Developmental Milestone: It represents a critical turning point in your child’s development and demonstrates their capacity for growth and adaptation.
Parental Satisfaction: Successful potty training gives parents a sense of accomplishment since it shows that they are providing their children with effective care and direction.
Conclusion
Potty training success requires consistency. Maintain the same timetable even after the first three days. Remain patient, offer support, and refrain from penalizing mishaps. Since every child develops at a different rate, be ready to modify the strategy to fit your child’s unique requirements and stage of development. Potty training is a big step, and success requires a cheerful, understanding, and adaptable attitude.
FAQs
When should I start potty training my child?
While the time for potty training readiness varies, many toddlers exhibit indications between the ages of 18 and 24 months. When your youngster shows interest and can remain dry for extended periods, start.
Should I use a potty or the regular toilet for training?
Your child’s comfort level will determine this. While some people prefer a child-sized potty, others use a potty seat to go straight from the ordinary toilet to the potty.
How can I encourage my child to use the potty?
Provide praise and tiny incentives for using the potty, use positive reinforcement, establish a routine with designated potty breaks, and more.
What do I do if my baby resists potty training?
Don’t push your child if they refuse. Take a rest and give it another go later. Make sure there is no pressure and that the process is positive.
When is my child fully potty trained?
The majority of kids are potty trained during the day by the time they are three years old. Training at night may take longer and last several months or even years.
