Ultimate Potty Training Guide: Step-by-Step Success Plan
- Lucie Duffy
- Feb 22
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 24
With so much advice out there, it’s hard to know where to begin. But we’ve done the research, tried the methods, and seen what truly works—both with our own kids and from fellow moms in this group. Here’s what has brought the most success, so you can take what fits your family and go at your own pace! 💕 Erin & Lucie
Potty Training in 3 Days (One Week Before)
Tell your child, “Next week, we are going to throw away your diapers!” and start building anticipation every day. Let them know this is a big, fun milestone, and they’re becoming a “big kid”! Hype up potty training like it’s the most amazing adventure—because to them, it should be! You’ll need three full days of undivided attention, so put your phone away, clear your schedule, and focus entirely on your little one. Make it a celebration, cheer them on, and prepare them for three days of fun, growth, and success!
Day 1: Potty Training Kickoff!
Set the tone by saying, "Today, you are a big boy/girl, and pee and poop go in the potty!" Start after breakfast-
Go diaper-free: No clothing below the waist.
Stay home and focus on training.
Encourage fluid intake by using a NEW, exciting straw cup with Pedialyte or a special drink/smoothie they've never had before. You want to pump them full of fluid!
Instead of asking, “Do you have to go?”, say, "It's time to pee and poop."
Watch for signals that they need to go.
For boys: Have them sit to pee and push down their penis.
Help with pooping by placing thick books under their feet. Pooping may take up to a month to master.
If they struggle, read to them, offer eye contact, and reassure them.
Accidents happen: Avoid saying "It’s okay." Instead, say, "Your pee/poop goes in the potty."
Naps: Use a diaper but explain, "Nap time is long, and you are still learning. We'll take it off after."
Encourage through play: Water play (e.g. Lovevery sink, fill a bucket with water) can help stimulate potty use.
Use a favorite toy to "watch" them go potty.
Day 2: Short Outings & How to Use a Portable Potty
Today, return to normal fluid intake and start introducing short outings. Bring a portable potty, even if it’s just for a walk around the block or a quick grocery run. Always have them use the potty before leaving the house, and lead by example—show them that you go before heading out, too! Encourage and celebrate every success, especially when they recognize the urge and tell you they have to go. These small wins build confidence and reinforce their new potty routine!
Pro Tip: If you’re in a public bathroom, watch out for automatic flushing toilets, as they can be scary for toddlers—same with loud hand dryers! Bring a sticker to cover the automatic sensor and always pack hand sanitizer to make the experience smoother.
Day 3: Wearing Pants But No Underwear – Potty Training Success
Start having your child wear pants or shorts, but skip underwear for now (up to one month) to avoid the diaper-like feeling. Keep reinforcing potty breaks and watching for their cues. Today is the day for longer adventures out of the house! Plan a trip to the park, a playdate, or a fun outing, and bring the portable potty along. Before leaving, remind them to use the potty, and introduce them to the idea of using their travel potty while out and about. Keep up the praise and encouragement—each successful trip builds their confidence and independence!
Ongoing Tips & Troubleshooting
If your child struggles with pooping, it might take time. If their poop is hard, increase fiber intake. Encourage them by allowing them to read on the potty. Be consistent and clear with messaging: “Poop and pee go in the potty.” Praise success rather than focusing on failures. Stay commando (no underwear) for up to a month to reinforce learning.
It’s also recommended to have soft-close toilets or lightweight lids to prevent pinched fingers or private parts. Teach your child to pull up their pants first before flushing to avoid any accidents while finishing up in the bathroom.
Most children will still wear overnight diapers, sometimes for up to a year, depending on when potty training started. Their bladders aren’t fully developed to hold enough pee overnight until after age 3. While continuing to use diapers at night is normal, it’s best to ditch diapers during naps once they’re fully potty trained. In the meantime, be sure to use a waterproof mattress cover to protect their bed from accidents.
Pro Tip: As you begin potty training, start using proper names for body parts (penis, vagina, anus). Teaching body safety and consent is important even at this early stage, helping children understand their bodies and setting the foundation for healthy boundaries.
Cliffs Notes Version (For Husbands)
Copy and paste to send in a text, while they are away on their 30 minute bathroom break
Potty Training in 3 Days – What You Need to Know
1 Week Before: Tell them every day: "Next week, no more diapers!"
Day 1: No pants. No underwear. No asking. Just say, "Time to pee/poop."
Keep them drinking LOTS of fluids.
Use a portable potty/toilet.
Expect accidents. No scolding.
If they resist pooping, place books under their feet & reassure them.
Day 2: Short outing, bring a portable potty.
Day 3: Add pants but NO underwear (for about a month).
Pro Tips:
Nap time = diaper (explain it’s for naps only).
Boys: Sit to pee, hold down penis.
No asking “Do you have to go?” Instead, say, “Now it’s time to go.”
Read to them on the potty, make it fun.
Avoid the hand dryer if they are scared, use hand sanitizer.
Place a sticker over automatic flushing sensors, if scared.
Increase fiber if pooping is hard.
And remember, if you find yourself taking longer bathroom breaks than your toddler’s entire potty training process, maybe it’s time to rethink your strategy, buddy. 🚽💪
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Recommended Potty Training Products
Toddler Proud
One Proud Toddler features an ultra non-slip liner for a super secure fit on any plastic toilet seat, ensuring stability, safety pinch free seams. Its sturdy design supports kids up to 60 lbs—and it comes with a convenient carrying case for easy travel!
OXO
This portable travel potty opens quickly for on-the-go emergencies (think back of the car or at the park) and features smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces. Use it as a standalone potty or on a toilet, with secure flaps to hold disposable bags. Compact folding legs make storage a breeze!
BABYBJORN
This ergonomic toilet trainer provides comfortable, secure seating, helping your child sit correctly and confidently. Easy to adjust, clean, and remove, with a built-in splashguard to prevent spills. Made from BPA-free plastic for safe use from age 2+.
Pro tip: Add a command hook to the side of your toilet tank for easy hanging storage!
Hygge Supplies
The Hygge Sheets Bed Wetting Protection Pad offers 5 layers of absorbent protection, keeping your mattress dry through nighttime accidents. Made with soft, quilted fabric for comfort, it fits twin, toddler, and crib beds perfectly and stays securely in place with tucks, making it a lifesaver for nighttime potty training. Machine washable for easy cleanup!
Final Thoughts on Potty Training Success
Potty training is a big milestone, and with the right approach, patience, and consistency, your toddler will be diaper-free in no time! Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so stay positive, celebrate the small wins, and keep reinforcing good potty habits. From choosing the best potty training essentials to handling setbacks, the key is to create a stress-free and encouraging environment.
Looking for tried-and-true potty training must-haves? Check out our top product recommendations above! Have a favorite potty training product or tip? Drop your recs in the comments below! Don’t forget to bookmark this guide and share it with a friend who’s about to start their potty training journey. 🚽✨
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