If there’s one milestone that can make even the most relaxed parent break into a nervous sweat, it’s potty training. The thought of saying goodbye to diapers sounds amazing—until you realize it means spending your days asking, “Do you have to go potty?” every 10 minutes.

When my daughter hit two, I felt that familiar mix of excitement and dread. Some parents seemed to have it all figured out (“Oh, we trained in a weekend!”), while others admitted they were still working on it months later. What I learned pretty quickly is that there’s no single “right” way to potty train—just the way that works best for your child (and your sanity).

So, let’s talk about some of the most common potty training methods out there—the good, the tricky, and what might work depending on your little one’s personality.

The “Readiness” Approach

This is the most relaxed method and probably the one most pediatricians recommend. Instead of following an age rule, you look for signs of readiness.

Some of those signs include:

• Staying dry for longer stretches (at least two hours)

• Showing interest in the toilet or watching you use it

• Being uncomfortable in dirty diapers

• Understanding simple instructions (“Let’s go sit on the potty”)

• Being able to pull pants up and down

When I tried this approach, I waited until my daughter started hiding to poop. As funny as that sounds, it was actually a sign that she was aware of what was happening. That’s when we introduced the potty—no pressure, just as something new and interesting.

The idea is to go slowly and follow your child’s lead. Maybe they sit on the potty fully clothed for a week, or maybe they’re ready to try without a diaper sooner. It’s all about comfort and confidence.

Pros:

• Low stress for both parent and child.

• Reduces power struggles.

• Usually leads to fewer accidents long-term.

Cons:

• Takes patience—progress can be slow.

• Harder if your daycare or preschool wants kids trained by a certain age.

The “Three-Day” Method

Ah, the famous three-day method—beloved by some, dreaded by others. The idea is to go all in for a long weekend and ditch diapers cold turkey.

Here’s the gist:

1. Prep ahead: Stock up on underwear, extra clothes, cleaning supplies, and snacks (for both of you).

2. Stay home for three days: Your child goes diaper-free during waking hours.

3. Watch closely: Every 15–20 minutes, you remind them or take them to try.

4. Celebrate every success: Lots of praise, stickers, maybe even small rewards.

It’s an intense few days. You’ll spend most of your time talking about pee, poop, and the potty. But for some kids, the quick transition helps them “get it” faster because there’s no going back.

We tried this approach with my niece, and it mostly worked—she was trained during the day by the end of the week. But we also learned it’s not for everyone. Some toddlers get frustrated or anxious with that sudden change.

Pros:

• Fast results for children who are ready.

• Gives a clear, consistent message.

Cons:

• Emotionally draining for parents.

• Can backfire if the child feels pressured or overwhelmed.

Mom tip: If you go this route, clear your schedule and keep your sense of humor. You’ll probably clean up a few puddles—but that’s all part of the process.

The “Child-Oriented” (or Brazelton) Method

This method was developed by pediatrician Dr. T. Berry Brazelton and is based on patience and positive reinforcement. It’s kind of a middle ground between the “readiness” and “three-day” approaches.

Here’s how it goes:

1. Introduce the potty early (even as young as 18 months) so it’s familiar.

2. Let your child sit on it whenever they show interest—no expectations.

3. Praise effort, not results.

4. Gradually build toward using it regularly, letting your child take the lead.

This approach worked beautifully for a friend of mine whose son was a bit shy and cautious. They kept the potty in the bathroom, read books about it together, and celebrated each tiny step. It took a few months, but the transition was calm and positive.

Pros:

• Gentle and encouraging.

• Builds confidence and autonomy.

• Less likely to cause resistance.

Cons:

• Can take longer.

• Requires parents to be consistent but not pushy (a tough balance!).

The “Parent-Led” or Scheduled Method

This method is more structured—you decide when it’s time to start, and you build a schedule around potty times. It’s popular with parents who like routines or whose children thrive on predictability.

The process involves:

• Taking your child to the potty at set times (for example, right after meals, before naps, and before bed).

• Using gentle reminders or timers.

• Offering lots of praise when they succeed.

It’s kind of like “potty training by habit.” Over time, your toddler learns when to expect potty breaks and begins to recognize their body’s signals.

I tried a mild version of this with my daughter. We had “potty breaks” built into the day—after breakfast, before going outside, and before bed. She loved the predictability and even started reminding me when it was time to go!

Pros:

• Creates structure and consistency.

• Works well in daycare settings where schedules are routine.

Cons:

• Can feel rigid for some families.

• Doesn’t always encourage independent recognition of bodily cues.

The “Bare-Bottom” Method

This one is exactly what it sounds like: you let your toddler go without pants or diapers for a while so they can easily recognize when they need to go and rush to the potty.

It’s often used as a starting point—especially outdoors or at home on easy-to-clean floors. The lack of a diaper helps toddlers feel the sensation of needing to go, making the connection faster.

Pros:

• Great for early awareness.

• Quick feedback for the child (and fewer hidden accidents).

Cons:

• Not always practical—especially in public or cold weather!

• Can lead to extra cleanup.

Still, it’s surprisingly effective for some kids, especially during the early stages.

Potty Training at Night

No matter which daytime method you choose, nighttime training usually takes longer. Most kids aren’t dry overnight until months (or even years) after they master daytime control. And that’s okay! I kept my daughter in overnight pull-ups until she consistently woke up dry. There’s no rush here—it’s a developmental milestone, not a test.

My Honest Takeaway

After trying (and tweaking) a few methods, I realized that potty training is less about the method and more about the mindset. It’s about reading your child, staying patient, and remembering that accidents aren’t failures—they’re just part of learning.

There will be moments when you feel like you’re making no progress and others when you want to throw a parade because your toddler actually pooped in the potty. Both are normal.

The best advice I can give? Keep it light. Laugh when you can. Let your child feel proud, and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Some kids train in days, others in months—but they all get there eventually.

Final Thoughts

Potty training is a big step for both you and your child. Whether you go all-in with a weekend boot camp or take the slow-and-steady route, the goal is the same: to help your little one gain confidence and independence.

And one day soon, when you’re packing up that last box of diapers, you’ll look back and realize it wasn’t so bad after all. Messy? Yes. Exhausting? Definitely. But also one of those small victories that remind you just how fast they’re growing up.