By the time your toddler has turned two you have probably started to think about potty training, and may even begin to look into the best potties and their features. For many new parents though, figuring out how to potty train your toddler can seem like a rather intimidating challenge, and a seemingly long and arduous process they'd rather put off. We think that if there is a possibility you can potty train in a week, you might feel more encouraged to get stuck in!
It's important to remember that little ones are all individuals and develop at their own pace, so there isn't necessarily a right time, age or pace to start or hope to achieve success – it'll all depend on them. Making it a positive experience is essential though, and with the right encouragement and preparation, could it be possible to get your tot out of nappies and potty train in a week? Amanda Jenner, a potty training expert and the founder of the Potty Training Academy says – yes!
Potty training is all about helping your child to recognise the sensation of needing to go before they actually do, and it is a big learning process for them. So, although they may have the odd accident here and there, they're sure to be happy using the potty within three days of learning this method.
When to start potty training
Before you begin the potty training process, it's important to make sure your little one is ready. The NHS says; "You may want to introduce sitting on the potty as part of your child’s normal day when they’re around 18 months to 2 years. Some people choose to start earlier."
Getting the timing right might seem a little daunting, but potty traiing isn't something you can force or that you should rush. Choosing a time when your know your family and child's routine will be consistent is a big help, so it's best to delay if you're going through any big changes at home, like a move or trip. Summer is often a good time to start potty training, with fewer clothes to worry about washing and the weather making it easier to dry them quickly.
How to prepare for potty training your toddler
We've touched on making sure the time is right, but how else can you get ready to potty train in one week? Choosing a potty your little one will enjoy using can really help at home, and many mums and dads will swear by investing in a potty training rewards chart.
Introducing little one to the idea of using a potty early on will also encourage them when the time comes to actually start using it.
These small things can really help:
• Talk about nappy changes while you're changing them to help them develop an understanding of what wee and poo is, and what a wet nappy feels like.
• Get into the habit of changing them in the bathroom where the toilet is.
• Place their potty in the bathroom where your little one can see it and ask questions. They'll associate that environment with going to the toilet and you can explain what the potty is for.
• Let them try sitting on the potty if they want to.
• Let them practice flushing the big toilet for you and washing their own hands.
You should also take note of your child's toilet signals – that is, signs that let you know your child is ready to pee or poop in the potty.
Four signs your child needs to use the potty:
1 They stop playing – when you see them stop in their tracks when they are playing, or go away and hide each time they do a wee or poo in their nappy, this means they are aware and acknowledging that something is happening.
2 An hour goes by – when the gap between wetting and soiling their nappy is at least an hour, you'll know this is how long they can hold it.
3 They can sit on and get off the potty – when they have the physical ability to actually sit on the potty, as well as stand up and get off it, you'll know they can independently use the potty.
4 Communication is solid – when they understand and respond, and can follow simple verbal commands, they'll be ready for you to give them clear and simple instructions, as well as communicate with you when they want to use the potty.
Once you notice these signs, your next step should be to make sure you have all the gear you need to start potty training. This includes underwear or potty training pants, reward charts (if you decide you'd like to use them) and of course the potty itself.
There are also signs your child is not ready for potty training, like having regular accidents or showing a lot of resistance to the potty. It's important to take notice of these and not force your toddler into using the potty before they're ready, as you don't want them to develop any negative associations that can lead to further problems down the line and make the process harder and more stressful (for everyone) than it should be.
How to potty train in 7 days
If you're up for the challenge, you have everythihng prepared, and little one is ready to start their potty training journey, Amanda shows us how to set up a potty training schedule, helping you get started with this 5-day potty training plan.
Potty training: Day 1
Now this may freak you out, but Amanda suggests to get started straightaway by ditching the nappies as soon as your youngster gets up! "Take their nappy off while they're is still in their bedroom and get them to throw it away" says Amanda. "Then put their big girl’s (or boy's) pants on, and tell them that nappies are now only for bedtime."
Amanda advises to sit them on the potty every 20 to 35 minutes, asking ‘Shall we try and get a star or a sticker?’ She encourages you to use lots of lovely reinforcing language, and says; "If they ask to go back to nappies, tell them that you haven’t got any more for daytime."
Keep plans for the first day simple – because distractions are likely to lead to accidents. You can venture out for some daily exercise in the afternoon, fresh air is important, but; "keep it to half-an-hour maximum – and take the potty with you", says Amanda.
Potty training: Day 2
The second day of potty training is a great time to start encouraging your toddler to take the lead and become more independent. "Get them to start putting their pants on themselves," advises Amanda, "and to show you where the potty is. Regularly remind them what to do, saying things like 'Don’t forget to tell Mummy when you need a wee or a poo.’”
Amanda does warn you to be prepared though – on day one, using the potty was new and exciting, but by this point your toddler might start saying they don't want to use it after all, and this is normal. Don't be disappointed, distraction is key!
Put together a box of toys and activities your child can have fun with while on the potty. "Every day, change what is in it and only let them play with it while they're on the potty," says Amanda. (Clever, huh?)
If you're struggling for suitable ideas, Amanda says; "Blowing bubbles is ideal as it will help relax your child, in turn, relaxing their bladder and bowel, too!" Amanda insists you don’t be tempted to just put them in front of the TV though – instead, give them something specific to do, like a simple jigsaw.
Don't be disheartened, it’s common for toddlers to have more accidents on the second day of potty training. Amanda says: ‘If they have an accident, stay upbeat and say 'Wee doesn’t go there”, then change their underwear and say: 'You don’t get a sticker this time, but try again.' Don't forget to stay very positive and calm, and never get cross."
Potty training: Day 3
By the third day of the plan, potty fatigue may be starting to creep in. Now is the time to get a little more adventurous though and start leaving the house for a bit longer. "The most important thing is consistency," says Amanda. "Use the same potty in and out of the home. If you go out and about, take your potty with you so you don’t have to worry about finding a toilet, and take a bag with stars in so she can still put them in the stars box if she does anything while she is out."
Keep in mind that your toddler’s bladder is not strong enough to hold wee for long, so, before you leave the house, make your little one sit on the potty and try to do a wee – and it goes without saying not to give them a big drink just before you go out if you want to set them up for success.
Day three is also a good opportunity to introduce flashcards showing pictures of children using potties and washing their hands. You can talk to your little one about the cards and get them to tell you what they can see. Don't forget to take some time for yourself to relax, especially once your little one has gone to bed. If you get stressed, your toddler will pick up on it, so plan something fun to take your mind off toilet training.
Potty training: Day 4
By now your little one should have had plenty of practice and should be visiting the loo consistently when they feel the need to go. On the fourth day, your toddler will also be starting to become more aware, so don't be surprised to find that they may want a little privacy when they use the potty. Amanda says: "Don’t stick the potty in a room full of people and make a spectacle of them. If your child prefers to go somewhere private such as behind the sofa to do a poo, put the potty there and tell them to call you when they have finished."
There are ways that loved ones can still join in and encourage your child to use their potty that don’t involve watching them use it. For example, get family to get on board by asking your toddler how many stars they've got. Or have Grandma phone up and talk positively about potty training.
If your child goes to nursery or a childminder, make sure they know you are potty training and request that they follow the same approach. "Ask if you can send in a bag of stars for them to give out to your child," suggests Amanda, "or if they can tell you at the end of the day how many stars your child has earned, so they can add them to their box when they get home."
Potty training: Day 5
On the fifth day, Amanda recommends becoming a little more sparing with the stickers and only giving them out when your tot has taken themself to the potty. "If they start going on their own without prompting, say 'Well done, I am proud of you'" says Amanda, "but don’t go too over the top, as this could put your toddler off."
Don’t worry if your tot has the odd accident, as it is still very early days. It’s common for toddlers to be reluctant initially to use their potty for bowel movements in particular – but stick with it. Amanda adds: "If they do a poo in their pants, get them to put it into the potty and then flush it away. Keep showing them the right place for their poo to go. If they insist they want to do their poo in a pull-up, take it straight off as soon as they have finished and put them back into their proper pants."
Top potty training tips:
Embrace nakedness
In the run up to your potty training week, let your toddler be naked as much as possible. The idea is that only by letting your tot run around naked as much as possible, will they really understand what’s going on. Underwear feels like a nappy to your toddler and therefore is more likely to encourage frequent accidents.
Let them watch you
In the weeks before you start, make more of your own trips to the loo, talking through what you’re doing, and even (sorry if this sounds gross) letting them see exactly what you’re doing! Younger siblings usually have an easy time when potty training because they can watch their brother or sister.
Make friends with the potty
Choose a potty together and make a fuss of your child when they sit on it. Tell them they're a big boy or girl, and if by any chance you do catch a wee while they're sitting on it, heap on the praise.
Praise with others
Don’t just pile on the praise yourself, if you have a successful day of wees in the potty, make sure it’s the first thing you tell your partner when they get home. Or you can even resort to ringing Granny to announce that first well-placed poo.
Work out your wobble
If you find your child often has accidents at the same time, take note of the time, place and reason for it. You’ll often find a pattern. For example, you may find when they are tired at the end of the day and sitting on the sofa, they may need an extra prompt to get up and go to the potty. Or it could be when they're out at a playgroup and there are lots of toys about, they may find it hard to drag themselves away.
How to potty train at night
When it comes to night-time potty training, Amanda says; "I always advise parents to wait until their child is reliably dry during the daytime before tackling nights". She warns; "Trying to do it all at once can be daunting, result in more accidents which can be upsetting for your little one, and make you more likely to give up."
If you’re like the majority of mums, your tot will still be in a nappy at night long after they're dry during the day. Bedwetting is a very common childhood problem, but it is also a hurdle that all children overcome.
The NHS says; "If your child's nappy is dry or only slightly damp when your child wakes for a few mornings in a row, they may be ready for night-time potty training." They advise the following: "Ask your child to use the potty last thing before they go to bed and make sure it's close by, so they can use it if they need to wee in the night. There are bound to be a few accidents, so a waterproof sheet to protect your child's mattress is a good idea."
Meet the experts
Amanda Jenner, a mum of three, is the UK's leading toilet training expert and ITV's expert. She is the owner, director and inventor of the award-winning My Carry Potty and Potty Training Academy, and as a child and behavioural expert with 20 years experience, works closely with families giving them guidance on toilet training, as well as tips and recipes to help with fussy eaters. Amanda is also a regular in Schools and Universities across the UK, and is the author of Potty Training Magic.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.