When it comes to potty training, it could be difficult to determine what method will work best for your child. Every child is different and what works for one, may not work for another. There are five popular potty training methods to consider and some general guidelines to follow. In this post we will discuss what each of the 5 potty training methods entail and which one may work best for your family.
The best potty training method is one that is gradual, yet time efficient and effective, such as the 7-day potty training method. Which isn’t too short that your child may regress, but long enough to establish a routine without being drawn out.
It’s important to remember that every child is different, so what worked for a friend or neighbor’s child, may not work for yours. That’s why it’s necessary to compare and contrast different methods to find what will work specifically for your child. Keep reading to learn more about the 5 most popular potty training methods so you can determine which one is best for your family.
The Best Potty Training Method
The best potty training method is one that is appropriate for your child’s individual needs and personality. Somethings to consider when choosing a potty training method include your child’s age, learning style, and previous bathroom experience. If your child is younger, you may want to try a method that uses positive reinforcement, such as stickers, treats, or praise. For older children, you may want to focus on teaching them how to use the potty independently and understanding why it’s necessary.
Additionally, it’s important to think about your own parenting style, your schedule, and what you are comfortable with. For instance, some parents are okay with their child being naked from the waist down during potty training, while others are not. Some parents may also have a week to focus solely on potty training, while others only have weekends or evenings. It’s important to find a potty training method that will work with both your child and your lifestyle.
The 7 day potty training method has become a most popular choice and many parents believe that it’s the best potty train method because it’s effective and efficient.T his methods also right in the middle as far as timing and also very flexible. Furthermore, it can be done relatively easily at home, without having to take too much time off work or school.
Still, there are a few other potty training methods that are also very effective and unique.
Top 5 Best Potty Training Methods
1. 3-day potty training: This method involves a intensive three-day period of potty training. It is most suitable for children who are over 18 months old and are able to follow simple instructions.
2. 7-day potty training: This method extends the potty training period over a week. It is best suited for children who are between 18 and 24 months old and have good motor skills.
3. Gradual potty training: This method involves gradually introducing the potty to your child over a period of time. It is most suitable for children who are between 18 and 36 months old and have good motor skills.
4. Child-centered potty training: This method focuses on the needs of the child and is best suited for children who are between 24 and 36 months old and are developmentally ready for potty training.
5. Parent-led potty training: This method is best suited for children who are over 24 months old, typically 36 months, and are able to follow instructions. It is also suitable for children who have special needs or are resistant to potty training.
The best potty training method for your child will depend on their individual needs and personality. If you’re unsure which approach to take, compare the different methods and choose the one that’s most beneficial for your family.
Let’s dive deeper into each individual potty training method.
3 Day Potty Training Method
The three-day potty training method is a great option for parents who want to potty train their child quickly and efficiently. This method involves an intensive three-day period of potty training. It is most suitable for children who are over 18 months old and are able to follow simple instructions.
To be successful, you will need to set aside three days where you can focus solely on potty training. During this time, it is important to keep a very close eye on your child and take them to the toilet regularly. You will also need to provide plenty of encouragement and praise when they use the toilet successfully.
One of the advantages of this potty training method is that it is relatively quick and easy. It is also less likely to result in accidents, as you will be constantly monitoring your child. It’s also helpful to stay in one or 2 rooms only for the entire 3 days.
This potty training method can be combined with bare bottom potty training, which is where your child is naked from the waist down during potty training. This allows them to feel when they need to go to the toilet. This method helps children to become more aware of their bodily functions and decreases the chances of accidents occurring.
8 Benefits of the 3 day potty training method:
1. It’s quick and efficient
2. It has a quick turnaround time
3. You can focus solely on potty training
4. It can be a bonding experience for you and your child
5. It’s tine efficient for busy or working parents
6. It’s flexible and can be adapted to suit your child’s needs
8. It can be done at home without having to take time off work or school
5 Disadvantages of the 3 day potty training method:
1. It can be stressful for both parents and child
2. It can be disruptive to your daily routine
3. It requires a lot of patience and dedication
4. It may not be suitable for all children
5. It can be difficult to stick to for the entire three days
The 3-day potty training method can be be the best potty training method for you if you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to potty train your child.
7 Day Potty Training Method
The 7-day potty training method is another great option for parents who want to potty train their child quickly and efficiently. This method extends the potty training period over a week. It is best suited for children who are between 18 and 24 months old and have good motor skills.
To be successful, you will need to set aside seven days where you can focus solely on potty training. During this time, you must also keep a close eye on your child and take them regularly to the toilet. As well as, provide plenty of encouragement and praise when they use the toilet successfully.
One of the advantages of this potty training method is that it is relatively quick and easy, but also gradual. It is less likely to result in accidents as you will be constantly monitoring your child, and have breaks in between to prevent accidents from happening. This method is also associated with bare bottom potty training which should be incorporated, and can help with the success rate.
8 Benefits of the 7 day potty training method:
1. It’s quick and effective
2. It has a quick turnaround time
3. It can be a bonding experience for you and your child
4. It’s flexible and can be adapted to suit your child’s needs
5. It’s a great method for children who are resistant to potty training
6.It allows enough dedicated time for you toddler to develop an understanding and love for the process
8. Potty training becomes a less daunting task when it’s broken down into manageable days
5 Disadvantages of the 7 day potty training method:
1. It can be disruptive to your daily routine
2. It requires a lot of time, patience, and dedication
3. It may not be suitable for all children
4. It can be difficult to set out an entire week
5. You may need to take time off from work or leisure activities
The 7-day potty training method can be the best potty training method for you if you’re looking for a quick, effective, and gradual potty training method.
Gradual Potty Training Method
The gradual potty training method is a more relaxed approach to potty training. It involves slowly introducing your child to the toilet over a period of time. This method is best suited for children who are between 18 months and 3 years old.
To be successful, you will need to start by teaching your child about the toilet early on, and what it’s used for. You can do this by reading books about potty training, or watching TV shows or movies that feature potty training. Once your child is familiar with the toilet, you can then start slowly introducing them to the idea of using it.
You can do this by letting them sit on the toilet without actually doing anything, or by encouraging them to flush the toilet after they’ve used it while sitting on the potty, but in their pull up. Once your child is comfortable with the toilet, you can then start working on getting them to actually use it.
The gradual potty training method has a number of advantages, including being less disruptive to your daily routine, and being more flexible to suit your child’s needs. However, it does have some disadvantages, such as being a more time-consuming process overall, and not being suitable for all children.
8 Benefits of Gradual Potty Training:
1. It’s a more relaxed approach
2. It’s more flexible to suit your child’s needs
3. It can be less disruptive to your daily routine
4. It’s a great method for children who are resistant to potty training
5. It allows you to slowly introduce your child to the toilet
6. It’s a good method for children who are between 18 months and 3 years old
7.It’s a less daunting task when it’s broken down into manageable steps
8. Potty training becomes a more fun experience when it’s gradual
5 Disadvantages of Gradual Potty Training:
1. It can be a more drawn out
2. It may not be suitable for all children
3. It can be difficult to set out an entire plan
4. It has a slow turn around time
5. Your child may not be ready for potty training if they’re 18 months old, some are, while some waiting until between 24-36 months.
The gradual potty training method can be the best potty training method for you if you’re looking for a relaxed and flexible approach to potty training.
Child-Centered Potty Training Method
The child-centered potty training method is a great option for parents who want their child to be in control of the potty training process. This method is best suited for children who are between 2 and 3 years old.
To be successful with this method, you will need to provide your child with a potty chair and let them explore it at their own pace. You should also let them watch you use the toilet and explain what you’re doing. As well as, encourage them to use the toilet when they feel the urge.
One of the advantages of this potty training method is that it allows your child to learn at their own pace and in their own time. This can make potty training a less daunting task for them and for you.
8 Benefits of the Child-Centered Potty Training Method:
1. It allows your child to learn at their own pace
2. It can make potty training less daunting
3. Your child will be in control of the process
4. It’s a great method for children who are resistant to strict potty training
5. It allows you to take a hands-off approach
6.It can be less disruptive to your daily routine
7. You won’t need to take time off from work or leisure activities
8. It’s a great method for children who are independent and self-motivated
5 Disadvantages of the Child-Centered Potty Training Method:
1. It can be a slower process
2. Your child may not be ready to take on the responsibility
3. It can be difficult to potty train an unwilling child
4. You may need to provide more hands-off support and encouragement
5. There is a higher chance of accidents
The child-centered potty training method can be the best potty training method for you if you’re looking for a less disruptive and gradual potty training method.
Parent-Led Potty Training
The parent led potty training method is a great option for parents who want to be in full control of the potty training process, with less flexibility for the child. This method is best suited for children who are 3 years old and older.
To be successful with this method, you will need to be consistent with your commands and expectations. You’ll need to make sure your child understands the process and set the environment up for success. You should also use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage your child to use the toilet, as well as develop a plan to talk with your child about why it’s important. Nevertheless, be prepared for accidents and have a plan for dealing with them.
8 benefits of the Parent-Led Potty Training Method:
1. You will be in control of the process
2. It can be less disruptive to your daily routine
3. You won’t need to take time off from work or leisure activities
4. It can be a faster process for older toddlers
5. Your child will understand the expectations and commands
6. You can develop a plan for dealing with accidents
7. It’s a great method for children who are willing to learn
8. It ca be a great method for resistant children
5 Disadvantages of the Parent-Led Potty Training Method:
1. It can be a more stressful process
2. There is less flexibility for the child
3. The child may experience negative emotions throughout the process
4. It’s only suitable for older toddlers
5. It can be difficult to potty train an unwilling child
The parent led potty training method can be the best potty training method for you if you’re looking for a more strict and controlled potty training process.
Final Remarks
Now that you’re aware of the many different potty training methods, you can decide which one is best potty training method for you and your child. There is no one “right” potty training method that will work for every child and parent. The best potty training method for you will depend on your individual preferences, needs and circumstances.
All children are different and will potty train in their own time. Be patient, understanding and use positive reinforcement to encourage your child throughout the process. Most importantly, enjoy this special time with your little one! If you’re still unsure of which method to use, checkout some potty training books on the various methods and refer to our other potty training blog posts for more tips and tricks!
Recommended Further Reading
Recommended Potty Training Starting Essentials
