Every article, in one place
21 deep-but-skimmable articles. Each one starts with key takeaways, so you can stop reading whenever you’ve got what you need.
Methods
Pick the approach that fits your family.
The 3-Day Method
The 3-day method is a popular strategy parents use to potty train their children. It's quick, intense, and often leads to great progress after three days. Find out if this method is for you and your child.
Read · 6 minThe Slow & Steady Method
Slow and steady wins the race, and with potty training that may very well be the case. (See how we rhymed there?) Taking it easy and moving at your child's comfort level can be a great, easy-going way to help your child conquer this next big milestone.
Read · 5 minThe Deadline Method
Sometimes we just need a deadline to bite the bullet and get this potty show on the road. The deadline method is often a mix of the slow and steady method and the 3-day method. Explore which method is best for your child if you have an end date looming ahead of you.
Read · 5 minNight-Time Potty Training
Nighttime potty training can feel even more daunting than daytime potty training. But, there is no reason to stress here. Some children learn it right away whereas others take up to age five (and that’s cool, even with pediatricians).
Read · 6 minGet Prepared
Everything to sort out before the diapers disappear.
Signs, Readiness & Timing
Deciding when to start potty training is one of the first big decisions a parent will make about their toddler. Watching out for key signs that your child is ready, and good scheduling, can help you know when to start and therefore have the best results. And remember, your child is unique, and so this potty training journey will be unique to them as well.
Read · 12 minBuild Curiosity
Hey, look at that! Curiosity is the primary way we learn about our world. And curiosity can be cultivated—cue evil laugh—read on to become the puppet master.
Read · 5 minShopping List
We believe there is a lot of unnecessary crap out there that is marketed to make this whole potty training journey seem easier. But, we aren't falling for it, and we won't let you either. Here's what's worth your hard-earned cash, and what isn't.
Read · 3 minPrepare Yourself
How are you feeling? Are you ready for this? You excited yourself? Not to put a ton of pressure on you, but your attitude and approach to potty training will guide how this process goes for both you and your kid. So get your head in the game ;) and put on your perky pants, choose the right time to start, and have fun bonding on the bathroom floor.
Read · 4 minPrepare Your Child
As adults who have been successfully using the potty for years, it’s easy to forget just how many new pieces there are in the bathroom for our toddlers. Here is a breakdown of what you should cover with your L.O. before you remove any diapers. The full article gives more details on each of these components.
Read · 4 minPrepare Your Home
Just like you prepared your home before your child was born, or baby-proofed it before they started crawling and walking, you will also want to prepare your home for a potty trainer. Simple, thoughtful actions ahead of time can make this process much smoother and easier on both you and your child.
Read · 4 minUsing Rewards
Experts across the board agree that positive reinforcement helps children (and us, too) master new skills. But, there is disagreement about if using rewards (like treats, toys, etc.) is necessary. See what camp you're in with our list of pros and cons of using a rewards system with your kiddo.
Read · 8 minParenting Paradigms
There are a bunch of unsaid expectations and myths surrounding potty training, and it's easy for parents to get sucked into negative mindsets. In this article, we tackle some shame and pressures sometimes put on us by our friends, family, or ourselves, and how to avoid them.
Read · 5 minUnknown Unknowns
There’s a lot you need to think about when it comes to potty training your child. But, knowing what you need to consider is more than half the battle. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered on all those odds and ends you probably haven’t thought about in the lead-up to this big milestone.
Read · 10 minPower-Ups
Help for bumps, special cases, and extra credit.
Potty Training Regression
Regression is not uncommon when it comes to potty going in young children. In fact, it is considered a normal part of the process and is usually a short-lived bump in the road. Figuring out the cause is Step One to helping your child overcome this setback.
Read · 7 minKnow Your Poop
Did you know that poop is made up primarily of water and bacteria - not food? Did you know that your poop is an incredible window into your overall health? Learning and talking about poop with your kid is extremely valuable information to help them take control of their bodies and understand its intricacies.
Read · 13 minScripts for Talking to Your Child
Multiple books and experts discussed that there are a few things that you shouldn't say. So, we rounded them up, added a few of our own, and made sure we gave you lots of realistic and helpful words to use when you're not sure what to say.
Read · 5 minKids’ Books About Potty Learning
Potty books are a fun way to ignite your child's curiosity and interest in learning to use the potty. Plus they can help fill out the full picture as your kid is hearing things from you and seeing and hearing more info from books.
Read · 2 minPotty Training for Preschool
A looming deadline of the first day of preschool can be just the thing that forces both you and your child to kick potty training into high gear. But don’t fear: with the right tools and support, you can say goodbye to those first-day-of-school (potty) jitters.
Read · 6 minPotty Training Over a Long Weekend
Looking forward to a relaxing, casual 3-day weekend? Think again! Your next long weekend may be the perfect opportunity to crank out some serious potty learning for your little one.
Read · 7 minPotty Training Girls
Potty Training Girls vs Boys is not some dramatic gender throwdown but instead just a few small tweaks to consider general differences. In the end, it’s all about your child, their readiness, and your loving support and direction that’s going to make all the difference. Even still, here is a complete overview of potty training a little girl.
Read · 14 minPotty Training Boys
Boys get a bad rap for being difficult potty trainers, but they aren't. In fact, potty training a boy can be a ton of fun so long as you have the right information and a positive attitude.
Read · 14 min