How Long Does Potty Training Take? Let’s Dive in to the 3 Day Method

Potty training is a major milestone and a huge sign of growth and development!

Using the toilet is a learned skill. It takes physiological, cognitive, verbal and social readiness to be able to do it.(2) For something we all do every day, probably without really thinking about it, it takes an amazing amount of work for small children! And teaching a child to use the toilet really is a skill worth celebrating.

You know that your child already knows how to pee and poop. But in order for them to be potty trained, they need to be able to recognize the physical sensation of having to go to the bathroom. They also need to be able to tell you so that with help, they can make it to the toilet.(2)

Using a toilet and bathroom hygiene are important skills to learn! When you potty train, you help your child develop their independence and increase their confidence. You also teach them related hygiene skills like flushing and washing their hands.(4)

Poop and pee may not be your favorite topic of polite discussion. But explaining bodily functions in plain terms to your toddler sure does help with potty training!

At What Age Do You Start Potty Training?

Infants can’t use the muscles needed to control their bladder and rectum, which is why we don’t try to potty train them!(3) This capability doesn’t arise until a child is about 18 months old.(3) But age doesn’t necessarily indicate readiness.

Between the ages of 20 and 30 months is usually what parents find works best, although every child is different.(1) Prior to 20 months your child is still working on other skills, such as eating, walking, and overcoming separation anxiety. So adding potty training into the mix might just be too much.(1)

But if your child happens to initiate the process or display an interest in using the toilet, follow their lead. Don’t ignore their questions about the potty or tell them they’re too young for it.(1) Allow them to be curious and take the opportunity to teach them about toilet habits.

The longer your toddler wears diapers and the older they get, the harder it is to manage their behavior. This is why many parents find it’s best to potty train their child before they turn 3.(1) Around age 3 is when children start to individuate.(1) They realize they have free will, the ability to make choices, and also display more of their personality. And once that happens, potty training can become a bit more of a battle.(1)

Signs Your Child is Ready for Potty Training

Potty training is a process and determining readiness is not always easy.

But your toddler might be ready to start potty training if they(2):

• Tell you when they have to go to the bathroom

• Let you know when they’ve peed or pooped in their diaper

• Hide when they’re about to have a bowel movement (behind the couch, or they go in another room to poop in their diaper)

• Can pull down their diaper without help

Some children don’t give a lot of indications, though, so just remember that every child is unique! Your child may hate diaper changes or ask to use the potty every once in a while, even if she’s not ready for full-blown potty training yet.

How to Potty Train in 3 Days

Also known as the Bare Bottom Method, this method is highly popular and praised by parents from all over the world.

To use this method, you’ll need three consecutive days to be at home potty training your child. This, of course, can be a challenge for working parents and caregivers.(4) For parents who work Monday through Friday, I suggest you try to tackle potty training on a three or four day weekend so you can be at home with your toddler. (4) You’re going to be spending all weekend indoors, basically glued to your toddler’s hip as you walk them to and from the potty! So plan ahead as best as you can.

Here are some tips to plan ahead before you start the process:

• Do the food shopping ahead of time. Stock up on juice boxes as you’re going to encourage your child to drink more than usual.

• Do the laundry and any house cleaning or errands ahead of time.

• If there are older siblings in the house who won’t be involved in the potty training process, try to set up play dates or care for them. That way you can give your full undivided attention to potty training your toddler.

• Let your child pick out “big kid underwear” at the store because it’s time to say “bye bye” to diapers.

Day 1

Let your child spend the day bare-bottomed.(4) The idea is that it’s easier for them to sense when they have to go or are going to the bathroom when they have no clothes on. Explain to your toddler that there’s no diaper to catch the pee or poop anymore, so they have to put it in the potty instead.(5)

Closely watch your child for signs that they may have to use the bathroom. When you notice that they need to go, take your child immediately to use the toilet.(4) Even boys will learn to sit on the toilet at first because they simply don’t have the aim to pee standing up yet. Save that for another day!

Remain emotionally neutral when making comments about your child’s potty training progress. If they have an accident, remain calm. Try saying, “You peed on the floor. Let’s clean it up together.”(4)

When they do go in the toilet, congratulate them. Try saying, “You just peed in the toilet. That’s where pee and poop belongs!”(4) Teach them how to flush. Remember to have them wash their hands afterward!

Some children feel uncomfortable with lavish praise or over-the-top parental excitement. Others respond well to that. Your toddler may respond well to rewards like stickers, lollipops, or little trinkets for using the potty. But maybe they won’t! As with anything, every child is different. You know your child best!

Set a timer every 20 minutes to do a check-in with your child on whether or not they have to use the potty. (4) After they drink a juice box, for example, remind them it’s time to try to go pee. They may refuse, but ask them to try anyway. (5)

Nap Time

Whether you want to put your toddler in diapers or pull-ups when they sleep during the three-day potty training is up to you. Some parents choose to potty train for everything all at once – daytime, naps, nighttime – they just find it’s easier that way. Other parents and caregivers decide to potty train in stages.

Days 2 & 3

You’ll basically follow the same process that you did on day one. Let your child be bare-bottomed all day. There’s still going to be a lot of back and forth to the bathroom, roughly every 20 minutes, to practice using the potty.

After potty training, it’s a good idea to dress your child in clothing that’s easy to remove. Try pants that are easy to pull down, have an elastic waist, and aren’t fussy. Avoid clothing that requires more work like tights or shirts with snaps at the crotch.

Interested in Learning More?

Check out this podcast episode for more information on potty training. We also talk about what to do if you can’t take off work to potty train your child and how to handle accidents that happen long after potty training is over.

Equip yourself with knowledge and tools to help your child thrive. And be sure to subscribe to the Genius Little Mindspodcast so you never miss an episode!

References

1. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oh-crap-potty-training-podcast/id1627503268

2. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/default.aspx

3. https://www.seattlechildrens.org/health-safety/keeping-kids-healthy/development/toliet-potty-training/

4. https://www.verywellfamily.com/three-day-potty-training-tips-4071189

5. https://www.parenting.com/toddler/potty-training/how-3-day-potty-training-method-works/

Toddler Development: Your Chatty and Curious 31 to 36 Month-Old

How fast children grow! Your child is already almost three years old. You may be wondering where the time goes.

At this stage, you probably can’t get your toddler to stop asking questions and asserting his independence! And with good reason. There are many things your toddler can do by himself at this age and the wide world fascinates him.

Watch in amazement as your toddler tackles so many tasks all on his own! He can ride a tricycle, put on his shoes, brush his teeth and say his name.

You’ve done such a great job helping him grow. And the learning will only continue. The world delights and surprises him at every turn.

Let’s see what else you can expect from your 31- to 36-month-old and how you can encourage his healthy development.  

Toddler Development: Your Toddler from 31 to 36 Months

Vocabulary Development

Your 36-month-old can already say 900 to 1000 words!(1) This probably doesn’t come as too much of a shock—I bet you can’t get your three-year-old to stop talking! You’ve done such a great job facilitating your toddler’s vocabulary development by reading, singing, and talking to them. Give yourself a pat on the back and keep engaging with them as they grow.

At this age, your toddler wants to know how everything works. You’ve probably noticed your toddler asks a ton of questions. Some of them you may not know how to answer! Don’t be afraid to encourage their exploration further. Head to the library to pick up a children’s book on the topic of their choice. Read it together and talk about what you learned.

Potty Training

If your child wasn’t previously ready to use the potty, don’t worry. 18 to 36 months is a big age range to start toilet training. Many children don’t start potty training until they’re on the older end of the spectrum.(2) The “right time” varies widely from child to child. Using the toilet is a skill your child has to learn, just like having to learn to walk, talk, and use a spoon or a cup!(2)

You can tell your child is ready for potty training if they:(2) 

• Begin to show an interest (e.g. they want to be dry and clean, they want to wear “big kid” underwear, they wonder what happens when you go to the bathroom)

• Stay dry for two hours or longer when they’re awake

• Wake up with a dry diaper

• Are aware when they need to go (e.g. they pee/poop in private or point to their diaper as they’re going)

• Show independence by saying they can do it themselves (e.g. feeding, dressing)

• Can follow directions and communicate well with you

• Are able to sit still

• Can run and walk well

• Can undress themselves

It can be challenging to know when your toddler is ready to start potty training. But if you keep an eye out for the signs outlined above, you’ll be well on your way. Going to the bathroom independently on the toilet is an exciting skill to develop! Waiting until your child is emotionally and physically ready will put them on a successful path for potty training. 

Toddler Development: Milestones from 31 to 36 Months

Social/Emotional Checklist(3)

• After you leave your child (e.g. for a childcare drop off) they calm down within 10 minutes of your departure

• Notices other children and plays with them

Language/Communication Checklist

• Has conversations with you (you take turns speaking in at least two back-and-forth interactions)

• Asks questions like, “why?” and “what?” and “where?”

• Speaks well enough that others understand what they’re saying most of the time

• Names what’s happening in a picture book when prompted (e.g. “Running!”)

• When asked, says their name

Movement and Physical Development Checklist

• Can use a fork

• Dresses him or herself some of the time

• Can string items together (e.g. beads)

Cognitive Checklist

• Able to draw a circle when shown how

• Doesn’t touch hot or dangerous objects when warned (e.g. a hot stove)

What You Can Do to Encourage Healthy Development in Your 31- to 36-Month-Old

Encourage Free Play

Having the freedom to express creativity through play is very important for your child’s development. Allow your child to follow his or her interests on a regular basis when they’re playing.(3) Research shows that free play, whether with friends or alone, improves children’s social skills, teaches them to be more resilient, and reduces anxiety.(7) When engaging in free play, your child should be allowed to choose where they play (within reason), what they play with (as long as it’s safe), and what kinds of subjects they explore.(4) Because every child is unique, self-expression will come out in free play in varied ways.(4) Some children will choose to color. Others will play with Legos. The sky’s the limit with free play! Free play also encourages problem-solving skills in addition to boosting creativity.(4)  

Teach Empathy

Give your child a chance to practice recognizing how other people feel. Show them pictures of children expressing a variety of emotions.(7) This will help them learn to identify fear, anger, sadness, frustration, joy, etc. in others. Teach your child about these emotions and give them the language to label them. Walk your child through what they can do if they see another child expressing those emotions. For example, if another child looks sad, you might ask, “Why do you think he feels sad? What could you do to help her feel better?” Teaching empathy takes time and lots of practice. But it is so worth it.

Name Their Feelings

Often children throw tantrums because they don’t feel heard, seen, understood, or listened to. If your child starts to cry because they can’t get their sweater on, resist the urge to say, “Stop crying.” Instead, name what they’re likely feeling. “You’re feeling frustrated because your arm won’t go into your sweater! Getting dressed can be hard sometimes. Would you like help?” By validating your child’s feelings, they’ll feel understood. You’re also giving them a valuable lesson in recognizing how they feel. Over time, they’ll be able to identify how they’re feeling and where those feelings arise in their body.

Continue to Set Clear Boundaries

Communicate limits to your child consistently so your expectations are clear. But do this in your normal voice! Being firm and clear does not mean having to yell. When possible, give clear and firm warnings, such as, “In five minutes it will be time to leave the park and go home for dinner.” If your toddler tests that limit, explain what the consequence will be and stick to it. “If you don’t get off the slide right now, you won’t be allowed to play with your musical book later.”

 

 

Every Stage Comes With Joys and Challenges

Each step of the way, you have the opportunity to help your child learn and grow. Subscribe to my newsletter for more helpful parenting tips, and don’t miss the other blogs in the infant and early childhood development series!

References

1. https://edn.ne.gov/cms/developmental-milestones-31-through-36-months

2. https://www.verywellfamily.com/signs-your-toddler-is-ready-to-potty-train-290259

3. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-3yr.html

4. https://www.unicef.org/parenting/child-care/what-is-free-play

5. https://www.thebump.com/toddler-month-by-month/36-month-old

6. https://www.theparentline.org/infant-toddler-development/31-36-months/

7. http://thedanishway.com/do-you-know-why-free-play-is-important-for-your-children/

8. Alexander, J. J., & Sandahl, I. (2016, August 9). The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids (1st ed.). TarcherPerigee.

Toddler Development: The Amazing Things Your 13 to 15 Month Old Can Do!

Toddler Development: Your Toddler From 13 to 15 Months

 
You made it through your baby’s first year! Way to go. Give yourself a pat on the back and kick up your feet.  

Don’t take a rest for too long, though — you have a toddler now, and they’ll surely keep you on your toes!

You’re probably eagerly awaiting the day when your child takes their first unsupported steps — so grab the camera because between 13 and 15 months, that milestone will likely be reached, as well as many others.

Walking

All children develop at their own pace, but with toddlerhood comes the exciting milestone of learning to walk! Many children take their first independent steps around 14 months.(1) Before a baby can walk, they need the coordination and muscle strength to pull themselves up to a standing position and then stay standing, either by holding onto furniture or a caregiver.(2) Babies will pull themselves up to stand about 2 to 4 months before they take their first unsupported steps.(2)

When learning to walk, your toddler might fall down a lot! And that’s okay. Perfecting their strut doesn’t happen all at once, so prepare for your baby to fall down or start and stop frequently as they’re learning.(3)

Talking

By this age, your toddler may be able to say two to four words.(6) And you may start hearing them over and over again! (Though it might be “ba” for ball, not the full word yet!) Your toddler will also make lots of babbling sounds and respond to their name. As she learns more and more words, your toddler will learn what it means when you say things like, “Where is your truck?” And then she’ll go look for it. Songs and rhymes will also continue to delight your toddler. And even though she may not know the word for something, if she wants it, she’ll point to it to ask for it.(6)

Personality Grows as Your Toddler Discovers Her Independence

With toddlerhood comes an emerging personality! So your toddler will likely be pretty vocal about their likes and dislikes — and you can expect some tantrums to emerge at this age. Toddlers experience frustration because they aren’t able to adequately communicate how they feel or what they want from adults.(8) You can imagine how frustrating that must be! So try to exercise patience and be compassionate toward your toddler.

Some more fun parts of your toddler’s personality will start to emerge as well, like a sense of humor. Your child may start to find lots of things really funny! So enjoy the ups and downs of the journey and find the humor where you can, too.

As your little angel grows, so will her independence and sense of self.(9) You may even find your toddler tries to help you dress her by holding out an arm or leg as you do so.(9)

Toddler Development: Milestones From 13 to 15 Months

While every child develops differently, there are a few milestones to look out for at this age.

Here are some things your child will likely do when they’re between 13 to 15 months old:

Social/Emotional Checklist(7):

• Shows affection to parent or caregiver (hugs, kisses, cuddles)

• Hugs stuffed animals or dolls

• Claps hands together when excited

• Shows you something they like, such as a toy or object

• Copies other children during play

Language/Communication Checklist(7):

• Attempts to say words besides “mama” or “dada”

• Points to things as a way to ask for them or receive help

• Follows directions when they are given with a gesture and words

• Looks at/for a familiar object when you say its name

• Reaches for you when they want to be picked up(8)

Movement and Physical Development Checklist(7):

• Attempts to use things properly (like a phone)

• Stacks small objects, like blocks, two or more at a time

Cognitive Checklist(7):

• Feeds herself food by using her fingers

• Walks (at least a few steps) independently

What You Can Do to Encourage Healthy Development in Your 13 to 15 Month Old

Narrate Your Day

Even though your young toddler isn’t capable of having full blown conversations just yet, the more you talk to them, the more words they’ll be exposed to and encouraged to pick up. By talking to your toddler, you’re helping develop their language skills.(4) Generally toddlers understand more than what they can communicate on their own.(4)

Choose Toys Wisely

By this age, your toddler can pick things up with his finger and thumb.(6) So choose toys that help him develop his hand-eye coordination and motor skills.(3) (Puzzles with large pieces and vibrant colors are great for hand-eye coordination!) Avoid toys with small pieces as your toddler may try to put them in his mouth. Toys that encourage repetition and walking around (like push toys) can help with their development and show off those brand-new walking skills!

Have Playdates

By setting up playdates for your child, you’re giving him a change of scenery and a chance to practice his budding social skills.(10) Don’t be alarmed if your toddler is less than enthused about his new pal, however. He may grab a toy from his playdate or shove the other child out of the way to get something he wants.(10) This is because he hasn’t mastered the concept of empathy, yet!(10) But the chance to interact with and observe peers can still be useful (and you may enjoy getting some adult conversation in, too!).

Make Reading Part of Your Routine

Even babies get pleasure from books! By this age, your child can select the book they want you to read to them.(5) They’ll even be able to point to pictures they like.(5) So encourage your 13- to 15-month-old to participate in the bedtime reading routine. If there are animals in the book, make the sound the animal makes so your toddler can imitate you. When your child points to an image, name what they’re pointing to. They’ll be able to pay attention for at least a few minutes while you enjoy looking at a book together, so help them turn the pages and get reading!(5)

Every Stage is Full of Surprises

Support your child through all stages of development! To read more blogs like this with helpful parenting tips, subscribe to my newsletter!

You can also check out the other blogs in the infant and early childhood development series for more information on your child’s development and how to help them grow and learn! For more info on newborns to 6 month olds, click here. For 7 to 9 month olds, click here. And to learn about 10 to 12 month olds, click here. 

References

1. (2020, August). Geddes, J. When do babies start walking? What to Expect. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/first-steps/

2. (2022, March). Dewar, G. When do babies start walking, and how does it develop? Parenting Science. https://parentingscience.com/when-do-babies-start-walking/

3. (2020, November). 13-month-old: toddlerhood has begun! Pampers. https://www.pampers.com/en-us/toddler/development/article/13-month-old?web_traffic_source=direct

4. (2019, October). St. Clair, M., Lloyd-Esenkaya, V. When should my child start speaking? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/when-should-my-child-start-speaking-122579

5. (2013, March). How to share books with your 12- to 14-month-old. Healthy Children. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/How-to-Share-Books-with-Your-12-to-14-Month-Old.aspx?_gl=1*1drff11*_ga*MTA4NjE2NzAyOS4xNjUyMzA3OTY2*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTY1MjMwNzk2Ni4xLjEuMTY1MjMwODA5Ny4w&_ga=2.230413080.505984204.1652307967-1086167029.1652307966

6. Infant & Toddler Development. 13-15 Months. The Parent Line. http://www.theparentline.org/infant-toddler-development/13-15-months/

7. (2022, March). Important milestones: your baby by fifteen months. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-15mo.html

8. Toddler Month by Month: 13 Months. The Bump. https://www.thebump.com/toddler-month-by-month/13-month-old

9. Logan-Banks, P. Developmental milestones: self-care Baby Centre. https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6503/developmental-milestones-self-care

10. (2022, March). Masters, M. 15-month-old child. What to Expect. https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/15-month-old.aspx