Potty training can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear so many different opinions about when and how to do it. For us, it came down to research, consistency, patience, and choosing an approach we were willing to fully commit to.
I potty trained my toddler at 22 months old, before he turned two, using a three-day at-home approach. While every child is different, this method worked incredibly well for our family, and I want to share what that experience looked like for us.
Why We Started Early
I read a well known book about potty training your toddler in three days, and it was a quick, easy, and eye opening read. One thing that stood out to me was how much the average potty-training age has changed over time.
Historically, many children were potty trained closer to 18 months. Over the years, with the rise of disposable diapers and changes in culture, the “normal” age has shifted closer to three or even four years old. That didn’t feel like the right fit for our family, so we decided to start earlier.
Day One: Saying Goodbye to Diapers
On the morning we started potty training, we made it very clear to my toddler that diapers were done.
We grabbed a big garbage bag and walked through the house together, collecting diapers from every room. I explained to him:
“Diapers are for babies. You’re a big boy now, and big boys wear underwear and go potty on the toilet.”
He has a baby brother, so this distinction helped him understand the change. We even “threw” the diapers away together so he could visually process that they weren’t coming back. (I secretly saved them for the baby, but in his mind, they were gone.)
Underwear Only & Staying Home
For the first three days:
— He wore regular underwear only
— No pants, no shirt
— We stayed home the entire time
— No TV or screens
The underwear was important because it allowed him to feel accidents and connect that sensation with needing to go to the bathroom. Screens were too distracting, and going outside would have put him too far from the toilet.
I also made sure he drank lots of fluids throughout the day: water, diluted juice, and drinks he enjoys so he had frequent opportunities to practice.
Setting Up for Success
Before we started, I gathered a few key things:
— A potty seat with built-in steps and handles (this made a huge difference)
— New, fun toys to keep him engaged indoors
— A sticker chart
— Small rewards for potty success (stickers and a clean chocolate candy)
— A few special toys reserved specifically as rewards for going poop on the toilet
— Books to read on the potty to promote relaxation
The rewards weren’t about pressure, they were about encouragement and excitement.
How We Handled Accidents
Accidents were expected, especially on day one. When they happened, I stayed calm.
If he started going potty somewhere else, I gently picked him up and took him straight to the toilet, saying:
“This is where we go potty.”
He helped clean up the mess, we changed into fresh underwear, and we moved on. No yelling. No shame. No frustration.
Staying calm was crucial. Toddlers feed off our emotions, and I wanted him to feel safe and confident while learning something new.
Finding a Natural Rhythm
Instead of forcing him to sit on the toilet every 15 minutes, I paid attention to his cues:
• Standing still
• Grabbing himself
• Hiding in his usual “poop spots”
When I knew it had been a while and he had been drinking a lot, I would gently invite him to try sitting on the potty. If he went — great. If not — no pressure.
Over time, he began learning:
• How to recognize the urge
• How to hold his bladder
• How to communicate when he needed to go
Sleep & Nighttime Potty Training
We used pull-ups for one nap and one night at the very beginning, but he didn’t have any accidents, so we stopped using them.
What helped most:
— Always going potty before bed
— Cutting off liquids a couple of hours before bedtime
Every family is different, this is just what worked for us.
Potty Training Outside the Home
Once we started leaving the house again, I brought a foldable travel potty seat in our diaper bag. It fits easily on public toilets and has been incredibly helpful for keeping consistency while out and about.
I also offer the opportunity to go potty before leaving the house and once we get to our destination.
When Accidents Happen Later On
Even after successful potty training, accidents still happen and that’s normal. Just redirect back to the bathroom as quickly as possible.
When they do, I ask:
— Was I distracted?
— Was there a change in routine?
— Were we traveling, sick, or emotionally off?
There’s usually a reason. Staying calm and consistent helps everyone move forward without stress.
Final Thoughts
Potty training doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs consistency and remember you’re in charge, not your kiddo. If you wait for your kid to tell you when they’re ready you might be waiting a long time. What worked for us may not work for everyone, and that’s okay. The most important thing is choosing an approach you’re willing to stick with and creating a positive, pressure-free environment for your child.
Trust your instincts. You know your child best.
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