[Blog] Ultimate Potty Training Guide for Toddlers
Using the Oh Crap Potty Training Method
Potty training is a significant milestone in a toddler’s life, but it can also be a challenging journey for parents. Many of us are unsure about the best age to start, which method to use, and how to handle setbacks. If you’re in the same boat, this guide is for you!
This blog is based on The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, where host Rinie Gupta shares her personal experience with potty training and insights from the Oh Crap Potty Training Method by Jamie Glowacki. This method is designed to help parents navigate potty training efficiently, ensuring long-term success.
Watch the full podcast episode here:
Rinie's Failed Attempt at Potty Training at 6 Months
Many parents, especially in traditional Indian households, face pressure to start potty training early. Rinie recalls how her family suggested training her daughter as soon as she learned to sit, around six months of age. She bought a potty seat, sat her baby on it, and even played Cocomelon songs to make it fun.
However, something didn’t feel right. “Why does my six-month-old baby need to get exposed to screens to learn how to go into the potty?” she wondered. The experience made her realize that early potty training might not be the best approach.
She also noticed that her daughter was too small to sit comfortably on the potty seat, making the process stressful rather than enjoyable. “I think once I had that realization, I just abandoned the idea of potty training at that young an age.”.
The Best Book on Potty Training
Thankfully, a fellow sleep consultant introduced Rinie to Oh Crap Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki. This book is one of the best resources available and offers a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to potty training.
The method emphasizes:
✔ A structured plan that works in stages
✔ The right age to start training
✔ Avoiding unnecessary tools like training pants that can delay progress
Using this book, Rinie was able to successfully potty train her daughter in just one week!
“This method, it’s so fast, and it tells you exactly when to do it, why you should be potty training, and exactly how to do it.”.
Best Age to Start Potty Training
The ideal potty training age, according to Oh Crap Potty Training, is between 20 to 30 months (roughly 1.5 to 2.5 years). Why?
Too Early (<20 months): The child may not be able to recognize body signals or communicate effectively. This can lead to constipation as they struggle to tell you when they need to go.
Too Late (>30 months): By this time, they are too comfortable with diapers and may resist change.
If you’re wondering whether your child is ready, look for these two major signs:
They seek privacy when pooping. If your child hides behind furniture or moves to a quiet corner, they are becoming aware of their bodily functions.
They have basic communication skills. If they can express simple needs like “water” or “milk,” they are likely capable of saying “pee” or “poop” too.
“When your child starts viewing this activity as something that should be done separately and they need privacy for it—that’s a sign they’re ready.”.
Why Is It Important to Potty Train at the Right Time?
Beyond just getting rid of diapers, potty training is an important developmental milestone. Jamie Glowacki emphasizes that potty training is about dignity.
As children grow, they start forming their own sense of self.
If they recognize that elimination is something private, it means they are ready to learn the correct way to do it.
Delaying potty training too long might lead to issues with muscle development, as holding and releasing urine is an acquired skill.
“It’s a matter of dignity... if they’re asking for privacy, then that is something they realize must be done separately.”.
How Long Does Potty Training Take?
There’s a lot of misinformation about “potty training in three days.” While some children might show quick progress, realistically, expect it to take about 7-10 days.
However, if you only train your child for a few hours a day, the process can drag on for months. Consistency is key.
According to Rinie, parents should:
✔ Dedicate at least a week for intensive training.
✔ Keep the child diaper-free as much as possible.
✔ Be patient—accidents will happen.
“Potty training very realistically speaking, it would take seven to ten days for you to make good progress.”.
Watch the full podcast episode here:
Step-by-Step Potty Training Method
Once you've determined that your child is ready for potty training, it's time to get started. The Oh Crap Potty Training method breaks it down into clear stages to help parents through the process. Here’s how Rinie approached it.
Stage 1: Days 1-3 – Going Diaper-Free
For the first three days, the key is to go completely diaper-free and stay close to your child to help them recognize their body’s signals. Parents need to be highly attentive during this stage.
“During those first three days, you need to be glued to your child. You will literally be catching them mid-pee or mid-poo and running them to the toilet.”
Keeping them bottomless or dressed in a loose outfit ensures that they can feel the sensation of needing to go. Each time they start eliminating, parents must quickly move them to the potty and reinforce the message:
“Pee-pee in the toilet.”
Encouragement and positive reinforcement help make this phase successful. Keeping a small potty nearby in every room can also aid quick responses.
Nap Time and Potty Training
Nap time poses a different challenge in potty training. Some children may not be ready to hold their bladder for extended periods during naps.
“For nap time, you can decide whether or not to use diapers based on how long your child naps.”
If the nap is short, a simple pre-nap potty trip may suffice, but longer naps may require temporary diaper use. Rinie shares a fun approach she used to make her child feel included:
“I told my daughter, ‘Even mommy has a diaper when she sleeps,’ and I showed her a sanitary pad on my underwear. It made her feel less alone in the process.”
Gradually introducing potty time before and after naps can help in establishing consistency.
Stage 2: Days 4-6 – Loose Shorts, Less Prompting
By this stage, the child is beginning to make the connection between the urge to go and using the potty. This is when parents can introduce loose shorts, but underwear should still be avoided.
“Underwear feels too much like a diaper, so hold off on that for now.”
Rather than prompting them frequently, it’s best to integrate potty visits into their routine, such as after waking up, before meals, and before leaving the house. Small outings without diapers can begin to reinforce self-control. Parents should start shifting from actively prompting to simply asking,
“Do you need to pee?”
This encourages independence and helps children learn to recognize their own bodily signals.
Stage 3: Days 7-9 – Introducing Underwear & Longer Outings
Once a child is showing consistency, parents can introduce underwear, making the experience exciting by letting them pick their own. Outings can be extended while ensuring that a toilet is always accessible.
“We did our first long outing on Day 7 to a restaurant. I brought a portable toilet seat adapter, and she got to practice using a public restroom.”
Teaching children how to manage their clothing when using the toilet is also an important step. If resistance arises, gentle reminders rather than force should be used.
Dealing with Accidents
Accidents are inevitable, and how parents respond plays a crucial role in the child’s progress.
“Never shame your child. Instead of saying, ‘What a mess,’ say, ‘Oops! Next time, we use the potty.’”
Carrying extra clothes and cleaning supplies when going out can make dealing with accidents easier. If accidents are frequent, calmly reminding them about the potty instead of reacting negatively is recommended. Another useful tip is to involve children in the clean-up process.
“If they have an accident, involve them in the clean-up process. Not as punishment, but to help them understand the process.”
Parents should also evaluate if distractions are causing accidents and adjust accordingly.
Nighttime Potty Training
Nighttime training takes longer and depends on the child’s readiness. Parents should check their child’s diaper in the morning.
“Check their diaper in the morning. If it's mostly dry, they may be ready for night training.”
Gradually, waking them up once during the night to use the potty can help establish night-time control. However, pushing night training too soon can be disruptive.
“Don't push night training too early, or you'll just disturb their sleep unnecessarily.”
Reducing fluids before bedtime while ensuring they get enough hydration during the day can also support this transition. Praise for dry nights should be given, but accidents should be handled with patience, as some children take longer for nighttime training.
Final Thoughts
Potty training requires patience, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth transition.
“The key is consistency. If you commit fully, your child can be potty trained in about a week.”
Every child is different, so adapting to their pace and comfort is essential. Small wins should be celebrated to encourage progress. If regressions occur, staying calm and reinforcing previous steps can help get them back on track.
Watch the full podcast episode here: