Potty training doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out process. Instead, you can accomplish potty training in three days or less, says an article on children's health website, BabyCenter.com. If your child is interested in wearing underwear, using the potty chair and seems uncomfortable in wet diapers, she is ready to be potty trained, says the Mayo Clinic. If your potty training routine isn't working, don't panic. Wait a few weeks and try the process again instead of forcing your child to use the potty.
Step 1
Prepare your child for the day he will begin potty training. Explain that in a few days, there will be no need for diapers anymore. Julie Fellom, creator of the "Diaper Free Toddlers" program, recommends getting your child excited by telling him that he will be able to run around naked all weekend.
Step 2
Gather your supplies. Potty training your child in a few days may result in some accidents, says an article on BabyCenter.com. Arm yourself with an arsenal of cleaning supplies; water and juice for your child to drink; and salty snacks to encourage urination.
Step 3
Keep your child naked below the waist for the entire weekend, recommends Fellom. Drink lots of fluids and eat salty foods with your child to encourage more drinking. Each time your child seems about to have an accident, immediately bring her to the closest potty chair. Stay at home for the first two days. The third day, go out with your child for an hour in the morning and an hour at night. Dress your child in sweatpants with no underwear for the outings, but bring a change of clothing and a travel potty.
Step 4
Bring your child to the bathroom with you each time you need to go. Demonstrate how to pull down your pants, use the bathroom, wipe yourself, pull your pants back up, flush the toilet and wash your hands. Encourage your child to follow the same routine each time he needs to use the bathroom.
Step 5
Praise your child each time she uses the potty correctly, but don't berate her if she has an accident. Instead, tell her in a firm voice that her pee belongs in the potty, then clean up the accident. Do not yell at your child if she has an accident.
Step 6
Place your child in a diaper before going to bed or taking a nap. Tell your child to use the potty before bed, rather than asking if he needs to use it, because he will probably say he does not, says BabyCenter.com.
Step 7
Allow your child to go naked below the waist while at home for the next three months, recommends Fellom. Underwear and training pants may feel like diapers to your child, so going naked will help her remember to use the potty, says Fellom. After three months, allow your child to wear underwear or training pants while at home.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child is having accidents more than 25 percent of the time, stop the potty training process and try again a few weeks later, says Fellom.
- Do not attempt to potty train your child in three days unless you have all three days to devote only to potty training.
Things You'll Need
- Cleaning supplies
- Water
- Juice
- Salty snacks
- Potty chair
- Sweatpants
- Change of clothes
- Diaper
- Underwear
