Does having your toddler out of diapers and potty trained within 4 to 6 hours sound too good to be true? Most parents would agree that it does, but in fact with a little research, preparation, patience and imagination and plenty of encouragement, you can have your little one potty trained in one day. It's a proven method that has been featured on many television shows and magazines
History
The 1-day training method was devised in 1974 by two psychologists, Nathan H. Azrin and Richard M. Foxx. They were researching how to improve the quality of life of children with special needs who had cognitive impairments, autism or Down syndrome. The used the concept of using a potty training doll in conjunction with a potty chair or seat. They later developed the concept on how to potty train a child in a day. Their book "Toilet Training in Less Than a Day" has sold more than two million copies since 1976.
Definition
Potty training in one day means just that--to have your child using the potty confidently during the course of a day. It's based on two simple but effective concepts. The first concept is that teaching is the best way of learning; this is implemented by teaching a doll to learn using the potty. The second concept is that behaviors are shaped by consequences, so your child will learn that the consequence of drinking water is having the urge to pee and that the consequence of using the potty will be praise and rewards.
Preparation
You need to make sure that your child is ready to be potty trained. Although all children develop differently, toddlers are ready for the 1-day potty method when aged between 20 and 30 months old. Look out for other signs that suggest your child is ready, including if he can partially undress himself, if he can understand simple requests, if he has a dry diaper for at least three hours and if he can get sit and get off the potty by himself.
Gather your supplies. You'll need a few pairs of cotton underwear, a potty chair or a potty seat if you're using the toilet, a stool, flushable wipes, and towels. You will also need a toy doll that can imitate urination by passing water that it has been given, the doll will require underwear and a bottle as well.
Stage 1
Your child will practice the potty routine with the doll before using the potty himself. Give your child the doll and let her give the doll a drink. Then take your child and doll to the potty and guide her on how the doll will use the potty. Pull down the doll's underwear, sit her on the potty and praise the doll when she has peed. Empty the potty and wash the doll's hands.
You'll need to guide your child through the process several times until she has understood the basic concepts. Next make the doll have an accident. Be positive while teaching your child about the consequences of an accident. Make the doll go to the potty another three times for practice. You can give the doll a treat or throw her a party for using the potty and remind your child you'll do the same for her when she uses the potty.
Stage 2
Make sure you have dedicated the day to potty training and don't have any distractions around. After practicing with the doll, it's your child's turn to use the potty. Give him plenty of fluids to drink throughout the day. Take off his diaper or pull-up pants and make him wear only underwear. Ask him if he needs to go the bathroom. When he tells you he does, take him to the potty and let him pee. Reiterate the entire process, saying, "Good boy. Now take off your pants." Cheer and encourage him after he has used the potty. Repeat the cycle around ten times. If your child has an accident, be patient and provide encouragement. Help him clean up and change and then make him do practice drills.
