The Complete Potty Training Guide

Aims to train the child in a single long weekend. Requires full dedication and a clear schedule for 3 days.

1. 1Say a big 'goodbye' to diapers together. Let the child toss them out ceremonially.
2. 2Go completely diaper-free at home for the first 1–2 days so accidents are obvious.
3. 3Watch for cues (fidgeting, holding, faces) and take them to the potty right away.
4. 4Offer fluids often to create more chances to practice.
5. 5Give enthusiastic praise on every success — every time.
6. 6By day 3, add clothes and take brief outings with the potty in the car.

Let the child set the pace. Introduce the potty as a natural part of the routine, with no pressure.

1. 1Introduce the potty and let them explore freely — sit dressed, play.
2. 2Encourage sitting at natural moments: waking up, after meals, before bath.
3. 3Read books on the topic together. Normalize it.
4. 4Celebrate any interest or success, but never shame accidents.
5. 5Transition gradually from diaper to training underwear as they take initiative.

Instead of waiting for cues, you take the child to the potty on a schedule. Builds habit by repetition.

1. 1Start with visits every 30–60 minutes, even without a request.
2. 2Go at key moments: waking up, after meals, before outings, before bed.
3. 3Keep visits short (3–5 min). Don't force.
4. 4Praise the try, not just the result.
5. 5Space visits out as the child starts to self-initiate.

Developed by psychologists Azrin and Foxx, it uses a doll to teach the process before the child does it.

1. 1Use a doll that 'drinks' water and 'pees'. Name it and make it a friend.
2. 2Show the full process: feel wet → go to potty → sit → celebrate.
3. 3Let the child be the doll's 'teacher'.
4. 4Then invite the child to do what they taught.
5. 5Reinforce with enthusiasm and small rewards.

More a communication approach than 'training'. Parents learn to read baby cues and offer the potty.

1. 1Observe your baby's cues and patterns — times, faces, sounds.
2. 2Hold baby over a basin, potty or toilet and use a cue sound (e.g. 'psss').
3. 3Baby associates the sound with the action over time.
4. 4EC reduces, but doesn't eliminate, diapers — it's a partnership.
5. 5EC babies often finish potty training earlier, between 12–18 months.