Potty training in a week is achievable if you choose the correct time to begin potty training. Pay attention to the signs of readiness from your toddler, remain consistent, and praise your child's success. Soon, your child will be potty trained, and you'll both be grinning from ear to ear!
Know the Signs of Readiness
Many of the problems that occur with potty training happen because a child simply isn't ready to use the potty. Before you attempt to accomplish potty training in one week, be sure your child shows at least some signs that he is ready to begin. While your child may not exhibit all of the following signs, you should notice at least one or two of them before training begins.
- Does your child show interest in the potty?
- Does he stay dry at least a couple of hours at a time?
- Does he occasionally stay dry all night?
- Does he ask questions or want to go into the bathroom with you?
- Does he notice other children who use the potty?
- Does he feel discomfort when he is wet or soiled?
Before You Begin
Before you begin the process of potty training in one week, decide whether you want to use a potty or stick to the commode. Once you've made this decision, purchase some training pants.
Portable Potty Pros
- Potties are smaller and less intimidating.
- Potties are portable and can be taken along in the car, etc.
- Your child can seat himself on the potty.
- Your child may enjoy having his own potty.
Portable Potty Cons
- Potties are often too small for many toddlers.
- Children sometimes prefer using a regular commode instead.
- Your child will eventually have to make the transition from a potty to the toilet.
Tips to Potty Train Your Child in One Week
Potty training is all about timing. The following are basic tips to potty train your child in one week. These tips include:
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Preparation is key before you actually start the potty training process. Don't just spring it on your child. Things you can do to start the process include:
- Introduce the concept to your child by reading the fun 'potty books'.
- You can also demonstrate how you go potty to show that it's a safe, normal and nothing to be afraid of.
- When shopping for a new potty, let him or her be involved in the decision-making process on which one to buy.
- Purchasing big boy or big girl underwear ahead of time may also be a nice incentive.
Execute and Commit
It is important to stick to the plan if you want to see potty training success in a week. When you decide to start potty training your child you should:
- Make sure you that when you decide to start potty training that you have the free time and the patience to commit to this often frustrating activity.
- Make sure your child is up to the task as well. Even if your child has a common cold, best to wait until he or she feels better. No need to potty train when your child is congested, irritable, tired and just not feeling like their usual self.
- You must stay on top of the potty training situation with your child and also set realistic expectations.
- Prepare for potty accidents that will most likely happen in the house.
Getting Your Child Into a Routine
A routine is an integral part of potty training. Ways to get your child into a routine include:
- On day one of potty training, start first thing in the morning. Most children have to urinate upon waking so bring your child directly to the potty to give it a try.
- You can try having your child sit on the potty every hour or so. You may not have 'potty success' but this can help get your child into a routine.
- About 20 to 30 minutes after your child eats a meal, have him or her sit on the potty. That is approximately how long it takes for your child to feel the urge to use the bathroom after eating.
- If nothing happens on the potty, that's okay. It is important to still give praise and positive reinforcement.
- Watch for signs of readiness throughout the day.
- Be consistent and give your child friendly, gentle reminders about the potty or simply ask your child (often) if he or she has to go potty.
- Don't forget to include hand washing as part of the potty training routine.
Additional Tips That May Help
A few other tips that may help the process go smoother include:
- You may want to try a reward system to help your child achieve success on the potty. You can have a structured reward system with a chart and stickers or a simple treat, toy or outing may do the trick.
- You should make sure that during the potty training process your child is wearing clothes that are easy on/easy off.
- You can try having your child not wear a diaper and go naked from waist down so he or she can access the potty easily and quickly.
- If your child has an accident, reassure him or her that it's okay. Don't punish your child or let him see that you're disappointed. Stay as positive and upbeat as possible.
- Make sure you inform his daycare, babysitter, grandma and grandpa that he or she is potty training. It is important that everyone is on board.
Potty Training Setbacks
Do not be surprised if there is a setback or two while potty training. It is probably best to expect it. This may happen because:
- Your child may be so busy playing or engrossed in a TV show that they lose focus on when they have to go potty and an accident happens.
- Illnesses such as the flu, a stomach virus or chicken pox may cause your child to regress with potty training.
- A major change in their life occurs such as a new sibling, a move to a new house or a new school can cause regression as well.
What Should You Do If There's a Setback
You should not be too concerned if your child has a setback with potty training. This happens often and is usually a temporary situation. You can help get your child back on track by:
- Going back to square one. Use the potty training tricks that worked best and simply start over. It will be a good refresher for your child and he or she will get back into their normal routine in no time.
- Discussing with your child if he or she has any concerns or fears about potty training. You can then reassure your child that they have nothing to worry about.
- Never show frustration at the setback. It is important to stay positive and encouraging.
Day and Night
For most parents, potty training success initially happens during the day, and nighttime training comes later. Once your child has been fairly successful during the day, you can then focus on the night. Some choose to do everything at once, however. You should be prepared to put your child in underwear or panties and go from there.
Throwing Away the Diapers or Pull-Ups
After the first three or four days of successful training, you and your child need to go shopping for some panties or underwear. Let your child pick out a package or two of brightly colored undies, and talk to him about how proud you are. Then, let your child wear his underwear with Pull-Ups pulled on over them for a day or two to introduce this new feeling.
The End of the Week
If your child is truly ready, and he understands the concept of using the potty, you may find that he is potty trained by the end of the week. Potty training in one week may not come easily, especially for younger children, but it is possible.
Be Flexible
However, don't limit yourself to this timeframe. You can be somewhat flexible. If your child has gotten the general idea about what to do, and he is staying dry most of the time, total training is not far away. Don't forget to give lots of praise when he uses the potty! He'll really want to please you, and he'll be proud of himself as well.
