What Is the Fastest Way to Potty Train a Child—Boy or Girl?
Potty training is a major milestone for both parents and children. After deciding it’s time to start potty training, the next crucial step is selecting the right potty training method. Several methods are detailed in The Comprehensive Guide toPotty Training and The Comprehensive Guide to Potty Training Methods. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it important to find one that suits your child and family situation.
What Is the Fastest Way to Potty Train a Child, Boy or Girl?
The two most popular and quickest methods to potty train any child, whether boy or girl, are the Azrin and Foxx Potty Training Method and the Three Day Potty Training Method:
- The Azrin and Foxx Potty Training Method: This approach aims to complete potty training in less than 24 hours. It’s highly intensive, requiring parents to focus all their attention on the process for an entire day. This method is best suited for families who can dedicate a full day to training.
- The Three Day Potty Training Method: This method, as the name suggests, aims to potty train in just three consecutive days. It’s a slightly slower but still rapid approach compared to the Azrin and Foxx method, making it more manageable for some families.
Both of these methods demand full focus and dedication from parents throughout the training period. Given their short timelines, they can be very stressful for both the child and the parents, and might not be suitable for everyone.
What Is the Child-Led Potty Training Method?
While the Azrin-Foxx Method and the 3 Day Potty Training Method can be effective, they may also place significant pressure on both the parent and child. For families looking for a less intense approach, the Child-Led Method might be a better fit. This method allows the child to set the pace of potty training, making it more gradual and potentially less stressful.
What Is Stress-Free Potty Training?
The Child-Led Potty Training Method is generally less demanding than other methods, but it’s important to note that no approach is entirely stress-free. Potty training is a significant developmental milestone that involves children learning to recognize and control their bladder and bowel movements. This coordination of new skills can be challenging, regardless of the chosen method.
What Is the 3 Day Potty Training Method?
The 3 Day Potty Training Method, popularized by Lora Jensen, is currently one of the most well-known approaches. This program is designed to potty train children as young as 22 months over the course of three consecutive days. The method appeals to working parents, as Jensen recommends using a long weekend to focus on training, potentially with the help of a grandparent. The program is available as a book, e-book, and PDF version.
How Does the 3 Day Potty Training Method Work?
The method requires parents to remove all diapers and dress the child in a shirt and underwear. For three days, parents are instructed to keep their child close and to provide constant reminders to use the potty. If the child has an accident, the parent should quickly guide them to the toilet to finish. Praise and rewards, such as stickers, are used to reinforce successful potty trips.
What If No Progress Is Made After 3 Days?
According to Lora Jensen, most children succeed using her method by the end of the third day. However, if a child shows little progress, she advises parents to:
- Stick to the Routine: Consistency is crucial in reinforcing the habits the child has learned.
- Take a Break: If progress remains limited, a break of a few days or weeks can alleviate stress for both the child and parent before resuming training.
Does the 3 Day Potty Training Method Really Work?
Many parents have shared their experiences on forums like Reddit, suggesting that the method may be less effective for children as young as 22 months, which is the age Jensen recommends starting. The consensus is that success is more likely closer to 36 months, when children are developmentally more prepared for training.
How Successful Is the 3 Day Potty Training Method?
Feedback from parents on Reddit indicates that out of dozens of families who tried the method with toddlers under 30 months, only one reported success in three days. However, even in this case, accidents occurred after the initial training period. Most parents found better results when their child was closer to 36 months. For those considering this method, waiting until the child is closer to three years old may increase the likelihood of success.
What Is the Azrin-Foxx Potty Training Method?
The Azrin-Foxx Method, developed by psychologists Dr. Nathan Azrin and Dr. Richard Foxx, was introduced in their 1974 book Toilet Training in Less Than a Day. The method has been used by millions of parents and involves an entire day of focused training. It starts with using a doll to demonstrate potty training, which the child then mimics. The day includes frequent "potty sits"—having the child sit on the potty every 15 minutes—and using corrective practice for accidents. While accidents may still occur after the first day, repetition ensures the child learns the procedure.
How Long Does It Take to Potty Train?
Potty training timelines vary widely. While some methods claim to train a child in just one or three days, it’s common for the process to take longer. Nighttime potty training often takes significantly more time than daytime training, as it requires the child’s brain to produce higher levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to reduce nighttime urination.
- According to a MadeForMums survey, most parents reported that potty training took around 2 to 3 weeks, though 78% indicated that it took multiple attempts to achieve success.
- A study by UC Davis Health suggests that, on average, it takes about six months for a child to be fully potty trained, with some children needing more time and others adapting more quickly.
How Long Does Nighttime Potty Training Take?
Nighttime training typically takes around 10 months longer than daytime training. On average, girls are daytime trained at 35 months and boys at 39 months. For nighttime training, girls tend to be fully trained around 45 months and boys around 49 months, as per data from UC Davis Health.
When Should Parents Be Concerned About Potty Training?
Parents should consult a medical professional if a child is not potty trained by age 4 to rule out any underlying medical issues. While some children may naturally potty train later without any problems, persistent delays could indicate the need for further evaluation.
When to Take a Break from Potty Training
If progress stalls after a week of training, it’s advisable to take a break of 30 to 90 days. Waiting for clear signs of potty training readiness, such as recognizing the need to go or staying dry for longer periods, can help ensure a smoother experience.
What to Expect After 1 or 3 Days of Potty Training
It's rare for a child to be completely free of accidents after just one or three days of training, though it’s possible. Parents should expect some accidents and recognize that bedwetting may continue for up to 10 months.
What Is the Hardest Day of Potty Training?
As we have emphasized, no two children are the same and each child will have their own unique potty training experience. The hardest day for any given child is not easily pre-determined as any day can be the the most challenging. However, the first day is often the toughest for most children, but some experience a more challenging second day as they struggle to retain the new skills. Regression can occur as children adjust to the change, while other factors like stress or distractions can impact their progress.
Conclusion
Parents needing to potty train a child quickly may find success with the 24 Hour Potty Training Method or the Three Day Method. Both have many success stories, though they can be demanding. Always keep in mind that each child is unique, and flexibility is key. Stay patient, positive, and adaptable, adjusting your approach as needed to fit your child’s readiness and temperament.
2. [Child-Led Potty Training Method](https://www.childledpottytraining.com)
3. [3 Day Potty Training Method](https://www.threedaypottytraining.com)
4. [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com)
5. [Toilet Training in Less Than a Day](https://www.amazon.com/Toilet-Training-Less-Than-Day/dp/0671621168)
6. [MadeForMums Survey](https://www.madeformums.com/potty-training-survey)
7. [UC Davis Health](https://health.ucdavis.edu)
8. [24 Hour Potty Training Method](https://www.24hourpottytraining.com)