Potty training can be an exciting time (the prospect of no more diapers!) but also a daunting one. From combing through the sheer amount of information on the subject to actually getting a toddler to do anything willingly—it’s enough to overwhelm anyone.

We want to empower parents to feel confident when making choices for their families, so we turned to potty training consultant and mom of two Allison Jandu of @pottytrainingconsultantOpens in a new tab. for some tips, tricks, and gentle reassurance on how to navigate this milestone.

On the signs of readiness

It’s not always about age! Some kids might be ready at 18 months, others closer to 3, so look for little clues. One of the first things to watch for is if they’re staying dry for longer periods during the day. If you notice they’re interested in what you’re doing in the bathroom, that's a great sign too. If they show discomfort when wet or soiled, or if they hide to poop, that can also indicate a level of body awareness necessary for potty training.

On preparing your child

Create a supportive environment for potty training. Get them comfortable with the idea of using the potty and keep it fun—pick out a potty together, let them decorate it, and have some cute books about potty training on hand.

As the start of training gets closer, get into a routine. Take a few moments each day to sit on the potty, even if they don’t go. It’s about normalizing the process. Another big part is talking to them—keep it light and positive, and discuss how proud they’ll be when they use the potty.

On potty training gear

You don’t need a ton of fancy tools to get started, but there are a few things that can make the process smoother:

• A potty or potty seat that your child is comfortable with—some love the standalone potty, while others prefer a potty seat that fits onto the regular toilet. Or use a combination of both!
• A step stool, especially with the regular toilet. It helps your child climb up and sit, and gives them the necessary foot support to be able to void their bladder and bowels effectively.
• Potty training books or videos can be fun and motivating. Kids love seeing other kids on the potty, and it helps normalize the process.
• The Pant! Your child can practice pulling up and down, which builds important motor skills needed to use the potty. The Pant also bridges the gap between diapers and underwear, as it helps kids get used to the idea of underwear, while still providing protection.

But honestly, the most important thing is you—the gear is just there to support the journey, but it’s your time, patience, and encouragement that really make the difference.

On finding the right method

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one family or child might not work for another—find an approach that aligns with your child’s pace and needs. For a more relaxed approach, something like the child-led method might be great. If you’re ready for more structure and a quicker approach, then a more intensive method, like a 3-day program, may work better. Ultimately, the best method is one that feels right for your family.

On potty training resistance

No pressure, no shame. Some kids resist because they feel like they’re being forced into something. Offer autonomy by giving age-appropriate choices like what activity to do while sitting on the potty or which bathroom to use. Kids love to feel in control, and giving them options can make a huge difference.

Another helpful tip is to reframe the experience so it’s fun and less of a chore. Potty training books, songs, or even setting up a little reward system can make the whole process seem like something they want to do rather than something they have to do.

If the resistance is really strong, consider if there are any physical or sensory reasons why your child might be averse to the potty and consult with your pediatrician. There may be something deeper that needs to be resolved before you can see progress.

On using rewards as motivation

Research indicates that using rewards can be a helpful tool, especially in the early stages of potty training. The key is to use them in a way that feels fun and encouraging without creating pressure. Rewards like stickers, extra playtime, or a small treat, can be great for reinforcing positive behavior. Just make sure they don’t become the main focus.

Over time, start to shift the focus from external rewards to more intrinsic motivation, like feeling proud for using the potty. That transition is important because it helps your child feel confident and independent, rather than relying solely on rewards.

On staying calm and consistent

A big tip is to stay consistent and keep things as routine as possible. Set up regular potty times, like first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bed. The structure helps your child understand expectations and when it’s time to go.

And stay patient—potty training isn’t always a straight line. There will be accidents, but the more calm and supportive you are when things don’t go as planned, the more your child will feel comfortable trying again!

On getting them to poop in the potty

Refusing to poop in the potty is actually pretty common, but there are a few things you can try to make the transition smoother. First, check for constipation. If going #2 is uncomfortable, your child may avoid it on the potty because they associate the experience with discomfort. Make sure everything is regular for them before moving forward.

Next, when your child is on the potty, offer fun, relaxing distractions. Fidget or sensory toys can help them feel calm and comfortable. Sometimes just allowing them to sit and relax with these distractions, while providing sufficient foot support, can be a game-changer.

Set clear expectations and create consistency. Let your child know that the potty is where we pee and poop now, and stick to that. You may also want to remove diapers, as your child might choose the comfort zone of the diaper instead of the potty.

Finally, keep in mind that potty training for #2 can take a bit longer. There are fewer opportunities to practice, so be consistent, patient, and celebrate the little successes along the way!

On how long potty training takes

Every child is different, so there’s no exact timeline. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully master the process. Some kids might pick it up quickly, while others may need a bit more time and patience. Potty training isn’t just about the immediate result—it’s about building habits and confidence.

The key is consistency and providing opportunities for your child to practice. Expect accidents along the way, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Kids sometimes need extra time to fully understand the connection between their body’s signals and the potty. The process can be gradual, and that’s okay!

On nighttime potty training

Nighttime potty training is a bit different from daytime training, and it often takes longer to master. Your child might be ready when they start to wake up dry in the morning. This shows that their bladder has developed enough to hold urine overnight.

You can better gauge readiness by checking your child’s nighttime diaper right before they would typically wake up in the morning. Sometimes they hold their pee until after they’ve woken up and are waiting for you to get them out of bed, so it can seem like they’ve been wetting through the night when, in reality, they are already capable of nighttime potty training.

Switching from diapers to The Pant can help speed up the process, as The Pant fits more like underwear and may provide your child with some added awareness of being wet.

On trusting yourself as a parent during potty training

You’re doing a great job, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Potty training is one of those topics where there’s a lot of conflicting advice, and it can make you second-guess yourself. Trust your instincts and be patient with the process. Every child is unique, and what works for one family might not work for another. Don’t let comparison take away from your unique journey!

If something isn’t working, step back, reassess, and adjust your approach. Mix and match techniques to create something that works for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to an expert like me to get your questions answered. And remember, potty training isn’t a race. Celebrate small victories, trust in your child’s pace, and remind yourself that you know what's best for them. You’ve got this!