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Don't skip any steps, or it will take longer
Even if your child is a little older, you should start with the first step. Many parents think you should take the diaper off right away. But for toddlers aged 3 or 3.5, that can be quite confusing for them. After all, they’ve been wearing diapers their whole lives—they’re used to it. They haven’t yet learned to sense what happens when the diaper is off. And they often don’t really know what the toilet is for, even if we think they do.
Start at step 1
So start by talking about poops, pees, the toilet, and the potty. The great thing about this age is that they often understand a bit more and can express themselves better. Thanks to your explanations, they can usually describe what they’re feeling sooner—first after the fact, then during, and eventually before they pee or poop. That helps with potty training. But don’t rush it; every child is different. Sometimes, for a 3.5-year-old, it can actually be harder to take off the diaper. So start by chatting and getting familiar with the idea, then try an hour without a diaper every now and then (steps 1 and 2). Let your child get used to the feeling. Then slowly extend those hours (in steps 3 and 4).
Keep playing in your diaper
Many children aged 3½ or older are so used to wearing a diaper that they don’t mind it at all. It actually makes sense: the diaper usually fits well, and your child can keep playing. Children aged 3 and older are so used to wearing a diaper that they often don’t want to switch to something else.
Choices and fixed moments
It helps to give them a choice, but you should still be in charge. So you decide what happens, but your child gets to choose when. For example: “We’re going to take off the diaper in a minute. Would you like to do that before dinner or after?”
It can also help to stick to a regular routine. For example, have everyone in the family use the bathroom when they wake up, before going outside, and before meals. That way, your child will realize that this is normal—it’s just part of the routine.
What else might help? Let your child know that you understand they’d rather keep playing. Or let them take a few toys with them to the potty or the toilet. That way, your child will think, “Great, I get to keep playing!” This often makes it easier for them to go to the potty or the toilet.
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