Different methods: which approach suits you?

As a parent, you often hear different advice on how to potty train your child. Some swear by a quick "3-day method," while others say to just wait until it comes naturally. This can be confusing. In this article, we juxtapose the best-known methods and explain why the 4-step method of Ready for Potty and Ready for Potty is often the most feasible and enjoyable for families.

1. Why are there so many different methods?

Potty training is a developmental process in which biology, upbringing and culture come together. No child and no family is the same. That's why there are multiple approaches. Some parents seek speed, others choose to start very early, and still others prefer to wait until their child indicates they are ready. It is important that you and your family find an approach that suits you.

2. The 3-day method

The 3-day method has become popular due to the promise that your child can be potty trained in a weekend. The idea: you choose a fixed start day, remove all diapers and guide your child intensively. You put your child on the potty often and respond directly to signals.

Advantages:

Quick start, lots of practice in a short time.
Clear framework for parents: three days of intensive guidance.

Disadvantages:

Can cause a lot of stress, both for the child and the parent.
Not every child is motorically and emotionally ready for it.
High chance of relapse if routines are not maintained afterwards.

3. Elimination Communication (EC)

With Elimination Communication, you start with babies. Parents pay attention to body signals and hold the baby over a potty or toilet. The basic idea: diapers are not necessary if you, as a parent, pay close attention to signals.

Advantages:

Children wear fewer or no diapers.
Can contribute to early body awareness.

Disadvantages:

Requires enormous effort and constant alertness from parents.
Difficult to maintain in busy families or with childcare.
Not always realistic in our culture, where children often go to daycare.

4. Waiting for it to come naturally

Many parents choose to wait until their child indicates on their own that they no longer want a diaper. The idea is that children become potty trained on their own when they are ready.

Advantages:

No pressure or struggle from the parent.
Child determines the pace themselves.

Disadvantages:

Can lead to postponement: some children still wear diapers well after 3 or 4 years.
Greater chance of problems when starting school (when potty training is expected).
Children can develop negative habits, such as pooping in their diaper even though they are already capable.

5. The 4-step method of Ready for Potty and the Ready for Potty

Our approach combines the best of both worlds: structure and space for your child. In four clear steps, you guide your child to independence:

Getting acquainted: your child playfully gets acquainted with the potty or toilet, without pressure.
First successes: small pees or poops are noticed and briefly celebrated.
Practice and routine: fixed moments and predictable words build confidence.
Full independence: your child becomes completely potty trained during the day (and later at night).

Why does this work so well?

It's doable for families: you don't have to cram everything into three days.
It's positive and playful: learning happens with humor and little wins.
It gives structure: clear steps and routines, without forcing anything.
It takes normal variation into account: every child can go at their own pace.

6. How do you choose the method that suits you?

The most important thing is that you and your child feel good about the approach. Ask yourself these questions:

Do we as parents have the time and energy for an intensive method, or does a gradual approach suit us better?
Can our child already show small signs that they are ready (dry periods, interest, understanding simple instructions)?
What suits our family and our daily schedule (daycare, work, siblings)?

For most families, the 4-step method offers the best balance: structured but flexible, clear but not too strict. It aligns with the child's development and the reality of busy families.

Frequently asked questions

Can I combine methods?

You can adopt elements, for example, fixed practice moments from the 3-day method and the playfulness of the 4-step method. Just make sure your child doesn't get confused by conflicting approaches.

Is it bad if the 3-day method didn't work for us?

Not at all. Many families find that it went too fast. You can always switch back and start again with the 4-step method, adjusting the pace to your child.

My child is already 3, should I choose the quick method?

No. Age alone doesn't mean anything. More important are your child's signals and how you as a family find the time and peace to practice.

Summary

There are several methods for tackling potty training. The 3-day method is quick but often stressful. Elimination Communication requires extreme commitment and does not suit every family. Waiting until it comes naturally can lead to delays and problems when school starts. The 4-step method of Ready for Potty and Ready for Potty offers a middle ground: playful, achievable and with clear steps. It is the most child-friendly approach that at the same time fits the practices of busy families. This is how you work with your child on a positive and relaxed path to potty training.