The Training Ground
Expert potty training tips, solutions to common problems, and guidance to help you succeed on your potty training journey.
Winter Potty Training: A Cold Weather Guide
Potty training in winter? Bulky clothes, cold bathrooms, and forgotten fluids make it tricky. Here's how to keep your toddler dry through the cold months.
June 3, 2026
When Your Toddler Will Only Use the Potty Naked
Your toddler nails the potty bare-bottomed but pees the second underwear goes on. Here's why and 6 ways to bridge the gap in two weeks.
June 2, 2026
What to Do When Your Toddler Pees in the Bath
Your potty-trained toddler keeps peeing in the tub. Here's why warm water triggers it, why it's not regression, and 6 fixes that actually work.
June 1, 2026
When Your Toddler Will Only Poop at Home
Your toddler is trained at home but holds every poop until they're back. Here's why it happens and 7 strategies that actually help.
May 31, 2026
My Toddler Only Tells Me After They Pee (Not Before)
Your toddler announces accidents after they happen instead of before? That's actually a sign of progress. Here's how to close the timing gap.
May 30, 2026
Why Your Toddler Cries or Screams on the Potty
Toddler cries or screams on the potty? It's usually fear, not defiance. Here's why it happens and how to calm the tears so potty training keeps moving.
May 29, 2026
Why Your Toddler Pees on the Floor on Purpose
Your toddler pees on the floor on purpose and looks right at you? It's usually control or attention, not defiance. Here's how to respond so it fades fast.
May 28, 2026
My Toddler Only Goes Potty When I Remind Them
Your toddler only goes potty when you remind them? That's prompt dependency, and it's fixable. Here's how to fade reminders so they start going on their own.
May 27, 2026
Should You Wake Your Child to Pee at Night?
Wondering if waking your child to pee at night stops bedwetting? Here's what pediatricians say about lifting, when it helps, and what actually builds dry nights.
May 26, 2026
My Toddler Will Only Go Potty for One Parent
Your toddler will only use the potty for one parent? It's common and fixable. Here's why it happens and how to get the other caregiver into the rotation.
May 25, 2026
My Toddler Pees Right After Getting Off the Potty
Your toddler finishes on the potty, then pees on the floor minutes later. Here's why it happens and simple ways to help them fully empty their bladder.
May 24, 2026
Should Boys Sit or Stand to Pee When Potty Training?
Should boys sit or stand to pee? Teach sitting first, then standing around age 3 to 4. Here's how and when to make the switch without the bathroom mess.
May 23, 2026
Potty Training a Late Talker: You Don't Need Words to Start
Worried you can't potty train your late talker until they can say potty? You don't have to wait for words. Here's how to train with signs, picture cards, and routines.
May 22, 2026
Does My Child Need to Be Potty Trained for Preschool?
Wondering if your child has to be potty trained before preschool? Here's what schools actually require, what counts as trained, and how to prep this summer.
May 21, 2026
Potty Training and Bedtime Drinks: Should You Cut Off Water Before Bed?
Should you stop drinks before bed during potty training? Here's the smart fluid cutoff plan that helps dry nights without leaving your toddler thirsty.
May 20, 2026
When Your Toddler Doesn't Know They Need to Pee
Your toddler pees with no warning and looks genuinely surprised every time. Here's why they can't feel the urge yet and how to build that body awareness.
May 19, 2026
Potty Training and UTIs: What Every Parent Should Know
Holding pee during potty training raises UTI risk, especially in girls. Here are the symptoms to watch for and exactly when to call the pediatrician.
May 18, 2026
The Potty Training Plateau: When Progress Stalls After a Strong Start
Your toddler nailed the first week of potty training, then stopped making progress. Here's why the plateau happens and how to break through it.
May 10, 2026
Potty Training While Pregnant: How to Make It Work Before Baby Arrives
Pregnant and trying to potty train your toddler? Here's how to time it right, save your back, and get the job done before baby number two arrives.
May 8, 2026
Potty Training Accident Cleanup: A Survival Guide for Carpets, Car Seats, and Couches
Toddler had an accident on the couch, car seat, or carpet? Here's exactly what to do in the first 10 minutes (and what to avoid) to save your stuff.
May 7, 2026
Naked Potty Training: How It Works and When to Stop Going Bare
Naked potty training removes the diaper buffer so toddlers can finally feel the cue. Here's how to set it up, what each day looks like, and when to add pants.
May 3, 2026
Potty Training on Long Car Rides: A Real Survival Guide
Facing a long drive with a potty-training toddler? Here's how to plan stops, pack the car, and handle accidents without losing your progress.
April 20, 2026
Potty Training Your Second Child: What's Different (and What Isn't)
Second-time potty training feels different for a reason. Here's what changes, what doesn't, and how to train your second child without repeating first-kid mistakes.
April 19, 2026
Potty Training Clothes: What Works and What Doesn't
Struggling to dress your toddler for potty training? Here's what to wear, what to skip, and how the right clothes can save a dozen accidents a week.
April 18, 2026
Potty Training Pull-Ups: When They Help and When They Hurt
Should you use pull-ups for potty training? Here's when they actually help, when they slow things down, and how to use them without sending mixed signals.
April 17, 2026
Teaching Your Toddler to Wipe: When and How to Start
Most kids can't wipe well until age 4 or 5. Here's when to start teaching, the step-by-step technique, and how to build the habit without the battles.
April 15, 2026
Potty Training a Child with Autism: A Sensory-Friendly Approach
Potty training an autistic child takes extra patience and the right sensory strategies. Here's what actually works, from visual schedules to bathroom setup.
April 14, 2026
Toddler Afraid of Flushing? How to Get Past It
Your toddler covers their ears and bolts every time you flush. Here's why so many kids fear the toilet flush and 6 practical ways to help them move past it.
April 13, 2026
Summer Potty Training: Why Warm Weather Makes It Easier
Warm weather, fewer clothes, and longer days make summer the perfect time to potty train. Here's how to use the season to your advantage.
April 12, 2026
Potty Training on Vacation: How to Keep Progress Going
Headed on vacation with a potty-training toddler? Here's how to keep progress on track with smart packing, routine tricks, and zero stress.
April 8, 2026
Public Restroom Fears: Helping Your Toddler Use Toilets Away From Home
Your toddler freezes at the bathroom door every time you're out. Here's why public restrooms scare kids and what actually helps them feel safe.
April 5, 2026
Potty Training When Parents Disagree on the Approach
You want the 3-day method but your partner thinks it's too soon. Here's how to stop fighting and start working together.
April 4, 2026
Grandparents and Potty Training: Getting Everyone on the Same Page
Grandma puts the diaper back on. Grandpa says you trained at 18 months. Here's how to get every caregiver on board with your plan.
April 3, 2026
Potty Training and Screen Time: Should You Use Videos on the Potty?
Should your toddler watch videos while sitting on the potty? Here's when screen time helps, when it backfires, and better alternatives.
April 2, 2026
Potty Training a Shy or Anxious Child
Your anxious toddler freezes every time you mention the potty. Here's how to build their confidence slowly and make real progress without the pressure.
March 30, 2026
How Long Does Potty Training Actually Take?
Most kids need 3 to 6 months to become reliably dry. Here's what affects the timeline and how to set realistic expectations.
March 29, 2026
Potty Training a Strong-Willed Child: What Actually Works
Your strong-willed toddler won't use the potty no matter what you try. Here's why pushing harder backfires and 6 strategies that actually work.
March 28, 2026
Potty Training Boys vs Girls: Does Gender Really Matter?
Do boys really potty train later than girls? Here's what the research says, what actually differs, and how to adjust your approach for your child.
March 27, 2026
Dad's Guide to Potty Training: Tips for Involved Fathers
Potty training isn't just mom's job. Here are practical tips for dads who want to be hands-on, from bathroom modeling to handling setbacks.
March 26, 2026
Potty Training Comparison Trap: Why Your Neighbor's Kid Doesn't Matter
Stop comparing your toddler's potty training timeline to other kids. Here's why it backfires and what to focus on instead.
March 25, 2026
When to Take a Potty Training Break (and How to Restart)
Not sure if you should pause potty training? Here are the signs it's time for a break, how long to wait, and exactly how to restart with confidence.
March 24, 2026
Potty Training Rewards: Stickers, Treats, or Nothing at All?
Should you bribe your toddler with stickers and candy to use the potty? Here's what actually works, what backfires, and how to phase rewards out.
March 23, 2026
Potty Training Twins: Same Timeline or Separate Tracks?
Should you train both twins at once or start with whoever's ready first? Here's how to handle different readiness levels without the comparison trap.
March 21, 2026
Potty Training During a Move: How to Stay on Track
Moving with a potty-training toddler? Here's how to keep consistency when your whole world is in boxes, plus what to do if regression hits.
Potty Training at Daycare: How to Get Your Provider on the Same Page
Your kid's trained at home but having accidents at daycare. Here's how to align with your provider so potty training actually sticks in both places.
Night Training Hacks: Waterproof Mattress Setups That Actually Work
Stop dreading 2 AM sheet changes. Learn the double-layer mattress setup parents swear by, plus the best waterproof protectors for night training.
Bedwetting at Age 5: When It's Normal and When to Talk to Your Doctor
Your 5-year-old is still wetting the bed. Is it normal? Here's what pediatricians say, when to worry, and what actually helps.
When to Drop the Overnight Pull-Up: Signs Your Child Is Ready
Wondering when to ditch overnight pull-ups? Here are the real signs your child is ready for dry nights, plus a step-by-step plan to make the switch.
Potty Training Setbacks During Illness: When to Pause and When to Push
Your potty-trained toddler is having accidents again after getting sick. Here's when to pause training, when to push through, and how to bounce back.
My Kid Was Trained and Now They're Not: A Reset Guide
Your toddler was fully potty trained and now they're having accidents again. Here's a step-by-step reset plan to get back on track without the stress.
Potty Training After a New Baby: Why Regression Happens and How to Handle It
New baby arrived and your toddler's potty training went backward? Here's why regression happens after a sibling and exactly how to get back on track.
Why American Kids Potty Train So Late (and Who Profits)
In 1947, 80% of babies trained by age 1. Today the average is past age 3. Here's how the diaper industry shaped that shift.
Potty Training Power Struggles: How to Stop Fighting and Start Winning
Stuck in a potty training standoff? Here's why power struggles happen with toddlers and 5 proven ways to end the battle without giving up.
When Your Toddler Will Pee But Won't Poop on the Potty
Your toddler pees on the potty just fine but refuses to poop? Here's why it happens and exactly how to fix it, step by step.
Potty Training and Constipation: Breaking the Cycle
Your toddler won't poop on the potty and now they're backed up. Here's how constipation and potty training feed each other, and how to fix it.
Potty Chair vs Toilet Seat Insert: Which One Should You Buy?
Can't decide between a potty chair and a toilet seat insert? Here's a real comparison based on age, bathroom space, and what actually works for toddlers.
First Day of Potty Training: An Hour-by-Hour Guide
Not sure what to actually do on day one of potty training? This hour-by-hour guide walks you through the whole first day, from wake-up to bedtime.
Potty Training at 18 Months vs 3 Years: What the Research Says
Should you start potty training at 18 months or wait until 3? Here's what the research actually says about timing, readiness, and what works best.
The 3-Day Potty Training Method: Does It Actually Work?
The 3-day potty training method promises fast results. Here's what it really involves, who it works for, and how to set your toddler up for success.
Potty Training Fear After Scaring: How to Rebuild Confidence
Scared child during potty training? Learn how to rebuild confidence after a scary moment with practical, proven strategies to overcome setbacks.
Potty Training New Year's Resolution: Fresh Start or False Start?
New Year motivation doesn't match toddler readiness. Learn if January is actually the right time for potty training, plus when to start based on real signs.
Potty Training Regression at Preschool: Why It Happens & How to Handle It
Preschool potty training regression is common and frustrating. Learn why accidents happen at school, what triggers them, and proven strategies to help your child stay confident.
Potty Training on a Plane: Your Survival Guide to Flying
Complete guide to flying with a potty trained toddler. Learn bathroom strategies, packing essentials, and how to prevent accidents and regression during air travel.
My Kid Just Crapped in Public—Now What? A Survival Guide
Panic-free guide to handling potty accidents in public. Learn cleanup strategies, what to pack, and how to stay calm when your kid has an accident at the store.
Potty Training Regression: What Causes It and How to Bounce Back
Potty training regression is normal. Learn what triggers setbacks, why they happen, and proven strategies to help your child bounce back without shame.
Is Your Toddler Ready? 8 Signs of Potty Training Readiness
Not sure if your toddler is ready for potty training? Learn 8 clear signs of readiness and when to start—plus what to avoid.
Poop Withholding: Why It Happens and How to Break the Cycle
Toddler refusing to poop on the potty? Learn why poop withholding happens, how it creates a painful cycle, and proven strategies to help your child.
Potty Training Resistance: 5 Strategies When Your Toddler Refuses
Toddler refusing potty training? Discover 5 proven strategies to overcome resistance, reduce power struggles, and make training easier for everyone.
Potty Training in Small Spaces: 5 Strategies When You Can't Go Bottomless
Potty train without the bottomless method. 5 practical strategies for apartments, campers, and small homes—real solutions for space-constrained parents.
Why Your Toddler Stays Dry All Day But Wakes Up Soaked
Struggling with nighttime potty training? Learn why your toddler stays dry all day but wakes up soaked, plus proven strategies to achieve overnight dryness faster.