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As your child approaches the potty training milestone, you may find yourself wondering when to start and what approach will work best. In an old episode of Tribeca Pediatrics On Call, Dr. Michel Cohen and Dr. TJ Gold shared their advice on potty training, discussing how to identify when your toddler is ready and how to make the process easier for both of you. Potty training can feel like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.

To help you navigate the process with confidence, we’ve put together some key takeaways from the podcast, along with some additional tips, to help ensure that you’re equipped to handle potty training with ease.

Identifying Readiness for Potty Training
Successful potty training starts with understanding your toddler’s readiness. This is not about pushing them because of external pressures like daycare requirements or comparisons to other children. It’s about noticing when your child shows signs that they are developmentally ready.
Dr. Cohen and Dr. Gold mentioned a few signs, including a child’s interest in the potty, awareness of bodily functions, and staying dry for longer periods. However, every child progresses at their own pace. Some toddlers may take months before they’re fully ready, while others might grasp the concept quickly. Don’t worry if your child isn’t ready as early as you might have hoped—potty training is not a race, and forcing it before they are truly ready can actually cause setbacks. The key is to keep a patient approach while observing your child’s developmental cues.

The Power of the “Naked” Approach
A unique method Dr. Cohen and Dr. Gold suggested in the episode was the idea of letting your child go naked at home. This strategy can help your toddler make a physical connection between their body and the need to use the potty. While this may sound simple, it’s important to approach this with a nuanced mindset. It’s not just about letting your child run around without a diaper and hoping they’ll figure it out. The purpose is to create opportunities for your child to feel the natural consequences of not using the potty—whether it’s urine on their legs or an accident on the floor.
This approach works best in a low-stress, no-pressure environment. Accidents will happen, and they might be messy. The goal is to make sure your child doesn’t associate potty training with shame or punishment. When accidents occur, remain calm, clean up without a fuss, and move on. This approach reinforces the natural learning process without unnecessary drama, allowing your child to focus on the task at hand—learning to recognize the signs that they need to go to the bathroom.

Balancing Potty Training with a New Baby
A mom’s question in the podcast about potty training while expecting a second child is a common concern. Dr. Cohen and Dr. Gold advised parents to avoid putting pressure on themselves when it comes to potty training with a newborn in the mix. While it’s tempting to rush through the process before the baby arrives, patience and flexibility are key. If your toddler is still adjusting to the idea of using the potty, trying to force the issue while dealing with a newborn might only add unnecessary stress to both you and your child.
It’s perfectly okay to pause potty training if needed, especially if your child shows signs of being resistant or overwhelmed. Rushing potty training often leads to frustration for both parents and toddlers. If your toddler isn’t showing the necessary readiness, it might be better to wait until you both have more bandwidth to focus on the process fully.

Additional Tips for Potty Training Success

• Create a Routine: Consistency is crucial when potty training. Regular potty breaks (especially after meals, before naps, and before bed) helps your child get into the routine.
• Introduce Positive Reinforcement (Without Overdoing It): Praise your child when they use the potty, but keep it simple. For example, “Great job using the potty!” can go a long way without making your child feel like they need to perform for rewards.
• Don’t Compare Your Child to Others: Every child potty trains at their own pace. Some children may pick it up quickly, while others take more time. Avoid comparing your child’s progress to peers or siblings. The goal is a positive, pressure-free experience.
• Model Behavior and Make It Fun: Children often learn best by seeing others. If your child is curious about potty training, allow them to see you or other family members use the toilet (if comfortable). You can also make the process more fun by introducing potty-related books, videos, or songs to reinforce the concept in a playful way.

Trust the Process
Potty training is a significant milestone, but it’s important to approach it with patience and flexibility. As Dr. Cohen and Dr. Gold said, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when potty training should begin, and no reason to rush it. The process will unfold naturally when your child is ready—allowing them to learn at their own pace and without the added stress of unrealistic expectations. Whether you’re dealing with a toddler and a newborn or just navigating this milestone, remember: this too shall pass. The patience, care, and calmness you show will help your child develop confidence and independence in this new phase of their life.