Top Toilet Training Methods Popular with Parents

Toilet training is a messy but essential milestoneand choosing the right method for your child can make all the difference. With so many different approaches, it’s important to find one that aligns with your child’s needs and your family dynamics.

Below, we break down four of the most popular toilet training methods by age group—plus how Oopsie Heroes can help ease the transition.

0-12 Months: The Infant Toilet Training Approach

This method has been used for generations worldwide and is gaining popularity due to its cost-saving and eco-friendly benefits.

How It Works:

👶 Parents watch for cues that indicate their baby is about to wee or poo.
🚽 The baby is held over the toilet as they eliminate.
📢 In some cultures, parents use verbal cues (e.g., a hissing sound) to reinforce timing.

Is It for You?

✅ Works best for parents who can commit to constant observation.
✅ Can help reduce nappy dependency over time.
✅ Strengthens bonding between parent and baby.

18-24 Months: The One-Day (or Three-Day) Approach

This parent-led method focuses on quick toilet training in a matter of days.

How It Works:

✔️ The child goes nappy-free during the training period.
✔️ Parents prompt the child regularly to use the toilet.
✔️ Rewards (e.g., stickers or praise) reinforce success.

Is It for You?

✅ Ideal if you can dedicate a few days to full-time training.
✅ Works best in contained areas (tile floors recommended!).
✅ Be prepared for accidents in the first few days.

24+ Months: The Brazelton Approach (Child-Led Training)

This method lets the child take the lead, progressing at their own pace.

Signs of Readiness:

🧻 Physical: Can stay dry for 2+ hours, dislikes a dirty nappy.
🗣 Mental: Uses words for "wee" and "poo", follows simple directions.
😊 Emotional: Shows interest in big-kid underwear and toilet use.

How It Works:

✔️ Parents introduce the toilet gradually, with no pressure.
✔️ The child sits fully clothed at first, then progresses to sitting without a nappy.
✔️ Training may take several weeks or months.

Is It for You?

✅ Best for low-pressure households with flexible timelines.
✅ Works well for strong-willed or sensitive toddlers.
✅ Recommended for families who want to reduce training stress.

📌 Fun Tip: Use books, videos, or games to encourage excitement about toilet training.

24+ Months: The Techy Approach (Oopsie Heroes Bedwetting Alarm)

As technology shapes modern parenting, toilet training has evolved with it!

🚀 Oopsie Heroes is a wearable wetness detector that alerts parents instantly when an accident occurs. This makes it easier to:
✔️ Catch missed bathroom signals before a full accident happens.
✔️ Reinforce positive habits without frustration.
✔️ Work alongside any toilet training method.

Is It for You?

✅ Perfect for toddlers wearing underwear regularly but still having occasional accidents.
✅ Ideal for distracted children who tend to ignore their body’s signals.
✅ Great for parents who can’t constantly supervise toilet time.

💡 Did You Know? In Europe, some parents already use Oopsie Heroes as a daytime toilet trainer! You can attach the sensor to your child’s underwear and let the hero remind them when it’s time to go.

🌟 Coming Soon! A dedicated Oopsie Heroes Daytime Trainer—affordable, effective, and priced similarly to a pack of nappies!

Final Thoughts: Which Toilet Training Method Will You Choose?

Each child is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to toilet training. If one method isn’t working, don’t stress—you can always adjust and try another approach!

💡 Ready to Make Toilet Training Easier? Try Oopsie Heroes!

🎯 Oopsie Heroes is a safe, wireless toilet training alarm that helps children wake up when they need to go—building confidence and independence.

💡 Why Parents Love It:
✔️ Small, discreet, and comfortable.
✔️ No Bluetooth or WiFi—100% safe for growing children.
✔️ Fun, customisable alarm sounds—including your own recorded voice!

🔗 Shop Oopsie Heroes – Bedwetting Alarms & Toilet Training Solutions and help your child stay dry day & night!

Citations:

Taubman B, Blum NJ, and Nemeth N. 2003. Stool toileting refusal: A prospective intervention targeting parental behavior. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 157: 1193-2003.