What to Expect the First Week of Potty Training

Nina Ottman

(Spoiler: There will be pee. And possibly tears. But also progress.)

Introduction

So you’ve stocked up on undies, picked your method (or just decided to wing it), and circled the date on the calendar. Whether you're diving into a 3-day potty bootcamp or easing into it gradually, the first week of potty training can feel like a blurry mix of hope, messes, and second-guessing.

This post is here to keep you grounded no matter your method or your schedule.

1. Day One Is Usually Chaos (and That’s Normal)

  • Expect a lot of misses, especially if you're going diaper-free.
  • Some kids fight sitting on the potty. Some will try every 5 minutes.
  • If you find yourself thinking “We’re never going to survive this.” Don't worry, you will.

Tip: Keep expectations low and snacks, towels and clean clothes close. If you’re using a sticker chart, today's the day to start your reward routine.

2. You’ll Question Everything Around Day 2 or 3

  • Progress might stall or your child may suddenly resist the potty altogether.
  • This is especially common with the 3-day method crowd (a.k.a. potty bootcamp).
  • For more gradual trainers, it might feel like nothing’s changing fast enough.

Reminder: Resistance doesn’t mean failure. It means your child is adjusting to a big developmental leap and trying to maintain some control in a new and intimidating situation. Stay steady.

3. Poop May Not Happen When You Want It To

  • Many kids hold poop longer or wait until nap/bedtime when they’re in a pull-up.
  • Others might get constipated from the stress.
  • And some will lose it, becoming frightened and upset, when they feel poop falling into the toilet. (Poor kiddo!)

Encourage your child with compassion, and if you need to level-up your reward for this big challenge, we have a glitter sticker for that.

4. The Accidents Will Be Many, But the Wins Will Start Appearing

  • Accidents are part of learning, not a sign of failure. Each accident is an opportunity to connect the feelings in their body with the results (having wet pants).
  • Look for little wins: they asked, they tried, they almost made it.
  • Celebrate effort over perfection to keep spirits up for both of you.

In a survey conducted by Made for Mums, results showed that over a third of children (31%) had 3–4 accidents the first day of potty training. You are not alone.

5. Caregiver Communication Matters More Than Ever

  • If your child is with multiple caregivers (daycare, babysitter, etc.), consistency is key.
  • Make sure everyone’s using the same phrases and routines and have a shared understanding of expectations.
  • This is a great time to use a potty communication form to track progress and avoid mixed messages.

Final Thoughts: Progress Looks Different for Every Kid

Whether you're a working parent juggling this in the evenings, or home all day wondering when to safely take your own potty break, the key to a smoother week one is patience, flexibility, and a good dose of humor.

Don't let week one intimidate you or get you down. You’re parenting. You're helping your child build a skill that they'll take with them for the rest of their life. And that’s a win.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Potty Training

How do I know if my child is ready to start potty training?

Look for patterns of awareness, longer dry stretches, and interest in the bathroom. Readiness doesn’t mean your child is asking to use the toilet — it means they’re beginning to notice their body and follow simple routines.

What is the best method for first time potty training?

There isn’t one best method. The best potty training approach is the one you can stay consistent with. Some families use the 3-day method, others prefer a child-led approach. Consistency matters more than the label.

What should I do on Day 1 of potty training?

Keep the day simple. Stay home if possible, offer regular reminders, and respond calmly to accidents. Celebrate effort and awareness, not just success.

How long does it take to potty train?

It varies. Some children make quick progress, while others need more time. Early days are about building awareness and routine, not racing to the finish line.

What if my child resists potty training?

Resistance can show up when a child feels pressured, overwhelmed by other life changes (like a new sibling or classroom transition), or eager for more control. Sometimes a brief pause or a reset in tone helps. Focus on keeping things low-pressure and steady while life settles.

If potty training feels overwhelming right now

You don’t need to rush toward big milestones or make every trip to the bathroom a “thing.” What helps most is having a clear way to notice effort and keep going, even when progress feels slow.

That’s why I focus on simple, repeatable reinforcement. A potty chart paired with small reward stickers gives kids something concrete to work toward and gives parents a way to see learning happening over time, not just on the “big win” days.

This is how I've approached potty learning with my own kids. Staying consistent, marking progress, and keeping momentum when motivation dips.

Nina Ottman is a mom of two toddlers and the artist behind Letter & Line, where she designs simple tools to help parents navigate toddler milestones with less burnout.

These tools support learning, routines, and positive reinforcement during the toddler and preschool years.