Why a Prep Phase Makes Potty Training Smoother (and Less Stressful) for You and Your Toddler
If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need a preparation phase before starting potty training, the answer is: yes—absolutely.
A simple, thoughtful prep phase is one of the biggest predictors of smoother potty training and faster progress once you officially start.
But here’s the best part:
Prep doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.
Most of it is easy, low-effort, and fits naturally into your everyday routines.
Let’s walk through why a potty training prep phase is so important, what it does for your toddler’s brain and body, and how it helps you show up calmer, clearer, and more confident.
What Is a Potty Training Prep Phase?
A prep phase is a short period (usually 1–2 weeks) where you gently introduce the ideas, routines, and language of potty training before any diapers come off.
Instead of surprising them with big changes overnight, prep lets them ease into this new skill in a developmentally appropriate way.
This step alone lowers anxiety, increases cooperation, and builds confidence long before Day One even arrives.
Why the Prep Phase Matters (The Real Reasons It Helps So Much)
1. It reduces fear and uncertainty
Toddlers do best when they know what to expect. Potty training is brand-new, and new things feel big, confusing, and sometimes scary.
Prep gently introduces all the “unknowns” so nothing feels abrupt or overwhelming. This leads to:
less resistance
less freezing on the potty
fewer tears
more willingness to try
2. It strengthens your connection and trust
During prep, you’re showing your toddler:
“I’ve got you.”
“We’re doing this together.”
“You can rely on me to help.”
This foundation of connection lowers power struggles and makes your toddler more receptive to coaching once training begins, because it feels like something happening WITH THEM instead of TO them.
3. It helps you prepare, too
The prep phase isn’t just for toddlers—it's for parents. This is your chance to:
set up your home
learn the steps
understand common challenges
gather tools you’ll need
get mentally ready
A prepared parent = a calmer training experience.
4. It makes Day One feel familiar instead of shocking
When toddlers already understand:
where to sit
what the routine is
what to expect
…they feel more in control. This confidence leads to faster progress once diapers come off. In fact, many parents say their toddler surprises them by doing really well on Day One simply because the prep phase laid such a strong foundation.
The Prep Phase Makes Potty Training Feel Like Play — Not Pressure
Most of the challenges parents think of as “stubbornness” or “readiness issues” are actually lack-of-preparation issues.
When toddlers feel supported before training starts, the whole process becomes calmer, smoother, and much more successful.
This is the heart of it:
Prep turns potty training from a surprising, overwhelming event into a familiar, doable transition.
And that’s exactly what the prep phase creates.
Ready to Start? I’ve Got You Covered.
My Potty Training Playfully Guide includes a complete prep plan that’s:
low effort
developmentally appropriate
step-by-step
grounded in toddler development
designed for smooth transitions and fewer tears
perfect for busy parents
You’ll get clear checklists, simple scripts, and easy ways to build confidence before you ever start training.
✨ Tiny steps now lead to big wins later.
You don’t have to figure this out alone — and prep truly changes everything.