🌱 🤟 🌻 ⭐ 🚗 🌙
🚽
THE COMPLETE
POTTY SYSTEM
Birth to Independence • Every Phase • Every Product • Sign Language Built In
👶
Phase 0
Elimination Communication
0–6 months
🤟
Phase 1
Signals & Signs
6–12 months
🌻
Phase 2
Active Training
12–24 months
🌟
Phase 3
Independence
24–36 months
🚗
Phase 4
Out & About
Ongoing
🌙
Phase 5
Night Training
30–48+ months
🏆 WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT:
🤟 ASL Sign Language embedded in EVERY phase — not separate
👨👧 Dad + Child shared step indicators throughout
💦 Bum spray / peri bottle technique for gentle wiping
🎵 Potty songs and jingles — musical cues that trigger routine
📚 Age-specific book recommendations per phase
🛒 Complete product guide — Value + Premier + Eco tiers
☐ Dry-erase checkboxes — laminate and reuse daily
🌍 Elimination Communication from birth — Caribbean & global tradition
🖨️ HOW TO PRINT:
Paper: HP Premium 32lb matte or Hammermill Premium Color Copy 32lb
Laminate: Scotch Self-Seal Pouches or Scotch Thermal Laminator
Mark: Dry-erase markers • Wipe clean nightly • Reuse forever
Print: Chrome → Ctrl+P → Margins: None → ✓ Background graphics
👶
Phase 0: Elimination Communication
0–6 months • Start from birth
Start from birth. Build the brain-body connection. Practiced across Caribbean, African, and Asian cultures where babies commonly train by 12 months. You're teaching her body to communicate with yours.
🤟 GOLD BADGES = ASL sign for that step. Use the sign EVERY time. She signs back by 8–12 months.
1
👀
Observe elimination patterns 👨👧
Track 3 days. Most go after feeding, upon waking, during changes. Write the times.
2
🔊
Create a cue sound — every time 👨👧
"Pssss" for pee, gentle grunt for poop. Same sound = association within days.
3
🤟
Start POTTY sign from DAY ONE 👨👧
Use at every diaper change. Every offer. She signs back by 8–12 months.
🤟 POTTY
Fist, thumb between index + middle finger, shake side to side
4
🪑
Hold over potty at cue times 👨👧
After feeding, upon waking. Squat-like hold + cue sound. No seat needed yet.
5
💬
Narrate every elimination 👨👧
"You're doing a pee! Pssss!" Name it every time. Vocabulary before speech.
🤟 WET
Open hands at chest, fingers together twice (dripping)
6
☀️
Narrate dry diapers too 👨👧
"You're DRY! That feels nice!" Teaches contrast between wet and dry.
🤟 DRY
Index finger sweeps across chin left to right
7
📱
Track catches vs. misses
Notes app or paper. Pattern emerges in 1–2 weeks. Catches increase rapidly.
🎵 CUE SONG — Sing During Every Potty Hold:
"Pssss pssss, time to go! Pssss pssss, nice and slow! You're so clever, yes you are! Pssss pssss, little star!"
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 0: Elimination Communication • Print & Laminate 💛
🤟
Phase 1: Signals & Signs
6–12 months • She communicates back
She starts signaling back. Recognize and respond immediately. By 12 months, many EC babies have more catches than misses. Signs are her primary communication tool.
🤟 She may start signing POTTY back between 8–12 months. Respond IMMEDIATELY every time.
1
🤟
She signs POTTY back to you! 👨👧
Drop everything and respond. Speed of response = speed of learning.
🤟 POTTY
Fist, thumb pokes out, shake side to side
2
🪑
Introduce the small potty 👨👧
BabyBjörn Smart Potty in bathroom. Familiar furniture, not scary.
3
⏰
4 anchor times daily 👨👧
Upon waking, after meals, before bath, before sleep. Never skip these.
4
📖
Read potty books on the potty 👨👧
Reading ON the potty = positive association. See Books & Songs page.
5
👋
Wave bye-bye to the flush! 👨👧
"Bye bye pee pee!" Celebration ritual. Use ALL DONE sign.
🤟 ALL DONE
Both open hands palms in, flip outward
6
🗣️
Pair verbal cues WITH signs 👨👧
"Do you need potty?" + sign. Dual-channel = faster learning.
7
🙋
Teach HELP sign 👨👧
She asks for help before she can say the word. Prevents frustration.
🤟 HELP
Flat hand on fist, lift both up together
🎵 BYE BYE SONG — Sing at the Flush:
"Bye bye pee pee, down you go! Bye bye pee pee, wave hello! Flush flush flush, all done today! Bye bye pee pee, on your way!"
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 1: Signals & Signs • Print & Laminate 💛
🌻
Phase 2: Active Training
12–24 months • Build the habit loop
She knows the feeling and the sign. Build the habit loop. No shortcuts. Repetition, celebration, patience.
🤟 Continue all signs. Add ALL DONE after every success. 🎵 See Songs page for potty jingles!
1
🩲
Training pants — daytime only
She must feel wet. Diapers wick; training pants teach consequence.
🤟 WET
Fingers drip at chest — no shame, just naming
2
⌚
Potty watch vibrates every 30–45 min
Watch is the boss, not you. Removes power struggle.
3
💧
Increase water intake
More water = more practice. Not juice — water.
4
🧸
Comfort items on the potty 👨👧
Book, toy, or sing together. Never rush her off.
5
🎉
Celebrate EVERY success! 👨👧
Clap, cheer, sticker! "YOU DID IT!"
🤟 ALL DONE
Both hands palms in, flip outward
6
🚫
ZERO punishment for accidents 👨👧
"Oops! Your body is learning. Let's clean up together."
7
👖
Elastic waistbands ONLY
Pull up/down in 2 seconds. Dresses are fastest.
8
📊
Sticker chart on the wall 👨👧
She places sticker herself. 5 stickers = reward (not food).
🎵 POTTY SONGS — Sing Every Time!
🎶 SITTING SONG:
Sit, sit, sit on the potty! Take your time, there's no hurry! Sit, sit, sit on the potty! You are doing so great today!
🎶 DANIEL TIGER:
If you have to go potty — STOP! And go right away! Flush and wash and be on your way!
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 2: Active Training • Print & Laminate 💛
🌟
Phase 3: Independence
24–36 months • She does it herself
She goes on her own. You're the safety net. Goal: initiates, executes, cleans up with minimal help.
1
🚶♀️
She walks to potty herself
Step stool permanent. She initiates.
🤟 POTTY
Acknowledge her sign even now
2
👖
She pulls pants down and up
Elastic waistbands. Practice during dress-up play.
3
💦
Bum spray before wiping 👨👧
Peri bottle spritz. Gentler, cleaner, prevents rash and irritation.
4
🧻
She wipes — you check 👨👧
Front to back ALWAYS. She tries first, you do "check wipe."
5
🧻
Count 4–5 squares 👨👧
Pull, fold, wipe, check. If clean, done!
6
🚽
Flush + wave bye bye! 👨👧
She flushes, waves, says bye. Ritual closes the sequence.
🤟 ALL DONE
Both hands flip outward
7
🧼
Wash hands EVERY TIME 👨👧
Soap, 20 sec, rinse, dry. Non-negotiable for life.
🤟 WASH HANDS
Rub palms in circles
8
🏆
Celebrate the milestone! 👨👧
"ALL BY YOURSELF!" Mark the day. She earned it.
🎵 SONGS FOR THIS PHASE:
🎶 CELEBRATION:
You did it, you did it, you really really did it! The pee went in the potty and we're SO proud of you!
🎶 HAND WASH:
Wash wash wash your hands, scrub them all around! Soap and water, rinse them off, cleanest hands in town!
🎵 PHASE 3 SONGS — Celebrate & Clean!
🎶 CELEBRATION:
You did it, you did it, you really really did it! The pee went in the potty and we're SO proud of you! Clap clap clap, hooray!
🎶 HAND WASH (20 sec):
Wash wash wash your hands, scrub them all around! Soap and water, rinse them off, cleanest hands in town!
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 3: Independence • Bum Spray + Full Autonomy 💛
🚗
Phase 4: Out & About
Ongoing • The system works everywhere
Car trips, restaurants, parks, grandparents'. Preparation eliminates panic. A parent with a go-bag never gets caught off guard.
1
🧳
Travel potty in car — ALWAYS
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty. Standalone + seat mode. Lives in trunk.
2
👜
Potty go-bag packed
2 outfits, wet bag, wipes, seat cover, sanitizer, bum spray, plastic bag.
3
🚗
Waterproof car seat liner
Piddle Pad. Saves 45 min of deep cleaning. Non-negotiable.
4
🚻
Public restroom: seat + calm 👨👧
Portable cover. Same signs, same cues. "Different potty, same rules!"
🤟 POTTY
Same sign everywhere = familiarity
5
✋
Backup: hold and hover 👨👧
No cover? Hold under thighs in squat. Practice at home first.
6
🧴
Sanitizer after washing 👨👧
Soap first, sanitizer too. Double protection in public.
🤟 WASH HANDS
Rub palms in circles
7
⏰
Pre-departure potty rule 👨👧
"Before we leave, we try." EVERY time. Prevents 90% of emergencies.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 4: Out & About • Be Prepared 💛
🌙
Phase 5: Night Training
30–48+ months • Biology sets the timeline
Nighttime dryness is BIOLOGICAL — vasopressin hormone matures on its own. Some kids 3, some 5+. Both normal. Cannot rush biology. Only prepare and wait with love.
1
🛏️
Waterproof mattress protector
Double-layer: protector→sheet→protector→sheet. 2am strip, not full remake.
2
🩲
Nighttime pull-ups — no shame
Remove when dry 5+ nights in row. Not before.
3
🚰
Limit fluids 60–90 min before bed 👨👧
Small sips after dinner. Full hydration during day.
4
🚽
Double void before bed 👨👧
Start of bedtime routine AND last step before lights out.
🤟 POTTY
Gentle sign cue instead of "go try"
5
💡
Night light path to bathroom
Amber, motion-sensor. She sees the way if she wakes.
6
🌅
Potty immediately on waking 👨👧
First thing every morning. Lifelong anchor habit.
7
💛
Patience IS the system 👨👧
Prepare the environment. Wait with love. Zero pressure. She'll get there.
🎵 BEDTIME POTTY SONG — Sing Before Lights Out:
"Last potty of the day, then we sleep and we play! Try try try, good night, dry dry dry, sleep tight!"
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Phase 5: Night Training • Patience IS the System 💛
📚
Recommended Books by Phase
Every book = affiliate revenue • Read ON the potty • Organized by age
👶 PHASE 0 — Parent EC Guides (0–6 mo):
📕
"Go Diaper Free" — Andrea Olson
THE EC bible. Step-by-step 0–18 months. Definitive resource.
📗
"The Diaper-Free Baby" — Christine Gross-Loh
Biology of why babies resist soiling. Responsive parenting approach.
🤟 PHASE 1 — Baby's First Potty Books (6–12 mo):
📘
"Tiny Potty Board Book"
Gender-neutral, realistic. Designed for EC families from 6 months.
📙
"Ready to Go: Pee" — Lovevery
Real photographs. Babies connect photos to actual actions faster.
📕
"Where Do You Poop?" — Agnese Baruzzi
Animals pooping = funny and normal. Great for 8–12 months.
📗
"Potty" — Leslie Patricelli
Simple, funny, iconic. The classic starter book.
🌻 PHASE 2 — Interactive & Song Books (12–24 mo):
🎵
"Cali's Books Potty Training Song Book"
Catchy songs = musical Pavlovian cues during potty time. #1 pick.
🎵
"Daniel Tiger's Potty Time!" — Scarlett Wing
Sound book. "If you have to go potty, STOP and go right away!"
📕
"Potty Time with Bean" — Ms. Rachel
Massive with toddlers right now. Instant familiarity and buy-in.
📗
"A Potty for Me!" — Karen Katz
Lift-the-flap makes it interactive and less intimidating.
📘
"Peek-a-Poo!" — Mara Conlon
Fun lift-the-flap board book. Good secondary option.
📗
"P is for Potty!" — Sesame Street
Elmo lift-the-flap. Familiar characters.
🤟 SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCE:
🤟
"Baby Signs Potty Training Board Book"
ASL signs: toilet, wet, dry, wash hands, help. Use alongside the cards from birth.
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Open the full guide, links, and setup details.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Complete Book Guide 💛
🛒 Vetted Gear · Page 1 of 2 · Potties · Tools · Diapers · Clothes · Cleanup
🪑 Potties · Seats · Step Stools
🪑
VALUE pick
Light, easy clean. Best first potty.
👑
PREMIER
Back support, armrests, longer sits.
🚗
TRAVEL
Standalone + seat. Car essential.
🚽
INTEGRATED
Adult + child in one toilet lid.
🪜
STEP
Non-slip, weighted base for balance.
⌚ Training Tools · Watches · Charts · Communication
⌚
WATCH
Buzzes on schedule. Hands-off.
⭐
CHART
She places stickers. Pride builder.
🤟
SIGNS
ASL: toilet, wet, dry, help.
🩲 Pants · Diapers · Pull-Ups (Day & Night)
👖
CLOTH
Feel-wet, reusable. Helps awareness.
🌱
ECO
Biodegradable, fragrance-free.
🌙
NIGHT
Extra absorbent for nighttime.
🌿
ECO
Plant-based, Nordic Ecolabel.
👕 Training Clothes · Elastic Waists Only
👖
VALUE
GOTS organic, elastic waist.
👕
PREMIER
Ultra-durable. Heirloom quality.
🧹 Cleanup · Wipes · Skin Care · Rash Defense
💧
WIPES
Purest baby wipe. 2 ingredients.
🚿
SPRAY
Spritz before wiping. Soothes skin.
🧴
RASH
Daily barrier. Prevents rash.
⚠️
RASH
Active rash treatment.
✨
RASH
Multi-purpose protectant.
🌿
CLEAN
Cleans everything. Non-toxic.
👜
BAG
Soiled clothes on-the-go.
♻️ Buy It Used First — see Page 11 · Potties, step stools, and training clothes resell at 60–70% of retail. Wash hot >130°F.
The Complete Potty Training System · The Dad System · Page 9 of 12
🛒 Vetted Gear · Page 2 of 2 · Protection · Disposal · Print Setup · DIY Kit
🛡️ Mattress Protection · Diaper Disposal · Travel
🚗
CAR
Saves car seat from accidents.
🛏️
BED
GOTS certified. No vinyl.
💰
VALUE
Waterproof + breathable.
🗑️
PAIL
Hands-free, foot pedal. Holds 60.
🔄
REFILL
Continuous liner, ~1 month each.
🌍
ECO
Plant-based, leak-proof bags.
✏️ Markers · Erasers · Wipe Cloths
✏️
STANDARD
Fine tip for small checkboxes.
👶
LOW ODOR
Better for child's bedroom use.
🧽
ERASER
Wipe laminated cards clean nightly.
🖨️ Printers · Budget · Value · Premier
💸
BUDGET
Compact, wireless. Low upfront cost.
🏆
VALUE pick
Refillable tanks. ~7,500 pages/$40.
👑
PREMIER
Best color accuracy + duplex.
📄 Paper · Heavyweight Matte for Laminating
📄
VALUE pick
Best for laminating. No ink bleed.
📃
BUDGET
Available everywhere. Solid choice.
🔥 Laminators · Single & Dual-Roller Options
💸
BUDGET
Lowest entry point. Single roller.
🏆
VALUE pick
60s heat, 2 rollers, no bubbles.
👑
PREMIER
12" wide, adjustable temp + reverse.
📦 Laminating Pouches · 3mil · 5mil · Self-Seal
📦
EVERYDAY
Standard daily use. Flexible.
🛡️
PREMIER
Premium thickness. Toddler-proof.
✋
NO MACHINE
Peel, insert, press. No machine.
♻️ Buy It Used First — see Page 11 · Laminators, printers, and Dekor pails are great Marketplace finds. Always test before buying.
The Complete Potty Training System · The Dad System · Page 10 of 12
♻️
Buy It Used First
Save Money · Reduce Waste · Build Heirlooms
💛 The Philosophy
Kids outgrow gear in months, not years. An American family raising 2 kids generates ~4,000 lbs of textile + plastic waste over 18 yrs. Used heirloom-grade gear costs 50–70% less while losing <10% of function.
✅ Always SAFE Used (Hard Goods)
Furniture & Storage: wood furniture, learning towers, weaning tables, low shelves, hangers, baskets, post-2011 cribs.
Kitchen: stainless/glass dishes, cast iron (gets BETTER used), cutting boards, mason jars, baking sheets, kid utensils.
Mobility: strollers (frame check), high chairs (Stokke 50–70% value), carriers, bath toys (post-recall check).
Toys, Books, Clothes: wood toys, books, clothing (hot wash >130°F first), dress-up.
❌ NEVER Buy Used From Strangers
Single-impact safety devices: bike/sport/ski helmets — invisible micro-fractures. Replace after ANY crash.
Recall risk: pre-2011 cribs (drop-side ban), older bumpers (banned 2022), inclined sleepers (banned 2019).
Hygiene: mattresses (any kind), single-user breast pumps (closed-system rentals OK), opened pacifiers/nipples.
Crash history unknown: car seats from strangers (OK from a trusted friend who confirms no crashes + within expiration).
🔄 Source Order (Fastest → Most Vetted)
1. Buy Nothing groups (free, hyper-local) →
2. Friends/family hand-me-downs →
3. Just Between Friends consignment events →
4. Facebook Marketplace (saved alerts) →
5. Once Upon a Child →
6. Kidizen / thredUP (clothes) →
7. GoodBuy Gear / Rebelstork (verified) →
8. Brand-direct circular programs.
🏷️ Brand-Direct Circular Programs
Lovevery Pre-LovedCurated Montessori toys returned to brand. Up to 70% off. Launched July 2025.
Patagonia Worn WearKids' outerwear + base layers. Brand-verified. Trade-in credit.
IKEA Buyback & ResellTake back furniture for store credit. Resold in As-Is.
REI Re/SupplyOutdoor gear, kids' bikes (NOT helmets). Member-only resale.
🧼 How to Clean Used Gear
Wood: vinegar 1:1 water + 24-hr direct sun. Re-oil with food-safe mineral oil.
Plastic: 1:10 bleach soak 5–10 min, rinse, air dry. OR dishwasher hot cycle.
Silicone / pacifiers / teethers: boil 5 min OR dishwasher top rack.
Fabric: hot wash >130°F + hot dryer (kills lice/scabies/dust mites).
Bath toys with squirt holes: bleach soak, then HOT-GLUE the holes shut.
👨👧 The Resell Loop
When kids outgrow it: clean, photograph, resell on the same channel you bought from. Recover 50–70% of cost, fund the next stage, keep gear out of landfill.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Buy It Used First • Save Money + Build Heirlooms 💛
📋✨
Quick Reference Guide
Hang this page where both parents can see it • Sized as large as possible for print
✅ ALWAYS DO
🎉 Celebrate every attempt — not just success
🧘 Stay completely calm with every accident
🤟 Same cue sound + sign every time
👋 Flush + wave bye (make it fun!)
👖 Elastic waistbands only during training
📊 Track patterns — timing is everything
👨👧 Both parents use the SAME system
⏰ Anchor times (wake, meals, bath, bed)
🧸 Comfort items on the potty
💦 Bum spray before wiping
🎵 Sing the potty songs — cues work
🧴 A+D / Aquaphor during training season
📖 Potty books near the potty
🚽 Model it — let her see you go
🚫 NEVER DO
😡 Punish, shame, or show frustration
❓ Ask "do you need to go?" (just take her)
🌙 Rush night training — it's biological
👫 Compare her timeline to any other child
🏠 Start during major life changes
🍬 Use food as a potty reward
😢 Force when she's distressed
👕 Complex clothing during training
🙈 Ignore her signs or cue sounds
👥 Let caregivers use different systems
📉 Expect linear progress (regressions normal)
🚼 Back to diapers after switching
🗣️ Discuss accidents in front of others
📅 Set a deadline — her body decides
📖 CARD LEGEND
👨👧 = Dad + Child do this step TOGETHER
☐ = Checkbox — dry-erase marker, wipe clean daily
🤟 = Gold badge = ASL sign embedded for that step
🔗 = Affiliate link — replace with your Amazon URL
🎵 = Potty song — sing it during the step
"Every child's timeline is different. Patience is the system.
Consistency over intensity. Showing up over getting it exactly right."
— The Dad System • @the_dadsystem 💛
📲 SCAN FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE
Full guide, products, and print setup. Scan → thedadsystem.org/pottytrainingguide
☕ SUPPORT THIS PROJECT
Optional support if this system helped your family.
THE DAD SYSTEM • @the_dadsystem • Quick Reference Back Page • Support the Project 💛
