Moving to Block 2
This blog covers the generalized transition from Block 1 (being naked) to Block 2 (going commando) information and tips that have worked for children in the past. If you would like advice specifically for your child and your situation, head to https://www.the-potty-nanny.com/book-session and fill out the pre-consultation form.
Block 1 typically lasts between 5 and 7 days. Allowing children to go naked beyond a week often makes this process a bit sticky and can lead to resistance going commando (loose pants without underwear) in Block 2.
Markers that your child has graduated out of Block 1:
At least 1, but preferably 2, successful poops in the potty
To quote my co-moderator Ashley Lomasney: “I would get a good poop first and then move on [to Block 2]! You don’t want to get stuck in the “pee trained, but well…poop is another story” phase.”
Signs in their eyes that they understand how to release urine and feces in the toilet:
Put another way: To get to Block 2, your child needs to have the recognition of, "I can use my pelvic floor muscles and gently push to pee and to poop while seated on a toilet."
The following cognition is needed: "This is about doing real things, not just about Mommy talking to me about doing these things."
Pee and poop should be happening on the toilet while children are: singing, reading a book, being told a story, being given “privacy” while an adult is right outside of the bathroom, but ideally turned away and pretending to be immersed in their own thing
If a child is pooping while awake, but using their diaper during naps/overnight, you can still move on to Block 2
Accidents can happen, but they should be only a few each week. If there are numerous accidents every day, stay in Block 1 until there are enough successes that a child’s confidence can be built up
What works for Block 2:
Highly recommend a coconut milk smoothie for a few days to soften stool and increase the likelihood of successful poops into the potty.
Start with a loose, long-sleeved t-shirt [or shorter dress/nightgown for girls] and going commando for a day or two (this often helps with kids who can become overstimulated with the feeling of wearing pants and then transition to going commando shorts or sweatpants.
Allowing your child to have 2-3 pee accidents, changing their bottoms each time they have an accident and then briefly reverting back to being naked. Once there is a successful output on the potty while naked, put them back in clean bottoms and repeat the process.
Once there is a poop accident, revert immediately to Block 1. After the next successful poop in the toilet, pants can be returned.
Why you might ask? Two poops in trousers creates a habit. Habits are incredibly challenging for nearly all humans to break.
For the big move to Block 2: Start by going pantless in the morning and then going commando in the afternoon, following nap. This helps children to see the transition as it is happening.
Prompting first and then with transitions. “First we sit and go, then we have a snack.”
Giving them privacy! "Would you like to sit in the bathroom and mommy stay out here? When you're done say, ‘All done! Can Mommy come help?’ This works really well!
Littles have said “Yes.” Stood up. Walked to the bathroom. Sat. Pooped. Said, “Mommy, all done.”
A potty watch. They help children feel more in control of their bodies. They look like an adult watch and they take the pressure off of their parents to be on the ball about timely reminding children to use the bathroom.
What does Block 2 Entail?
Going commando (without underwear) and staying near the house
This means small and short trips (5-15 minutes) to: get the mail/post, walk around the cul-de-sac, a round trip walk of ¼ - ⅓ of a standard city block (street NOT avenue length in NYC) and at the end of it maybe to the supermarket or drugstore to buy one item and one item only.
There’s the adjustment period to wearing loose-fitting clothes that must happen
It helps to go up a size and forgo blue jeans; sweatpants are a parent’s best friend for Blocks 2 + 3
Why has moving onto Block 2 been challenging?
Pushing pants down takes time to learn. It’s a very real skill
Your child is being asked to be more responsible for himself and in the time it takes to push pants down accidents can and often do occur
If your child has been doing well with pee, you are likely hovering less and this grants opportunities for oopsies
The average length for Block 2 (commando) is 3-4 weeks
Words of encouragement:
“That’s a HUGE poop!”
“Your abdomen must feel better to get that out!”
“Relax your bum and let it out.”
Play dough trick to show how poop comes out—see YouTube video
Glitter water bottle for relaxation - here’s the DIY link on YouTube
General notes: Adding pants blocks a child from being able to look at his or her genitals and see the urine coming out. They are also a physical barrier and simply feel different than going about their day naked. There’s an acclimation (adjustment period) to loose-fitting, ideally one size up pants (soft, non-itchy sweatpants are a fantastic choice) that has to happen. For most children, who do not have sensory sensitivities, this occurs within 2-3 days.
As someone with experience working with children who have been diagnosed with Level 1 autism spectrum disorder, I am happy to help sensory kiddos. I am willing to take a stab at Level 2 ASD as well, as long as your child is able to communicate by pointing at signs or by using sign language.
Any time there are sensory issues present it requires one-on-one attention and a consultation.
