Katherine Ryan has ignited fresh debate by revealing her early potty-training method that she says enabled all of her children to be “fully” out of nappies before turning one.

On her podcast, Ryan explained that she began placing her babies on a potty as soon as they could engage with a story or book—often around three months old—and maintained a consistent routine rather than relying solely on nappies.

Although Ryan stands by her approach—asserting it “works”—parents and experts were divided. 

According to Daily Mail, some praised the strategy as innovative, but many criticized it as out of reach for most families, calling it “privileged” and noting that it may not suit children, working parents, or those in childcare settings.

One parenting expert emphasized that conventional advice suggests potty training typically begins closer to two years of age, underscoring the dedication and time required for such early methods.

In response, Ryan acknowledged that her method demands a high level of involvement but maintained that her conviction comes from experience with her own children. Her comments throw into relief wider questions about parenting advice, societal expectations and the diversity of family circumstances.