Infant and Baby Needs

Training your toddler to use the potty can be a very trying time for parents and children.

For potty training I’ve tried it all. The doll, the cloth underwear, the candy, the treats, the stickers, the chart and the fact of the matter is my daughter is in control.

A first child, an only child (so far) and a stay at home mom mean a long potty training stretch.

Some things I’ve learned along the way.

1. Do not stress over it. Your friends and family will try your patience here but stick with your child and offer a sweet smile in response. It may take longer than their schedule but it will come and all will be forgotten (except by the older sister who will bring it up for years to come when all are in their 60’s).

2. Look for the signs. Don’t go by just your child’s age but make sure they have grasped some skills to make it through potty training.

• Staying dry for 2 hours at a stretch
• Able to comply with simple directions and communications (such as "let's go to the bathroom" and yes or no )
• Showing some interest in what goes on in the bathroom 

3. Get the gear

You will need a potty seat since your child is small and you don’t want to add the fear of falling into the toilet as part of the whole potty training experience. I hovered for a long time and a bad back finally made me go get one. That along with a step stool for washing hands.

Training Pants are next. Training Pants are more absorbent than regular underwear and the reviews show that they will help with the whole clean-up process.

Some people find great results using the Boy Potty Training Dolls and Girl Potty Training Doll

Mattress Covers are great for night time. Remember night time potty training comes later.

Potty training books and videos are great for reinforcing the ideas with your toddler.

And drop by a potty training place such as Potty Training Solutions, which has tons of great and unique potty training tools to help you out and get training!