Ready to Start Potty Training?
The time has come around here. Carrigan is definitely ready to start potty training and I have to admit that I’m just not quite ready. I think it’s because it’s my baby growing up. But then, I’m also ready to say goodbye to diapers so who knows what’s going on with me!
But I can’t ignore that she’s ready, so I’ve started getting things ready around here which means we have a few tips on what you need when you start potty training to make it a success!
Child Who is Ready
The most important thing you need before you get started is a child who is ready for potty training. With Weston I tried a bit too early and it wasn’t fun for anyone. We ended up waiting a few months until he was finally ready and everything went much smoother. Here are a few signs of readiness to watch for:
- Taking off or pulling at wet/dirty diaper
- Hiding when they have to pee
- Going for longer periods of time with a dry diaper
- Telling you that they are going or have gone in their diaper
This would be my life with Carrigan right now so I guess it’s time to get on it!
Kid-Friendly Clothing
One of the best things you can do when you start potty training is make sure that the clothes you’re dressing your child in are easy on and off. You don’t want to be in a hurry or have them frustrated with buttons and zippers. We highly recommend elastic waistbands! If your child can push down their own pants, it also can help build that feeling of responsibility and independence!
Use Training Pants
We all want potty training to be a good experience for our family. But switching from diapers straight to underwear can be overwhelming. Having accidents or leaks can feel like setbacks for both of you and it’s important to stay positive and encouraging.
Pampers Easy Ups are training pants that help support the transition from diapers to underwear by providing great leak protection! They have an underwear-like feel that makes them great for when you’re at home, out and about, or even at night.
They also have super stretchy sides so kids can push them down and pull them up on their own! Plus, they’re available for boys and girls sizes 2T/3T through 4T/5T.
Plenty of Supplies
Before you get started be sure to prep your bathroom for potty training success! Here are some things to consider when figuring out what might work best for you and your child:
- Potty chair
- Potty seat (that you put on the toilet seat to make it more child-friendly)
- Stepstool
- Flushable wipes
And remember to be flexible! What worked for one child might not work for another! Weston definitely preferred a potty chair while Carrigan seems to like using a stool and a potty seat on the big toilet.
Positivity & Rewards
Staying positive even in the face of potty training challenges is extremely important! So don’t be afraid to use progress charts and rewards to help keep your kids motivated! You can find some cute progress charts on the web or you can just draw up your own grid! My kids love stickers so we use stickers on a chart to help them see how their working towards their goals. This works with potty training and other things too (like picking up their toys each day)!
Then you can give rewards too! It doesn’t have to be anything big. Small stickers or toys work well. Weston liked earning pennies actually! In the beginning reward more often to encourage your child but then taper off as they become more and more successful.
Don’t hesitate to celebrate the successes! Make a big deal as each one is a step closer! Don’t sweat the accidents though because you don’t want your child to feel like they’re failing. Focus on the good and it will all be good!
SOURCE: Thesimpleparent
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