Potty Training Tips & Tricks

One thing to remember is that each child is different and develops at their own rate. Do not rush your child into using the toilet.

DVD - Potty Power

What works for one may not work for you and your child so there are lots of tips and tricks out there today that can help ease the frustration of potty training.

No one can predict when your child is going to have to go, so be patient. Accidents will happens and children will test their limits, not just with potty training, moms we know this. I punished my son one day for misbehaving and he urinated in his closet...go figure.

Your friend brags that their child was potty trained before the age of 2. Your nephew refused to be potty trained he started school. Potty Training is another developmental milestone. Let your child set the pace. If your child is not ready, even the best of us can't make them go.

What are some of the signs that your child is ready?

• You're changing fewer wet diapers. A toddler who stays dry for an hour or two at a stretch - and occasionally awakes without wetness - is physically ready to take the next step.
  
  
• Your child's bowel movements are predictable. A regular BM schedule will help you anticipate when to pull out the potty
  
  
• He broadcasts bodily functions. Some children announce ("I pooping now!"). Others communicate through less-verbal means - say, by retreating to a corner or producing a preemptive grunt. If your child shows he's aware of his body's functions, he's ready to try them out on the potty.
  
  
• He hates dirty diapers. At some point, most toddlers go through a (fleeting) stage when they're averse to personal messes - they're eager to escape their soiled diapers as soon as possible. This is a golden opportunity to kick off the potty-training period.
  
  
• He's able to perform simple undressing. When nature calls, the potty won't be of much use unless your child can quickly yank down his pants and pull-ups or underwear. Similarly, girls should be able to hike up their skirts in a flash.
  
  
• He understands bathroom lingo. It's important that your child understands and is able to use the family's words for bathroom functions and any associated body parts.
  
  
• He demands a live demonstration. If your child has toileting on the brain, he'll want to see how the experts (read: his parents) do it. So don't be surprised if your child follows you into the bathroom to have a look.

The most obvious thing necessary is a potty chair or seat that fits on an adult toilet. Potty chairs are the single most important thing in the training process. It represents where your child must go. Prices of Potty Chairs can range anywhere from $12.00 to over $100 for the Majesty Chair. The price depends on what you are looking for, do you want all the bells and whistles? Potty Chairs serve one purpose and your child will outgrow his "chair."

If your home is two levels, you may want to consider two potty chairs, this will make moms life a lot easier.

The Potty Chair vs. The Potty Seat

Both work, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

Many moms prefer a potty seat instead of the potty chair. It is quick and easy to use, and you do not have to add another step to your training, moving the child from the potty chair to the potty seat on the toilet. The second advantage is the potty seat's portability. When going next door, shopping, or visiting your sister, there is not much to pack away. The third advantage is that it puts your toddler's waste right in the toilet, instead of a plastic pot that must be maneuvered out from its base, poured into the toilet, sanitized, and returned to the base.

There are some disadvantages to potty seats. The first is that the potty seat can only be used in a bathroom, where as the potty chair can be used in any room. The second is that the child deals with dangling her legs over the side of the toilet, rather than planting her feet firmly on the floor. This problem is alleviated by the use of the Freedom Trainer provides the child with a step and railings to improve stability

Potty Chairs today offer different styles, features and come in many assorted colors. You can also purchase just about any option including music or ones that make sounds when your child "goes."

There are a few features that are nice, but not absolutely essential, including potty chairs with arms and a backrest. One additional feature that can easily become a mother's favorite accessory for training sons is the removable splashguard. You will bless the name of the inventor once you have it.

Now you don't have to throw Cheerio's in the toilet. These toilet paper animal shaped Toilet targets are pediatrician approved and are a fun, educational and positive way to train toddlers how to use the toilet. Put a potty target in your toilet with the "Aim" to sink the animal! Potty or toilet targets are a great way to motivate children during potty training.


Toilet Time Targets

There are sooooo many fun tips and tricks, books, movies and games that can help aid you in your potty training adventures with your child. You are now able to to turn potty training into a fun and rewarding experience for you and your child.

A Great resource is Potty Training Solutions