Friday, December 11, 2009

Potty Training Check List - Essentials

Potty Chair Or Seat

There is a wide variety of potty chair on the market. While some parents prefer a basic, one-piece model, others choose seats that include hinged lids, sport removable training seats (for use on the toilet) and urine deflectors (handy for parents of little guys), convert into step stools, or even play music and light up. When purchasing a seat, consider cost, ease of cleaning the bowl, whether you'll want a training seat as well, and what you think your child will best respond to when it comes to using the seat.

Some children shy away from the small potty seats and prefer to use the same toilet Mommy and Daddy use. A training seat sits directly on the toilet, making a comfortable place for a toddler to sit. These seats are often cushioned, have handles, and some even fold up so you can take them on the go.

Step Stool

Step stools are important for little ones who can't quite get onto the toilet by themselves. Once your child is on the toilet, he'll want to put his feet on the stool while he goes. And of course he can use the stool to reach the bathroom faucet to wash his hands, too! Look for sturdy, non-skid models.

Training Pants / Underwear

Transitioning from diapers to underwear could be smoother if your child first uses training pants. Your child would get used to the feeling of real underwear with having to worry about accidental leaks. Disposable and cloth training pants give your child a sense of independence, a toddler can pull them up and down on her own. Pants that leave your child feeling wet and uncomfortable may be all the motivation she needs to use the toilet. Keep in mind that soiled training pants need to be changed quickly, since the skin can still be irritated and turn into diaper rash.

Baby Wipes / Flush-able Wipes

One way to protect your child from any germs or bacteria during potty training process is to use baby wipes. These are also a good convenience perk, as you can take them just about anywhere.



Recommended


Incentives

You know what motivates your child, make good use of this when toilet training. If your little one likes stickers, grab one of our potty training charts that are customize with your child's favorite character and allow her to place a sticker on it for each success at the potty. Once she has a preset number of stickers, offer a reward such as a small toy. You may want to give a big incentive for being completely trained, such as a trip to the zoo or kids' pizza place. And don't forget to let your child pick out big-kid underpants can be very motivating!

Books, Videos

kids love stories, and you can take advantage of this with fun potty training DVDs and books. Your toddler may like to read his book while on the potty—and you may both find yourself singing potty songs from your child's DVD. If it inspires your child to use the potty, go for it!

Mattress Protection

A waterproof mattress cover, mattress pad, or underpad will help protect your child's bed from accidents during those first nights of sleeping in underwear.

Training Targets

Flush-able targets are a big hit with some kids, especially boys who can aim to sink the target. If you don't want to buy targets, try circle-shaped cereal and see if your child can hit the O!

Disposable Seats

These lightweight, portable toilet seat covers can go with you and keep your child (and you!) from having to touch public toilet seats. When your child is done, just dispose of the seat.

Training Dolls

All children learn through observation. To make the learning process more interesting, and less like a lesson, you can incorporate some fun into your potty training by using a doll to go through the steps of your training routine.

Potty Training Chart

Giving rewards can be a great way to reinforce potty training habits. Instead of giving material rewards, like sweets or endless toys, reward your child by using a potty training chart. He or she would feel a sense of accomplishment when he sees the progress of his actions in colorful stickers on the wall. A potty training chart can be a great way for you and your child to bond over your mutual achievements.

Safety Latch

Children are naturally curious. It's highly improbable that you can keep your eyes on your child 24/7. You most likely have some safety latches in the house to secure cabinets, drawers, etc. Now you have to think about that the toilet is a new potential hazard. To keep your worried at bay, you can use a toilet lock. This will keep you toilet looked from little curious hands, in times when you can't keep an eye on your child.

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