There are many potty training items on the market that passionately promise to make potty training a simple task for you the parents. And yet still, some parents find themselves spending ridiculous amounts of money for items that tend to end up in the garbage bin.
No doubt the current economic crunch, will make most parents be critical in prioritizing which potty training items are needed and which items can be done away with.
Graco Travel Crib
With that in mind, let's talk about the must-have items that are essential for your potty training success. Here are some examples that are commonly found on most potty training items lists.
1. Travel / Portable Potty - Potty training is much easier with the use of those as mobility is very important during the toilet training process. You can schedule trips with your child any time without interrupting the flow of the process.
2. Potty Training Chair / Seat - Regular toilet seats are not recommended during the first stage of toilet training because there's a high risk of an accident. Your kid would generally find it easier to get accustomed to a real toilet seat if he / she started first with a potty training chair. When they are readily accepting going on those, then you can progress to a real toilet.
3. Potty 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 without you having to worry about accidental leaks. Once you're confident that he/she knows when to let you that they ned to 'go', you can move on to proper "grown-up" pants.
4. Potty Training Doll - All children learn through observation. To make the learning process more interesting, and less like a lesson, you can incorporate some fun into your toilet training by using a toy to go through the steps of your training routine. Use your child's favorite dolly (if appropriate) or get a new or special doll for the purpose. You can also use it as a diversion tool if you feel that your child is becoming resistant to potty training.
5. Potty Training Charts - Giving rewards can be a great way to reinforce toilet training habits in your child. Instead of giving material rewards, like sweets or endless toys, reward your child by using your potty training chart. He/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 wonderful way for you and your kid to bond over your mutual achievements.
6. Baby Wipes - One way to protect your child from any germs or bacteria during the potty training process is to use baby wipes. These are also a good convenience perk, as you can take them just about anywhere - trust me it will save you a lot of stress - especially when your traveling. The choice of baby wipe types, textures, and designs is almost overwhelming. Choose a type that's most appealing for you and try it out.
7. Safety Latch - Children are naturally curious. It's highly improbable that you can keep your eye on your child 24/7. You most likely already have some safety latches in the house to secure cabinets, drawers, etc. Now you have to think that the toilet is a new potential hazard. To keep your worries at bay, you can use a toilet lock. This will lock the loo from 'little curious hands' in times when you can't keep an eye on your child - like at night.
8. Baby Night Light - Night potty training is one important aspect of the whole toilet training process. You can kiss your sleepless nights goodbye by using a baby night light. You won't have to worry getting up in the wee hours of the morning to check your kid because a good baby night light can lull your child into a peaceful slumber. There are so many you can choose from - and they double up as good fun, and beautiful decoration for your child's room.
All-in-all, toilet training can be an enjoyable period for you and your kid. Knowing what items to use, can make your potty training process stress-free and dare I say - a little bit of fun. Be careful, however, not to fall in the trap of getting every item under the sun, and thus complicating everything.
Also, don't forget to involve your child in every step of the decision-making, to ensure their full buy-in. There are some fun ideas on how to use all of the above items to make potty training as smooth as possible.