Toilet training essentials: 10 products that make potty training easier
It pays to be prepared and get your toddler used to seeing these things around the house
Toilet training is an important milestone for toddlers and while there’s no ‘right or wrong’ time to encourage your little one to use the potty or toilet, it pays to plan ahead.
Midwife Megan Baker explains the signs to look for when considering if your tot is ready for the… pot.
“One indicator is that their nappies are drier for longer,” says Megan. “This becomes more obvious when they’re approaching the age of two and can nap during the day without wetting their nappy.”
Being able to follow simple instructions, being interested in toiletting (going to the bathroom alone becomes a thing of the past!) and starting to feel uncomfortable in nappies are other indicators that they are getting ready.
“When your child can understand simple instructions such as, ‘Please pass me the ball’, follows you to the bathroom asking lots of questions, and can tell you when their nappy is wet or dirty, it might be time to prep for toilet training.”
Below are 10 products that help make toilet training easier for your toddler and your family!
Using a secure toilet seat with a ladder can help your little one feel safe and supported.
10 products that make toilet training easier
Step stool or ladder
When it’s time to move to the big toilet, a step stool or ladder such as babyU Cushie Step-Up is an excellent choice as it has an attached toilet seat, so they won’t feel like they’re about to fall in or off. The step allows them to climb onto the toilet as well as giving them somewhere solid to rest their feet while they sit.
Pull-up nappy pants
While your tot gets used to idea of moving out of nappies, nappy pants are heaven sent to help minimise messes and clean ups. Look for ones with 360 degree stretchy waist them such as tooshies ECO nappy pants , as the movement is similar to that of removing undies. Once your child becomes adept at taking these off when they’re dirty or wet, you’re a step closer to investing in those cute Bluey undies you’ve had your eye on. It’s not uncommon for little kids to sit on the toilet or potty with nappy pants on in the early days as they start to get used to the new sensations.
Nappy cream
Little bottoms are still prone to irritation as you start toilet training and they move from nappies to nappy pants and undies, so it’s important to keep a reliable cream such as Sudocrem in your bathroom and nappy bag. This nappy cream is antibacterial, antifungal, water-repellant and protective.
The essential – potty!
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a potty for your child. Kids who are older to train might be happy to go straight to the toilet but most little ones feel more comfortable with their feet firmly on the floor. Baby Bjorn’s pottychair is extremely popular among parents (and children!) because it has a high back that makes it comfy for toddler to sit for longer periods of time while they wait for nature to take its course. It also has a high splashguard at the front to reduce spillages and it’s easy to remove, and therefore to keep clean. Buying a couple of potties is a good idea as you can keep one next to your child’s bed/cot for early morning/late night wees as they might not have time to get to the bathroom.
Wipes
Another skill that needs to be taught and learnt as part of the toilet training journey is how to wipe their own bottom. This takes time so you will need to continue to clean your child’s nappy area with wet wipes after they’ve been to the toilet. Encourage your child to wipe from front to back to reduce the chance of infections (for little girls). babyU Dry Wipes can be used after your little one has used the potty, then placed in a nappy bag or bin – they are not flushable. Dry Wipes can also be used as liners and dipped in water for cleansing.
Toilet seat and portable toilet seat
A toilet seat plays a big role in reducing the fear factor that many toddlers have when they first sit on the ‘big toilet’. The babyU Popette Plus toilet seat doubles as a portable potty, which makes it easy when you’re out and about. The smaller, supportive potty-style seat helps children feel safe when they’re on the toilet.
Potty liners
Potty liners are a must for limiting mess and clean up when you’re out and about. Simply line your portable potty with one, tip the contents into the toilet afterwards and/or use the handy side ties to contain the mess until you can dispose of it properly. babyU Potette Plus Liners are lightly fragranced, highly absorbent and a toilet training essential.
Cute undies
Our kids’ first undies are so TINY! Do a reckky to find some character or coloured undies that your little one will love and encourage them to ‘try not to get Elsa wet’. Bonds is an Aussie classic and you know they’ll be comfy in these.
Disposable change mats
Toilet training brings with it some messes and spills so using disposable changes under the potty can help reduce these. babyU Disposble Change Mats are also great for when you’re out and about during this time – when your nappy bag gets a bit lighter (yippee!).
Sticker charts and treats!
Getting into the the habit of popping your child on the pot on a regular basis can be a novelty at first but it requires patience from you and your child. A sticker chart like this one Little Wiggles Toilet Training Reward Chart can be used as an incentive to encourage your busy bee to sit still long enough for nature to call. It’s also a good idea to keep a box of toys or books that only come out when it’s toilet time, and some parents offer little treats like a small packet of lollies or some blueberries as extra enticement.
Brought to you by babyU
