Are your rugs precious to you? Your sofa an antique? Get rid of it! For the week put it in the garage. Cover that persian rug with plastic or better still roll it up and store it away. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. Silly me, did I forget to mention that diapers or pull ups aren't to be worn for the entire week? Perhaps for the first night or two you may allow a nighttime diaper but after that it's regular underpants even during sleep time. Not the training underpants either--disposable or otherwise. They are both too absorbent and diaper-like. Your child must feel the wetness. With that being said, so shall you.
So now that you have covered or put away your valuables let's see what else you'll need to do. Buy a potty of course! If you've had a Baby Shower chances are you have acquired at least one of these. If not they are rather inexpensive and come in many varieties. This is up to you really but I do have a couple of suggestions. Use a simple potty that sits on the floor. Don't buy a potty that is a horse or a duck or whatever. These toys will make it seem like a game and they are awkward for the child to climb on and off of. I also suggest that you not put a toddler attachment potty on your regular sized toilet at first. The height may be scary to your small child, not to mention your needing to attach it when it's time to go! Every second counts when they finally realize they "gotta go" and are dashing for the potty!
If you are training a boy and their potty has a shield guard attachment (It supposedly helps avoid squirting accidents) leave it off. Do not use this. It may work but it is hard for little boys to sit up and down quickly. He could hurt himself. Teach him to hold his penis down when he urinates. Later on when he is taller and more coordinated (and you are ready to have him stand up to pee here is a fun way to help his aim: Dunk the Cheerios. You play it just how it sounds. Place a few Cheerios in the toilet and have him aim and dunk. It really works!
Lastly it's probably best that you keep the potty in the bathroom. (Remember the Brianna and Tyler fiasco?)
Here is a checklist of things you will need before you begin training:
*A simple potty that sits on the floor.
*Regular underwear or panties--not training pants.
*Cover or remove your precious furniture and rugs.
*A free week with no distractions
*A plastic cover for your child's mattress
*Make certain your child is ready and over two.
*Read to your child fun books on how to use a potty.
*Have non toxic cleaning supplies on stand by.
Now you are ready to begin...
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Pee Pee Poo Poo & Other Fairy Tales
Non-Fiction(How to Potty Train Your Child in a Week) I have successfully potty trained seven children. I learned a lot on my first child. I did a lot of things out of order. If you'd like to learn from my mistakes and be able to potty train your toddler in a...
