The Mom's Book of Worries

I've often heard that girls are easier to train than boys, so I wasn't very anxious when we started thinking of training our daughter to use the potty.

The only pause was finding panties or pull ups in her size! She is a tiny little thing. She met every checklist, but one. She couldn't pull up her own pants. So we waited and went looking for sizes that would work, and collected under pants. I'm so glad we were better prepared. She's doing great!


Is your little one ready? Here is the readiness checklist:





 Physical signs

1. Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily.
2. Urinates a fair amount at one time.
3. Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.
4. Has "dry" periods of at least three or four hours, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.

1. Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.
2. Can pull his pants up and down.
3. Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.
4. Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).
5. Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.
6. Demonstrates a desire for independence.
7. Takes pride in his accomplishments.
8. Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.
9. Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.

1. Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."
2. Understands the value of putting things where they belong.
3. Has words for urine and stool.

1. Training pants or toddler underpants. (6 pairs at a minimum, 12 would be great and 18 pair would be excellent.)
2. Potty Chair or Toilet Seat Adpater
3. A Step Stool
4. Flushable Wipes
5. Foaming Hand Soap (for little hands) We use Melaleuca Kid's Hand pump
6. Extra Towels and paper towels
7. Cleaning Supplies (for the accidents)
8. Whatever you decide on for rewards

Be assuring, excited and patient. Expect accidents, that way you'll be less likely to be upset when it happens. Think of it as one down and one closer to being trained!