The Potty Training Chronicles: Our Journey to a Diaper Free Toddler – Part 1

Over the past seventeen months my little one has achieved countless of milestones. While not all [milestones] were greeted with the same enthusiasm (I’m looking at you, tummy time) they were all eventually mastered. When I see how active and fearless my little guy is, it is definitely difficult to believe that just a little less than a year and a half ago he was a defenseless little infant fighting jaundice. (You can read about that here.)

We are now able to have conversations with him, even if we don’t really understand what he is saying 90% of the time. He has quickly grasped the idea that “shao shao” or shower time means say bye to everyone, grab your towel, and walk to the bathroom. He also now knows that before bedtime and in the morning we “brush teeth” and he gives me his toothbrush and toothpaste. Although definitely surprised at how he grasps concepts and routines, I know that him learning these activities haven’t required much “teaching.”

I am now faced with probably the greatest and most challenging milestone of my LO’s short life: potty training. First and foremost, remember that no child is the same. You, as the mother (or father) know your child best. I have read and understand the extensive research and opposition against potty training children under three years old. If you haven’t read about it, you can take a look here. In summary, the earlier your child learns how to control his or her bladder, the more prone they are to make holding their pee or poo a habit, thus resulting in urinary tract infections, improper bladder development, etc.

[ctt template=”4″ link=”d39hc” via=”no” ]When it comes to motherhood I think the number one rule to follow is: you know your child best.[/ctt]

However, when it comes to motherhood I think the number one rule to follow is: you know your child best. I personally make my parenting decisions based on signs that I receive from my LO. In fact, for potty training there are various signs that toddlers tend to use, or rather that you as a parent can look for in order to assess potty training readiness. These are a few signs that my LO has shown:

1. Can Pull Pants Up & Down
   One morning I woke up to my son wearing jean shorts over his PJs with cowboy boots. The first thing my mom said was “he did it.” My son has been fascinated with dressing (and undressing) himself for a few months now. The majority of the time he does not match but I know that he is able to put on and take off his pants. Although at first you will definitely have to help your LO undress to go “potty,” this action is definitely helpful becuase you can rest assure that in time of need, your LO will be able to get down to business if need be. This also means [a few] less accidents during the training.
2. Bodily Functions are “Broadcasted”
   Potty training would be much easier if your LO could tell you they needed to use the bathroom every time. Nonetheless, not all trainees will be able to verbally communicate with you – so you must look for other signs. My LO hides when he has bowel movement. Sometimes he just turns away from us, because in his mind that means we can no longer see him. Signs like this are great because you know that it will be easier for you to assess when your LO needs to go potty. This also shows that your LO is aware of his bodily functions, making it easier for him or her to grasp the concept of “going potty.”
3. Dirty Diapers are Coming Off
   My LO started taking his dirty diapers off a couple months back. He has also sometimes waited for a new diaper to do this thing. I have read that this is a great opportunity for you to present the idea of “potty time” to your LO because they want out of those dirty diapers ASAP. Basically, your little one and you will be on the same page for once.

Of course, there are many other signs, there are cognitive, behavioral, and physical signs. Baby Center has a nice checklist for you to check out. Although I cannot check off all of the checklist for my LO, I have decided that the signs he has shown are enough to start toying with the idea of potty training.

In preparation, a week ago I took my LO potty shopping. I personally stayed away from anything with noise since I thought that it would distract my LO from the task at hand instead of attract him to it. I gave him two options and he chose the Summer Infant 3-Stage Reward Potty & Stepstool. I personally liked this one because it has a little toilet paper holder and also a slot for wipes. I also meant to get some “big boy” underwear for him but totally forgot. 

(This page contains affiliate links, via Amazon, for which I receive a very small amount of compensation. However, all views and opinions are 100% my own.)

In my research I have encountered several methods of potty training. Some parents started holding their infants over the toilet during bowel movements, other parents swear by quick 3-day trainings. Like I stated before, however, no child is alike. For this “adventure” I have decided that my  method of training is going to consist of patience and a “take your time” approach.

Our First Encounter With The Potty

This weekend I tried to have my LO sit on his potty before he showered since he usually pees once I take his diaper off before the shower. This time, however, he wasn’t having it. He sat, looked at me, got up and ran to the shower. The next day when I saw that he was doing a funny face I grabbed him and took him to the restroom. I tried to sit him down but he wouldn’t sit. Instead of forcing him onto the seat I decided to give him time. I definitely don’t want him to associate potty time with force. 

My plan of action is to try and first acclimate him to sitting on the seat. I will probably not try full training again until the weekend since those are the only days I can fully monitor what is going on in my house. I am in no hurry but definitely want to give him the choice and opportunity if he wants to take it. 

Check back in a couple of weeks to see how much progress I have made in this adventure. Also, leave me a comment with any tips & tricks you can share. Anything & everything will be appreciated!

XOXO – L.