Toilet learning - two steps forward, one step back
Thank you from the underside of my heart of all of your kind opinions, tricks, ideas, funny stories and words of heat and encouragement regarding my post on travelling using a toilet learning toddle.As I mentioned we were not only travelling, we were travelling last minute, I was travelling with the lads without my husband (therefore feeling additional vulnerable) and we were also grieving for member of the family who is no longer with us. Gosh, I am having trouble holding back the tears now. So just how did we go?
We left home at about 4.30am. I consider this to be nighttime , and so I kept Otis in a nappy. But from the airplane we went direct to the vehicle and I made the decision to keep on a nappy. Although he might use the potty at home he wouldn't suggest in time for us to stop the auto. Until he was out of a nappy, it was well to the afternoon. During our stay Otis in was in a combination of nappies, underwear and training pants. He seldom made it to the potty. Overall we did not make much advancement. Now we are home the nappies are gone again (except for night). During our journeys I learnt several things that I wish to remember. You don't have to be a great or even a good parent of the time. Consistency is essential. Children need uniformity to act consistently. Children should understand (quite clearly) what is expected of these.
A flexible and comfortable approach will keep you composed.. I am hoping my next toilet learning post is saturated in success and high fives. It may be a while. But I am not putting pressure on myself or Otis. Now we're back to a routine that is familiar plus our home environment toilet learning with that highly desired uniformity can be continued by us.
Travelling with a toilet learning toddle - give strength to me. We all know the sensitive period for toilet learning is 12-18 months. Eek, Otis is now 17 months and although we've been doing nicely (by our standards) matters are still a bit hit and miss.
Otis wears underpants or training trousers in the home. Training trousers are usually worn by Otis when we're from the house. For his night sleep he wears a nappy. At home it is occasionally made by him to the potty. He knows when he needs to go. Occasionally the potty will be looked at by him and occasionally he'll look at me and next thing we know there exists a pool on the ground. But progress is being made by him and we have been happy with where we're at. Last night we received some tragic news. We will be flying out to be with family, first thing tomorrow. Together with all the craziness of suddenly packaging and making organizations I almost gave myself permission to go back to nappies full time. We now have a flight to catch, longs drives ahead of us. Many hours will likely be spent in the houses of family. I will be scared that Otis is not going to make use of the potty while we're away. That the preparation, washing and cleaning will be a waste of time. But if we go back to nappies what message does that send to Otis? I am aware that the toilet learning toddler is nothing. However, as we're toilet learning earlier than others it feels like we possess a point to prove (and that we shall fail miserably). My family are totally understanding, I know there is no shame in having a toddler not allow it to be to the potty. There's no shame in wet trousers. I understand I will be supported by my family and Otis.
Toilet Learning Trousers
Along with shoes we also purchased these toilet learning trousers from Michael Olaf.
Although as you'll be able to see they may be bulky and consume much just like a nappy Otis or I might tell he was wet, Otis has been wearing training pants for some time just like the reddish ones in this post. I used to be looking for trousers that were;
Absorbent enough there isn't any puddle but the child still feels wet
Easy to view the child is wet
Slimline, not at all bulky
Uncomplicated to get off and on, even for an incredibly young child
Made from natural fibers
Comfortable
These trousers are perfect for all of us. They're manufactured from organic cotton and so far no pools. Not even a wet bed. Although I really don't deliberately have him sleep in them. I generally shift him before bed, sometimes I actually don't get a chance.
They are just worn by Otis when we're at home. I'm able to view when he's wet and have worked out a small pattern when he's in training trousers. Otis is also quite alert to when he must use the toilet (potty) but sometimes we do not make it in time. The trousers also help with self confidence. No difficulty in the event the pants get wet, we'll go put on a dry pair.
Otis wearing his training pants climbing into his walker wagon
Montessori Potty Toilet Learning
With a potty is not necessarily a part of the Montessori approach to toilet learning. By using steps or alternative adaptions, it might work to make the toilet more accessible. If you're interested in toilet learning the Montessori way I advocate Toilet Leaning and Toilet Knowledge - The Montessori Strategy. I also urge articles at Aid to Michael and Life Olaf.
Toilet Learning - Our Journey in Overview It is likely this will be our last toilet learning post. Otis has slipped seamlessly (and without error) into night time toileting. We are at the end of our toilet learning journey. I 've a few thoughts and propositions, in the event that you are at the start of your journey. Absolutely every child is different so we must be flexible nevertheless your disposition and your approach are most significant. It is not luck that Otis is toilet trained. We're extremely fortunate he is healthy and that I'm able to stay at home with him which helps. But what got him 'trained' was patience, persistence and consistency. Our very first step in Otis toilet learning was to get him out of a nappy. Training pants were vital in this process. Otis toilet learned in steps and this is really a brief overview.
1. DAY: TRAINING PANTS (AT HOME) NAPPY (WHEN OUT) NIGHT: NAPPY During the day at home Otis consistently wore training trousers. When we left the house during the day and at night he wore a nappy. While at home we offered him the potty and when he seemed like he needed to go (we recognised the signals - largely holding his trousers) we took him to the potty.
2. DAY: TRAINING PANTS NIGHT: NAPPY Slowly we transitioned to Otis wearing training pants everywhere during the day. The training trousers he wore at this stage (from Michael Olaf but now discontinued) held so there were no puddles but Otis wanted tending to instantly. At this stage he was wearing a nappy during the night.
3. DAY: PANTIES (AT HOME) TRAINING TROUSERS (WHEN OUTSIDE) NIGHT: NAPPY Slowly we transitioned Otis to wearing panties at home and just when we left the house wearing training pants. The training trousers gave us assurance that if Otis had an injury most of it would be captured - no pools on the shop floor, but Otis and his clothing would be wet. Otis was wearing Under the Nile Baby Training Trousers (12-24 months). At this stage he was still wearing a nappy through the night. This was the longest period of a few months.
4. DAY: UNDERWEAR NIGHTTIME: NAPPY As Otis became routine and more confident at utilizing the potty he transitioned to wearing panties all the time during the day and wore a nappy during the night.
5. DAY: PANTIES NIGHT: PANTIES Otis became so confident going to the potty that at night he'd take away his nappy. He transitioned to wearing knickers all of the time. He'll sometimes use the potty at night but generally waits until morning. He generally goes right to the potty when he awakens in the morning. I attempt to limit his fluids before bed however he nurses before bed and during the nighttime. In addition , I request him to utilize the potty before bed however he is stubborn and normally refuses. As I mentioned we'd offer the potty when it appeared before we left the house and like he need to go to Otis. Frequently when he wakes up from his nap or returns from appearances he must visit the potty straight away.
It was significant to us that we remained (as much as possible) emotionally detached from the method. It absolutely was important to us not to praise or punish when we'd success while I looked pleased. We also never forced Otis. If he looked like he needed to make use of the potty but refused to do so, I'd get his hand and attempt to lead him to the potty, usually he'd wet his trousers and if he still refused I'd leave him. Afterward he would come to the potty to get changed with me. We never pressured him to make use of the potty, we bribed, threatened or never used harsh words. If he wet his pants - he wet his pants, we simply got on with it. We have a step stool and toddler seat on our toilet which Otis has started using. He uses the potty and also the toilet standing and sitting. We've got a potty in the car that I offered to Otis before he was able to hold for an adequate interval. On every trip I would offer him the potty when we arrived and before we departed. It was rarely used by him. Lately he's shown that he can hold and regularly uses public toilets (school, sports stadiums, shops), although he likes to remove his knickers, pants/short, shoes and socks and I am going to hold him while he sits on the toilet. You are going to understand we've had up and downs and I've found going and finding us out of routine especially troublesome, in the event that you read through our Toilet Learning Posts. There has been mess and lots of cleaning up. But now we are done at 22 months, it's totally worth it. If you're at the start or in the middle of bathroom learning, whichever approach you're using - I wish you the best. P.S. I have had some crucial looks when Otis has had an injury in public. Irrespective of the age of the child - young or old, please be kind to other parents.
DIY Wool Puddle Pad
What's a Puddle Pad?A pad that functions much like a mattress protector. It may also be utilized as to take care of your car seat or a change mat. Excellent for ECers, infants that are leaky nappies, leaky as well as for toilet learning toddlers.
Why now? Throughout the day Otis will generally take a rest together with his toilet learning on trousers. The slacks consume some moisture but I do not need to risk a yucky mattress. Until I realised how easy it's to make one yourself I almost purchased a puddle pad.
Why wool?
I really dislike the mattress protectors I Have seen in our stores - faux, sticky and crinkly. Cotton pads offer some protection but not as much as wool. I actually love wool plus it's:
Breathable, helps you to keep a body temperature that is comfortable Cozy
All natural anti-bacterial and antifungal Uncomplicated to clean, with small flows a good airing is all that's required odour repellent, merely air frequently
How? Preferably one that is pleasant and soft, find or thrift a 100% wool blanket. I came across this blanket for $15. If you're placing the blanket under a light or white sheet you might want to have a plain or neutral coloured blanket.
Felt the wool in a hot wash. I followed having a hot dry cycle and used the hot water setting on my washing machine.
Cut the blanket to size. I cut two pieces the same size for additional thickness, I also ironed the blanket therefore it would lie flat.
Sew the two pieces together. I used a simple stitch throughout the border merely to keep the pieces together. As the wool is felted it will not fray. You could simply use one layer or fold one layer in half, in the event that you don't sew.
Trim the edges to neaten up.
To lanolise?
I haven't lanolised. As Otis is sleeping with his pants on I expect the puddle pad to only ever get damp not fully soaked. Additionally I suppose it would need lots of lanolin that's not cheap so I am giving it a go unlanolised. Fingers crossed!
I am going to set the pad underneath the sheet it keep it in place. So hopefully I've made it big enough, he does not move much in his slumber. I 've heaps of the felted blanket remaining, I am thinking of cutting it into squares for cleaning or polishing??
When to begin toileting
Between eighteen and twelve months is for beginning toilet consciousness, the sensitive period. It could begin later or sooner, according to the little one. Look for signs of preparation: An interest in cycles (bib now goes in the hamper, hamper goes to the cellar, in the equipment, etc. Kid watches with interest and also follows along).Kid is walking. Kid touches are noticed by you. Kid is beginning to have bowel movements at specific times of day. Sometimes a kid displays none of those signals but will become interested as soon as you begin to attract her awareness of toileting, so we recommend starting before 18 months. Equip for toileting success! To get started, buy as many as 30 pairs of underpants that were thick. We advocate Gerber training slacks which come 3 in a pack for about 5 dollars at Target (US). They may be the most absorbent and least expensive, but durable. For success, the leg holes the knickers loose that it could be pulled down and up without extraneous attempt on the kid's part and must be large enough. To get a young child between 12 and 18 months, Gerber training trousers, size two, is urged. If she is big for her age, or as the child approaches 18 months, size three will be needed by her. Put an item of rubberized flannel and buy several sheets of it for the bed. Make sure to have many pairs of pull-on pants for the child, as he may need to alter frequently.
Have loads of bed sheets so you could change them often.
Pull nice rugs up. Find "Nature's Miracle" at a pet shop, to promptly and effectively clean carpets or the flooring when required. This product is safe for carpets that are fine removes not just the spot, but the odor, and may simply be left on the rug.
Set out little potties, a variety if needed, and encourage the kid to sit down to them, when he/she does commending. Our favorite is the very little Baby Bjorn potty, costing about $10 in catalogs. There are just two sizes, both useful, as an alternative to the real toilet, helps the little one in two ways: he can be more independent and feel secure; and he can more clearly see his results-waste in the potty-afterwards. Put a potty in every bathroom having a small bucket to the left and modest basket of clean knickers on the right. A folded towel or bath mat beneath the three things creates a nonslip surface and an appearance that is organizes. When you start toileting Since they must do with attracting your child's attention to the part of our everyday lives these first three points will be the most crucial: Let her see you and other family members sitting on the bathroom as much as you can. In the beginning, take your youngster to the toilet every half-hour or so and motivate her to sit on it while you sit on the adult toilet ( only for a minute, as would be natural). Doing this helps your child to master through the experience of utilizing the toilet, which works much much better than requesting your child," Do you need to proceed to the restroom ?" Which usually gets a "No!" even when they do have to really go! It's extremely important your kid change into dry panties instantly after wetting it. We would like her to be used to the feeling of dryness, and also to react right away to wetness.
In the early stages, your child could wear just her underwear in the waist down, so that shifting and using the potty is uncomplicated and doesn't take long. Time is key with getting bowel movements into the toilets! Make it a routine time to go the bathroom together, in the event you observe your child has a bowel movement round the exact same time every day and sit on the toilets. Observe him attentively and take him to the bathroom immediately if he went in his underpants, to help you help him change, watch the BM go to the bathroom and flush it down in case your child is unusual in his time. Continue your effort to get him to sit and "hang out" about the toilet when you think a bowel movement could be on its way - you may even read books together to pass the time if that works. Continue to try and involve the child in dressing and undressing. Show her that you're placing the urine in the toilet that is larger and flushing in case the child urinates in her toilet. Subsequently collaborate in redressing her, giving particular awareness of helping her learn to put her panties that is dry on alone.
It will help in the first periods to have a potty in whatever room he is playing in so it can be seen by him and get to it. He should only wear pants which are a cinch to pull up and down himself, and could be nude or in panties from your waist down when reasonable during this stage.
Throw out all diapers when you start this toiling stage. Feel our assurance that, eventually, he'll have the ability to make use of the toilet every time and you kid has to be set up for success. Till they're mature, many youngsters sleep too deeply to wake up and use the toilet. There are other methods to handle this, depending on your own kid, her age, and also the period you have reached in toileting. Talk to your kid's manager. Through the initial phases of toilet training, bring a potty with you (to use at your destination) when you take your kid outside in the vehicle. Stick it in the toilet of your home you're seeing, even supposing it's only a short stay. This helps set the routine of going to the toilet upon leaving the home and upon arriving at destinations. Upon returning often, before leaving the home and when out as well as around, take your child to public toilets. We advocate making it a custom, and matter-of-factly saying, "We all sit on the bathroom for an instant before going out and upon coming home". (Just get them to sit to get a second - if they pop back up or do not urinate, simply dismiss it and move on. Finally, they will elect to work with this chance.)
For special occasions or airplane rides, we encourage you never to put your child back right into a diaper, but alternatively, put an Nikki diaper wrap over her panties. Made of waterproof fabric that is soft this diaper cover enables you to still check for wetness, so that the training period is not interrupted. This can be a fine " safety net" for you in certain public situations. Constantly keep a couple changes of panties and slacks in the automobile, so that you restart your shopping, and then can go back to the vehicle for an instant change when your child is wet. For me the best guidance is how exactly to manage toileting when away from home. Caspar grasped before he was two however I had him in nappies when we were outside because I was scared of making a mess toileting. Our lovely Montessori parent- toddler teacher gave me the push I needed and without her encouragement I'd have kept Caspar in nappies for much longer. This time with Otis I'll feel more confident leaving the house nappy-less and will undoubtedly be using many of the tricks. Truly I'm off now to set up another toileting area in my bathroom after which to order more loo learning pants.
Toilet trained by two?
I love having a toilet trained toddler. Life is so much more easy. All the perseverance and pain was worth it.At 22 months I feel like I can say that Otis is trained - daytime only. We haven't approached nighttime toileting but I must get to that shortly. It's been distressing. For about three months his toilet learning only plateaued. By plateaued I mean a couple of injuries everyday - for three months. Now I can't recall his last accident. He sometimes makes a mess but that's associated with tricky clothes or dare I say being a boy. He wants help with his clothes. He also refuses to go anywhere other when compared to a potty or a toilet. His preferred place is an actual toilet. He uses a toddler seat plus a step stool when needed. Otis doesn't have injuries during his daytime naps but he will usually go once he wakes. Same with auto excursions, once we return home he'll generally go direct to the toilet.
Amongst his peers he is neither late nor early. I personally don't feel there is an age whereby a child should be trained but I feel that once a child knows (when they need to go) and have control (over their bodily functions) they should be given the chance (to use the potty/toilet). Once a child may use the potty I believe it's disrespectful to place them in a nappy (consequently my wake up call to start nighttime toileting). Additionally it's summer here and summer is really so much easier than winter. I have consistently had as an expectation for my own kids. Two completely trained Caspar. Somehow he night toileted readily. I'm hoping the same with Otis. Yay to Otis and wish me luck with the nighttime.
Montessori daycare Toronto
Toilet learning - three periods
There's an excellent feeling you get when your child does the right thing in the perfect time. It makes you feel proud, makes you feel like an excellent parent. There are times when your child messes, repeatedly makes blunders or does the wrong thing and you also feel like a failure. Bathroom learning might be tough like that. Messes are commonly made by Otis or has accidents but it is more public than others or worse, some days. It absolutely was on my bed, last week it was three pools within our parent-toddler class. Mostly I just get on with things, I never make a fuss. He's getting it. So where are we at? Otis has been using the potty at home for many months. At home he will usually go without pants or have under-pants on. If we are about to go out have only been somewhere or have guests over, Otis will wear trousers/shorts. Recall it's summer here. At home he'll generally make it to the potty however there's at least one injury a day, sometimes more.Beware of the under-pant fixation. Should it not have a car on it - it won't be worn by Otis.
Emptying the potty is a big deal. Otis takes care and great pride in wiping it clean, emptying it and taking the used potty to the toilet. Then the fun of flushing the toilet just like a big lad. He's also super inquisitive about other family members utilizing the toilet. I think most toddlers are like this, investigating what goes on around them. Toileting at home - Phase One complete! We're now working on Phase Two - toileting away from house. Training slacks are usually worn by Otis when we go out. The only time Otis wears a nappy is at nighttime. As Otis doesn't consistently makes it to the toilet while we are out the training slacks get most of the wreck. Before we go out I 'll have Otis sit on the potty. Often he simply gets up and walks away. I shall give him a drink of water while he sits on the potty, if I know he actually needs to go. This really is the sole means I've been able to get him to utilize the potty on clue. There's something about having a drink that automatically makes him go. It's working. I keep a potty in the car and I'll often ask him to use the potty while we are outside if I feel like he needs to go. He never has. This may not work for him. If we're at a friends house or at school I'll take Otis to the toilet on coming ( in case that it is been a little while since he has been) or when he gives me the sign that he must go (usually attaining/touching his pants). So we have some success while we are outside but it is undoubtedly demanding consideration and work.
Phase Three is at nighttime. Otis wears a nappy at night but frequently he takes away it. On his bed he's the puddle pad under his sheet. During the day he need to go to the potty straight away and will generally awaken. I think the usage of the potty increases and night time toileting naturally as Otis begins taking his nappy off more and will happen soon.
Toilet learning is an area where we haven't done it by the book. We have struggled at times and I am just explaining the way that it is working for us not how I'd recommend it to others. We are finding our way. In the event that you are searching for recommendations or thoughts the best way to approach toilet learning here are some of the finest suggestions I've ever read. This summer, we will be travelling again but I am not feeling reluctant. There is going to be times when Otis will want help/a change of clothing but I'm actually feeling assured. The turtle that was reddish potty was picked up during our last journeys and it has become Otis's favourite. It might be travelling with us. How are you going with toilet learning? I do not really know of anyone at the same stage as us. Most kids we know have learned toileting at a younger age or the parents decided to wait until a later age before they begin. Folks are either shocked because we've began so early or think we've started late.
Toilet Learning Tips
The above mentioned picture is of Otis's toilet learning area. We are utilizing a cube chair here (the other is in his dressing/care of self place) as Otis desires support when standing. The pail is for clothes that is soiled. You will read a sign of preparedness is walking. Otis is not walking but clearly understands when he needs to use the toilet. I didn't need to squander this opportunity so have commenced toilet learning, and miss his apparent sensitive period.
Camilla (mother of two) recently sent me these toileting hints. I found them so useful I wanted to tell you. Maybe you'll find them useful also? The Managers at Forest Bluff School have supplied these suggestions for allowing me to print here, and that I sincerely thank them.
Indirect preparations for toileting From arrival, change your kid's diaper as soon as she is wet to give plenty of indirect training (this can occasionally mean as often as every hour).
Using cloth diapers from the beginning helps immensely in developing knowledge because they feel wet instantly. This instantaneous feedback helps the child make the connection between the results of releasing her muscles and the urge to urinate. Toilet training therefore occurs gradually, over time. Let her stand while her changes when your youngster is right at the age of pulling up to standing by what you're doing, even involving the child at which you're able to, and talk. This way, take an interest and she is able to see what is occurring. If you might haven't done so already, move the diaper changing to the bathroom when your child begins to stand and walk. This can help them make the appropriate associations between location and action.
