Potty Training Kick-Off Day

Today's the day! We are officially kicking off potty training. Our little Squishy boy is just over 22 months old and is showing multiple signs of readiness. Baby boy #2 is due in less than 3 months, and it would be SO AWESOME to be a mostly diaper free home by the time he arrives (I'll get to the mostly part in a minute).

The 1st time Squish tried "going potty"--several months ago.

Everyone has a slightly different approach to potty training. Mr. Squish has been using the potty on and off and has been very interested in the process for the last several months. Today we're kicking off a marathon potty-training week of sorts. Our plan consists of:

1) His own potty. He likes to sit on it and read books. We'll probably keep it in whatever room of the house we're in for quick access.

In Walmart, picking out "Big Boy Underwear"

2) Hello big boy underwear and goodbye (mostly) diapers. He is very excited about the fact that Nemo and Woody are on his big boy underwear. This week he'll be primarily underwear-clad for the 1st time. We are saying goodbye to diapers except for at naptime and bedtime. Since we don't have a washer and dryer in our apartment, the cost of washing all of those dirty linens would be too much right now (um, not to mention the energy! The laundry facility is up the hill). Once he's mastered day-time dryness, we'll work on sleep-time dryness. But that probably won't be until a few months after baby's born at the earliest.

3) Staying home. At least for the next 3-4 days, we'll stick to the house and immediate outdoors.

4) Lots o' liquid and salty snacks. We have goldfish and pretzels, water and juice (a rare thing for him). The goal is lots of peeing action so Squishy can figure this whole thing out!

 

5) A timer. At least for the 1st couple days, I am going to try setting a timer and taking him to the potty every 20-30 minutes. {Oh boy oh boy. Should make for an interesting day!}

6) Excitement, Encouragement, Patience. Going in the potty = celebration! But I know we'll have our fair share of accidents today. That's ok, too. And, Squishy is pretty young, so if he seems to be struggling with the concept after a good try-out, we'll postpone intense potty training until later. No biggie.

7) Potty books. The Elmo one makes flushing noses and hooray noises and just noises in general. Squishy is a fan.

8) Potty chart with stickers. Because why not?

9) Treats. After each successful potty run, Squishy gets a "teet!" (as he calls it). 3-4 chocolate chips or a couple fruit gummies. Exciting times, I tell ya. In general, he doesn't receive many desserts, so this is definitely fun for him. After all this work, Mama's going to need a few chocolate chips, too. And a nap.

10) Bucket of soapy water and rolled up carpets. Our floors are tiled (thankfully), and I'm rolling up most of the rugs in preparation for the inevitable accidents. Soapy water and clean cloths for quick clean up!

What's your best advice, mamas? What was your potty training method? Having never potty-trained before, it seems surreal to think that it could even work! I'll keep you updated on our progress...



P.S. Oh yeah. Since we decided to initiate potty training this week kind of last minute, some of my other goals may get pushed to the side. We'll see.

Linked to Top Ten Tuesday and Works For Me Wednesday.

Potty Training Kick-Off Day