Dont cry over dirty underpants (its only potty training)

there comes a messy and tumultuous time in every mommas life when they attempt and see to it..potty training! 

My little and i started this journey a few months ago and i am happy to report we have not had to buy new wardrobes, do bathroom renos, or bleach the entire house. 

We have had accidents and thats ok (and thats what none tells you). Here are some things that have been truer than true for us...

1 its going to take awhile 

When you see those pins, ads, books, hear THOSE stories, do as any 'Realistic' mother would and turn your head, block your ears and listen to your gut and your kid. 

There is NO, i repeat NO formula for your situation and your child. Just be patient. Your going to have setbacks- but thats ok. just be patient, just be patient.... 

We started because my little was interested and we thought 'Lets do this!'. What i didn't realize was that its not an overnight, weekend, heck even month long process- like all good things in life- it comes with sweet time... 

We have been at it for 3 months now and 99% of the time we are doing our business in the potty directed by my little. I guess i hadn't thought much about it (more below) but i didn't know what to expect as this was my first and so i was surprised that it can on average take 6 months to a year, or longer to complete the switch a roo from diapers to underwear full time 

(Disclaminer: we do wear pull-ups at nighttime and on long road trips for now- i think I'm more nervous than my kid to pull the plug on this one) 

 its not as bad as you think its going to be...

I remember the moment when my little went to the potty his first time, and i wasn't ready for it. Sure on the outside i was all (WOO! YEA! PROUD OF YOU! AWESOME DUDE!) but on the inside i wanted to cling to those cute little baby powder scented diapers and stay within the confines of what i knew. But like the rest of motherhood i was thrown headfirst (no pun intended) into the next phase in my toddlers bathroom career...

Sure we have had a tiny poop on the carpet, a little pee on the floor but these things are less of a cause for concern when you have previously owned pets. (if you don't have a pet- a toddler is a close enough comparison)

But people get scary and try to install the fear about it- but its ok, just be prepared - always prepared! 

2 go BIG on rewards

I believe each kid is different when it comes to what they feel excited by and what rewards them. For my little, aside from the happy dance, that is treats, the kind you eat. 

He loves to eat and have something new and you know what- thats ok in our house. We like mini m & m`s! If you prefer stickers, toys, trips whatever but cater it to your little, they are doing (some) of the hard work and its a big milestone- so celebrate in a way that is meaningful to them 

3 don't waste your money 

Potty training is a money trap. There are lots of things you don't need but then there are a few you do. Spend wisley. 

Here are my suggestions: 

POTTY SEAT: MUNCHKIN ARM & HAMMER SECURE COMFORT 

Potty Seat is a must- we bought actually quite a few different ones, but after MUCH research (your welcome) this is my vote. 
We opted for the seat vs potty as longterm they will be using the toilet and not those cutesy disney versions- I'm going with the real throne.

I love this one, Its easy to clean, easy to use, simple for decor (cuteness matters) and is fuss free. It must be good cause i couldn't find it anywhere - i did end up ordering it on amazon but grandma got one at ikea, its pretty close in comparison and offers great value for a second seat at grandmas house - $10 ish?

This seat comes in blue and green and there is a small freshener that clips into the back, thats not whats awesome about it, i could care less really. Its the simplest, easy to clean seat i could find on the market. It is one piece plastic construction and the undercarriage is all easily accessible to be cleaned and washed. 

UNLIKE those plush character ones littering every potty training section from here to timbuck too.

(Those are straight nasty, unsanitary wastes of money- google it, too gross to mention) 

PORTABLE POTTY SEAT 

Ok this one isn't really a necessity but its proven to be a pretty great investment and will be on my gift list for every 2 year old in the near future. Its a portable potty seat that can be used free standing or on any pottyseat. We use this bad boy in the trailer for camping, road trips, hotels, restaurants, it lives in the car and we love it! Its less bulky than carrying around one of these full size bad boys (even though we know your bag is big enough) and somehow seems less dirty. 

Munchkin Arm & Hammer secure comfort potty seat 

http://www.amazon.ca/Munchkin-11442-Hammer-Comfort-Assorted/dp/B00674S1Y0

IKEA version with step stool 

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/10272788/

Kalencom 2 in 1 Potette Plus Portable potty seat 

http://www.amazon.ca/Kalencom-2-in-1-Potette-Plus-Red/dp/B0016KV73W

STEP STOOL

Self explanatory and not as fussy- but pick one thats easy to clean, that your littles can move and that you like, this treasure will be living in your home for years to come. 

WIPES: DISINFECTING & FLUSHABLES 

This is where you will spend your hard earned dollars. Wipes my friend. 

I leave lysol disinfecting wipes in the bathroom at all times for potty wiping, floor wiping, counter wiping, seat wiping, step stool wiping- well you get the idea...

Also I found flushable wipes work best for #2 and are safe(er) for the sewers. 

Of course there is a time and place for baby wipes but in-between- these are lifesavers 

These can both be purchased in bulk at your local costco. 

And girl, your gunna wanna stock up. 

GOOD 'UNDEROO'S' (as we call them in my house) 

Well fitting & comfort is what your after here. 

We like (although very pricey) the underwear from Gymboree. Its is a great cotton, washes well and is a great fit for his little body. 

It was hard finding small enough underwear for my little (sz 2) but these are great and the fun prints make them exciting to him. 

I have had to throw out 1 pair due to 'unfortunate happenings' but thats gunna happen... let it go and don't cry over dirty underoos.

http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_category.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303047969