Kids & Company Blog

Preparing for the Potty Training Adventure!

 As most of you know Landon, my son, is a toddler and the question regarding when to potty train has been lingering through our household for a couple of months now. Especially with number two on the way…From what I’ve heard/read you have two choices when it comes to adding baby number two and potty training your first: do it before baby arrives or wait until things have settled down after the baby arrives to begin the adventure.

Our choice is to play it by ear. I know that daddy is really eager for us to manage the diapering down to one Kardesh within the household. This is sort of unrealistic if you ask me especially since I’m still working on potty training my 11 year old dog who has accidents every time there’s a rainstorm. Clearly my potty training capacities are lacking but I’m hopeful Landon is a bit more responsive then our Min-Pin.

So in an attempt to prepare ourselves for the potty training adventure I found this handy little list. It breaks out some indicators that your little one is ready to start the toilet training adventure!

 

Physical signs

Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily.

Urinates a fair amount at one time.

Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times.

Has "dry" periods of at least two hours or during naps, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine.

Behavioral signs

Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes.

Can pull his pants up and down.

Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper.

Shows interest in others' bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear).

Gives a physical or verbal sign when he's having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you.

Demonstrates a desire for independence.

Takes pride in his accomplishments.

Isn't resistant to learning to use the toilet.

Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one.

 

Cognitive signs

Understands the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty.

Can follow simple instructions, such as "go get the toy."

Understands the value of putting things where they belong.

Has words for urine and stool.

 

 

Jackie Kardesh lives in Chicago, IL with her husband Eric, son Landon and three dogs. She is the Director of Marketing and Operations for our U.S. branch with a passion for children’s health and wellness.

You can find her @jackiekardesh or jkardesh@kidsandcompany.com

 

 

Posted on: Friday April 4th, 2014

Posted by: Jackie Kardesh