Potty Training Your Toddler

The days of dirty diapers are almost over! Or at least within sight, you hope. But now the real task begins and that's potty training. Before you even contemplate potty training your toddler, first figure out if they show signs that they are ready.

Is Your Child Ready?

If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, than your child may be ready to begin potty training.

o Does your child dislike having a dirty diaper on? Many toddlers start taking their dirty diapers off themselves to show their dislike.

o Does your child let you know in some way that they have to go to the bathroom or do they let you know while they are going? This shows you that your child is able to recognize to some degree when they have to go to the bathroom.

o Does your child show interest in the potty? They want to sit on it, maybe even without a diaper.

o Does your child have a dry diaper after their nap or a dry diaper after an hour and a half? This shows you that your child has the physical maturity to hold his urine for an extended period of time.

Potty Training Tips

o Take your child to the bathroom with you. Children learn by example. Dads and brothers can show the little boys how it is done and moms and sisters can show the little girls how to go to the potty.

o Find a potty that works best for your child. Some children prefer using the little potty chair while others want to use the big potty with a potty seat insert. You can even try purchasing one of those potties that play music or change colors if you think it would work best for your child.

o You can make a reward chart and let your child put a sticker on it each time they go to the potty. This works with some children but not others.

o Have your child start wearing underwear around the house instead of training diapers. Most children will just go to the bathroom in their training diaper as if it were a regular diaper. When they go to the bathroom in their underwear, this is a different sensation all together. Try buying some fun underwear with characters your child likes.

o There are many children's books out there that teach children about going to the potty. Try reading some of these books to your child.

o Be sure and praise your child for going to the potty or even if they attempt to go.

Don't Despair

Don't worry if your child doesn't pick up potty training right away. All children are different and what works for one doesn't always work for the other. Some children will urinate in the potty pretty easily but are afraid to defecate in the potty. If this is the case with your child, you may have to put a diaper on them if they have to defecate and continue to let them urinate in the potty. Reassure them that it is okay and they will eventually come around.

If your child cries and shows a lot of anxiety over potty training then stop and try it in a few months. And never show anger and disappointment when accidents happen and many will happen. Children don't always potty train when we want them to but instead when they are ready.

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Essential Winter Wear Clothing for Your Toddler

Every day is an adventure for both new parents and toddlers. There are always new experiences waiting to be discovered, and nothing can be more fun than your toddler's first few winter months. While it can be quite exciting, as children love to play in the snow! However, it can be quite a concern for some parents as children do not really have what it takes to brave the snow on their own. They need to be protected so that they can be warm and toasty even while playing in the cold. This is why winter wear is so important for children.

Long under garments is one of the most basic things your toddler will need. They create the base for all the other layers of clothing you will put on your child. They cover the whole body so that you can be sure that your kid keeps warm all the time. For parents with toddlers who still wear diapers, a toddler snowsuit with a flap at the bottom will help speed up those diaper changes so they won't be a hassle. You can choose them in a variety of designs, and they are no longer the bulky garments they used to be. They come in different thicknesses, so you can choose which one is right for your child.

Toddler snowsuits are also necessary, because not only do they keep your child warm; the garment keeps your child dry as well. This is necessary to retaining precious heat during those winter months, so it's a must! Furthermore, they are very comfortable to play around in. They come in different amounts of insulation, depending on what your child needs and what he can handle. Avoid putting your child in snowsuit that is too bulky and will make it too hard for the children to walk around in.

Gloves, scarves, winter hats, and other accessories are an option for your child. However, if your child is too small, he or she may not be able to winter gloves just yet. Scarves should also be just the right length so that it doesn't become a hazard. Meanwhile, hats are essential as they keep the head warm. Make sure you get one that can cover the ears to keep them warm. Something in fleece or wool would be great, as they can really keep your kid warm. Beanies are a great kind of winter hat that works well with toddlers and small children as they do not easily fall or slip off.

When it comes to children, you can buy them all the winter clothing you want. But remember, it is not recommended that they spend extended periods of time in the cold winter snow. Even if they have the thickest layers of clothing, if they are exposed too much, they are at risk of getting sick. Have them take short breaks once in a while to warm them up with a cup of hot chocolate. After playing outside, give them a hot bath to chase away the cold.

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Potty Training My Toddler

How To Potty Train a Toddler. Top 5 ways of knowing if your child is ready for that big step. One of the most frightening things about being a new parent is figuring out when a child is ready for the "next stage in life". When are they ready to stop drinking from a bottle, or when should they attempt to feed themselves or when should a parent start potty training? These changes were quite frightening for me because as I read many expert opinions about the subject and the consequences associated with doing something wrong, you have no choice but to be scared of messing up so bad that your child will have to deal with the consequences forever.

I'm here to tell you to relax. The wonderful thing about most of these stages, they are part of nature and most of the time nature will prevail despite our short falls. The best advice for new parents is to follow the signs that nature provide.

The top 5 signs that signal you that your child maybe ready for potty training are as follows:

1) Your child stay dry for longer period of time
2) Your child wakes up dry often in the morning
3) Your child starts dressing herself/himself
4) Your child let you know they need changing or if they are wet
5) Your child show interest in wearing big kids underpants

These signs tell you that this is a great time to make an attempt at potty training. Now it is important to remember in all the different stages in your child's life, the most important ways to influence change is through consistency and serving as the role model.

When beginning to potty train my daughter, I first took her to the store to select the "Big Girl" underpants to serve as her motivation. I selected to begin this process at a time when I was home on leave from work with her and when we would have very little distractions from our schedule.

The next day, I introduced her to the potty. We started our day on the potty. During that day, every time I went, my daughter sat on the potty. The second day, I put on the Big girl underpants on her for an hour and I move the potty to the family room where we spend most of our day. Every 30 minutes I would have her sit on the potty. This would go on for several days, until she finally goes on her own. I celebrated with her, but not excessively. I wanted her to know that this was a great thing but also a normal part of life.

Like I mentioned before, relax if your child resist at first. Eventually, your child will come around. You will not have an 18 year old in diapers. It will happen in due time. Be patient, relax, stay consistent and motivated.

Michela Victor is a mother of 2, an entrepreneur and a health consultant.

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A Guide to Buying Baby and Toddler Shoes

Choosing the correct shoes for infants and younger children can be a bit daunting, hopefully this guide will make you a little more confident when it comes to making your purchase.

Babies which are not yet crawling or walking really do not need shoes, and it is advisable to let them keep their feet free so they can move and develop naturally. Wearing a pair of soft knitted of fleece material baby booties are a good idea to keep their feet warm when the temperature is cooler. If you would like your baby to wear shoes when you go out, opt for a very soft breathable material and make sure that the shoe is plenty big enough to allow for natural movement of the foot and toes.

When your baby starts crawling, again they do not really need shoes but with all of the rubbing across the floor that the top of their foot will endure it is advisable to purchase a soft pair of shoes for some protection when the terrain is a bit rough. Although very delicate, babies feet are also very tough, and can naturally withstand the chaffing caused by crawling. Socks are adequate, but generally will end up trailing behind their feet most of the time! At home try to let your baby crawl around with bare feet or just socks, as the constant wearing of a shoe will inhibit their ability to develop the use of their feet. Find more info at [http://www.bouncingbabyshoes.info]

Once your baby has taken their first steps it is time to buy their first pair of walking shoes. Although bear in mind that the more time spent walking bare foot the better, as it helps your baby to figure out how their feet work and also helps the foot develop naturally.
There are times when going bare foot is not practical or it is unsanitary so you need a good pair of shoes to protect their feet from harm.

The shoes you select need to be soft and flexible and have a non slip sole. Ensure that the sole is not thick so that your baby can feel the floor beneath them. It is not necessary to buy high tops for ankle support, high tops could restrict the movement of the ankle which will hinder your babies walking progress. Make sure the material is soft and breathable to help keep their feet cool and comfortable.
To check the fit of your baby’s shoe, you should be able to fit your little finger between the heel of your baby’s foot and the back of the shoe, also there should be a thumbs width gap between the big toe and the front of the shoe.

Baby shoes do not need to be “broken in” so get them to have a little walk around the shop with them on and watch to see if the shoes hinder their walking, then remove the shoes and check for any signs of pressure from the shoes on your babies’ feet.

Whether you choose Velcro or lace ups is a personal choice for you. Remember that the shoes will be taken on and off a lot, so many people opt for Velcro for convenience. If you select laced shoes, do not over tighten the laces or just as importantly do not tie them too loose.

Something to remember is that when the weather is hot, and also towards the end of the day, children’s feet swell just as adults do, so when shopping for shoes it might be an idea to go later in the day.

Check the fit of your baby’s shoes once a month, as children’s feet grow at different rates there is no set period to purchase a new pair, but expect to buy a new pair every three to six months. Check the shoes often for signs of wear or damage, for example cracks on the bottom or holes or flapping parts on the top.

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Time to Potty Train Your Toddler

The "terrible twos" has its challenges, but also its rewards. Your toddler is at a stage where she wants to establish her independence. One of these steps toward independence is the move from wearing diapers to going to the toilet. Potty training can be a trying time for a toddler and her parents. But the benefits of saying goodbye to diapers and your toddler's sense of accomplishment make the effort worth it.

Know When Your toddler Is Ready

One of the most important things to consider in potty training is whether or not your toddler is ready for it. She may be ready earlier or later than her siblings, cousins, or her friends. Some signs that your toddler is ready for potty training include:

* An awareness of urination and bowel movements, before or while they happen

* Being bothered by a dirty diaper or telling you her diaper is dirty

* Going at least two hours without wetting a diaper

* Expressing interest in going to the potty

Two years is the general age for potty training readiness. But some kids are ready earlier and some later. Most experts agree that there is no need to be concerned unless your toddler is 4 years old and still shows no interest in going to the potty.

Preparing for Potty Training

When your child is approaching age two, or sooner if she is showing interest in using the potty, there are some ways you can encourage her curiosity. There are many books and DVDs about potty training aimed at toddlers that use pictures and amusing rhymes to discuss learning to use the potty. Reading these to your toddler can educate her about bathroom etiquette and encourage her to ask questions. It's also good to let your child in when the parent of the same gender is using the bathroom. This lets the child see for herself what is expected of her.

Once your toddler is ready, you can start encouraging her to use the potty. There are many types of potty chairs and there are also some other products on the market that can help you with this. Diapers that have disappearing symbols or let your toddler feel wetness can help her learn when she needs to go to the potty. You can use sticker charts to keep track of your child's progress. A small reward each time she gets a set number of stickers can provide an added incentive and encouragement.

When to Go Potty

Looking for signs that your child is about to use her diaper can give you hints as to when you should try to get her to use the potty. If it's hard to tell, you can try taking her to the potty every couple of hours. It's important to be in the bathroom with her the whole time in the early stages. Once she begins to let you know when she needs to use the potty, you can gradually begin to let her go in herself and offer as needed.

Potty training is one of the most important steps in a child's development. It is also a frequent source of stress for parents. Following your child's lead and offering encouragement can make the transition much smoother for both you and your toddler. To learn more about picking the right time to potty train your toddler and keeping on track, please visit: http://www.ourtoddlers.com