Potty Training Tips That You Can Live With

Are you in the potty training phase?  Have you been reading about different tips and methods that you can try?  Do you feel overwhelmed?  I will admit that I do.  I am in the process of potty training my fourth child and I still find it such a hard time in life.  I have tried and utilized different methods with each child.  Just when I think that something is going to work, it generally ends up failing which can be so frustrating.  

I wanted to talk about something a bit different than the tips and methods that you have already probably read about.  I wanted to share with you tips for making potty training as stress free and simple as possible.  

Tip # 1 – Remember that Each Child is Unique

Since I am a mom of four I am often asked for advice by my friends who are first time parents.  One of the things that I always get asked is when they should start potty training and I have to answer them with “I don't know.”  Then I go on to tell them that each child is different and unique and that you have to choose to potty train with each one when they are really ready.

Tip # 2 – Be Calm and Patient

Patience is not a virtue that I have been blessed with.  In fact most of the time I am pretty speedy and like to just get things done quickly.  I have had to learn how to be patient and how to remain calm when I am potty training one of my kids.  If I am not patient and push too hard they seem to resist more.  Likewise if I am not calm and get overly excited it seems to freak them out and can even cause them to regress. 

Tip # 3 – Talk to Your Child 

One of the biggest mistakes that I think that parents make is that they determine a child is ready for potty training based on their age.  Some children develop differently so for me it is important that I discuss the potty chair, going potty and the process with my child.  I have had one child fully potty trained by the age of two and one that was almost three and a half.  So it really does matter a lot what they can comprehend and whether or not they can tell you that they actually have to use the bathroom.

Tip # 4 – Start Slow 

Let your child pick out a potty chair or have a new one sent to them.  I know that it might seem dumb to buy a new potty chair when you already have one but for us their own new potty chair is what helped each one of the kids learn how to go potty.  For this reason I would encourage getting rid of the potty chair after your child is done, even if you believe strongly in saving all of your baby/toddler things for the next child.

Tip # 5 – Don't be Afraid to Try Something New

If you are trying one method you might feel like you have to be consistent.  However if that is not working then it might be better to quit all together, wait a while and try something completely different.  This can really help speed up the process with a child that has been resistant to one method.

Tip # 6 – Choose a Method that Fits Your Lifestyle 

Another huge mistake that I have tried in the past is a method that has worked for one of my children.  However since our life is constantly changing there are many reasons why some methods would not be right at this time for my youngest child.  I have to remember to choose the method that is going to best work for the child whom I am working with.

As you can see there is no right or wrong way to potty train your child.  Remember too that something that works for one of your children might not work for any of your other children.  Be patient, calm and respect what your child is telling you and your potty training experience can be a stress free time that you can enjoy with your child.

Amanda Walton is a stay at home mom who works as a blogger and writer.  You can check out her blog Simply Shawn N Jenn or check out her ebooks.

Traveling With a Baby? These 15 Tips Can Help

There are many things that you can do to make travel with an infant easier.  As a mom of four who has a mother in law that lives over eight hours away I am seasoned in traveling with babies. 

I know so many people who are afraid of travel with their little ones or overwhelmed at the thought of having to go somewhere far away.  So when it comes to taking trips they avoid it at all costs.  Traveling with your baby does not have to be stressful and you can really have a great time.  These tips can help to relieve some of the stress and make traveling with your little one more enjoyable.

Tip # 1 – Plan Ahead and Pack Accordingly

No matter where you are going weather can change and you might have a need for something that you did not see.  Pack extras like jackets and off season outfits so if the weather changes you are up for everything.  Also think about how many days that you are going and always add extra clothes.

Tip # 2 – Make Travel Fun with New Toys or Books

All children love toys and books while they are on the road.  When your baby gets bored it will challenge you to keep them entertained.  If you have small toys and books that they have not seen before then you will have an easier time getting them interested in something.

Tip # 3 – Technology Can Be Lifesaving

As a parent I do not like to rely on technology all of the time.  However when we are traveling technology can be a lifesaver.  All of our children have loved tablets and being able to watch cartoons while traveling.  If it is something that you do not often do they are going to enjoy it even more.

Tip # 4 – Choose Your Travel Clothes Wisely

Choosing the clothes that your little one travels in wisely is a must.  You want something that is going to make diaper changes quick and easy.

Tip # 5 – Travel with a Copy of Your Baby's Birth Certificate

Having a copy of your baby's birth certificate with you when you are traveling is a must.  It can make it easier to bring her in and out of the country if traveling abroad and can make airlines or trains a breeze when traveling in the US.

Tip # 6 – Choose Longer Layovers

I know that you want to get where you are going as quickly as possible.  However by choosing the longer layover times you will give your baby time to stretch and play while waiting on the next flight. 

Tip # 7 – Take a Travel Bed with You

You might be tempted to use a crib or hotel portable crib because of the ease but these are not always up to date with safety regulations.  So instead choose to take a small portable bed with you.  There are options that are much smaller than a play yard that can fold into a small size and even be stashed in a suitcase.

Tip # 8 – Be Patient

If your baby is getting cranky or upset then it is likely that they have a need.  Try to think about what you would do differently at home and how you would handle the time/situation.  Keep calm and be patient while trying to assess their need.

Tip # 9 – Set Up Your Space

When you arrive the first thing that you should do is set up your space to make it as comfortable and home-like to your baby as possible.  This can help your baby to relax and not feel the anxiety of being in new surroundings.

Tip # 10 – Wear Your Baby

You can wear your baby to help keep yourself hands free while navigating through different places.  This can be lifesaving when your baby is constantly surrounded by new people because they will feel comfortable being right next to you.

Tip # 11 – Stick to Your Routine

Sticking to your routine is very important when traveling.  For me personally this is something that I have always done but sometimes I get odd looks or someone will make a comment.  However if you have seen my children when we did not stick to our routine then you would completely understand.

Tip # 12 – Do What You Know is Best for Your Baby

I know when traveling to see family that it can be tough to keep your baby on a routine or to keep him or her from being passed around.  However sticking to your guns and doing everything that you know is best for your baby will help you feel comfortable enough to travel again.

Tip # 13 – Set Up Different Areas in a Hotel Room

Having different areas set up in a hotel room can be lifesaving.  There are four distinct areas that you want to have set up as soon as possible after arriving.  These include: 

1.   Changing Area – Have everything you need for effortless diaper changes in one area.

2.   Play Area – Pack a sheet with you and designate a specific area of the floor as a play area.  This will help baby not to be confused and want to play in their sleeping area.

3.   Sleeping Area – Have one spot designated for bed time or time to sleep.

4.   Kitchen Area – Have everything set up in one area for quick bottles, snacks, and/or meals.

Tip # 14 – Know Your Airline's Policies

When traveling on an airline call ahead of time to ask about car seats and strollers.  These items are generally free to take along with you and most of the time they can be gate checked if you need them while at the airport.  Knowing ahead of time what your airline allows and will do is very valuable.

Tip # 15 – Give Your Baby the Right Nap Environment

Some babies will sleep while you are baby wearing, in a car, or in a stroller.  Others will not.  Know your baby and if yours is one that needs to be at home to nap then plan on taking turns at the hotel room for naps.

Traveling with your baby can be a stress free and enjoyable experience that creates memories for you to cherish.  These tips can really help you to feel like you know what you are doing and can help you be prepared for anything while traveling with your little one.

Amanda Walton is a stay at home mom who works as a blogger and writer.  You can check out her blog Simply Shawn N Jenn or check out her ebooks.