So our youngest son Jackson is almost 2 years old and has started showing some signs of being ready for potty training. So far things are going pretty well and we are so proud of what he’s achieved so far! I have two boys so I remember well how potty training can go in either direction, and it’s best to stay open minded and be guided by your child in this fun milestone of childhood! The amazing baby brand Jané, have kindly gifted us a couple of products to test out for review so here are our honest thoughts below, aswell as a few tips and things we’ve discovered along the way!
Firstly the ‘Jane 3in1 musical potty’ see here: https://www.jane-uk.com/en/gb/Jane-3in1-Educational-Musical-Potty-Trainer-and-Step-System/m-2772.aspx is a great idea and helps you to establish which is your littleones preference the potty, the toilet or both? You have the versatility in one product that does it all.
Having a lid is also great practice for them too just like a real toilet seat. What goes up must come down right! It’s a potty, training seat and step all in one which our little one has taken to using very well. On first impression the modern colours, compact design and the way it all comes apart for easy cleaning is perfect for parents. One feature that makes this potty stand out from the crowd and will bring a smile to your littleones face, is the ‘musical liquid sensor’. Yes you read this right so every time your little one does a wee it plays music which is so much fun for them!
The quality of Jané products is always really good I have found from my own personal experience and the double step is also really useful!
The ‘Jane 2 step booster’ is sturdy and light with little handles to make lifting or moving it around easier. https://www.jane-uk.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=jane+2+step+booster
The colour is perfect for any bathroom and having the two steps just gives a toddler & my 7 year old! that little extra boost to get on the toilet or use a sink more so than a single step might. It also has a rubber grip layer on each step which makes little feet even more secure when visiting the bathroom.
Here’s a few tips from us to help you on your way if you are thinking of giving potty training a try soon plus some cute pictures of our journey with Jackson so far.
? It’s a good idea to have not just one potty around the house but 2 or 3 maybe so that if you have more than one bathroom or are in the garden, need a spare for grannies house your littleone will find this easier and not be caught short trying to get to the potty
? don’t rush it wait til there’s at least 3-5 signs that they might be ready and give it a go if your feeling brave!
? encourage nappy/pant free time as much as possible and use training pants/pull ups when out and about for a bit of reassurance for them and you. But don’t forget to pack your potty and ask them approx every 30mins – 1 hour if they need to wee or poo. You really have to keep a close eye in those early days to help support and praise potty training.
? keep a box of tissues or wipes around the house to grab quick to pick up/clean any little accidents and use towels or fleece blankets on the sofa, in a Highchair if you need to. We’ve been using a cloth prefold in the car seat as we have lots of them from our cloth nappies and they work well. They also wash and dry really quick! and we have a box of pre soaked cloth wipes right next to the main potty which help as my little boy likes to run!
? get something portable for when you visit places. We have tried various toilet trainer seats, potties from when our eldest was younger but found that a couple of Ikea potties worked really well and seemed comfortable at home. We did try a potette plus but sadly had little sucess with it. We were then given a ‘My carry potty’ which we’ve only just started using recently with the youngest Jackson and its great. I am so pleased these products are getting a 2nd time use.
? be prepared to try different things. Until you start potty training you don’t know if your little one will take to the toilet or potty better, or both. Every child is different so go with the flow and try to be calm and relaxed about it.
? What reward could you give them? We decided to give a reward jar a go and cut lots of cardboard stars for him to simply put in the jar after each wee or poo.
? get organised with a little kit! We are a fan of reusables as you’ll see from the pics. However you will need the essentials regardless of how to choose to train including: training pants, pull ups, big boy or girl pants, spare clothes , cloth or disposable wipes, a wet bag or nappy sacks depending on your preference. We’ve pretty much ditched the changing bag for now and are just taking our potty training bag, my carry potty plus a drink/snack out with us. Distractions also work well so maybe pop a favourite toy, book or snack in the bag with you to offer them while they’re busy on the potty.
Lastly I would like to add just try to stay relaxed and positive about potty training and make it fun. It is a huge milestone to achieve for children and their parents and even if things don’t go to plan perhaps consider taking a little break and come back to it later on when they are more ready. We did with our eldest and it worked well for him nearer 3 years of age and within a week he was dry at night too! Where as his little brother is a whole other kind of crazy toddler and seems to be speeding through life as fast as he can. Keep up the good work Jackson and best of luck to all the little folk out there on their potty training journeys.
Love Katrina x