countdown to potty training

[trixie123]

Hi all

We are going to start training DS (2.5) in about ten days time. We have small plastic loo seats and a step and big boy pants with his favourite characters on. What else do we need and what should we do in this run-up period? We are sort of talking to him about it and he tells us when he has done a poo but thats it. We are hoping to skip potties and go straight for the loo as we have one on each floor (though I will get a travel potty). Are the toddler wipes worth it ? I imagine he won't be wiping himself for some time but does it make the whole experience easier and therefore more likely to work? Any ideas appreciated

Get some stickers for a sticker chart and don't give up even if it feels futile. DS got through between 4-8 pairs of trousers a day for 2 very long weeks but then it clicked and we've not looked back. Perseverance does pay off. Best of luck.

For the children starting on the potty training road at the nursery i work in, we use to initally start with putting them on the potty/toliet at nappy changing times, so they became comfortable with the new idea before the nappies were removed and pants began.

Has he tried sitting on the loo? Doing the odd wee in the toilet? Have you done some practising before you start proper? If not I'd start everyday at a certain time having a go, doesn't matter if you get a result just the trying is important- before bath is a good time.

Then, I'd do a star chart once you start, although he's quite young in some ways, it's good to have a reward for wees or poos on the toilet/potty and also can help you see how he's doing over the week. We did one on a big sheet of paper (A3/A2?) and stuck it in a prominent place. Consider keeping him just in pants and a T shirt at home (if your heating is on!)- this means less washing of trousers.

Oh yes, I would recommend a "poo" book too! Quite a few children are reluctant to poo on the toilet and there are various books on the market with stories about poo (lovely) that help normalise the process. We had "Who's on the Loo" for DS and "Everybody Poos" for DD. Both worthy books!!!!!

Good luck!

love the sound of the books . have made sticker chart with cut outs of favourite characters and have been hoarding the stickers from the Peppa Pig magazines for months. Will go pant-less for a couple of days as far as possible. Am planning to cover the floor in towels as we have just moved into a new house with new carpets . thanks - am gearing myself up!