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Original poster

Self-Isolation potty training support

38 replies

DivGirl · 18/03/2020 12:41

Well now that we officially in isolation for the next 14 days I thought it might be time to toilet train DS. He's 2 (just). He does sometimes ask to use the toilet already, but rarely.

Any tips? Anyone else doing the same?

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smeerf · 18/03/2020 12:44

We're doing the same, today is day one! We're using the Oh Crap method, so far it's going pretty well, 5 wees in the potty but DS will only go if I hold it up to him (he won't sit). Idly googling infant urinals.

ForeverBubblegum · 18/03/2020 12:51

We're not isolating yet, but it's only a matter of time before DS nursery closes, then we will be joining.

He's 3, we have been gently encouraging DS to try for months without much success. Think it might be time to step things up, especially as he's quite big for his age, so nappies are getting a bit snug.

katmarie · 18/03/2020 13:05

As soon as we have to self isolate, we'll be doing the same. DS is 2 yrs 2 months, I was planning to wait until summer but we might as well take advantage if we're going to be stuck at home for 2 weeks.

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OnlyFoolsnMothers · 18/03/2020 20:05

Sorry to jump on the thread as my child is potty trained- trained over Xmas when off work And just wanted to say oh crap method was fantastic ! Good luck

katmarie · 18/03/2020 20:30

Looks like we'll be starting next week, I have the oh crap book, going to brush up on it tomorrow.

Original poster
DivGirl · 18/03/2020 20:39

The oh crap method seems to be what most recommend. Wish I'd bought the book before this all kicked off really...

OP posts:
OnlyFoolsnMothers · 18/03/2020 22:29

OP you basically leave your kid naked with a potty near by whilst they play etc as normal- start looking out for cues that they need the loo. Once they have seemingly got an understanding that they should use the potty put them in clothes but not underwear. (Underwear reminds them of a nappy). Then once they can manage that add underwear. Some stages may take longer than others.
Still use a pull-up for naps and bedtime unless you want to night train (never met anyone who did this).
Important things I took away from the book:
Once you start don’t revert back to nappies as it sends mixed messages
Don’t pester non stop “do you need toilet ?” Instead use phrases like “right let’s go to the toilet before lunch”....you will soon catch on to how long your child goes between wees (longer than you’d think), and when they tend to poo.
Good luck!

Numbness2020 · 18/03/2020 22:33

We are doing this when we are on enforced lockdown!!

HoneysuckIejasmine · 18/03/2020 22:45

Yep DS has asked to use the toilet (we have a family seat) the last two days so may as well give it's go. We're not going anywhere!

Phifedean123 · 19/03/2020 07:56

I'm starting with my two year old as well. Something to do really 😂

moita · 19/03/2020 12:09

Amazon are still delivering if you want to order it!

My little one's 22 months but think we'll be starting soon as well. Seem a good a time an any!

MsChatterbox · 21/03/2020 06:49

We've done the same! We tried when he just turned 2 with no success (constant stream of accidents for a week). He's 2 years 4 months now and seems to be ready as I just told him wees on potty and he has done it since Tuesday! So if you're having a lot of accidents my advice is don't stress over it just leave it a few months! As I was very stressed that first attempt it wasn't fun.

Whymustyoubringinthebirds · 21/03/2020 06:52

My LG is almost 2 and if we go on lock down I am 100% trying, I've got the oh crap book and was planning on June time anyway

ClaraLane · 21/03/2020 06:53

We’ll be trying it again now I’m off work for the foreseeable. Desperate to get DD sorted before the new baby arrives!

Eeeeek2 · 21/03/2020 06:58

You can get oh crap on kindle. It was good for us too.

Fridakahlofan · 21/03/2020 07:06

Stupid question but what do we need for potting training!?
I haven’t looked into it yet but 21 month old is now telling us when she is doing a wee or poo and so will have a go in a few weeks/months when my work is likely to dwindle to zero.

So far I only have a potty that sits on a toilet someone gave me! Presumably I also need one that sits on the floor? And pants!?

Is that it. Will download the oh crap book but keen to order other items now in case deliveries get harder...

MindyStClaire · 21/03/2020 07:41

Watching with interest. DD's nursery is still open, but think we'll give it a go when they do close. She's nearly two and I don't think she's quite ready, but not far off. DC2 coming in the summer, so if she doesn't get it now we won't be trying again until autumn when things have settled down.

MuddyPuddlesAndPrettyBubbles · 21/03/2020 07:56

DS was 3 at the start of the month, so we were a bit late to the toilet training party. We've been self isolating for a week now. I shoved him in pants, showed him where the toilet and potty were, encouraged him o go frequently, offered a sticker chart. The first 4.5 days were hideous and I was about to call it quits but suddenly late Wednesday he seemed to get it. Only one accident on Thursday and none at all yesterday, he took himself to the potty independently most times and responded well to being prompted. But he is that bit older.

Original poster
DivGirl · 21/03/2020 08:00

We have a seat on the toilet and a potty, but he doesn't want to use the potty just the "big BIG toilet".

We've been out twice now (to a nearby field for a run) with no accidents, and I think we're averaging maybe one or two a day in the house. I want to go for a drive later to stave off the cabin fever and I don't know whether to put a nappy on for that or take the potty with us. He'll almost certainly fall asleep in the car.

OP posts:
fractionated · 21/03/2020 08:03

We are trying with 2.5 yo. Onto day 3, he can do wees in potty but poos not happening. He has been weeing outside too, is that a problem, should we stop him? He gets easily distracted by what he is doing and also often refuses to go to potty if we suggest it as per the oh crap method. We don't want to create tantrums by forcing him to go. Have been offering rewards for trying, which does help.

Bluebell121 · 21/03/2020 08:03

My daughter was potty trained before she was 2 and I just left her bottom half off and left a potty in our living room I nipped into the kitchen came back and she went for a wee on the potty! I then completely took nappies away no bedtime nappy she never wet the bed ! Now my son is 18 month going to train him in the next 2 month if he's ready if he's not will go at his pace but same method.

Bluebell121 · 21/03/2020 08:04

@OnlyFoolsnMothers hey , I never used any pull ups that first were she did on a potty I instantly took them away and she went to bed with no nappy as I new she would get used to this. She never wee'd the bed.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 21/03/2020 08:59

Bluebell121 that’s good- I think the oh crap
Method for night training involves waking your LO up through the night to pee...my idea of hell.

MuddyPuddlesAndPrettyBubbles · 21/03/2020 09:13

I never night trained, I just waited until DD had consistently dry pullups in the morning. DS has had a dry pull up in the morning the last few days, if he's dry in the morning every day when I finish this packet I'll just hope for the best. Am I fuck waking my kids in the night, it's hard enough getting them to sleep in the first place.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 21/03/2020 09:15

If your child is dry early on in the night that’s great- it is down to a hormone they produce so when that kicks in is pot luck