LOTS of questions about potty training! We just wrapped Day 7 so I will share what I know so far.
How did we know they were ready?
In late November, the boys expressed interest by verbalizing “potty” - so we started using one of the step up seats to put on our toilet. We practiced organically when the boys asked. Boys will turn TWO this week!
How’d you pick a time?
We figured we’d hunker down the week between Christmas and New Year’s to give potty training a go. Russ was off from work — man on man defense, you know? #twinlife
How did you prep?
Reading material — Oh Crap book— I scanned this for relevant parts for the start. The key is kiddo goes from Clueless to I am peeing to I peed to I need to pee. Quite the journey!
The mental prep is key! So important to keep an open mind and flexibility — as with everything in parenthood and life. I also didn’t ask too many people about their experiences because - TBH that feels overwhelming. Every kiddo is VERY different! Also, we are keeping boys in diapers for nap/overnight for now FYI.
What supplies did you get?
Two potties that sit in our living room/kitchen area. Super easy for the boys to get to. We also have a “portable potty” that we have in our car. The boys have sat in our trunk to use it! Also - just ordered a “folding travel potty seat” - woo!
Day 1 - Monday - IN HOUSE ONLY
Woke up and no diapers - we told the boys, no more diapers and had a moment to say “goodbye diapers” and put we them in our pantry LOL.
We watched the boys like HAWKS. Legit - cannot do anything else in these waking hours. The first two or so days (and beyond) are learning their patterns and their signals.
Day 2 - Tuesday - IN HOUSE ONLY
Jacob was really getting the hang of things quickly so we put pants on Jacob and kept Vincent naked. Kept guiding and teaching them about the potty. This day is when the boys starting acting up. I think they’re out of sorts with the change! Understandable.
Day 3 - Wednesday
We felt Jacob was up for a tiny trip - so in the morning, Russ took Jacob to hardware store 2 minutes down the road. Came back w/clean pants!
In the afternoon, we took them outside for a backyard hang.
“Accidents” happen - they’re still learning!
Day 4 - Thursday
We felt like both boys were up for tiny trips. So we the boys to Main Street in our town. Both dry pants. Again, some peeing in pants.
Day 5 - Friday
In the morning, we went to a NYE music celebration about 30 minutes away. The drive was long and V had an accident both ways - even though we prompted before/arrival/during.
In the evening we visited my mom for a short visit and they did great. Even used the potty there! We also Brought the Baby Bjorn potty insert which was helpful.
Day 6 - Saturday
We took a New Year’s Day hike in the morning and had afternoon backyard hang - again, a few accidents. But PROGRESS!
Day 7 - Sunday
In the morning, backyard hang and afternoon - hung in the house. Again, prompting, watching and some accidents.
OVERALL - pay attention to your kiddo(s) and know that “accidents” will happen and this is a journey and learning experience. Happy to answer more questions, comment here or DM me @chichilifenyc — you got this!