Potty training Montessori way

Toilet learning - three stages

There is an excellent feeling you get when your child does the right thing in the right time. It makes you feel proud, makes you feel like a fantastic parent. There are times when your kid does the wrong thing or messes repeatedly makes errors and you feel like a failure. Bathroom learning might be tough like that. Otis has injuries or frequently makes wrecks but it's more public than many others or worse, some days. This morning it was on my bed, last week it was three puddles within our parent-toddler course. Mainly I simply get on with things, I never make a fuss. He's getting it. Where are we at? Otis has been using the potty at home for a lot of months. At home he'll generally go without pants or have under pants on. If we have guests over, are about to go out or have just been someplace, Otis will wear slacks/shorts. Recall the summer of it's here. At home he will normally make it to the potty however there is at least one injury a day, occasionally more.
Beware of the under-pant obsession. Should it not have a car on it - Otis won't wear it.
Emptying the potty is a huge deal. Otis takes care and great pride in wiping it clean, emptying it and taking the used potty to the toilet. Then the entertaining of flushing the toilet just like a big boy. He's super inquisitive about other family members using the toilet. I believe most toddlers are like this, exploring what goes on around them. Toileting at home - Phase One complete! We're currently working on Phase Two - toileting away from house. When we go out training pants are normally worn by Otis. The single time Otis wears a nappy is at nighttime. As Otis doesn't consistently makes it to the toilet while we are out the training slacks get most of the wreck. I will have Otis sit on the potty, before we go out. Frequently he just gets up and walks away. I am going to give him a drink of water while he sits on the potty if I know he really must go. This really is the only means I have been able to get him to make use of the potty on clue. There's something about having a drink that makes him go. It is working. I keep a potty in the vehicle and I shall often ask him to make use of the potty while we are out if I still feel like he must go. He never has. This mightn't work for him. If we're at a friends house or at school I'll take Otis to the toilet on coming ( in case that it's been some time since he has been) or when he gives me the sign that he must go (generally reaching/touching his trousers). So we've some success while we're out but it is undoubtedly requiring attention and work.
Phase Three is at night. Otis wears a nappy at night but frequently he takes away it. On his bed he's the puddle pad under his sheet. During the day he require to visit the potty straight away and will usually awaken. I think the use of the potty increases and night time toileting will happen shortly and as Otis starts taking his nappy.
Toilet learning is an area where we haven't done it by the book. We have struggled at times and I am simply explaining the way that it's working for us not how I'd recommend it to others. We're finding our way. In the event that you're looking for ideas or recommendations the way to approach toilet learning here are some of the top hints I've ever read. This summer we will be travelling but I'm not feeling uncertain. There will be times when Otis will desire help/a change of clothing but I'm really feeling assured. The turtle that was reddish was picked up during our last journeys and it's become Otis's favourite. It might be travelling with us. How are you going with toilet learning? I don't really know of anyone at the same stage as us. Most children we understand have learned toileting at a younger age or the parents decided to wait until a later age before they begin. Folks think we have started late or are either shocked because we've started early.

Toilet trained by two?

I adore having a toilet trained toddle. Life is really so much more easy. All the perseverance and pain was worth it.
At 22 months I feel like I can say that Otis is toilet trained - only. We haven't approached night toileting but I must get to that soon. It's been painful. For about three months his toilet learning only plateaued. For three months I mean everyday to one or two accidents - by plateaued. I cannot remember his last injury. He sometimes makes a mess but that's connected with garments that is catchy or dare I say being a boy. He wants help with his clothes. He also refuses to go anywhere other than a toilet or a potty. His preferred place is a real toilet. He uses a step stool and a toddler seat when needed. Otis doesn't have injuries during his daytime naps once he wakes, but he'll generally go. Same with automobile excursions, once we return home he will usually go directly to the toilet.
Amongst his peers he's neither late nor early. I personally don't believe there is an age whereby a kid should be trained but I feel that once a kid understands (when they need to go) and have control (over their bodily functions) they should be given the opportunity (to use the potty/toilet). Once a kid may use the potty I believe it's disrespectful to place them in a nappy (consequently my wake up call to begin nighttime toileting). Additionally it's summer here and summer is really so simpler than winter. I have always had two years as an anticipation for my own children. Two entirely trained Caspar. Somehow he nighttime toileted readily. I am hoping the same with Otis. Yay to Otis and wish me luck with the nights.

When to start toileting

Between twelve and eighteen months is for starting toilet knowledge, the sensitive period. It can begin sooner or later, depending on the child. Look for signals of preparation: An interest in cycles (bib now goes in the hamper, hamper goes to the basement, in the equipment, etc. Kid watches with interest and even follows along).
Child is walking. Child touches her/his genitals are noticed by you. Kid is starting to have bowel movements at certain times of day. Although a child shows none of these signals but will become interested the moment you start to bring her awareness of toileting, so we still recommend starting before 18 months. For toileting success equip! To get started, purchase as many as 30 pairs of underpants that were thick. We recommend Gerber training trousers which come 3 in a pack for about 5 dollars at Target (US). They may be least expensive and the most absorbent, but durable. For success, the leg holes have to be big enough as well as the knickers loose that it could be pulled down and up without extraneous effort on the kid's part. For a child between 18 and 12 months, Gerber training pants, size two, is advocated. If she's large for her age, or as the child approaches 18 months, size three will be needed by her. Put an item of rubberized flannel and purchase several sheets of it for the bed. Make sure to have many pairs of pull-on pants for your own son or daughter, as he may must change often.
Have a lot of bed sheets so you could alter them regularly.
Pull up nice rugs. Discover "Nature's Wonder" at a pet shop, to promptly and effectively clean carpets or the flooring when necessary. The product is safe for fine rugs removes not only the stain, but the odor, and may simply be left on the rug.
Set out a variety if needed, little potties, and encourage the little one to take a seat on them, when he or she does commending. Our favorite is the very little Baby Bjorn potty, costing about $10 in catalogues. There are two sizes, both useful, as an alternative to the toilet that is actual, helps the little one in two ways: he can be more independent and feel more protected; and he can more clearly see his results-waste in the potty-after. Put a potty in every bathroom having a small bucket to the left and modest basket of clean knickers on the right. Bath mat or a folded towel beneath the three items creates a non-slip surface and an appearance that is organizes. When you begin toileting These first three points are the most important, since they need to do with attracting on your kid's focus to the element of our daily lives: Let her see you and other family members sitting on the toilet just as much as you can. At first, take your son or daughter to the toilet every half-hour or so and motivate her to sit on it while you sit on the adult toilet ( just for an instant, as would be natural). Doing this helps your kid to understand through the experience of using the toilet, which works much much better than asking your kid," Do you have to go to the restroom ?" Which generally gets a "No!" even when they do need to go! It's extremely important that your child change into dry underwear instantly after wetting it. We would like her to be accustomed to the feeling of dryness, and to react immediately to wetness.
In the initial phases, your child could wear just her panties from your waist down, so that shifting and using the potty is uncomplicated and does not take long. Time is key with getting bowel movements to the toilets! Make it a routine time to go the bathroom, should you become aware of your child has a bowel movement around the same time each day and sit on the toilets. Watch him attentively and take him to the toilet immediately if he went in his underpants, in order to help him change, watch the BM go into the toilet and flush it down if your kid is unusual in his time. Continue your effort to get him to sit and "hang out" about the toilet when you think a bowel movement could be on its way - you can even read books together to pass the time if that works. Continue to try and involve the child in dressing and undressing. If the child urinates in her toilet, show her that you're placing the urine to the toilet that is larger and flushing. In redressing her, giving special awareness of helping her learn to put her dry underwear on independently, then collaborate.
It helps in the first periods to really have a potty in whatever room he is playing in so he can see it and get in time to it. He should only wear trousers which can be simple to pull himself up and down, and will be naked or in panties from the waist down when reasonable during this phase.
Throw out all diapers when you start this toiling stage. You kid must be set up for success and sense our assurance that, eventually, he'll have the ability to work with the toilet each and every time. Many kids make use of the toilet until they're mature and sleep too deeply to wake. There are different ways to manage this, depending on her age, your child, and also the period you've reached in toileting. Confer with your kid's director. During the initial phases of toilet training, bring a potty with you (to use at your destination) when you take your child out in the vehicle. Place it in the bathroom of the home you are seeing, even supposing it's merely a short stay. This helps establish the routine of going to the toilet upon arriving at destinations and upon leaving your house. When out as well as about, take your child to public toilets generally, before leaving the home and upon returning. We recommend making it a custom, and matter-of-factly saying, "We all sit on the toilet to get a minute before going out and upon coming home". (Just get them to sit to get a minute - if they take back up or do not urinate, simply ignore it and move on. Finally, they'll pick to work with this opportunity.)
For airplane rides or special events, we encourage you never to put your child back into a diaper, but rather, put an Nikki diaper wrap over her panties. Made from waterproof fabric that is soft this diaper cover allows you to still check for wetness, so your training period is not interrupted. It is a nice " safety net" for you in certain public situations. Always keep a few changes of panties and pants in the vehicle, so you can return to the car to get a quick change as soon as your child is wet, then restart your shopping. For me the best guidance is the way to handle toileting when away from home. Caspar taken before he was two I had him in nappies when we were out because I was scared of making a wreck toileting. Our lovely Montessori parent- without her encouragement I'd have kept Caspar in nappies for much longer and toddler teacher gave me the push I needed. This time with Otis I'll feel more assured leaving the house nappy-less and will be using many of the suggestions. Actually I'm away now to purchase more loo learning trousers and then to set up another toileting area in my bathroom.

Daycares - Toronto

Toilet Learning Slacks

Along with shoes we also purchased these toilet learning trousers from Michael Olaf.
Although as it is possible to see they are bulky and consume much like a nappy, neither Otis or I might tell he was wet Otis continues to be wearing training pants for a little while such as the red ones in this post. I was searching for pants that were;
Absorbent enough there isn't any puddle but the child still feels wet
Simple to view the kid is wet
Slimline, not at all bulky
Simple to get on and off, even for a very young child
Created from natural fibers
Cozy
These trousers are ideal for people. They can be manufactured from organic cotton and so far no pools. Not even a wet bed. Although I really don't deliberately have him sleep in them. I generally change him before bed, sometimes I actually don't get a chance.
When we are at home, they are only worn by Otis. When he is in training slacks I am in a position to see when he's wet and have worked out a small routine. Otis is also very alert to when he must utilize the toilet (potty) but sometimes we don't make it in time. The trousers also help with self confidence. We'll go put on a dry pair no issue in the event the pants get wet.
Otis

Montessori Potty Toilet Learning

Using a potty isn't always a part of the Montessori approach to toilet learning. It might work to make the toilet more accessible by using other adaptions or steps. If you are interested in toilet learning the Montessori way I advocate Toilet Recognition and Toilet Leaning - The Montessori Strategy. In addition, I urge posts at Support to Life and Michael Olaf.
Toilet Learning - Our Journey in Overview It is likely this will be our last toilet learning place. Otis has slipped seamlessly (and without fault) into night time toileting. We are at the end of our toilet learning journey. I 've a few ideas and suggestions, in the event that you are at the start of your journey. Absolutely every child is different so we have to be adaptive nevertheless your attitude as well as your approach are most significant. It is not luck that Otis is toilet trained. We are very fortunate that I'm able to stay at home with him which helps and that he is healthy. But what got him 'trained' was patience perseverance and consistency. Our first step in Otis toilet learning was to get him out of a nappy. Training trousers were crucial in this procedure. Otis toilet learned in this and measures is a brief outline.
1. DAY: TRAINING PANTS (AT HOME) NAPPY (WHEN OUTSIDE) NIGHTTIME: NAPPY During the day at home Otis wore training slacks. When we left the house during the day and at night he wore a nappy. While at home we offered him the potty and when he seemed like he needed to go (we recognised the signals - mostly holding his trousers) we took him to the potty.
2. DAY: TRAINING TROUSERS NIGHTTIME: NAPPY Slowly we transitioned to Otis wearing training pants during the day. The training trousers he wore at this stage (from Michael Olaf but now discontinued) held so there were no pools but Otis wanted tending to promptly. At this stage he was wearing a nappy during the night.
3. DAY: PANTIES (AT HOME) TRAINING TROUSERS (WHEN OUTSIDE) NIGHT: NAPPY Slowly we transitioned Otis to wearing panties at home and just when we left the house wearing training pants. The training trousers gave us confidence that if Otis had an accident most of it'd be captured - no pools on the shop floor, but his clothing and Otis would still be wet. Otis was wearing Under the Nile Infant Training Pants (12-24 months). At this period he was wearing a nappy through the night. This was the longest span of a few months.
4. DAY: PANTIES NIGHT: NAPPY He transitioned to wearing panties all of the time during the day and wore a nappy at night as Otis became routine and more assured at utilizing the potty.
5. DAY: PANTIES NIGHT: KNICKERS Otis became confident going to the potty that at night he would take his nappy off. He transitioned to wearing panties all the time. He'll sometimes make use of the potty at night but generally waits until morning. He generally goes straight to the potty when he wakes in the morning. He still nurses before bed and during the night although I try and limit his fluids before bed. I also request him to make use of the potty before bed however he is stubborn and usually refuses. As I mentioned we would offer the potty when it appeared before we left the house and like he need to really go to Otis. Often when he awakens from his nap or returns from outings he must visit the potty straight away.
It was significant to us that we remained (as much as possible) emotionally detached from the process. It was significant to us not to praise or punish while I appeared pleased when we had success. We additionally never forced Otis. If he seemed like he needed to utilize the potty but refused to do so, I'd take his hand and try to lead him to the potty, usually he'd wet his pants and if he still refused I would leave him. Afterward he would come with me to the potty to get changed/cleaned up. We never induced him to make use of the potty, we never used harsh words, threatened or bribed. If he wet his trousers - he wet his pants, we simply got on with it. We've got toddler seat and a step stool on our toilet which Otis has begun using. He uses the toilet and the potty standing and sitting. We have a potty in the car that I offered to Otis before he was able to hold for an interval that is decent. On each excursion I'd offer him the potty when we arrived and before we departed. He rarely used it. Recently he has revealed that he is able to hold and frequently uses public toilets (school, sports stadiums, shops), although he likes to remove his underwear, trousers/short, shoes and socks and I will hold him while he sits on the toilet. In the event you read through our Toilet Learning Posts you are going to understand we've had up and downs and I've found travelling and locating us out of routine especially troublesome. There has been lots and wreck of cleaning up. But we are done at 22 months, it is totally worth it. If you're at the beginning or in the middle of bathroom learning, no matter which method you're using - I wish you the best. P.S. I've had some critical looks when Otis has had an injury in public. Irrespective of the exact age of the child - young or old, please be kind to other parents.

Toilet learning - two steps forward, one step back

Thank you from the underside of my soul of all your kind remarks, hints, ideas, funny stories and words of encouragement and warmth regarding my post on travelling using a toilet learning toddle.
As I mentioned we weren't simply travelling, we were travelling last minute, I was travelling with the lads without my husband (hence feeling extra exposed) and we were also grieving for member of the family who's no longer with us. Gosh, I'm having trouble holding back the tears now. Just how did we go?
We left home at about 4.30am. I consider this to be night , and so I kept Otis. But from the plane we went right into the vehicle and that I chose to keep on a nappy. Although he might make use of the potty at home he wouldn't suggest in time for us to stop the car. Until he was out of a nappy, it was well to the day. During our stay Otis in was in a combination of knickers, training pants and nappies. He seldom made it. We did not make much advancement. Now we're home the nappies are gone again (except for night). During our journeys I learnt a couple of things that I want to remember. You do not have to be a great or even a good parent of the time. Consistency is important. Children need uniformity to behave consistently. Children have to understand (quite clearly) what's expected of these.
A flexible and relaxed approach will help keep you calm.. I am hoping my next toilet is filled with success and high fives. It might be a while coming. But I am not putting pressure on myself or Otis. Now we're back to our own home surroundings plus a routine that is familiar we are able to continue toilet learning with that highly popular uniformity.
Travelling using a toilet learning toddler - give strength to me. We all know the sensitive period for toilet learning is 12-18 months. Eek, Otis is now 17 months and although we have been doing nicely (by our standards) things are still a bit hit and miss.
Otis wears underpants or training trousers at home. Training slacks are normally worn by Otis when we are out of the house. For his night sleep he wears a nappy. At home it is sometimes made by him to the potty. He understands when he must go. Occasionally he'll look at me and next thing and occasionally he will take a look at the potty we know there is a puddle on the floor. However he is making progress and we are happy with where we're at. We received some terrible news, last night. We shall be flying out to be with family first thing tomorrow. With all the craziness of abruptly packing and making arrangements I nearly gave myself permission to return back full time. We've got a flight to catch, longs drives ahead of us. Many hours will probably be spent in the houses of family. I am frightened that Otis will not utilize the potty while we're away. The planning, washing and cleaning will be a waste of time. But if we go back to nappies what message does that send to Otis? I know that the toilet learning toddler is nothing. But as we are toilet learning earlier than others it feels like we have a point to show (and that we shall fail miserably). My family are entirely realizing, I understand there isn't any shame in having a toddler not allow it to be to the potty. There is no shame in wet pants. I am aware I will be supported by my family and Otis.

Toilet Learning Suggestions

The above image is of the toilet learning area of Otis. We're employing a cube seat here (the other is in his dressing/care of self place) as Otis wants support when standing. The pail is for clothing that is soiled. You'll read that a signal of preparation is walking. Otis isn't walking but certainly understands when he needs to use the toilet. I didn't need to squander this opportunity and miss his obvious sensitive period so have commenced toilet learning.
Camilla (mom of two) recently sent me these toileting hints. I found them so useful I wanted to give you. Maybe you'll find them useful too? These suggestions are provided by the Managers at Forest Bluff School for allowing me to publish here, and that I truly thank them.
Indirect groundwork for toileting From arrival, alter your son or daughter 's diaper as soon as she's wet to give lots of indirect preparation (this can occasionally mean as often as every hour).
Using cloth diapers from the beginning helps immensely since they feel wet instantaneously in developing recognition. This instantaneous feedback helps the child make the link involving the impulse to urinate and the end result of releasing her muscles. Toilet training thereby occurs slowly, over time. Let her stand while you alter her when your youngster is right at the age of pulling up to standing about what you are doing, even demanding the child where you are able to and talk. In this way, she is able to see what's occurring and take an interest. Move the diaper changing to the bathroom when your kid starts to stand and walk in the event that you haven't done so already. This can help them make the right organizations between location and activity.

DIY Wool Puddle Pad

What is a Puddle Pad?
A pad that operates much like a mattress protector. It can also be utilized as to take care of your car seat or a change mat. Excellent for toilet learning as well as for ECers, infants that are leaky nappies, leaky toddles.
Why now? Throughout the day Otis will normally take a rest with his toilet learning on slacks. The trousers consume some moisture but I do not need to risk a yucky mattress. Until I realised how simple it's to make one yourself, I almost purchased a puddle pad.
Why wool?
I truly dislike the mattress protectors I've seen in our stores - sticky, synthetic and crinkly. Cotton pads offer some protection but not as much as wool. I actually love wool plus it's:
Breathable, helps you to maintain a body temperature that is comfortable Cozy
All natural Antibacterial and anti-fungal Simple to wash, with small flows a good airing is all that is required odour repellent, just air often
How? Rather one that is certainly soft and pleasant, locate or parsimony a 100% wool blanket. I found this blanket for $15. You may want a plain or neutral coloured blanket, if you're placing the blanket under a light or white sheet.
Felt the wool in a hot wash. I utilized the hot water setting on my washing machine and followed having a hot dry cycle.
Cut the blanket to size. Therefore it might lie flat, I cut two pieces the same size for extra thickness, I also ironed the blanket.
Sew the two pieces together. I used a simple stitch throughout the border merely to keep the bits together. As the wool is felted it doesn't fray. You could just use one layer or fold one layer in half should you don't sew.
Trim the edges to neaten up.
To lanolise?
I 'ven't lanolised. As Otis is sleeping with his trousers on I expect the puddle pad to just ever get damp not entirely soaked. Also I imagine it would require lots of lanolin which isn't cheap so I'm giving it a go unlanolised. Fingers crossed!
I'll put the pad underneath the sheet it is kept by it in place. So hopefully I've made it large enough, he doesn't move much in his slumber. I have heaps of the felted blanket remaining, I'm thinking of cutting it into squares for polishing or cleaning??