Potty Training

Cottonelle Flushable Moist Wipes are the environmental choice for the whole family, especially for potty training toddlers. However, read the fine print before you start. In order to safely flush them into your septic system, you must only use one or two wipes per flush.

I’m going to keep searching for infant-specific flushable wipes because even though I cloth diaper, I do not use cloth wipes. For now, these are alcohol free, mild wipes for everyone. They’re nearly $4 (or less when on sale) for 42 wipes with a pop-up tub and handy to have in any washroom.

I found the Cottenelle Flushable Moist Wipes on sale at drugstore.com.

My potty-training toddler is all about the Care Bears. I, on the other hand, think that these hilarious Camo Briefs by the Dutch brand Claesens are much more in keeping with her personality. I’m not sure that she will want to wear them, but I am seriously thinking about ordering them.

The pink lace trim makes them irresistible. They are 95% Cotton and 5% Lycra. A three pack retails for $17.60 at cocotierkids.com. A matching camisole is also available.

My younger daughter is working on potty training right now, and along with that comes a fascination for hand washing. That has made step stools an absolute necessity in our house. We have one that we like, but I have been shopping around to see what other fun ones are on the market.

I like this one from distinctivenurseries.com. Decorated in shades of blue with a fun combination of stars, stripes, and polka dots, it is kid-friendly without being overly-gaudy. It measures 14” high x 14” wide x 15” deep and is made to be extra sturdy for little feet. It retails for $90 and does require minor assembly.

Many new parents have been saved by their infant swings. I know that both of my nephews slept almost exclusively in their swings in the first few months. The Amby Baby Motion Bed is designed to have the same soothing qualities as a swing, while introducing more bedlike features. The bed is designed to swaddle the baby, and to provide just enough motion to simulate a womb-like environment. If your baby suffers from reflux, an adjustable incline allows you to prop him or her up to reduce reflux symptoms. At first I thought this product might just be a gimmick, but I started considering it as an option when I read that it has been endorsed by Dr. Sears, whose opinion I tend to take quite seriously. I’m still on the fence about whether to buy this product, but I am strongly considering it. The $237 price for the most basic model certainly seems reasonable. Bedding is available in blue, white, or natural raw cotton. The Amby Bed is designed to hold babies up to 12 months of age. You can read more about this product and purchase one at www.ambybaby.com.

This potty chair might be appealing to a toddler, but I can’t see it fitting into most bathroom décor. It would stand out like a sore thumb. My first impression of it is not a good one and I dare to say I think it ugly and a tad tacky. For $69.95, you won’t catch me buying something I consider to be gaudy and odd (pooping in a chair? Hmmmm…) However, I do see how it could be sturdy and fun for a child, which would in turn encourage them to use the potty (what mother doesn’t want that?) As one might expect, there is a version for girls called Her Majesty’s Throne, befitting of a pink princess, and there’s a more neutral and less garish version in the It’s Potty Time Potty Chair. They all, including the His Majesty’s Throne, measure in at Height: 18″ Height of seat: 6 1/4″ and include a removable plastic container for efficient clean-up. Found at www.oneofakindkid.com, these items are odd and unexpected.