Training Attire
It might not seem obvious at first, but your child's ability to undress and dress herself plays a large role in her training progress. A good potty training wardrobe consists of clothes toddlers can remove easily and quickly.
Pull-Ups
Most parents automatically buy disposable pull-ups, or training pants as they are sometimes called, but these aren't usually a good idea. Disposables are so absorbent, youngsters have a hard time feeling the wetness, which slows learning. Disposables also keep them from experiencing the cold, damp discomfort of wet cloth, which can motivate them to stay dry. While disposables are more likely to thwart potty training than help it along, they can be useful as night wear for children who resist being put in diapers but continue to wet the bed.
ESSENTIAL
Toddlers are very motivated by the opportunity to wear regular underpants. Let your child choose the kind she likes. Action figures and cartoon characters are popular.
Cloth pull-ups or training pants have more padding in the crotch than regular underwear. If leakage is a problem, add a waterproof diaper cover.
PODS
The problem with going straight from diapers to underwear is that there are bound to be some accidents. Potty on Discreet Strips, PODS, reduce the mess from accidents.
PODS adhere to your child's underpants using an adhesive strip, like that on a sanitary napkin. Although they are absorbent enough to contain the trickles and puddles, they allow children to feel the wetness from the accident. PODS also allow air circulation through the underpants so the pads quickly cool — that's a much better deterrent to accidents than the warm, cozy feeling of wet diapers. PODS are available from
Clothes
Pants with elastic waistbands and Velcro closures are easiest for tots to get on and off. Zippers and snaps are harder; buttons are hardest. Learning to pull tight pants over a round bottom is a challenge, so provide oversized jeans, warm-up pants, slacks, and rompers. Skirts are ideal for girls.
ESSENTIAL
Long tops get wet during accidents. Although they can be rolled up and pinned to help keep them dry during training, short tops are ideal.
Make sure your child has lots of chances to practice getting clothes on and off. If you usually let him help when you dress and undress him, he'll get good practice, and going to the potty will be much easier. Although you may be in a hurry for him to get his clothes on and off, try not to rush him so that he can concentrate on developing the fine motor coordination he needs.
