Potty training can be scary and overwhelming for toddlers. But thankfully, you can make this phase calm and as fun as possible with a little help from potty training products. Here is a guide on how to buy potty training products to make potty training mess-free, pleasant and a success for both you and your toddler.

Pick A Fun Potty Chair and Seat

Sitting in a toilet can be very nerve-wracking for toddlers. Why? Because toilets are huge, cold and noisy. To help your little one go without the fuss, buy your little one a potty chair. Pick a potty chair that is made of plastic and preferably one in your toddler’s favorite color or one that features your toddler’s favorite character (e.g. cartoon characters, superheroes, princesses and forest designs are well-loved by young children). A potty chair that plays songs or cheers for your toddler can also encourage your toddler to go to the potty often. Buy at least 2 potty chairs as you will need them in different parts of your house.

Once your toddler is used to using a potty chair, he is now ready to transition to a potty seat. Choose one that is of your toddler’s size and is a perfect seat over the regular toilet seat. Again, pick one with a cute design so your toddler will enjoy sitting on it.

Find A Sturdy Step Stool

Your little one will need a step stool to help his feet reach the floor while using the regular toilet as well as help him reach the sink for brushing teeth and washing hands. Choose a step stool that is durable, one with rounded corners, a non-skid rubber surface and large, strong rubber feet to prevent the step stool from slipping on the floor. In addition, pick one that comes in fun colors or designs and see to it it is very easy to clean.

Invest In Potty Training Pants

Another potty training product every toddler must have are training pants. This comes in very handy for any trips out. There are two types of training pants – disposable and cloth. Disposable training pants are recommended because they are made for a toddler so he can effortlessly pull them on and off on his own. However, they are very similar to diapers so your little one may not be able to feel when he is wet which can prolong the potty training process. On the other hand, cloth training pants enables a toddler to feel when he is wet so he is able to go and use the potty on time. The only downside to cloth training pants is that they require washing.

Again, choose a “big kid underwear” with your toddler’s favorite character on it to motivate your toddler to potty train.

Do Not Forget The Potty Training Friend, Books and DVDs

Another effective way to help your toddler potty train successfully is to have a potty training friend and books and DVDs about potty training. A potty training doll can help your toddler learn how to use the potty as well as help your little one overcome any potty training fears so he can enjoy this journey.

Opt for potty training books with colorful illustrations and those that come with fun accessories such as stickers. Potty For Me! by Karen Katz, The Potty Train by David Hochman and First Look and Find: Elmo’s Potty Book are popular titles of potty training books. For potty training DVDs, pick one that demonstrates the process of going to the toilet through silly dances and singing in the most tasteful manner as possible. Animal characters are a favorite amongst toddlers.

Check Reviews

Do not forget to check for customer reviews before you buy potty training products. This is to make sure that the potty training products you will choose can deliver and are helpful for your toddler.

Make Sure The Products Are Safe

Most of all, see to it that the potty training products you wish to buy are in excellent condition. The potty chair, potty seat and training pants must be brand new. There should be no damages such as holes, cracks, chipped paint and sharp edges. If you are buying second-hand potty training books, DVDs and a doll, make sure they are not worn out and do not have any damages as well.

With the help of these potty training products, training your toddler to use the toilet will be very easy and enjoyable.

There are plenty of options when it comes to child care providers. However, even if a wide selection is available, choosing the right child care is still a difficult decision. Why? Because parents are very meticulous in entrusting their children’s well-being into someone else’s hands. How do you find an excellent child care provider for your toddler? Follow this guide to help you pick the best child care for your precious one.

Step 1: Know What You Want

Knowing what you want is the first step to choosing the right child care for your toddler. The first step is to write a list of your “wants” in a child care provider. Making a list requires time and careful deliberation so see to it you do this together with your spouse. Ask yourself these questions:

•    Are you looking for a child care provider with years of experience, is trained and has credentials?
•    Do you want a caregiver who can stay with your toddler at home or would you rather have your toddler mingle with other children?
•    Are you looking for a child care provider with a flexible schedule?
•    Do you want a 1:1 caregiver-toddler relationship or would you rather entrust your toddler to a child care provider who cares for other children at the same time?

After you have made a list, go over it once again to ensure you did not miss out on anything.

Step 2: Consider How Much Are You Willing To Pay For The Caregiver’s Services

The second step to choosing the right child care for your little one is to figure out how much you are willing to pay for a caregiver’s services. Take a good look at your budget. Employing a babysitter, a nanny or putting your toddler in a daycare center is more expensive, but if you have the money, then these are your best options. If you are cash-strapped, then consider relative care and home daycare.

Step 3: Do Some Research

You need to do your homework if you want to find the best child care option for your toddler. You can do this by calling your local experts such as a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency. They can give you child care recommendations in your area that can cater to your needs. Do not be shy to ask your relatives, friends, officemates and neighbours for referrals. This is the best way to know which child care providers are the best in your area. In addition, do not forget to check the yellow pages and search the internet for child care providers.

Step 4: Visit and Ask Questions

This step is the most important when it comes to choosing the right child care provider as this will help you narrow down your options. It is okay to talk to them on the phone but it would be better if you pay each child care provider a visit so you can make a detailed evaluation. Set an appointment with each provider, ask questions such as their experience, lifestyle, discipline style, child care perspectives, how they will react in case there is an emergency, etc. Talking to each prospect face to face also helps you assess whether the child care provider is competent and responsible of if the caregiver is inexperienced and impatient.

Step 5: Check The Child Care Provider’s Background

After your meeting with each child care provider, narrow down your options to two. Then, perform a background check for each caregiver. Contact previous employers and ask their experience with the said child care provider. Check the caregiver’s certifications, affiliations and police record. For daycare centers and home daycares, tour the establishment so you can see if the establishment is clean, safe, has a welcoming vibe and is spacious enough for children to thrive. Observe how the children relate with the staff, if the employees are capable in handling young children as well as the activities they offer.

Most importantly, after you have completed the steps above, sit down with your spouse once again and consider all the advantages and disadvantages of every child care provider. Go over your list and choose the option that comes close to your list. See? Finding the best child care provider for your toddler does not have to be very stressful after all. All it takes is a little planning and knowing what you want and do not want for your toddler.

Finding a good, reliable babysitter for your toddler can be a challenging task. After all, you do not want to entrust your precious one’s safety just to anyone. Unfortunately, even with the most careful selection, there can still be issues with the babysitter you hire. Here are some of the most common babysitting problems of parents and ways how these can be resolved.

Problem # 1: The babysitter is always late.

Tardiness is at the top of the most common babysitting problems of parents. It is very exasperating if you have to rush to work but you cannot leave your toddler because the babysitter is late, again. The best way to resolve this babysitting problem is to bring it up gently. Be very clear about your schedule when you call to book her. Say something like, “I need to be in the office at 8 o’clock in the morning, so I have to leave the house at 7:30.”. Or, you can also create in some extra time by asking your babysitter to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance. Make it clear that you will not put up with last-minute cancellations (except for emergencies) and that if she really has to cancel, she will need to organize for a back-up sitter (someone who you have met and approved beforehand) on her own.

Problem # 2: The babysitter is frequently on her cell phone.

This one is another common babysitting problem. There are instances when the babysitter is too tied up on her cell phone talking and texting with her friends that she forgets her duties. The best solution is to talk about the problem at once and give her a warning. You do not have to feel bad about asking your sitter to hold all calls until your little one is asleep. But, make sure you are considerate when correcting your babysitter.

Problem # 3: Letting a toddler sleep past his bedtime.

A toddler who is still wide awake at 10 p.m. playing games or watching TV will surely wake up in a bad mood the next day. Let your babysitter know that she has to make sure your toddler follows his bedtime and that disregarding your toddler’s sleep schedule can throw him off for several days. Go over his bedtime routine – taking a bath, how many books to read, turning the nightlight on, etc. In addition, discuss your toddler’s delay antics so your little one cannot persuade your babysitter to let him stay up a little longer.

Problem # 4: Visitors

Another common scenario when a babysitter is around the house is finding a guest (especially if the visitor is of the opposite sex) sitting in your living room. The best way to resolve this is to let your babysitter know that visitors are not allowed in your home. If she wants to have a friend come by to visit while she is babysitting, she has to ask permission first and if you are okay with it, she can invite the guest over to your home.

Problem # 5: A messy house.

Sure, coming home to a sparkling house is such a joy. But, do not expect your babysitter to do the housekeeping for you. The babysitter’s responsibility is to look after your toddler, not to keep the house clean. However, do make it clear to your sitter that you expect to go back to a home that looks at least in the same condition as when you left. Also, make sure she reminds your little one to put his toys away before you return and does not allow your toddler to make a mess of the house.

Problem # 6: The babysitter lacks leadership.

It is difficult to have a babysitter who is incapable or does not want to take charge of the children. A babysitter’s role is to care for a toddler’s well-being, meaning, the babysitter should know how to discipline a child. If you find your babysitter lacks leadership, go ahead and make her aware that this bothers you. Ask your babysitter why she is unable to take charge. Give her tips. But, if your babysitter still does not set the direction for your toddler, then by all means look for another one.

Babysitting problems are normal. However, it does not mean you cannot avoid it. By having an open communication, understanding and respect, you and your babysitter can discuss whatever issues may arise and create a good working relationship.