Real Talk: Potty Training, Cottonelle Wipes & Good Toilet Paper.

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Potty Training Tips From Mommy & Noah

Potty training is a learning experience for both parents and children. You  have to wait until your child shows an interest in potty training and understands the purpose of using the potty. I've learned a lot through this experience: patience, creativity and cooperation. The old saying "they'll do it when they're ready" is very true.

As a mommy of a little boy, I was especially anxious about teaching this skill to my little one. I wasn't sure where to start with it, but one day we just jumped right in there and gave it a go. I knew that when he had to peepee he would stand still and look down; one day, when I saw him do that, I grabbed him and ran him to the potty and it was successful! We did a few more of these "grab & go" moves, before moving on to training pants and, sometimes, no baby underpants--whatever works, right? He embraced "peepee in the potty" very well. He would (and still does) say, "Pee Pee in the Poppy," and I love to hear it! It's so fun how children create their own words for things. He calls his #2 "booboo"--I will never call it anything else again. :)

The fear of potty training subsided; in fact, I'm proud of how quickly he caught on. Using the potty can be embarrassing for some children, so you have to keep that in mind--everyone is different. During the difficult times, I've added a little fiber supplement to his diet and it usually works out for him.

Tips: It's best not to use punishment when potty training--use positive reinforcement, instead. The child is having to "unlearn" everything they've always known about "using the bathroom" and, instead, do something completely new; patience and praise are key. Smiles and hugs from you can help your child develop a healthy relationship with the potty and their body.

Ready to potty train your little one? Simple preparations can really make a huge contribution to the learning process and, possibly, speed things up for your child.

Let me show you what we do.

We Use Cottonelle Fresh Care Cleansing Cloths

Why Cottonelle flushable wipes?

They're Convenient. Cottonelle Fresh Care cleansing cloths are affordable and come inside of a dispenser {you can buy refill packs, like you do with baby wipes}. They are stronger than the potty training cloths and useful for both children and adults. Wet cloths are great for children because they are already "individually portioned" and ready to use. My little one can grab a wipe or two for himself--this builds his confidence.

They're Familiar. Another reason to use cleansing cloths while potty training: it's something familiar for children. You use baby wipes with your child from infancy until their toddler years, so why not transition them into potty training with the same method for cleaning their bottom. Cottonelle cleansing cloths are flushable, which is convenient and safe for the septic system.

They're Multi-Purpose. As an adult, I use the cleansing cloths, too, because they leave me feeling fresher. Anyone can appreciate thoughtful extras-- like soft, cleansing cloths in the powder room. If you're someone with a sensitive bottom, you may benefit from the gentle cleaning of Cottonelle Fresh Care wipes versus dry toilet paper, alone. They're also a wonderful addition to the bathroom for feminine hygiene.

Cottonelle wipes are perfect, because the packaging is gender-neutral, so anyone feels welcome to use them.

We Have a Basket for "Toilet Paper Clouds"

Little hands can make big messes, which is why I started making "toilet paper clouds" for my son. I roll off the correct amount of toilet paper and create a little packet with it, then place it in a basket for his personal use. The little Toilet Paper Clouds are excellent for keeping the toilet unclogged and the bath tissue off of the floor. My little guy isn't the only one that likes the Toilet Paper Clouds--everyone loves convenience items, right? ;)

I've been buying Cottonelle for years and it continues to be my favorite brand for several reasons. Cottonelle bath tissue is really durable, yet soft--making it an excellent damp/dry bath tissue. This is great for both potty training and for your personal use. I also love that Cottonelle Clean Care bath tissue doesn't leave a haze of cotton dust in the bathroom--this is a huge plus if you use bath tissue to take off your eye make up, like I do {no fuzzies in your eyes}.

We Installed a Convertible Training Seat

This thing is SO cool! It's not a separate seat that you have to move back and forth and store somewhere. This seat is made onto the regular toilet seat! When you lift the lid, the first seat is for children. It's the perfect size for your child to feel comfortable, but not so small that it can't grow with them. When you lift that seat, the adult toilet seat is under there. My mom found this at Walmart when Noah was a baby and I've added one to our house, as well. This really cuts back on the "scared I'll fall in" feeling that children experience when potty training.

We Have a Magazine Table

I keep a very small table in the bathroom that holds Noah's books on the top shelf and the toilet paper clouds and Cottonelle cleansing cloths on the bottom shelf. It keeps everything he needs to access within his arm-reach.

Next to the sink is his own smell-good soap, a hand towel and a step stool. Potty training really highlighted how independent my little one is and inspired my idea to set up the bathroom just for him. His potty training really took off when I added these few child-friendly things versus having him sit in the "adult-focused" bathroom.

If you're having troubles with your little one's potty training progress, consider making accommodations for them. Create a comfortable bathroom environment that's welcoming to small hands and short legs.

The Cottonelle Fresh Care Routine

For a limited time, participating Walmart stores will be offering a FREE Cottonelle Fresh Care cleansing cloths kit with the purchase of a 24-pack of Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper (great to use damp or dry). That's a great deal! The cleansing cloths are great for adults and children, so this is a good time to try them out for yourself.

I keep finding more and more uses for them, so I never go without them. You can even use them to clean up your puppy's face/paws. I've used them to clean the outside of the toilet, as well {great to do, since they're flushable}.

You can view "The Talk" tv segment featuring the #CottonelleRoutine here.

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How's potty training going for your little one? 

Got some tips for us? :)