Final Stage

Now that we have developed a schedule we are looking for muscle control. This is when we have  dry diapers. Once we see this happen a few times it is time to put on the training pants.

NEVER use Pull UP, please use the old fashion training pants and old fashion rubber/plastic pants. The rubber/plastic pants will go over the trainers to protect the clothes and sheets.

Put on the trainers and continue your schedule adding trips accordingly. Be firm when they go in the trainers. If they have have an accident put them on the potty, and tell them this is where their potty's (1's  or 2's ) go.

At this point you will only use a diaper at nap and night, NO OTHER TIME WILL YOU PUT A DIAPER ON YOUR CHILD, YOU WILL CONFUSE THEM AND ALL OF THIS HARD WORK WILL BE OVER. If you go out... make sure they go to the bathroom before you leave. If you are worried about a mess double up on the trainers.

Once you have a dry diaper at night or nap, the next time you will not use the diaper. Night time usually is the last to come. They have THICK rubber trainers you can use at night.

Bowel Movements always seem to be the last to come and sometimes the first one is a little scary for them. Be patient, give them enough time to relax and go. Don't be surprised if they hold it, sometimes for awhile. We don't want it to hurt if they are holding it so make sure you are giving them enough fiber so they stay soft.

Things to remember:

• Don't let them got off the potty on their own; you will lose the control of having them sit
• Once they are in the training pants watch the amount of liquids they are having, their bladder is very small and we are trying to strengthen it. Nothing after 6:30 in the evening.
• PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!!!!!
• When there is an accident, be firm with your face and voice let them know if is unacceptable. Show them your are disappointed. 
• Once you start there is no going backwards only farward
• Under no circumstances do you ever go back to diapers, even if they are standing up in a wedding, pick your time to start ... when your life is simple =)
• Don't ask them if they have to go, just put them on. If you ask they will not want to stop what they are doing to take the time, if you wait for them they usually get distracted and an accident occurs.

It took Annabelle a couple of days to get back on a schedule from our vacation... but she is doing great. We will be starting the trainers tomorrow (Tuesday). She has even been telling us "potty" when she has to go. Well... it sounds more like "Papa" but don't tell my Dad that..lol She does not tell us ever time... but when she does I really praise her... so she knows she did something right! 

Almost finished with Potty Training... and I am very excited. Will update soon!