7 Tips to Help Kids with Potty on the Go

It's inevitable: As soon as you leave the driveway, your child needs to go to the bathroom. Follow these easy tips to help your kid be comfortable with potty on the go and using a public restroom.

By Dina Roth Port

We've all been there: You get your kids all buckled up for a long car ride, and as soon as you're on the road you hear the familiar cry, "Mommy, I have to go potty!" Of course, when you're out and about, it's no fun making bathroom stops with your kids. But when you gotta go, you gotta go, so here are some suggestions on how to keep your family germ-free and safe when using a public restroom.


Use the Bathroom When One Is Available

Teach your child to go to the bathroom before long car rides. He might say he doesn't have to go, but encourage him to empty his bladder as much as possible, suggests Mark L. Wolraich, M.D., a pediatrician in Oklahoma City, OK, and author of The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training. Kids get distracted easily, so directing them to use the bathroom can help them realize they actually do have to go. One trick: Make it a rule in your house that no one gets in the car unless he at least tries to go potty.

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8 Ways to Solve Potty Training's Biggest Challenges

You've made the commitment to start potty training your child, but didn't realize how frustrating it could be. Take a deep breath, you're not alone. Real-life moms and medical experts share their knowledge for overcoming common obstacles.

By Christine Coppa

Never Leave Home Without a Potty

Problem: You can't stay home all the time, even if it's easier to be somewhere familiar when potty training your tot.

Solution: Just because you're potty training your toddlerdoesn't mean you have to go stir crazy! Get out and try to maintain a normal schedule. "Keep a portable potty in the trunk of your car," says Regan Adrian, M.S., early childhood development, and mother of 2-year-old Morgan. "There are a few on the market that allow you to utilize gallon zipper bags to dispose of right away. You'll be happy you have it for those long road trips or for afternoons spent outdoors, especially at a park with no bathroom."

Let Your Toddler See What's Inside that Diaper

Problem: The mess is just too big!

Solution: Let's get real: Toddler poops are a lot to clean up and so much better suited for the potty. "Her poops were the size of bananas, and one day I showed her!" says Daphne Brogdon of coolmom.com. "I spelled it out: 'Your poop is too big for a diaper. It needs to go in the toilet.' It was a start."

Wait Until Your Child is Ready

Problem: All of your toddler's little pals are peeing in the potty! Why not yours?

Solution: Just because little Johnny from down the block is wearing Spider-Man undies and your niece just started sleeping in training pants doesn't mean your child is ready. Sarah Jio, glamour.com's Vitamin G health blogger, says she tried with her son when he was around 2 years old, but he didn't fully get into the swing of things until he was ready. "It wasn't until he was 3, and then he got it in two minutes. It was on his timeline and it worked for us!"

Teach by Example

Problem: Even though you showed your child exactly what to do, he's still not into it.

Solution: You know how your child will eat his broccoli if his so-cool older brother eats his or he sees someone do something that he wants to do? Same is said for successfulpotty training. "My 3-year-old refused to poop in the potty," says mom Christina Marie Puglisi, Buffalo, New York. "Then one day while on a playdate, her friend went to the bathroom in the potty in front of her. My daughter pooped in the potty from that day on and never looked back."

Sit This Way!

Problem: Your child doesn't see the allure in a pint-size potty or cartoon-dotted adapted seat. Even though the master toilet is just too big, he still wants to do his business where you do yours.

Solution: Here's a smart, out-of-the-box solution (just be sure you're supervising): "When my son was potty training, he refused to use the baby potty or even one of those seats that fits onto the toilet," says Sarah Caron, mother of two, Sandy Hook, Connecticut. "Instead, at the suggestion of my daycare provider, we let him sit on the regular toilet, only backwards. It sounds strange, but with him facing the rear of the toilet, he felt secure (not like he'd fall in!) and he didn't have to aim, since it naturally aimed for him. That way, he could focus on just going to the bathroom. It worked!"

Try Role Reversal

Problem: Your little one has anxiety over the big concept ofpotty training.

Solution: Peeing and pooping outside the comfort zone -- known as the diaper -- is a huge and sometimes frightening concept for a child. Dana Dorfman, Ph.D, child psychotherapy, recommends role play. "Acting out potty scenes with dolls or stuffed animals can help toddlers work through anxieties and fears and provide an opportunity to develop a sense of mastery over their feelings of uncertainty." Dr. Dorfman encourages Mom and Dad to join in, too. "Parents can assume the role of one of the dolls and articulate what the child may feel: 'I don't want to make poop on the potty, the potty is too noisy!' Then, the child can assume the role of supporter."

Build Consistency at Home & School

Problem: Your toddler is doing great at home with you, but won't do the deed at school.

Solution: "The key is consistency," says Jen Singer, mother of two, author of the Stop Second-Guessing Yourself parenting series, and a member of the Huggies Pull-Ups Potty TrainingPartners. "Whatever you do at home with your potty training plan, you also need to do elsewhere. For instance, if your child prefers to read a book while on the potty, talk to your daycare provider about sending in a favorite book. Keep in mind that daycare centers may be too busy to customize potty training to each child. In that case, ask them how they think they can help foster the success you have had at home and compromise. Then bring home something that works at daycare. If your child loves the soap they use at school, get some for home."

Call In the Positive Reinforcements

Problem: Your little one won't budge when it comes to doing business outside of a diaper.

Solution: Arms crossed, bottom lip curled, and uh, diaper full -- you have no idea what to do with your very resistant child. "When a toddler is leery of the toilet, keep potty training efforts full of rewards and praise," says Bertie Bregman, M.D., director of Westside Family Medicine in New York City. "It's important for a child to feel that he has control over the process and it's crucial that he perceives the experience as a positive one. Put the focus on asking to go to the bathroom and willingness to sit on the toilet -- not only on production. For example, a parent might try buying a special potty book, wrapping it up, and letting the child unwrap while he sits on the toilet."

Christine Coppa is the author of Rattled! (Broadway Books, 2009)

Copyright © 2010 Meredith Corporation.

Your Funniest Potty Training Stories

Potty training can be a challenge, but with the help of prizes, siblings, and songs, it can be easier (and funnier).

Compiled by Urja Dave

What Are Your Most Humorous Toilet Training Tales?

Potty training can be a trying time for most parents, and plenty of frustrating and funny moments can happen to make good anecdotes to share with friends and family. We asked you (our readers!) to relive the hilarious potty training memories and share them with us. From singing songs about poop to leaving a "surprise" behind a curtain to falling feet-first into the toilet, read on for adorable, groan-inducing, and laugh-out-loud potty training stories -- and then share your own!

Kids Say (and Sing) the Darnedest Things

My 4-year-old twin girls always tell each other how big their poop is; it's like a competition to them. One morning Maggie had a pretty big one and she was super proud to tell her sister that it looked like a tree trunk. Later that afternoon, Madison came out of the bathroom screaming in excitement and wanted everyone to come see her poop. She said, "I told you, Maggie, I'm a princess, cause my poop looks like a castle! - Wendi Matthews

My 3-year-old son came running out of the bathroom and announced that he pooped polka dots in the potty! - Sally Hardison

My 3-year-old daughter has her routine. She sings her song, "My poop comes out of my BUTT," and after she pees or poops, she does a big "WOO-HOO"! - Christina Nastos

My son was outside playing when he did a number two in his pants. I asked him why he pooped in his pants instead of coming in to the potty. He replied that he didn't do it. I asked "Well, how did it get in your pants?" and he said, "It jumped in there." - Amanda Prince-Kirk

I potty trained my son in one day. The only accident he had was doing number two. This was our conversation when I walked in the bathroom and he had just pooped on the floor.
Mom: Kayden, what happened?
Kayden: I pooped.
Mom: Well, honey, you're supposed to sit on the potty.
Kayden: No! Boys are supposed to stand up to go potty!
- Jayme Spear

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Potty-Training Incentives that Work!

Sometimes toddlers need a little motivation for taking the leap from diapers to the big-kid potty chair. We've gathered some creative ideas for fun and effective potty training.

By Brooklyn Presta

Sticker Chart

Create a day-to-day chart and decorate it with your child's favorite superhero or TV character. After each successful trip to the bathroom, she can place a colorful sticker on the chart.

Potty Log

Purchase (or make from scrapbook paper like we did) a colorful journal and use it to write a personalized story of your child's journey from diapers to fully potty trained. Have your child star as the hero, of course. After each successful trip, add a little to the story with the help of your kiddo.

Coloring Book

Let your child color a drawing after each trip to the bathroom. After he's fully potty trained, you can treasure his art and remember the big achievement.

Books

Books can be incentives in a number of ways. Try one of these ideas to get toddlers reading and potty training:

* Keep a stash of books in the bathroom that are only for use while on the toilet.

* Get your toddler comfortable in bathroom by having him sit on the toilet fully clothed as you read a book. When he's ready, have him sit without the diaper.

* Take a trip to the bookstore and have your child pick out new books, but let him read the special potty books only when going to the bathroom.

Drink & Wet Doll

Buy a potty-training "drink and wet" doll and have your toddlerteach her baby how to go to the bathroom. By teaching the doll, she will be potty training herself without even knowing it.

Door Hanger

Make the bathroom a fun space by having your toddlerdecorate a door hanger and signs with stickers, markers, and puffy paint.

Big-Kid Underwear

Let your kiddo pick out new underwear with bright patterns or favorite TV characters as encouragement, and tell him he's ready to wear them like other big kids. He might want to try the underwear over his diaper first, but the building curiosity can lead to success.

Water Colors

Dye the toilet water with red or blue food coloring -- when he goes potty it will change color to orange or green, turning potty training into a game. As your little boy gets older, he will love this motivation as he learns to aim.

M&Ms

Put a small bowl on the counter to fill with M&Ms, poker chips, or marbles for every victorious potty trip. When the bowl is full, give your child a reward. Your little one will be proud of successful bathroom trips and look forward to a little treat.

Reward Bag

Put several inexpensive toys and stickers into a colorful gift bag. Every time your child uses the toilet, allow him to take one surprise out of the bag.

Personalize the Potty

Using stickers is an easy way to decorate the potty chair. Let your little one place her favorite stickers on the potty -- having a personalized chair will make her more excited to train.

Help from His Lovey

If your child is still attached to his comfort item, let him take that to the potty with him. It will give him a sense of security as he moves into this next big step.

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Savings Experiment: New Year's Resolution

2-4 JAN 2012

Little Girl,
You are so precious and sweet.
I spent the night with you on Monday and then watched you all day Tuesday, while your daddy played his play station thingy.  Well, he also did laundry, sort of, lol.  He folded it while I cycled it. While you took your nap, daddy watched you and I cleaned out the mud room...your mommy's two cats (O&B) are really old and therefore, messy.  The poop makes your daddy puke, and I can take everything, almost.
You are such a good little girl.  You can play by yourself and be just fine!  Which is why I am able to get so much housework done, while you and I play at the same time.  You love to sing and dance!  When you were younger, not so much.  You were so timid.  But I dance and sing with you all the time, except when there are other people around!
You saw snow for your first time, well not really.  You saw it last year, but I am sure you don't remember it!  So it is your second - first time!  You call it 'no.  It is so cute.  I kept taking you outside on the back deck to feel the snow with your hands.  Then we would run back inside real quick, because it was so cold outside.  26 degrees...burr cold!
You also say 'noggin for yogurt.  Sometimes you call everything 'noggin, just to keep us on our toes.
You say doggie, Daisy and Norma real well.  You love chocolate PediaSure, but I am not suppose to give it to you...but I do, because I don't think you get the right mix of nutritious food. You call it 'choco-choco'.
Your aunt, who lives in the basement with her son who is 2 months older than you, watches you 2-4 days a week and feeds you mac and cheese and other food that I don't think is good for you.
Anyway, today, you finally are able to buckle your own highchair buckles!  You have been able to do one, but not both.  Today you stood on the floor while I cleaned up in the kitchen and you kept hooking them up and coming to get me so I could undue them, so you could start all over again.  You did that for almost an hour.  And you kept pushing the chair around the kitchen while doing the buckles.  You are so cute!
You love to dance in circles while the music plays from all your various VTech toys!
I gave you a couple of different foods today to see if you liked them.  One is a banana cookie, you loved it.
The other was a bagel, and you loved it too.  You took it up and down the hallway while you pushed your little zebra, car and grocery basket.  You love the grapes out of the play food.
You love to humm also.  I use to do that all the time when you were a new baby.  I would humm while rocking you and patting your little butt.
You say 'appo' for apple and sometimes everything in the room you call 'appo'.  You love fruits and veggies.  I gave you your first orange last week and you loved it.  You call it 'o-e'.  You have an orange in your food basket and you call it 'o-e' too.  You don't like apples yet.  But you like apple juice.
The past month and a half, when I leave you, you cry.  I don't like that, but it's a stage you are going thru.  Your cousin downstairs is nothing but a cry-baby, always is crying.  His mom is always on the phone.  She is on welfare and her mother is a millionaire, I sure don't understand that.  Especially since her mother pays all of her bills.  Your daddy and mommy pay for all the electricity and gas she uses in turn for her watching you.  She also has free rent and she takes food and clothes from your stash.  Someday, it will bite her..
Anyway, I love you little girl, will log more later.  Sweet dreams baby girl!  Grandma loves you!

7 Tips for Baby Tooth Care

Start Before Baby's Teeth Come In

Start cleaning your child's mouth even before her teeth come in. Wipe the gums off after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth or a dampened piece of gauze wrapped around your finger. You can also buy thimble-like, soft rubbery devices (they fit over your index finger) to use for rubbing off excess food.

Take Care of Them Right Away

Once the teeth begin coming in, start taking care of them right away. Many parents think baby teeth aren't important because they're eventually replaced by permanent ones. But these first teeth preserve the spacing for the permanent ones and help Baby chew and talk. If they're not cared for properly they can decay, leading to a gum infection called gingivitis, which can affect the spacing of permanent teeth.

Avoid Cavities

The first signs of cavities in baby teeth are discoloration and minor pitting. Putting Baby to bed with a bottle of milk (or worse, juice) is notorious for causing cavities. Don't leave yourinfant with a bottle for long periods of time, especially if you notice he's no longer feeding and is just using the bottle for comfort.

Follow Meals with Water

Most infant foods easily wash off Baby's teeth with just a drink of water after meals. But it's good to introduce a toothbrush (choose a very soft one) as soon as possible, so baby can get used to having it in his mouth. You probably won't need to use the brush to actually clean Baby's teeth until he's eating only table foods (and has a significant number of teeth), at around 18 months. However, you'll want to gently clean your child's teeth with a toothbrush or thimble-like cleaner and some bicarbonate of soda if your toddler has eaten sticky, sugary foods.

Brush With Toothpaste At Age 2

Begin using a pea-size amount of non-fluoride toothpaste once Baby is about 2. Wait until at least 3, when your child is old enough not to swallow the toothpaste, before introducing the fluoride kind.

Regulate Baby's Fluoride Intake

Even though your baby isn't using a fluoride toothpaste, he should get enough fluoride -- important for preventing tooth decay -- from drinking tap water. Most communal water supplies have it added just for this beneficial purpose. Ask your doctor about fluoride supplements Baby can take once he's 6 months old if your tap water is not fluoridated or your child doesn't drink any tap water.

Schedule a Dental Exam

The American Dental Association recommends that Baby get his first dental exam at age 1, but most pediatricians agree that the first visit can wait until age 3, as long as you practice good home care.

If you take good care of this first set of pearly whites, you can establish good dental habits for years to come.

Originally published May 2001. Updated 2010.

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Loose Baby Tooth? Top Advice from Dentists

By Tamekia Reece

If you ask my friend's 5-year-old son, Cory, about losing his first baby tooth, you may as well take a seat because he'll give you an earful. He'll tell you about where it happened, what it felt like, how long he cried about it, what his friends said, and even what he was wearing at the time.

Cory was also proud to be one of the first kids in his class to get a visit from the Tooth Fairy. "Most children start to lose their baby teeth at age 6," says William C. Berlocher, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "Three or four of their teeth fall out each year, until all 20 baby teeth are gone by age 12." This guide will help both of you get through it with a big smile.

Is it scary for kids?

"Many are nervous that it will hurt or that they won't be able to eat," says Grace Yum, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist at Children's Memorial Hospital, in Chicago. Reassure your child that it might tingle a bit, but if she's in pain, you can always put a cream (an over-the-counter topical anesthetic like Orajel) on her gums.

Do the front teeth usually fall out first?
Most kids lose their bottom front teeth first, followed by the top ones, says Dr. Berlocher. If a top tooth or a back tooth is loose or falls out first, check with your child's dentist.

Is it okay to yank a very loose tooth?
It's better to let it come out on its own. Removing it early can be painful and may cause a gum infection. "Most kids are fascinated with wiggling a loose tooth and that's okay, but be certain her hands are clean," says Dr. Yum.

Is it dangerous to swallow a tooth?
Nope. It passes through the body, says Dr. Yum. Reassure your kid the Tooth Fairy will come if he leaves a note.

Will it bleed a lot?

Not if a tooth falls out naturally. Having your child rinse her mouth with water should take care of it. If the tooth was knocked or wiggled out, it'll likely bleed more. Have her bite down on gauze or a clean towel. It may take up to an hour for the bleeding to subside.

When will she get permanent teeth?
It often takes a few weeks to see the ridges of the new tooth, and a few months before it's fully grown. But sometimes permanent teeth start growing in behind baby teeth, says Shehzad Sheikh, D.M.D., a dentist in Sterling, Virginia. If they're more than halfway in, ask a dentist if the baby tooth needs to be pulled. Also check with her if a new tooth is crooked or discolored.

Pillow Talk 
What's the going rate from the Tooth Fairy for a child's first lost tooth? According to a recent poll of about 550 readers on parents.com, the most popular amount is $1. More than 40 percent reported that the Tooth Fairy left a dollar bill or coin under their child's pillow.

Originally published in the August 2010 issue of Parents magazine.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Teething Signs, Symptoms & Soothers

Teething is an important part of Baby's development. It can be an irratiable time for him, but there are many ways you can help ease the pain. Follow these tips to keep Baby comfortable.
By Nicole Salow

Teething Symptoms

Teething is part of your baby's development, and it can be one of the most painful parts of her first year. Most babies get their first teeth around 6 months, but they might come anytime between 3 and 12 months of age. According to pediatrician Lori Walsh, M.D. from Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago babies tend to become more oral at this age, constantly putting things in their mouths. It's a normal part of their development to start exploring different objects with their mouths. Some parent might mistake this for teething, but don't jump to conclusions just yet.

Sickness

You might notice your little one being extra cranky, not sleeping well at night, or running a fever. These are not necessarily signs of teething. He could be sick. Remember, kiddos are exposed to a variety of childhood illnesses at this age. Always talk to your pediatrician before giving him any medications for teething, just to be safe.

First Teeth

Around 6 to 12 months your baby's first teeth will start cutting through. Her first teeth are most commonly the two bottom front teeth. They will continue to come in sets of two. The cutting of new teeth can be painful for your baby so help soothe her by rubbing her gums with your finger.

Between 13 and 19 months your baby will start to get her first molars and canine teeth. The molars are the largest of her new teeth and tend to be the most painful.

Drooling

Before a tooth emerges, your baby is going to start drooling -- a lot. This may be attributed to the teething process, but it's also caused by this oral stage of development. This excessive drooling can cause an uncomfortable red rash on his chin. To prevent this, pat his chin with a luke warm washcloth or towel throughout the day. Pediatricians also recommend putting petroleum jelly on his chin to help ease the rash.

Teething Toys

Although teething hurts, there are many things to try before turning to medicine. Teething rings are popular toys for babies to chew on, as well as plush toys that are crunchy on the inside.

Homemade Remedies

All people have their own remedies for teething, and there are a lot of simple things in your home that can help Baby feel more comfortable. Dr. Walsh suggests trying a cold or frozen washcloth that baby can chew on. Also messaging his gums can help ease the pain.

Teething Medicines

If you still feel Baby is in a lot of pain, a infant version of benzocaine topical is one option, but it needs to be used sparingly. It numbs your baby's gums, but Dr. Walsh warns that you not use it excessively more than a few times a day because it could numb the back of her throat. For infants over 6 months of age, an appropriate amount of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used as needed for pain. Remember to always consult your pediatrician before giving her any medication.

Pacifiers & Baby Bottles

Parents are often misinformed about this point but it's okay to give your baby a pacifier or bottle during teething if it is one of her soothers. The truth is that baby bottles and pacifiers don't harm Baby's teeth, but what you put in the bottle can. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommending putting your baby in their crib with a bottle. They also recommend only giving your child bottles during meals this will prevent the liquids from sitting in their month and causing tooth decay. If your infant is getting fussy between feedings, give her a clean pacifier to suck and chew on instead.

Next Step: Cleaning Baby's New Teeth

Once his new teeth have arrived, just like adult teeth, baby teeth are susceptible to plaque buildup, leading to discoloration. Don't use toothpaste on your child's teeth until she is old enough to spit -- around age 2 or 3. Until then, brush her teeth with a small, soft toothbrush and water. You can also use your finger to brush her teeth.

Discolored Teeth

It's normal for baby teeth to be an ivory color, but they can become more discolored for many reasons. These are some causes, according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota: inadequate brushing, medication use, tooth or gum injury, weak enamel, excessive fluoride, newborn jaundice, or serious illness. The most common of these is inadequate brushing, which can be prevented by starting to clean his teeth at an early age.

Copyright © 2010 Meredith Corporation.

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Make Your Own Baby Food

Getting Started

Making your own baby food is easier than you think and less expensive than buying it pre-made. Plus, you can be confident you're giving your baby the best and healthiest ingredients available. All you need is a saucepan and a blender or food processor to get started.

Curried Carrot and Red Lentil Puree

Introducing your kids to different spices and textures at an early age is a smart way to raise an adventurous eater. Lentils and curry are a winning combo that your whole gang will love.

Get the recipe for Curried Carrot and Red Lentil Puree

Even Pears Get the Blues (Pear and Blueberry Puree)

Blueberries are often referred to as a "superfood," and for good reason. They're high in antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They make a great puree for wee ones and a terrific on-the-go snack for the toddler set. Coupled with pears (also high in fiber and Vitamin C) and a dash of cinnamon, this puree is a nutritional hit. It's also great as a smoothie or as a mix-in for oatmeal or your favorite hot breakfast cereal.

Get the recipe for Even Pears Get the Blues (Pear and Blueberry Puree)

Minty Peas

Why serve your baby plain old boring pea puree when you can brighten it up with the vibrant flavor of fresh mint? Mint is not only a flavor enhancer for peas; it also aids digestion.

Get the recipe for Minty Peas

Avocado Banana Puree

We all know that avocados and bananas are great first foods, but have you ever tried them together? They may seem like a strange combo, but it's a match made in baby food heaven, and the proof is in the puree. Avocados are rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E; bananas are a powerhouse of magnesium and potassium. Together they make one potent puree.

Get the recipe for Avocado Banana Puree

Mama's Chicken and Apple Soup

This soup is a household favorite because of an unexpected ingredient: apple! It adds great flavor as well as additional fiber. Give this soup a try -- it'll be a hit with the entire family, young and old.

Get the recipe for Mama's Chicken and Apple Soup

Creamy Roasted Mango Puree

Roasting any fruit or vegetable brings out its natural sweetness and retains more nutrients than other ways of cooking. This recipe is super versatile and delicious for the whole family. And it's so much healthier than store-bought flavored yogurts. Its sweetness comes from the roasting process and not from added sugar. Serve it on its own, make it into popsicles or drizzle it over oatmeal. Any way you eat it, it's sure to be a family fave!

Copyright & copy 2011 Meredith Corporation.

All content on this Web site, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only and should not be considered to be a specific diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual situation. Use of this site and the information contained herein does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Get the recipe for Creamy Roasted Mango Puree

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