What You Need To Know Before Beginning Potty Training Boys and Girls

Let's face it changing diapers is not much fun and you long to start potty training. However, this is something that can't be rushed. You have to be sure your child is ready. If you push the issue it usually ends in tears and frustrations (could be both yours and your child).

There is no golden rule that says you must begin potty training at a particular age. All children are individual. Also potty training boys can often begin later than girls and it can take longer. This article will help you evaluate whether your child is ready.

Some level of communication skills is vital. Does the child understand the meaning of basic words such as wash, dry, wet, clean, dirty, stand and sit? Can they understand and follow simple instructions such "pick up the bricks and put them in the toy box"? Or do they need added guidance or repeated instructions? Are they able to communicate their needs to you? Do they mainly point and say a few words (and you guess or interpret the rest) or can they string some meaningful words together, perhaps even sentences?

You want to see some sign that the child's bowel and urinary control functions are developing. Does the diaper need changed every one/two hours or is the child able to go two/three hours or longer without soiling the diaper.

Is your child able to sit quietly? For instance, if you were to read a story would they sit and listen attentively or would they fidget, ignore you or even wander off after a few minutes? What you are looking for is a consistent pattern not the odd occasion when they are restless.

How independent is the child? Can they do some tasks all by themselves, such as pulling up their pants? Or do they need adult assistance?

Your answers to the above questions will help you decide whether your child is ready for potty training. Remember, you should answer truthfully not give an answer you think you should.

Make no mistake about it, potty training boys and girls can be a stress free experience for both you and your child if you start when the child is ready and not before!

Penny Crane is a mother of three young boys. She runs a Mother and Toddler Club. Learn how to fast track potty training boys with no fuss and stress.

What to Know Before You Buy Cloth Diapers

Recently a member of my Mothers of Preschoolers group announced that she uses cloth diapers. At first I thought she was crazy, but then she told us a little about them. First off, they are not as thick and bulky as they used to be, and they come in all sorts of colors, and patterns. Many companies make them, and offer inserts that you leave in the diaper, and when the baby has gone number two you just take the insert out and either throw away or wash. That makes cleaning up a lot faster. Our MOPS member went through a specific company, but since that meeting I have found many more online. Here are some tips, ideas, and other facts I have learned about cloth diapering.

There are several different kinds of cloth diapers. They are:

All In Ones

Diaper Doublers or Liners

Fitted Diapers

Pre-folded Diapers

Flat or Square Diapers

Hemp, Sherpa, or Wool Diapers

Polar Fleece

Pocket Diapers

Snap to fits

Soakers

Possibly more, but these I have seen on many sites. Every person has a different need for cloth diapering, and with so many different kinds out there it is nice to have such a choice. I have purchased a few different ones, in my search for cloth diapering. My favorite is the all in one, most likely because it is the easiest to use, it isn't expensive, it just isn't cheap, though it is cheaper than repeatedly buying disposables. I hope that wasn't too confusing. Pocket Diapers are nice also, but I think they look funny, and Snap to fits I think are nice because they can fit for such a long time, we bought cloth diapers that fit our 2 year old and our 6 month old at the same time.

Another thing I learned is that so many moms make cloth diapers, and they are not terribly hard to make, but it is important to use the right kind of fabric on the inside to keep it from wetting through. There are always covers that can be added to the diapers, but I do not like the concept of covers. There isn't anything wrong with them, it is just a personal preference. I do like that you can make covers out of almost any fabric though, so babies can look very cool in the summer in their cute, homemade cloth diapers. I have also read that there can be an asthmatic reaction to disposable diapers, and the products and chemicals in them are not good for the baby's skin, not to mention they end up going to the dump and can not be reused.

Cloth diapers themselves have come a long way, and now there are even some different accessories to make cloth diapering even easier. Wet bags, a bag that doesn't let the smell through can be used in the diaper bag to hold dirty diapers, liners can be rewashed or some even flushed with the baby's number 2 potty in them, and there are bags and holders for the home, like bigger wet bags, and there are still buckets, and even homemade wipes can be made for those who are really into it.

I like cloth diapering because it lets you use an olden days method, that obviously worked for hundreds of years, and is better for the baby anyways. Just getting past the initial cost can be a bit difficult especially if you are on one income, but just remembering that you can later resell the diapers on Ebay for about 75% of the cost you put into them might help that worry. And really it isn't like you get any of that disposable diaper money back, right?

Now that you know the pros and cons of cloth diapering, it would be a good idea to check them out yourselves, I have many sites listed on my website that sell cloth diapers and other interesting products for babies, and mommies, through pregnancy and infancy. Come check them out, you won't be sorry.

Cloth Diapering is Back! Everyone can enjoy the ease of use, the return of reselling them, and not having to make emergency trips to the store for more diapers. Check out my website for more information on where you can find great priced, and reviewed cloth diapers. The At Homer