Time for the BritMums Carnival at the gingerbread house!

Many moons ago I signed up to host the BritMums Carnival and my time has finally arrived! Today I bring to you some brilliant posts from the best parenting bloggers about ….. potty training! Forgive me for the theme but potty training is currently headlining at the gingerbread house and I am in need of tips, advice and useful products to help ease the transition from nappies to big boy pants for my reluctant toddler.

The parenting blogging community have generously shared some brilliant posts. Whether the potty years are far behind you or you are in need of some advice please read on, comment and share.

At what age should you start potty training?

Mirka at All Baby Advice thinks you’re never too young and her eldest daughter was potty trained by the age of 15 months, it looks like her youngest is following her example!

Kirsty at Ruth and Rosie’s Adventures found herself dealing with a toddler who knew her own mind and decided when she was ready (or not!). Similarly, adventurous POD shows she is in training for potty training and keeping her poor mum on her toes.

Mari at Mari’s World bravely potty trained her twins whilst on holiday. I laughed when I read her post but through sheer determination it was mission possible, with a little help from Haribo.

Karen at Woman Wife and Mum has children of a similar age to mine and gives me hope that they might both encourage each other. We’re already following Clarina’s laid back approach which is working slowly but surely for us.

Useful and not-so-useful products

Catherine who blogs at Story Snug recommends a great book, Pip and Posy: The Little Puddle, which she says was by far the best book for potty training that she used. Her review can be found here and I’ve ordered a copy to read with my toddler.

Transatlantic Blonde made the biggest reward chart I’ve ever seen for her little boy and I’m thinking this might work well for my son if I replace the boring old stars we’ve been using for his favourite Cars stickers. Make do Mum has also shared her free downloadable potty chart which worked a treat with her daughter.

Sarah at Crew Cut and Newt went down the Gina Ford route trying out (one of her many best-sellers) Potty Training in a Week. This routine takes commitment, so Sarah packed the potty and de-camped to her parents for moral support and the use of their washing machine. The routine was abandoned by Day 3 but not before valuable lessons had been learned by all, most importantly that mother and child both need to be ready. Mummy Zen shares her useful top tips for potty training.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this BritMums Carnival. It’s been a real joy to put together and I’ve loved spending time reading new-to-me blogs and I feel more confident on our potty training journey. I’m going to end on a high note and urge you all to read Hayley’s post on keeping a sense of humour during potty training. It’s impossible not to when you see the plush wee and poo she uses with her daughter, as well as her laugh out loud Poo Gate post.

Image from Downs Side Up

Let the potty training commence.