And We Begin...The Dreaded Potty Training! Plus Earth's Best Potty Training Pants Review

My daughter, Sophie, just turned 2 on New Year's Eve. I can't believe how quickly she's grown! It seems like only yesterday that I looked at her sweet little face and held her for the very first time. Fast forward 2 years. Now, she can say most of her ABC's, is talking up a storm, and is always on the go. She dances, she sings, and she loves terrorizing...oops...playing with her brothers. She has a larger than life personality, and always lets you know what's on her mind. She's learning new things every day, and never ceases to amaze me with her clever nature and mischievous actions. I think it's safe to say, the sweet snuggle infant is no longer, and I have a very active, although just as sweet, toddler on my hands!

One thing she has been expressing readiness for is potty training. She has started communicating when she's going, although it's generally after the fact, and she will even tug and pull at her diaper as soon as she's wet. She has even begun bringing me a diaper and some wipes when she needs a change. Didn't I tell you she's one smart little cookie?

So I have decided it's time to start focusing on potty-training with Sophie. Sure, it can be a lengthy process, and there is no set age to begin. Every child is different, and they all learn and mature at different paces. The most important thing a parent can do to ensure success is to make sure that baby is ready for the change, both emotionally as well as physically. My oldest son, now almost 12, was adamantly opposed to potty-training until he was 3, despite my ongoing efforts. I tried EVERYTHING with him, from putting his favorite Teddy Bear on the potty, to rewarding him with stickers and hugs, to playing "Drown the Fruit Loops". He didn't go on the "Big Boy Potty" until he was ready. It happened in his own time, and that's exactly as it should be.  Since each child is unique, it's best to look for clues that they're ready to begin this leap into greater independence. Trust me, when baby is ready, they will generally give certain signals as well as express an interest in their potty!

One thing I have started doing with Sophie is giving her "naked time" and placing her potty in the room with us. This way, she is free to do what nature dictates without having to struggle with her clothing and diaper. Sure, this can be a messy way to begin, but it works for my daughter. I also put on a great DVD called "Once Upon A Potty: For Her" and allow her to watch this engaging video while having easy access to her own potty. She happily mimics Prudence, the cartoon character featured in the DVD, by sitting on her potty, too! We give her lots of encouragement as she learns what the potty is for, and when she sits on it, we clap and cheer her on. She hasn't gone to the restroom on the potty yet, but we're getting there, slowly but surely!

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Another great tool to help ensure potty-training success are Earth's Best Tots Potty Training Pants! I will say, we're a cloth-diapering family 99.9999% of the time. However, I do keep some Earth's Best Chlorine-Free disposables on hand for traveling, the occasional rash after Daddy uses too much soap in the diaper loads, and for trips to the babysitter. (The select people who watch the babies are not cloth-friendly.) Earth's Best is a great way to experience the convenience of disposable diapering products while being kind to the environment. Earth's Best Chlorine Free Disposable Diapers and Training Pants are available in several sizes, and are made with renewable resources and fewer petro-chemicals to reduce your baby's environmental footprint.

Since Sophie is expressing a growing interest in potty-learning, I decided to try out some of the Earth's Best Tots Potty Training Pants on her. I received a size 3T-4T for my review. They were a bit big on her, as she is very petite for her age, but she didn't seem to notice at all. These training pants go on like real underwear, and can be easily pulled on and off, even by little hands. They are also adorable, with a cute little alligator design on the front and the back of the training pants. They feature a super-stretchy elasticized waist, and even have a wetness indicator to show when the pants are wet. This is a wonderful, visual learning tool for budding potty users! For bigger messes when you may not want to pull the pants down, the sides of the Earth's Best Tots Potty Training Pants conveniently tear away, preventing smearing poo down baby's legs. This is a HUGE plus for me, as I don't like wiping any more poop than I absolutely have to!

Take a look at how cute these are!

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Front view. LOVE the Gators! (Yes, she just got shots.)

And the back! How cute is that?!

Overall, I am very impressed by the Earth's Best Tots Potty Training Pants, as well as their regular infant diapers. While I am not planning on giving up on cloth-diapering any time soon, these products are very convenient, as well as highly absorbent. I use my Earth's Best diapering products when we're on the go and during the occasional overnight, and I have had wonderful results with no leaks whatsoever. I love the fact that there is an effective, environmentally-friendlier disposable option available. So many disposables are full of bleaching agents and chemicals, and this is something I don't have to worry about with Earth's Best products. Less chemicals makes for a happier, rash-free babies if you ask me! And the impact on the environment? A huge added bonus!

So I definitely plan on using Earth's Best Tots Potty Training Pants as I dive into the world of potty-training. I have been using these during the day with Sophie and have had fantastic results. I still cloth-diaper her at night, since she isn't ready to be diaper-free just yet, but it's just a matter of time. I am hoping that this process goes smoothly and swiftly for Sophie. It's such a big change, but I truly feel she is ready to take this important step. Wish me luck! In the meantime, I'd love to hear any potty-training tips or tricks you may have. The last time I did this was a decade ago, and with a boy, so I may be a bit rusty! How did you get your babies potty-trained?

CONNECT WITH EARTH'S BEST:

For a variety of articles, tips, and advice from other parents going through the potty training
adventure, visit Earth’s Best Potty Training Tips and BabyCenter’s Potty Training Basics. The most
important thing to remember is to be sure that your child is physically and emotionally ready for potty
training and to leave enough time to make the transition.

Once you begin, Earth’s Best provides a variety of products to make the process run smoothly in an
environmentally friendly way. Trying using Earth’s Best Potty Training Pants and TOTS-Chlorine Free-
Flushable Wipes to inspire confidence in your children.

You can also check out other Earth's Best goodies like Organic Baby and Toddler Foods, on their website.

Earth's Best products can be purchased at many fine retailers near you!

Also, become part of the Earth's Best community on Facebook to stay on top of their latest products and promotions. Don't be shy! Join in the conversation and get to know other Earth's Best Mamas!


***Disclosure: As an Earth's Best Blogger, I receive products and information to facilitate my posts. No other compensation is provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***