Author: momsdiary26

Potty Training Toddlers: How to Easily Potty Train Your Little One

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Today we are going to talk some poopy stuff. Potty training it is— a real deal in every parent’s and child’s life. Potty training is about breaking a lifelong habit. The thought can be haunting and the task can be daunting for any parent. The first and the most important thing is to start it with the right mindset by being prepared for what is coming so that it doesn’t end up into a bathroom battle of sorts. With few basics in mind, we can make the transition easier and smoother. Here are some tips to help you potty train your toddler with ease.

What is the right age to start potty training?


The best time to start potty training a toddler is between 18 to 24 months. While some children may be ready earlier, most are not developmentally ready until this age range. Before starting, it is also important to assess if your toddler is ready. Signs that they may be ready include being able to stay dry for around 2 hours and being able to follow simple instructions. Also, they should be showing some interest in the process maybe when they do their own thing or watch somebody else do the thing.

Preparing for potty training

Last few weeks I’ve been training my little one. My experience with him was completely different that what it was with my first born. While the first one took only two days to be completely off the diaper, the second one took about a month to completely understand the cues. So the first thing we need to be prepared as parents is that each child is different and they will take their own sweet time.

Also, it is important to prepare your toddler. You can talk to your toddler about the process and why it is important to learn to use the potty. Use words like “pee pee” and “poo poo” often to make them understand the process in simple terms. Sensitizing your little one with books and movies is always a good idea and makes the process so much fun and easy.

Also, you need to be prepared with the right clothings and equipments. Clothes that have loose fitting and are easy to take off and on are a good bet. It is also a good idea to invest in the right potty chair or a potty seat, training underpants. Some of the products needed are discussed below.

Potty training products

Potty chair

The most essential potty training product is a potty chair. Most potty chairs come with a removable inner bowl for easy clean-up, and some models even feature removable splashguards for extra protection. Potty chairs are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable and fits your child’s needs.

Potty seat

Another important potty training product is a potty seat. Potty seats are designed to fit on the seat of an adult toilet and make it easier for a child to use the toilet independently. Potty seats come in a variety of sizes and styles, and some models even come with a step-stool that makes it more comfortable to use. Go for the type and model that suits you.

Toilet training pants

Toilet training pants are also an important potty training product. They are designed to fit snugly and help a child stay dry during the potty training process. Toilet training pants are available in a variety of sizes and styles. While some people prefer cloth diapers during the process, some might prefer the ones with special absorbent layers that provide extra protection against leaks. Have a good time picking your favorite pants, may be with some of your child’s favorite character to make it more interesting for your child.

Books and videos

Books and videos are the best medium to communicate to your toddler. Books are my personal saviour too. I sensitize my child with books for every upcoming life event. It is not only highly effective in communicating the message but it also keeps my child engaged and entertained.

Potty stickers and training charts

Potty stickers and charts provide a great way for children to track their successes and encourage them to keep trying. You can celebrate every little success with the help of a little sticker just for them to know that they did something right.

How to potty train a toddler successfully

1. Start when your child is ready

The best time to start potty training your toddler is between 18 to 24 months. This is the time when they have the physical and mental capacity to understand the process. Starting too early might take a longer time to train while delaying it might also increase the duration while also creating health issues. As stated earlier, it is also important to understand the cues that your child is ready for the training process.

2. Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the key when potty training toddlers. Praise your child when they use the toilet correctly and provide rewards for successfully using the potty. This will help reinforce the desired behavior.

3. Be patient

Potty training can take a long time and some toddlers may take longer than others. Don’t get frustrated if your child isn’t picking up the process quickly. Just keep trying and eventually they will get it.

4. Use right potty training products

There are a variety of potty training products available to help make the process easier. You must choose products that are a right fit for your child— training chairs, seats and even potty training pants.

5. Set a schedule

Having a set schedule for potty training can help keep your toddler on track. Toddlers have a natural urge to pee once they get up so a visit is must once they get up. Also, make visits at frequent gaps so that they get the hang of it, even if they don’t do their thing.

6. Make it fun

Potty training doesn’t have to be a boring or stressful activity. The hardest part is making your child wait. You can always make it fun by introducing games or activities that your child can do while sitting on the potty.

7. Have a potty spot

Have a designated area in your home, specially if you are using a potty chair, for potty training. This will help your child associate the potty with that particular area.

8. Be consistent

Consistency is the key when potty training toddlers. Make sure you are consistent in your approach and your expectations. This will help your child understand the process better.

9. Take breaks

Potty training can be stressful for both you and your toddler. Take breaks whenever you need to, so that you and your child get a chance to relax and reset.

10. Accidents happen and that’s okay

Be prepared for some accidents in the initial days of the training process. Even when your child is fully trained, accidents are a possibility. This should not be something that leaves you wondering or bothering.

11. Be gentle yet firm

Children need to be told what they need to. However, spanking and screaming never seek results. You’ve got be gentle yet firm in your approach when handling your toddlers.

10. Seek professional help

If you are having difficulty potty training your toddler, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your pediatrician or a child psychologist can provide you with valuable advice and guidance.

Hopefully these tips will help you potty train your toddler with ease. Potty training is a challenging process but with patience and the right products, it can be much easier. Good luck!

Planning the first trip to Disney World Orlando? Here are the things you must know.

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Finally it was happening! Our long due trip to the Disney World was round the corner. We were grinning from ear to ear and our heart was kind of doing a happy dance.

I, as a mom of two boys (2 year and 9 year old) wanted to be prepared and have a plan of what should suit our family. The last thing I wanted was end up doing there a zig zag march past with a bunch of exhausted, hungry and cranky fellas!

Planning a trip to the Disney World is kind of a deal. It has 4 theme parks and 2 water parks, twenty three themed hotels, and various shopping, dining and recreation spots. There is no way you can do it all in one trip (or even a couple of them). However, what can be done is to maximize the experience. Being a bit prepared and knowing the basics well in advance can help you avoid some of the biggest Disney blunders.

We aimed for 1 day at each park, which I felt was good enough to explore. It was a winter trip in Feb. (however, Florida weather didn’t feel like one) hence the queues were manageably long and heat and humidity was bearably fine.

I made a list of few things that anyone visiting Disney for the first time should know for a win win.

Disney has an app to help you plan along your way

The My Disney Experience App is a must when planning a vacation to the Disney World. It is an ideal tool to review the wait times for each of the rides, book the rides virtually or even make dining reservations. It is also of great help to book the Genie+ experience if the wait time is longer. The Genie+ helps you get to a ride through the lightning lanes at an additional price which begins from $15.

Disney does allow food from outside

– Although many people have this conception that Disney doesn’t allow outside food like many amusement and theme parks, the truth is that it does allow food from outside. Carrying your own snacks at the parks is for sure going to up your game. You will pretty much feel hungry at odd times, after all that walking and activities.

It is a place that entertains all ages

Disney is not just an amusement park where you go primarily for your kids. The magnanimity and magic that Disney brings to each of its attraction lets families of all ages and sizes entertain and amuse. The thrill lovers have rides with unique themes that takes their excitement to another level while the little ones can have ample activities and unique fun rides. Additionally, Disney is a fun-filled place showcasing several shows, festivals, parades that you can enjoy as a family.

Disney is a physically demanding affair

– There is a lot of walking involved, somewhere from 12000 steps to 20000 steps. So yes, wear your most comfortable pair of shoes, drink a lot of water and take breaks so that you don’t completely exhaust yourself. Try to analyze your health beforehand if you are fit and ready for a physically demanding activity as this. Don’t skip taking your stroller (even if your kids are a little older). Consider renting a wheelchair if you are someone who has mobility issues.

The waiting time in lanes does not determine the popularity of an attraction

The waiting times are solely determined by the pattern of the crowd. While at one point of the time, wait times can be 10 minutes, the same will change to 50 minutes at the other point of time. Sometimes you will have way more fun in attractions with lesser waiting time than the ones than that made you sweat for eternity in the lanes.

Don’t forget to avail the Rider Switch when going with small children\

Rider Switch is great facility at the rides wherein you can take turns to ride. This is how it works; if the rest of your party is going for a thrill ride and you have a small child who has height requirement or doesn’t want to ride, you can let rest of your party go while you wait. When they are done, you can make use of this service and ride the same without having to wait in the queue again.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the plethora of information

Just having a basic plan works well when it comes to enjoying Disney. Disney world park guides available at the entrance mentions all rides and attractions with a small description and whether it has a height requirement. You will need to plan and improvise during the day.

You don’t need to be into Disney movies or characters to enjoy Disney

Disney brings the most unique and magnanimous elements to each of its attractions that makes every experience grand and immersive. So you don’t really need to be into Disney movies or cartoons to enjoy it. You may however not understand the craze and queues to meet the characters!

The greatest way to end the day at the Disney World is to watch their nighttime shows

The colorful extravaganza of the nighttime shows will take your Disney experience into a whole new wonderful world of fantasy. They bring out the essence of each park in the most magnificent manner and are quite popular among the crowd. This also means that you need to hold spots beforehand. The spots fill pretty fast, reaching the venue about 30 minutes in advance should serve you well.

Make dining reservations well in advance

It’ s advisable to make your reservations if you want to enjoy a sit-down meal option. There is a huge variety of such options boasting dining with characters, dinner shows or special theme and these book pretty fast. You can make reservations as early as sixty days in advance.

Pickup your celebration buttons

Pick up your celebration button if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or just grab a Disney World first visit pin. You never know when you will be surprised by a celebratory dessert or wished by a character.

Don’t aim to see it all

Don’t take the pressure of seeing it all. Split up the group. Take a lot of fun pics, shop for the Disney keepsake and stop by for refreshing breather of a drink or a street show.

And yes, chances are quite high that you will have withdrawl symptoms from the cascading and magical effect that the world of Walt Disney impressions on you for days even after your trip is over so don’t forget to plan for your next magical Disney adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preeclampsia is a thing, I hadn’t known about until I was diagnosed with it!

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Giving birth is painful. However, being a second time mom comes with a plus that you are prepared for what is coming. I too was prepared. It’s going to be yucky and I knew it. My stitches were going to strain. My back was going to hurt. My nights were going be sleepless. I had known it all. And I was so very up for everything.

However, this much of preparation wasn’t enough it seemed. It was the fifth day of my delivery and all of this happened. But it was a li’l uncanny this time. The swelling in my feet was not going by any means, the back pain had moved all over my back. The same night, I realized that my heart would choke the moment I lied down. I had sensed something different this time. My deteriorating health, a demanding newborn and the emotional and physical distancing from my first born— the transition was difficult, the turmoil was hard. My raging hormones and the pressure to keep the newborn safe (during the times of pandemic) was making it all the more harder. With so much confusion around, I decided to see the doctor in emergency. Dropping the older one to a friend’s home and carrying the younger one with us, I with my husband headed for the check-up.

All the vitals were examined and from the broader details what I could understand was that my blood pressure was quite high—something around 180/120. After around 3 hrs of check-up and wait, I was told that they suspect postpartum preeclampsia and I was told to be admitted at the very moment.

Now what was that?!!! It sounded scary to me. And a gazillion questions hovered my brain. I wanted to know all about it—how serious was that? Is it a temporary condition or something persisting? How long would I be able to recover from it? What about my newborn and his pediatric appointment that was due the next day? How long would I have to stay in the hospital? What about my kids if this is something serious? My whole world came tumbling down in moments and everything seemed so blurry.

We quickly did our research. Postpartum preeclampsia is a condition that can occur in women few days after the birth. It generally occurs during the pregnancy however, some women develop post their delivery even though they didn’t have any symptom during pregnancy. The signs include:

• High blood pressure, usually over 140/90

• High levels of protein in an individual’s urine, called proteinuria

• Headache, often severe

• Changes in vision

• Swelling of the face, hands, feet or limbs

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain, usually on the upper right side of the abdomen

• Decreased urination

• Blurred vision

• Rapid weight gain

This is a serious condition that can lead to brain damage, stroke, HELLP syndrome and death if not treated. However, once diagnosed, the prognosis for full recovery is good.

They prepared me to move to the postpartum unit and my husband with my six day old rushed home to make arrangements— to settle the older kid and to get the stuff from home. While I was preparing for the treatment, the staff told me that in these times of pandemic they are not allowing newborns once they get discharged. I was baffled, horrified and disgusted.There was none from the family and who else other than parents can take care of a six day old baby. After much negotiations, they allowed the baby to let stay which was one relief.

Immediately on admission to the unit, I was dosed with Magnesium Sulphate for 24 hours to prevent seizures. I was also given medication for BP and diuretics to get rid of the excess fluid were also given. The doctors closely monitored vitals. Urineanalysis to check the functioning of the kidney and the liver were done. To ensure that the condition didn’t give rise to any further complications to brain and heart a CT scan and eco test was also done.

Those two days were probably the hardest days of my life. I had faced those scary machines for the first time in my life. My trips to the labs were all alone and a thousand ominous thoughts crossed my mind. My incapability to hold the baby (since I was almost drowsy and felt really week due to the effect of Magnesium Sulphate) was almost killing me. I just wanted some trusted people by my side. I wanted somebody to tell me that this all is going to be okay. If it were not my husband with me who hardly shows worries through his expressions, I wouldn’t have been able to handle that overwhelming situation.

I was lucky enough that the reports were showing fine and rest of the functioning also was improving. Since my BP was stable, I was off the magnesium sulphate the next day. And I slowly started gaining some consciousness in the rest of my body. And the third day, the discharge was given and it was such a relief.

Giving birth makes a woman strong, but one with unforeseen and unprepared situation like this makes her way more stronger. This one came as an experience of a lifetime—although back then it looked as the end of the world. It’s been since then till today, everyday when I wake up and see my kids by my side, I can’t be thankful enough to the Almighty to be well and alive to appreciate the biggest blessings of the world I have.

Between the Extremes (A poem on conflicting emotions of motherhood)

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When you weren’t born, my mind was filled with thoughts so unsure,
But when you were blessed on us, you became my world, my strength and my cure. 

Seeing you crawl, walk, and grow is undoubtedly the happiest emotion of my being,
Yet the thought of you outgrowing my lap brings a tear in my heart and a reminder of time fleeing.

At times, my space and my time is something I so badly yearn for,
Yet the feeling of you not being around is so greatly I abhor.

When I scold or feel angry, for you not understanding the good that you are told,
The greater pain is mine and all I want to is give you invisible hugs, kisses and love manifold.

I nurture you, nourish you and do everything that gives you wings to fly,
Yet always want you to need me no matter how high is your sky!

I might want to be a nightingale of the woods, princess in the ivory or damsel of the dreams,
Yet find greatest joy in rattling toys, bedtime stories, silly chases and happy screams.

I want you to be the apple of everyone’s eye for whom love by all would endlessly surmount,
Yet want you to always be the baby who is mine and whose world in my arm would surround.

When I am stacked with the duties of a mother and the day just drains me to the core,
The time feels quick to have flown by and I wish if I could have soaked in those moments just a bit more.

You give me immense strength to know what my body and soul was capable to hold,
At the same time leave me so vulnerable with insecurities, fears, worries unknown and untold.

I might be complaining of my aches and pains and sleepless nights,
Yet, can’t thank God enough for having you by my side who I could cuddle tight.

It might appear to the world that I made you or brought you into existence,
But to me, its you who made me and let me know my substance.

No words can be enough to explain this ride so confusing,
Just a feeling that sums up this all the extremes of this amazing tale of raising!

A note on my baby turning one!

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My babyZee is one.

I blinked and the year went by. It was yesterday we brought our little bundle of joy home. It was yesterday, I got this unsurmountable feeling of handing a sibling to my older one. It was yesterday, we became proud parents one more time.

You are a blissful baby for us and a wonder for your brother who was, and still is more than amazed at all the baby things you do—your squirms and stares, and smiles and giggles and gurgles and babbles. Watching you, holding you, conversing and playing with you has been such a delightful journey. You in no time changed our home from a cool quiet place to a noisy household filled with a new flow of energy.

I could never had enough despite being a mom second time. You gave me some of the most precious feelings in the world.

You revived the joy of holding my heart out of my body. You revived that sweet smell of a newborn. You revived how the grab of those teeny weeny fingers felt like. You revived the echo of gurgles and coos and infectious smiles. You revived what it felt like watching your own made human incessantly. You gave the feeling of being the most desired person on earth for this new human. Thanks my darling for letting me live those moments one more time.

You gave me the joy of handing you to your brother. All the worries of changing family dynamics had all disappeared in no time when we met you. You both doting over each other are some of the most precious moments for me.

As a woman you made me stronger than ever before—surviving the incredibly difficult times of coronial era, coming out of the health issues that came along and letting go the people and energy that serve no purpose. Your birth told me the things I didn’t know I was capable of.

I must say, being a second time mom was quite different. I was now aware of how fleeting the times are. I was now aware how soon it will be when you outgrow my arms. I was now aware how soon it will be when you start to roll, sit, walk or sleep through the night.

So, the least I wish is to rush to the milestones. So, the least I feel is to be overwhelmed— by a long day, a clingy baby or sleepless nights. So, the least I wish is to crave for silence or a mess-free home.

Because I know, with every milestone, you are gonna leave behind a little of the little you. And I am so very much going to miss it. And here I am, already missing that squirmy, squiggly infant we brought home😌😌, since you are my big little boy today. I wish I could soak in those baby moments forever. But nevertheless, that little more will always be a little less I guess!

This year was such a blessing from God for all of us specially when the times were a little tougher for everyone around. You gave our little family of three precious moments to celebrate, to laugh, to be silly, and our biggest share of joy. I can’t be thankful enough for every bit of it.