You’ve done a lot of the hard work and potty training is now going well. To get things running smoothly you’ve been staying home and it’s been working. You’ve got a good system happening between the two of you and there have been relatively few accidents in recent days. You’re even starting to feel like this potty training thing is no big deal.

You wonder whether maybe it’s time to head out, to move beyond the safety of home. However, you know that potty training at home is very different to potty training in the big wide world but you aren’t sure how different and what to do to prepare yourself and educate your child on what to expect.

Just because it’s new and perhaps a bit intimidating, you can’t stay home forever. No really, you can’t! Of course, it’s tempting to put them in pull ups so you won’t have to worry about any potential accidents. The only problem is that it isn’t really sending your child the right message about the path ahead.

You know that your child can go for at least an hour in between potty visits so if you time it right you might be able to get there and back within the hour. Well, maybe. But bladders, especially children’s bladders, aren’t always like that. You know what it’s like when you get excited or nervous, you need to go to the bathroom more. Your child is like that too, only they can’t hold on like you can. So you may well find that your child needs to go more when they are out, not less.

So what can you do?
1. Explain to your child what will happen when you are out, how it will likely be different from home and any concerns you may have.

2. Get them to go, or at least try to go potty before you leave.

3. Find out where the toilets are as soon as you get wherever you are going and go straight away. It’s much easier doing this calmly before they really need it than in the rush of a sudden urge.

4. If you’re out in public, as you move around always be on the lookout for those tell-tale bathroom signs so you know exactly which direction you should head if you need to.

5. If you don’t have a portable potty with you, try getting your child to sit backwards on a regular toilet – some children find this easier because they have the wall or toilet cistern to hold onto and don’t feel like they are going to fall off the seat on to the floor.

6. Take some spare clothing, a couple of plastic bags, and some baby wipes and paper towels with you in case of accidents.

7. If they have an accident in a shop or restaurant – let the staff know and race to the bathroom with your child. Sure it is embarrassing but you won’t be the first. All you can really do is apologise – quickly – and leave a big tip.

8. If your child has an accident at a friend’s house then it’s your responsibility to clean it up. Best to take your own paper towels so you can quickly spring into action without having to ask for everything and make it a big deal.

9. Don’t forget to take your sense of humour – accidents or not, you’re going to need it. There may be several false alarms with your child wanting to find out what happens when they say the magic trigger word. If you feel this is happening, try not to get upset with them. Instead try praising them for telling you and being so responsible about their potty training, even though you know it’s not easy.

Good luck!

About The Author
Find more information on how to handle potty training road blocks and what other potty training sites won’t tell you, visit Potty Training. There you will find the advice and resources you need to succeed with potty training in the long term.

As previously stated, grandparents will hear an uh-oh or two on more than one occasion. One of those occasions is when something is broken. Your two first impulses may be to feel anger, as well as relief. After all, the item broken may be a prized possession of yours. With that in mind, you may also feel relief, as broken items, especially glass, pose injury risks. Depending on the age of your grandchild, you may want to have them assist you with the cleanup process, even if they simply hold the dustpan. Helping to clean up an uh-oh mess will help your grandchild understand cause, effect, and consequences.

Another one of the many instances in which you may hear an uh-oh or two is with spilt food and drinks. No matter what mess is created, it is important to remember that newborns, infants, and toddlers will have difficulty controlling their food, especially when first learning to feed themselves. You can take steps to help your grandchild eat and drink the proper way, although discipline isn’t always advised. When an uh-oh occurs, it may be best to simply clean up the mess, give your grandchild a bath, and a new change of clothes.

Although the uh-oh’s are a normal part of childhood, is it important to remember that you, as a grandparent, can take steps to reduce the number of uh-oh’s you hear. Many uh-oh instances are preventable ones. For example, be sure to remove all breakable items, including glass, from your home, and so forth. Taking steps to reduce or completely eliminate accidents in your home will not only help to calm your nerves, but it will also help to keep your grandchild happy, safe, and healthy.

As a reminder, hearing uh-oh can result in anger and frustration. No matter how much you love your grandchild, these feelings are normal, especially as first impulses. Should you experience these emotions, it is important to take a step back and reexamine the situation. As a grandparent, it is important to remember that accidents do happen. Newborns, infants, and toddlers often have a difficult time controlling their actions; therefore, your role as a grandparent should involve offering support and encouragement, no matter what the uh-oh.

Pick Your Time
The best time to cut your baby’s nails is when he is most calm. Many people suggest doing it while your baby is in a deep sleep because they will hopefully not move. Sometimes however a baby will wake up or flex making it a close call with the clippers. Others attempt to cut their babies nails while they are distracted, for instance when they are nursing. If your baby is intent on eating his meal, he may not care so much that you are playing with his hand. Your baby’s already soft nails will be softest right after a bath, so cutting them during a nursing session after their bath, before bed may work for some.

Pick Your Tool
There are many different items you can use to cut your baby’s nails. There are small clippers that were invented just for your baby; there are also small, round-tipped scissors that were created to easily cut a baby’s nails. You can even use a file to file down your baby’s nails. It is really an issue of trial and error. You try out each option and figure out which one works best for you and your baby.

Biting Your Baby’s Nails
One way many people “cut” their baby’s nails is by biting them off. Some people say this is easier and safer, reducing all risk of accidentally cutting your baby. It is something that can be done most conveniently during feeding when you can hold your baby’s hand in yours and take care of the task while they are otherwise occupied.

Accidents Happen
Chances are, at least once in your young baby’s life, you will accidentally cut him. He will move right as you are snipping and it will get his skin, or cut the nail too close to the quick. When this happens don’t feel bad about it. Remember, it isn’t the first time this has happened to a baby and it won’t be the last. Babies get over pain very quickly and with a little kissing from you, the cut will be forgotten by your little one. You will probably feel bad about cutting your baby, much longer than your baby will hurt from the cut.

Ask For Help
If you have a particularly wiggly worm, don’t be afraid to wait to cut your baby’s nails until you have someone around to help you with it. You may need someone there to help hold down your baby or distract him while you cut his nails. Keeping your baby’s nails short is important so they don’t hurt themselves, so doing whatever it takes, even if it means waiting for help, is what matters in the end.