REVIEW: Summer Infant My Size Potty

Potty training. Take it from a mom who has been through it twice, it is probably one of the hardest and most exhausting phases of parenthood. But in hindsight I can say this: it doesn’t have to be as hard or exhausting if you just have the right tools and strategies in place to help things go as smoothly as possible. Here are a few tips from my own experience and research that may help guide you on this journey of potty training.

First things first: They have to be ready.
I’ve read all sorts of opinions about when the right time is to start potty training and the ages were all over the map. Some say age two or three. Some say you can even start as early as 8 months. What, really? (Yes, I kid you not, I did read that somewhere.) The reality is that the age itself doesn’t matter as much as whether or not your baby is giving you cues that they are ready. What kind of cues? That they are able to stay dry for at least two-three hours, they want to watch you go, they are able to pull their pants up and down, they are coming to tell you that they are wet, etc. If they aren’t showing these cues, showing no interest or actually resisting, don’t force the issue. You don’t want them to associate going to the potty with a power struggle.

Be positive and consider a reward system.
Whether it be stickers, a lollipop for or a special toy/prize from the dollar store, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is to reward the behavior you want and to be encouraging/positive. Always tell you child they did a good job for trying, even if they don’t make it in time or have an accident. When it comes to potty training, there’s no room for negativity or shame. Be patient and be as encouraging as possible and with some repetition and positive reinforcement, in time it will just click. And don’t be surprised if everything is working and then all of a sudden there’s a week or so of regression. That can happen, too. Just be patient and try again. I’ll pass along what was shared with me, “You won’t be sending them off to college in diapers.” Keep in mind some kids “get it” in a week. Some take months to master it. It really depends on the child. Don’t compare your child to others…follow their lead and again, keep things positive.

Create a comfortable environment.

Try to pick a time when you know you’ll be home most of the day (and most of the week) so that you can allow your child the most opportunities for success. Public restrooms can be scary places for little ones. My kids were frightened by the very loud automatic flushes, the squeaky bathroom doors and those turbo hand dryers that stretch your skin until you see your veins (Ok, maybe that last one frightens me…but seriously, what is up with those, anyway?!). So if you can start out getting your child comfortable with using the bathroom at home then once they master that, you can tackle the public restroom hurdle separately. With my kids, I purchased cushioned potty seats that rested on top of the regular seat and hung on a hook attached to the tank when not in use. I also purchased a step stool so that they could rest their feet vs. having them dangle. I also stacked a pile of books near the potty…a few of which were all about going to the potty e.g. these favorites in our house, “You Can Go to the Potty” by Dr. Sears, “Potty Time with Elmo” and “The Potty Book for Girls” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. 

When I received the Summer Infant My Size Potty to showcase at our 3rd Annual Baby Brunch last month, I could not get over how adorable it was! And neither could my already potty trained four-year-old! It’s literally a smaller version of the big potty. That alone is enough to attract any toddler to it. But then there are all of the other fun features like the handle with a real flushing sound…the kids at the Brunch LOVED trying that out. And of course the built-in wipes compartment is so convenient along with how the tank can double for book storage. Summer Infant has literally thought of everything to help make potty training as comfortable…and FUN…as possible. 

My Size Potty
- Realistic design looks and feels just like an adult toilet 

- Handle features a flushing sound to reward children for a job well done

- Flip-up seat with removable, easy-to-clean bowl

- Built-in wipes compartment

- Clip-on splash guard for boys  

What did the Baby Brunch attendees think about the Summer Infant My Size Potty? “I’m thinking of starting potty training and this potty will make it more fun!”

“It’s so cute and the perfect size!”

“That flush sound is awesome…what a nice feature.”

“Love the splash guard for boys. They really thought of everything!”

“The price is so reasonable for this. I have to get this.”

See photos from our 3rd Annual Baby Brunch! 

For more information, visit the Summer Infant web site.