Boxer style cloth training pants

Boxer style cotton training pants have now been added to the site. I'm looking forward to drawing a winner of our contest later today.

Hot Pants!

Making cloth training pants has been a trial and error process. I sketched my own patterns and have made numerous corrections. Now, I have finally got a great pattern for my waterproof daytime pants. I've made a few pair in size 2T and will now adjust my 3T and 4T patterns. I made these from printed PUL, which costs a little more than the solid colors...but it's so cute. I had actually contracted out some sewing of my cloth pants so I could devote time to adjusting my waterproof patterns, but that process has been a huge learning experience...and frustrating too. Anyhow, I am excited to present these pants and look forward to adding 3T and 4T pants soon. My goal continues to be to produce quality cloth training pants at an affordable price.

The drawing for the $25 gift certicate will take place at 5 p.m. (CST) on May 31st. Stay tuned...

Toilet Training Tips

I am sure that you can find toilet training advice anywhere: your mom, the pediatrician, Aunt Know-it-all, and now I'm adding my two cents. OK, with inflation, that's 18.7 cents.

1. Make sure the child is developmentally ready. For most children this does not occur before the age of two years. If your child cannot say "potty/tee-tee/poop" or whatever words you chose, it's not a good time to train. Some people will routinely place a child on a potty every two hours and say the child is toilet trained, but they aren't. The caregiver is trained. Sure, some well-intentioned friend will tell you that little snookums completely toilet trained at 15 months, but that isn't the norm. I know there's a new trend now, EC or elimination communication, I have no experience in this area, so I will not address that.
2. Strike while the iron is hot: Focus on those moments where you can have almost guaranteed success. What do I mean by that? If your tot wakes up from his nap dry or he is dry first thing in the morning, have him/her use the potty. She will surely "go" and you can clap, hoot, and celebrate this success.
3. Remember who is in control...and mom/dad, it's not you. Only your child can control elimination...or not. If you meet with resistance, back off. Toilet training is no time for discipline and losing your patience. This will only delay the process and it's not healthy for either one of you.
4. Be consistent. Once you start toilet training, follow through. No diapers on Monday then toilet training on Tuesday.
5. Praise, praise, praise!