Of course it’s padded, too
22nd October 2008
Lucy’s potty training was going fantastically — hardly any messes, consistent peeing in the potty and sometimes even on the toilet — but leaving the house was a huge 
problem.
My loud-noise-fearing daughter refused to even discuss going pee-pee on a toilet in any restaurant or store. You know those toilets with the long silver handle that don’t have a back tank and flush right into the floor? Generally pretty loud because of the bottom suction?
Lucy’s been terrified of them since she was wee. So the thought of sitting on one was panic-inducing for my poor girl.
This resulted in a few awful public accidents: After repeated asking around potty time if she needed to go, are you sure you don’t have to go, you must have to go?, Lucy would just…pee herself. And pee? Not in a diaper? Soaks everything. So we were back to a full diaper bag, with multiple sets of clean clothes, socks, even shoes.
But one day at the zoo — after many trips to public washrooms with me showing not ALL toilets were loud, and those that were we didn’t have to flush when she was in there — she built up enough courage and trust to go. And I tell you…the celebration in the squeezed toilet stall was epic. I didn’t care who heard me or the looks I’d get, my girl went 
pee-pee on a big public potty, and damnit she knew how awesome that was.
After reaching that milestone, the hunt was on to find a traveling potty seat. I found it a few days later in Sprawl-Mart: The (gotta love this…) Cushie Tushie Traveller by baby U. Around $12. Folds up well, is padded, comes with a washable bag. Did I mention the damn thing is padded?! Geesh.
It works perfect, and Lucy has never complained about being pinched or fallen in or anything. An excellent investment that will easily carry into the next baby.
Our next potty training challenge: Getting her to poop in the potty, and not in her nap time diaper. Suggestions?
Possibly related posts:
Eirinn never had a problem pooping in the potty (she has her father’s sense of humour about poop – it’s hilarious and any opportunity to talk about it is taken). But what usually happens with us might help you with Lucy. Maybe, even though it’s disgusting and it will be a habit you’ll have to break right after she’s ok with potty-pooping, you could make poop funny. Make jokes about pooping, especially while on the potty trying to go. Tell her she has to “squeeeeeeeeze the poop out”, making a funny voice.
And this is even grosser, but has she been in the washroom when you or Eric goes poop? Maybe if she sees you guys go and that nothing bad happens, she’ll be more apt to try.
By the way, this is officially the most disgusting comment I’ve ever left. Hope it helps!
I’m not sure if you’ve been giving stickers or sweet treat when she goes pee on the potty. I had been giving Kylah stickers every time she went pee at the beginning of her training. And then it happened so often that it would’ve gotten ridiculous. So my next challenge was the poo in the potty. I decided to up the anty a bit for her in the special treat area to motivate her even more. If she pooped in the potty, she got three chocolate chips (her fav!!) or a small sucker. Her choice.
I was totally against bribing with food at first… BUT my mom kinda talked me into it because it’s not like it’s forever (hopefully!). It’s just until you know she’s got the hang of it!
Just a tip from moi!
Laura
If she is in the habit of going during her nap then try putting her on the potty before she goes down for her nap. Have her sit there and perhaps read a nappy-time story. Sitting there for a few minutes she may get the urge to go… Like most adults who go the same time everyday…
Just a thought.
I thought I was the only one with a nap-time pooper !
We put her on before now and sit and read a story…sometimes I put the water on a little *gah and think about all those who DONT HAVE WATER and mine is going down the drain* bit it works so its worth it .. if not and she goes at nap I dont worry about it I just go over where we are supposed to be putting our poo and she helps me dump it (if possible) into the toilet then she sits on the toilet again after…just in case
I think she is just so completely relaxed and its quiet in there so .. the poo comes ! LOL
hey that’s the potty seat, I suggested you get…. LOL.. Mya loves that one, puts it on and takes it off herself…. Glad to see things are going well….