It is not until you become a parent that you find yourself talking about pee and poop on our regular basis. Never have I been so attuned to someone else's bowel movements as when my son woke up one more morning and decided today was THE day. Today was the day he was going to wear underwear. To be honest I have been have heartedly trying to potty train him for well over a year and giving it my best shot the best few months. We would have moderate success with him using the toilet, but then he would launch into his "not today" mantra and all progress would seem to come to an abrupt halt over night. Ever since that blessed day when he announced he would underwear we have not turned back.

I know many of you are in the same boat, so here are a few of my favorite potty training essentials:

Primo Folding Toilet Seat: This seat is compact (folds into fourths) is relatively sturdy and has handles. Nowadays, I always have this toilet seat in my bag with me. We have used it non stop when we are out and about. This seat prevents Jasper from gripping the sides of public toilets and makes him feel more secure with the smaller opening.

Hanna Andersson Training Underwear: They are tripled layered in all the right places (different for boys and girls) and in the event of an accident the added layers buy you some extra time before it seeps through onto their pants.

Honest Hand Sanitizer Spray: I cannot tell you how often public bathrooms are out of soap. The regular hand sanitizer makes me crazy because after I apply it Jasper shakes his hands and there goes the hand sanitizer everywhere. I cannot tell you how many times the hand sanitizer has gone into my eyes and boy does it sting! I have finally found a solution- this tiny spray bottle of hand sanitizer to the rescue.

Prince Lionheart weePOD Basic: You would be surprised how difficult it is to find a toilet seat which is comfortable and stays put. This toilet seat is super squishy and suctions to the toilet to prevent movement while in use. In his early days of potty training having Jasper feel secure on the toilet was one of the biggest road blocks to our potty success.