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Profitable Potty Training
The age when a child becomes potty trained has interestingly
enough be come older and older over time. Many of us have heard our parents
or grandparents talk about how they were able to potty train our parents
or us at a fairly young age.
At first, this might sound contradictory to the usual advancements
in our society. However, in those days they did not have the modern conveniences
of today. Diapers were made of cloth and before the arrival of washing
machines these diapers had to be boiled to be cleaned! We think most of
you will agree that this was a strong motivator to get kids out of diapers.
The arrival of washing machines made that part easier, but the diapers
were still made of cloth and the disposable available were not very leak-proof.
Another contributing factor to earlier potty training was that most mothers
were stay-at-home moms who could observe and help potty train the kids.
All children have different reasons for wanting to be out
of diapers. It may be that they want to be like the big kids or are just
uncomfortable with the dirty diaper. However, with the development of
modern disposable diapers in perfect sizes and pull up versions just like
underwear, the comfort of a wet diaper has improved dramatically. Thus
making the child less motivated to get out of diapers.
For many parents there are various motivators to have their
child potty trained. The longer the child is in diapers the more expensive
it becomes. Another child on the way- two in diapers-is also a strong
motivator. Many preschools also have a requirement that the child is potty
trained prior to enrollment.
Many parents choose to potty train in the spring and the
summer, simply because it is less clothes to take off for every trip to
the potty. This means that spring is the peak season for buying potty
training equipment.
Potties come in two basic types: floor models and toilet seats to put
on top of a regular toilet. The floor models are either small one-piece
units or larger models with a loose chamber for ease of emptying and cleaning.
The larger models are usually higher and give the child a more comfortable
sitting position, especially if it has a nicely contoured seat with a
good back support. Remember that the child will be sitting for quite long
periods in the beginning before they master the technique, so comfort
is important. A small potty is very practical for trips and easily hidden
away when not in use.
The toilet seats that you attach to the toilet make life
a lot easier for the parent, as clean up is simple, simply flush the toilet.
However, for the child it might be a very big step and almost scary to
be up on the toilet, so a gradual training starting with a floor model
is often preferred. Some potties are made so that the top later becomes
a toilet seat and the bottom usually then can be turned over to function
as a step stool.
Toilets come in different shapes and sizes, with the round and elongated
being the most common. Most toilet seats on the market are made to fit
the round seats and therefore do not always fit the elongated very well.
A proper fit is important as the seat otherwise will move around, making
the child feel insecure. If the same toilet is used for older children
and/or adults it should be easy to take the toilet seat off, as well as
to put it back.
Old wisdom around potty training says that if you have a boy you need
to have a splashguard. The reality is that it is as much needed for little
girls! Therefore, a good splashguard should be a part of all potties,
as well as toilet seats. A softly shaped splash guard that is molded into
the product is preferred, as loose splash guard attachments have a tendency
to become toys and not be there when needed.
With the slight mystery surrounding potty training, it opens very
good possibilities for add on sales, without overselling the customer.
First of all, if the house has two levels, it is a good idea to have a
potty on each floor, as there might not be time to run upstairs. Many
children like a gradual training, starting out with a potty on the floor
and then going to the toilet seat. For the children who use a toilet seat,
a sturdy step stool is needed to help them get on and off the seat. Some
potties can be made into both a toilet seat and a step stool. This is
also a good time to teach the children to wash their hands after every
potty visit, so a step stool at the sink is a very good idea.
Most first-time parents feel insecure about how to go about
potty training and for them there are numerous books and videos to help
them. As one very successful retailer does every spring, she markets a
potty training kit. She packages a book on toilet training for the parents,
a potty training book for the child, a little potty, a potty-chair and
a step stool along with a coupon for a free gift. When the child is trained,
the parents return to the store with the coupon and the child receives
a small gift-the child is pleased to be rewarded and the store has made
commitment to the parents to help them and their child succeed.
Many retailers feel that potty training products are a small
and non-profitable category when competing with big box stores and mass
merchants. However, keep in mind that industry statistics indicate this
category is bigger than crib mattresses, so this can be a quite profitable
category. The parent looking for potty training products is usually very
motivated to get their child out of diapers and to stop spending money
on expensive diapers. With the right mix of products and a sales staff
that is well educated on how to sell a whole package, your potty department
can be both rewarding and profitable!
Bengt Lager and Luanne
Whiting-Lager are the owners of Regal Lager, Inc./Baby Bjorn.
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