Olivia and the Five Toothpaste

Finger brushing had become a risky project as Olivia had developed a full mouth of baby teeth.  It was the fight that led to her clinching her jaw shut which led to me feeling nervous she would accidently bite my finger for mouth invasion.  Since her flavorless infant toothpaste could only be bought in a small tube combined with a baby toothbrush for about $5, I decided it was time to buy toddler toothpaste which came with the incentive of bigger tubes and cheaper money.  They averaged $2-$3 per tube but I soon learned there is more to toothpaste than saving money.

First, I tried Tom's natural flouride-free silly strawberry toothpaste 4oz--Olivia was willing to try but quickly refused.  Curiously I gave it a try and quickly understood that the weird sweet tingy taste was the cause of her rejection.

Second contestant, The Natural Dentist Cavity Zapper Groovy Grape 5oz--This time I tried it first.  It had a different texture almost chalky but the taste wasn't bad.  After much baiting Olivia tried it and rejected it.

Next up; Colgate fluoride free mild fruit 0-2yrs old 1.75 oz toothpaste--I didn't want to even dare give it to her it was GROSS.  It had a sting like novacaine and an insanely sweet taste that almost made me puke.  She actually asked to taste it on her finger and instantly stuck out her tongue crying to have it wiped off.  I'm at this point getting nervous about the care of her teeth.

And the last one before Toddler scores yet another point, Orajel training toothpaste berry blast for toddlers 2 oz.  I thought strategically on this one.  Since her infant toothpaste was Orajel I figured to stick with the same brand. Texture was consistent to that of their infant paste which she liked.  The color was blue compared to the clear infant paste. Upon noticing the different color she at first refused.  After some convincing she tried it and the mild taste wasn't a turn off.  This was the winning toothpaste for a couple weeks but we are back to using the Orajel infant paste with the big girl toothbrush.  *gahh*

In addition it is also importamt to note that her sister is spending the summer with her mother which made this transition harder as Olivia loves copying her big sister brush her teeth.  I tried brushing my teeth with her as a substitute but I don't get the same results--I guess I'm too old too copy, lol.  Now, I try to utilize my niece when she comes over as well as recruit the cool titi (aunt) aka my older sister to brush their teeth with her. 

As for toothpaste for Olivia the 2 yr old--Orajel is a good choice but I just don't think she's into the flavor aspect of it since she has reverted back to the flavorless infant paste.

 

Toddler 2 Mommy 0 blAHHH!!

A Pee Short from Potty Trained

My daughter is 2 yrs old. She's unbelievably smart and independent.  She is also quite the mean little helper, but for some reason she will not go pee in the potty, at least not on her own accord.  She will go pee when I tell her to but usually won't offer.  Some days she flat out refuses to sit on the potty to go pee.  She will turn into a surf board or curl on the floor where I can't get a handle on her.  She will alert me when she has to poop but not when she has to pee.  I even tried waiting to change her when she pees in her pamper or training pants but the discomfort doesn't usually phase her.  I've tried doing a pee pee celebration dance when she goes in the pot but still resistance.  I've even tried the naked thing--GROSS!! After an accident on my sofa I thought this isn't going to work. 

I heard girls were easier than boys to potty train, so what am I doing wrong? Obviously she understands the concept as when we are out she will DEMAND to go to the potty to go poop.  But why not pee?  I just don't get it.  Are there any potty training veteran moms with any clue or advice to give to this new recruit mom on this perplexing issue?

Toddler 1 Mommy 0 Ahhhh!!