We’ve always had this on our toilet because my girl didn’t want to go in a “baby potty” she wanted to use the big girl potty. We put a step stool in the bathroom and now she can go take care of all her business by herself :)
Working at a daycare I have helped potty train about 20 children in the last 4 years. Things will vary from child to child, but In hope I can help with the suggestions we give most parents.
Firstly, potty training can be super frustrating one of the things that can contribute to this is that many kids can't fully control when they go potty until they are about 2 1/2.
First they'll start noticing that they are wet, then they will begin to notice that they will pee, then they will finally have enough muscle control to know when they will pee and to control whether or not they do so.
Now, that doesn't mean you can't start early if you think they are ready, but it will require extra patience!
Secondly, I know this is weird but it is ideal for them see that their parents use the potty. If possible the same sexed parent since they have the same equipment. Talk them through the process as you go.
"I am going to use the potty because I need to go pee. I am going to pull down my pants and sit on the potty (or stand talk about whichever you're doing). I'm finished and now I'm going to flush the pee away. Look! I went pee and my pants are still dry and clean! It is so much nicer than having a wet diaper!"
Let him observe a few times, he may volunteere to sit on the potty to be like Mommy or Daddy or he may not, but now you've opened a dialogue and can have a conversation about it.
"I think it is time for you to sit on the potty just like I do! I know you don't like it when your diaper is wet and this way you can stay dry! Let's try to go pee in the potty!"
Also, instead of Mini potties I highly recommend these: Topseat 6TSTE9999CP 000 Tiny Haney Potty Toilet Seat, Adult/Child with Chromed Metal Hinges, Wood, Elongated, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAR80ME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4zXnzbQASA39M
Good Luck! You guys can do this!
TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Elongated... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAR80ME
There are soft close versions available from other brands if you prefer. I liked the sturdiness of this one.
All metal hardware, magnet holds the kids seat up. My tiny 3 year old can put it up and down without a problem.
TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Elongated... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAR80ME
I have 3 kids ages 6, 3, and 2. This is probably going to be quite long.
For the baby, things you'll need are: bottles (Nuk Naturals are great, esp if mom may have been breastfeeding previously, the nipple is very flat) formula (you may have to switch formulas a few times as this is an adjustment for baby's tummy so don't buy too much of one kind of formula), a diaper bag (Target has some nice ones), diapers (size 1 should fit a newborn, also Amazon subscribe and save is great for diapers, we use LUVS brand diapers with Amazon Subscribe and Save), a stroller, a baby carrier (the Ergo is fantastic), pacifiers, swaddle sacks, a baby grooming kit, a bassinet for naps, etc.
You also need: TWO carseats (the Evenflo Sureride DLX is great, it rearfaces to 40lb, 40in, and then can be used front facing to 65lbs, 59in, and it stays in your car, no lugging around a heavy ass infant bucket style carseat, just grab baby, pop him/her into the baby carrier or stroller, and go). Make sure to read the carseat manual on how to correctly install them.
You'll want to have the newborn rear-facing, while the toddler can be forward-facing. Babies should rearface until age 2 at the bare minimum. No big puffy coats in the car, just layer and use blankets, and don't add on anything to the carseat that didn't come with it. Straps should be snug (if you can pinch up fabric at the shoulders, the straps are too loose) and flat against the childs chest, and the chest clip needs to be at armpit level. Straps must be at or BELOW the shoulders for REAR-facing, and at or ABOVE the shoulders for FOWRARD-facing. Read your manual for strap adjustment.
The toddler is old enough for preschool/headstart. In most areas, it is FREE, and through your local public school system. Call your public school system and ask if they have one, it will save you money on daycare.
For the toddler, things you'll need are: sippy cups (I highly recommend the Munchkin Miracle 360 spoutless sippy cup), plastic toddler size dishes/cutlery, a potty seat (they have a toilet seat with a built in potty seat on Amazon - I'll post the link below), a step stool, a toothbrush, a folding travel potty seat, toddler toothpaste. PULLUPS for night time. I doubt there's a 3 year old on the planet that's nighttime potty trained.
Other things you should have on hand: Children's medicine, infant motrin, childrens motrin, Zarbees baby cough syrup, Zarbees children's cough syrup.
Toys. Get them a snuggly stuffed animal to sleep with. Also, an LED nightlight for bedtime because the toddler may be afraid of the dark.
Establish a routine. A good bedtime for a 3 year old is about 8-8:30. Expect them to also wake up very early.
When you get them home, SIGN UP FOR WIC benefits, and get them on Medicaid ASAP. Inquire about qualifying for SNAP benefits as well. Make sure to also find a dentist for the toddler.
Link to toilet seat with built in potty seat ⬇⬇: make sure to measure your toilet first
TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Elongated Toilet Seat, Adult/Child, w/Chromed Metal Hinges (Elongated White) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00EAR80ME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Bz78Db5V4H2TE
https://www.amazon.com/TOPSEAT-TinyHiney-Elongated-Toilet-Chromed/dp/B00EAR80ME.
This seat is amazing! My daughter is very independent using the potty with this and her step stool