SS: anybody know about potty training?

steprozz

so you may have seen my WTF Wednesday post earlier about DS taking off his diaper and pooping on the floor. I thought maybe he was just trying to change his diaper himself. well he just did it again- took his diaper off, came over to me, and peed on the floor.

do you think this is a sign he might be ready to start potty training? or maybe it's just a phase? he's only 17 and a half months old it seems really early for potty training, especially since I've heard boys do it later than girls. does anyone have experience/advice/thoughts on this? I'd really appreciate it!

snowpants

If he knows enough to take it off right before he needs to poop or pee then I'd say it's a pretty good sign that he's ready despite being pretty young.

If it's a phase and he stops knowing when he's about to go then potty training probably won't go well and you can just stop it and try again in a number of months when he shows signs again. 

steprozz

@joules235‌ yes please! I'm interested in everything you know! he is very interested when adults go to the bathroom and he likes to close the lid and flush.

steprozz

I think I'll probably try. worst case scenario we have to revisit it in a few months if he really isn't ready. do I need to get the special little potty or can I just get the seat adaptor for the regular toilet?

snowpants

stephross88 said:

I think I'll probably try. worst case scenario we have to revisit it in a few months if he really isn't ready. do I need to get the special little potty or can I just get the seat adaptor for the regular toilet?

I've heard pros and cons for both, so to a certain extent I think you just have to pick what you want and see if he's comfortable with it.  Example:  when some kids have a small potty chair they get used to it and might freak out at the idea of a "big potty" which sucks when you're at Target or wherever and he needs to go.  Some kids might hate the big potty to start with and you'll need a special chair to help them learn to go in the first place.  (See how unhelpful I am...sorry!)

FWIW, I'm the proud parent of a 2 1/2 year old non-potty trained toddler so take my advice with a huge grain of salt.  I WISH DD showed signs of potty training but she's perfectly happy to sit in her wet and/or dirty diaper all day and she's just starting to be curious when DH or I go potty.  FX that we can start potty training soon.

efino87

He sounds like he is ready! We started potty training my DD before 18 months. We use a seat adapter or in public places I just hold her above the toilet so she won't fall in. She is two now and we rarely have issues, even when we go out in public she is able to tell us when she needs to go.

My best advice is to dress your child for potty training success. Dress them in clothing they can easily pull off. If you are able to run around in just underwear and a shirt, it can be really helpful in the beginning. As far as actually potty training, I would take DD to the potty ever 45-hour, talk about pee pee and poop and used lots of praise/clapping for success.DD would follow us to the bathroom, so we would talk about what was happening and use praise after we went. DD still claps for us when we go potty.

With another baby on the way, two kids in diapers is not an option for us so we have worked really hard at this and have been pretty happy with the process. Just FYI I do still use diapers at night, she isn't quite ready yet to hold it all night. Best of luck to you and your family!

Julie&Micah

You might as well try and if it doesn't work out try again a little later. How great would it be if it stuck! Like others have said, there can be pros and cons to how you go about doing it, so research and decide what you'd like to try. I say this, but of course my kid isn't 100% trained yet either....so take it for what it's worth

My DD has been going in the potty about 3 times a day, but we can't seem to make the complete switch over yet. (she's just about 2 1/2) She expressed interest early on but I was afraid of 'pushing' her so young.....kinda wish I would have just tried to see if it would have worked. This week we are actually trying to cut the diapers completely....panties only.......today is day 2 and I'm completely discouraged. She now only tells me when she's actively going....not helpful. Day 1 was better than today :P

TonyaCody06

I just potty trained DD#3 in 3 days but she's 2yrs old.

I'd say give it a shot and it if is more stressful than effective, try again in a few months. 17mo is very early. He may just be exploring the Velcro rather than interested.

Katieluc106

Don't ask me I'm the worst. DD was just completely potty trained 2 weeks ago then refused to wear underwear or go near the potty. Back in diapers

tbmadeamistake

I'm going to start with C as soon as I'm home at the end of May.  Same as Joules, roll up the rugs, buy some panties, and have at it.  She's been interested in us going potty for a while now, and has started asking to go on her potty when I go on the toilet, so she's definitely aware.  She'll sit on it naked, but won't pee in it yet.  We'll get there.

A great book is called "Diaper Free Baby".  It's all about elimination communication (starting out without diapers for a newborn and having them teach you when they need to go), but it's got a great section on doing it with toddlers, so it's definitely worth a read. 

steprozz

ahhhh you guys have great advice!! honestly this whole process terrifies me I don't know why. unfortunately we have wall to wall carpet in the whole house except the kitchen and bathrooms so I guess I will be cleaning a lot of pee off the carpet. I didn't even think of him being scared of the big potty if we got him a little potty so I think we will just go hard and start right on the big potty. and I guess we are going shopping for big boy undies!

@Lilygrace48‌ thanks for the book suggestion! there are so many to choose from it's overwhelming!

tbmadeamistake

You can buy training pants that have a bit of moisture barrier, so there won't as much pee to clean up, but still definitely let the kiddos know when they are wet.  It might be helpful in the wall-to-wall carpet world!

Read247

When DS did that he was about the same age. We didn't try to potty train him right then because our pediatrician suggested against it. She said they have to be able to pull pants and underwear on and off, wake up dry more often than not, and be able to communicate with you that they have to go.

We did start taking steps towards it though. We bought the pull ups and bought him his own potty that has a removable seat so you can use it with the big potty as well. I think the intro at the early age helped him get comfortable with the potty, but I know some people suggest hard core training over the course of a weekend or week. You'll find what works best for you. Good luck!!