Backwards Potty Training?

Updated on March 02, 2008
S.H. asks from Mesquite, TX
10 answers

Potty training a boy. Sitting backwards towards the tank? or normal with back to the tank?? I have heard both, just curious if anyone has tried the backwards method and if it works????

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

thanks for all the helpful advice. My son is only 19mths now so i know it is still early, but he gives signs that he is almost ready grabbing at his dirty diaper pointing to the toilet and peeing in his bath water... :). I tried sitting him on the toilet but he is still to scared. i might invest in a toddler potty or attachment and see how that works. Thanks again.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Dallas on

I potty trained both my boys that way. Less mess and easier. I can proudly say that they are both standing to pee now... (haha..they're now 15 and 11!) but they were standing to pee by 4 or 5. I would do it again if I had another boy!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hi, S.!
I have 3 boys and all of mine started out facing backwards. I think they preferred it because it felt safer. It takes a lot of coordination and strength to sit facing forward while holding themselves up with one hand and aiming down with the other...especially an 18 month old. If they face backwards, there's usually no mess, and they don't have to be as careful about aiming. It was not hard to break my boys of the habit. As soon as they were tall enough and old enough, they wanted to be just like Dad. At that stage, have Dad make a conscious effort to encourage them and they'll do it the right way. By the way, don't get discouraged if he doesn't potty consistently for a while. My doctor said not even to worry about it with boys who aren't interested until 2 1/2 or 3. My oldest started showing interest at 18 months but wasn't completed potty trained until 3. Patience and no pressure is the key. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.A.

answers from Dallas on

Why does it matter? My sons did both, I don't think it matters. Sometimes even my daughters would sit backwards at first. I think they feel more secure being able to hold on to the lid then feeling like they could fall in at any second. A little potty for training helps out.
Once he's got the important things down, like just get to the potty no matter how you sit or stand before you go. Then, have him stand in with dad. If you are against him learning from example of his same sexed parent, then start telling him when he's older I guess and he'll eventually figure it out by high school hopefully!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have two boys. 6 1/2 and my youngest will be 2 March 4. My oldest sat backwards to learn. He started when he was 2 1/2. By the time he was three he was going to the potty and standing up. My youngest has already started to potty train. He tells me when he needs to go and I take him. He sits backwards. He is still a little short to stand up, but too tall to stand on a stool. So he still needs help getting on the potty. I figure that in a few months he will be on his own just like his brother. My husband has taken him to the bathroom at church and he uses the urinal there. Good luck!
H. M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.D.

answers from Dallas on

Our son briefly sat on his ring facing forward. He was freaked out when I turned him around the other way (without the ring). Within a few days he wanted to stand and pee. He has never made a mess. He just leans forward and puts his hands on the folded toilet seat. It is pretty cute.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.

answers from Dallas on

We are in the process of PT our 2yr. old DS and it is helpful when he sits backwards because we have no "loose hose." However, he can only sit backwards with no pants on-so for the sake of consistency, it is difficult. If we are in public it is difficult to have to take his pants off etc. So my preference is backwards because it is teaching him to face the direction he would normally face while going potty but it is difficult. HTH

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Dallas on

Are you kidding....my girls are potty training facing the tank...they came up with it, so go with it...less mess and they seem to think it is more fun that way. Whatever works is what I say!!! Now they do it either way, but mostly forward...but the backwards is what got things rolling.

Y.I.

answers from Dallas on

Have him learn the correct way. If you don't you will have to deal with this for a long time. You will have to completely undress him for him to go every time because he won't be able to straddle the potty dressed. That means shoes off, pants off, unerwear off. Do you really want to go through that? My friend is the one that told me she learned the hard way because she had the hardest time breaking him of it. It took many years.
Lonie

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.G.

answers from Dallas on

im potty training and now and definatly backwards!! and when he has a bowel movement he sits up more and hovers his bottom over the toilet, and now he trying to learn to stand up and pee. so unless he can control himself and keep it held down go backwards!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.D.

answers from Abilene on

It just depends on your child. Which way is He comfortable just go with that. My little guy will be two in April he won't sit on the potty. LOL. My oldest was sitting normal b/c I was a single mom. He learned to pee like a boy when he went to school.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches