H.W. asks from Kingsland, GA on February 18, 2007
Best Time to Potty Train
My son is 16 months old. I wanted to know when would be the best time to potty train him. I don't want to start to early or to late. Please help me with this matter.
Featured Answers
V. answers from Sarasota on February 20, 2007
If he is starting to hide behind things when he potties in his diaper than it is time to start potty training.
More Answers
L.J. answers from Tampa on February 20, 2007
Both of my kids were potty trained as soon as they were hiding behind something like furniture to do the poopy diaper thing. They both were about a 1 1/2 old. They each did just fine. No mental issues on being potty trained by then. The thing is, you have to make time for them to potty train and praise them every time they use the potty chair. I also potty trained my grand daughter, she was a little older because her mother worked and didn't have the time or the patience. The biggest thing about potty training is they will make mistakes in the beginning but when they go potty in the potty chair "praise them like you've never praised them before!" Do the Potty Dance, jump up and down singing "(name of child) went potty in the toilet and repeat! My grand daughter loved this and she was potty trained in no time when I took over the job. They need to know that you are with them on this and their is no room for frustration.
K.F. answers from Panama City on February 20, 2007
hi, my name is K.. I have a six yo and a 18mo. My doctor just told me at his 18 month check-up to start putting him on the potty 2-3 times a day and let him sit for 5-7 min. Just to let him get used to it. Now I have some doubts, with my older son I feel we pushed him to hard and he didn't do it till he was ready anyway. He has since has problems that stem from holding his poop for so long, while potty training that he stretched out his bowl. SO whatever anyone tells you-- don't put a great deal of pressure on them. Make it fun. Make it their choice.
S.C. answers from Fort Walton Beach on February 21, 2007
It has been awhile since I did the potty training thing, but if I remember correctly I introduced the potty chair between 18 and 24 months of age but really didn't push the issue, basically I would ask them if they needed to go and if they said would take them and sit them on the chair. however my kids didn't like the chair so I got the seat that sits on the regular toilet and that seemed to help some, at least with the girls, my boys however were almost 4 before they would sit on it without flippin out then we told them they couldn't go to preschool if they weren't potty trained and that worked cuz they wanted to be like big kids.
I guess the key is don't push, just ask if they need to go about once an hour or so, they will go when they are ready. Oh and boys love to have things to aim at like cheerios.
V. answers from Sarasota on February 20, 2007
If he is starting to hide behind things when he potties in his diaper than it is time to start potty training.
J.R. answers from Sarasota on February 19, 2007
I would suggest waiting until he shows some intrest in the whole potty thing. I started my daughter when she was about 16 months old and apparently it was too soon because she's just turned three and is finally fully potty trained. My son is nine months old, and I will definately wait until he's atleast 2 before I even think about starting with him. Good luck, I H. you have a easier time then I did.
A.K. answers from Jacksonville on February 20, 2007
Unless he is showing an active intrest in potty training I wouldnt start now. It will just cause you headache and frustration cause hes not gettin it. Hes too young and you should probably wait till he is about 2-3yrs old. Trust me i learned the hard way. Good luck.
A.B. answers from Jacksonville on March 08, 2007
My daughter just turned 2 and LOVES the video No More Diapers (there seems to be a shortage of worthy PT DVD options out there!) which I got with info on how to PT in 24 hours (it's easy to read and not very expensive at all too). I haven't used anything other than the video and putting the potty seat on the toilet, along with a step in front. I ask her if she wants to wear big girl underwear and use the potty like mommy does. I would definitely say to go to www.pottytrainingconcepts.com, they have a bunch of great items, no matter what you decide is best for you and your child.
B.G. answers from Tampa on February 19, 2007
I have a 20 month old daughter who came to me about a month ago and brought me to the potty so she could use it. It was so exciting. I was not even going to bring this up to her until she was 2, but she was ahead of me. I hear that this is not something you can make them do. I think your boy may be too young, but some of the signs are when they acknowledge their diaper is dirty, say pee pee, poo poo, notice the toilet, etc. I would wait until he starts to show some kind of interest in those things. I bought a training potty and a small toilet seat which my daughter uses both depending on what she is in the mood for. I also use pull-ups sometimes. She likes those. It is a lot of work. Good Luck.
B.
Email