Potty Training - Espanola,NM

i dont think there is a set time when every child should be potty trained. i think it is up to the child and how much time the parents put into it. my youngest was potty trained at about 9 months but he was already walking by then. and janelle,you already know about peeing off the porch. one thing i didnt mention about this peeing off the porch was that he thought he could pee anywhere. once we were at walmart and my oldes son was with him in the toy section. he ran up to me carrying his little brother and wanted thekeys to the car. i asked why and he said he was so embarrased because Jay had pulled his pants down and peed right by the toys. he was mortified.

Definately too young. I was a little slow, but I didn't even start thinking about it until a year and a half.... and then didn't really act on it for another year. You've got plenty of time!

Boy this is a hot topic. Culturally speaking, I was potty trained at 8 months. My mother is Korean and oriental's tend to potty train much earlier than most people here in the US. I am glad to see some responses for Elimination Communication and other positive advice.

It can be done, but it is more work on your part. But potty training can be a lot of work in the first place. If you want to take it slowly and always be positive. You don't want to scare the child of the potty. I would start by taking her to the potty in the mornings when she wakes up. Hold her in your arms over the potty. My mom used an old coffee can. That way she is cuddled. Let's see, try www.diaperfreebaby.org for more info.

Also, every child is different. My older boys had perfect control over their bowels from the age of 2 months on, but my youngest took a little longer. I watched them all. The two older ones were like clockwork, when they pooped and I recognized the signs. My youngest still pooped at night and whenever and so is taking longer to potty train. Know your child.

If you choose to do this, be positive and consistent. Most of my sons were potty trained before the avg child though not as early as their mom because their mom was lazy. lol I hope you do well.

No,
She does not have the communication skills nor the development to start this process. Wait till 2 yrs.

There is actually a whole movement to start training children to eliminate earlier than we currently do in our modern society. Check out www.pottytrainingearly.com for more info if you, or anyone else is interested.

I am curious as to why you want to try so young. Is she somehow interested? There usually has to be some sort of communication for that to be happening. I think 8 months is extremely young but I suggest you talk with your pediatrician.

My pediatrician recommended not starting potty training until the child was 18 months old at least. She said that until that time, the child did not have the muscle control necessary. I would talk to your doctor about the options regarding training a child so young.

At eight months? Honey! Give the baby some time to start walking at least. Not to scare you, but my kids weren't potty trained until they were over two years old! I really think you're jumping the gun quite a bit!

It's hard to tell whether you mean elimination communication or traditional potty training. You've gotten some good advice on EC resources. If you'd like to learn some other things you can do to help as you approach potty training a younger child, there's a class here on potty training in December:
http://www.bodymindandspiritabq.com

What's the hurry to potty train her?

8 months is way to early. I have spoke to my pediatrician about this several times, she says children don't have control over their bowels typically until about 18 months. So it's not even physically possible for them to control it. Now I know some people have trained their kids before then (not anybody I know but I've heard); from what I know they are just "catching" them before they go or know when they go to take them to the potty because children don't have the muscles to control their bowels.

You baby couldn't even take herself to the bathroom if she need to, she can't walk or reach the toilet..... I would wait until she can at least walk and is about 18 months old. Ask your pediatrician as well. Also, research. That is what I did and everything I found backed up what my pediatrician said.

Good luck.

At that age the one who will be trained is you. It would be a great deal of work and time. Suggest you wait.

Maybe you should wait until she can walk, that way she can go to the potty when she needs to.

She is physically and mentally not ready yet. Her little bladder isn't capable of holding urine for very long, and her little brain won't be able to comprehend the concepts involved with potty training. Don't push her into something she is just not supposed to be able to do yet!!

Hi J. -

I'm sure you have received several responses regarding your request. Most toddlers are not ready to be potty trained until they reach 18-24 months old. They need to be older to begin understanding the concept of the need to go to the bathroom. At 8 months, they do not have that capability.

Blessings,

M. M. Ernsberger

Yes, you can, but if your baby is not yet ready, then you are training you more than you are training her/ him. The baby should be ready for training - and some are not ready until they are two or even three. Others are ready as early as 1 1/2. Good luck!

Hi, J. -
By no means am I trying to sound harsh, but what's your hurry? I sometimes feel like everyone is trying to rush their children to grow up too fast. Your baby is 8 months old. I know there are Moms who would disagree, but it doesn't seem even remotely possible to me that a baby that young could even begin to understand what was being asked of them. Let her learn to walk - let her learn to talk - then potty train. Relax. Save you and your child the unecessary aggravation. Just enjoy your baby!

You can talk to your child about potty training but I think it is way too young to start. It will make for a very long proccess if starting at 8 months. It's also difficult if she can't hold herself up on the big toilet. She also won't understand about wiping herself and washing her hands at the sink alone. Her bladder is probably not ready yet either.
I stressed wanting my daughter to potty train earlier but she just wasn't ready. Now she is very proud of herself when she goes alone and is able to clean up by herself afterwards.
good Luck and be patient.
R.

If she is really interested in using the toilet then I guess you could let her try it. But 8 months is extremely early to start potty training.

If you are thinking about this...leave standard toilet training ideas behind and check out "natural infant hygiene"...or "elimination communication". A website "Diaper Free" is also a good start.
Unfortunately the best time to start is when a baby is newborn, BUT it is not impossible to look at the info and get some helpful ideas...if not for this baby of yours, but...the next?
Whatever the case...no pressure for you or child should be applied. Diapers through toddlerhood are not the end of the world.
If you follow standard training advice...I'd wait until at least 18 months unless the child shows interest by herself.

Umm..Whoa! Your baby is ONLY 8 months old! Let your baby be a baby. They grow up way to quickly. Why rush it, it happens soon enough.