My son is almost 18months and I want to begin the potty training process. I know it may be early but he tells us when he needs to be changed by pulling on this diaper. I have no idea what to do or where to start. Is it to early?
Eighteen months isn't too early. I have a friend who loves this site and her 18 month old is potty trained. http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/
The American Academy of Peds has an excellent book on this topic that reviews the readiness signs and walks you step by step on what to do, how and when. It also has answers to problems that may occur along the way.
Both of mine had readiness signs at that age and we began to encourage the process without forcing it. Both were p'trained before the age of 2 1/2 100%. Good luck!
N.,
Eighteen months is pretty young, but your son is ready when he tells you he is. If he's aware and uncomfortable with being wet, which it sounds like he is, the first step is to start getting him used to the potty. You might want to start putting him on it occasionally with a favorite book or toy just to get him comfortable with it. Then put him on it when he pulls on his diaper, after waking up, and so on, even if he's already gone. Give TONS of sincere praise when he goes. Pretty soon, you'll be able to put him in underwear. When you do, don't go back to pull-ups or a diaper--it will confuse him. As a former preschool teacher who's potty trained a lot of kids, I've seen many toddlers go back to using a diaper when their parents aren't consistent with using underwear. Be prepared for a lot of accidents, and be patient with them. Also be aware that having a BM on the potty will take a lot longer. Good luck.
Is he your first? Sometimes first borns are harder to train just b/c they don't have a "peer" to watch! My son is the 2nd and he started potty training at 18 mo. He was earlier than my first! All that to say...don't get down if it doesn't happen for awhile or he decides to take a break! Just have the rewards ready!!! (M&M's, jelly beans, sticker charts, new underwear, etc!) My son just turned 2 and is wearing underwear. That is a huge incentive, once they get the hang of telling you and going on the toilet! Good luck! It's just nice to think about no more diapers, isn't it?!?!?
Stay warm!
Just be sure you have a 'kiddie size' potty and let him sit on it whenever you change him. OR... just change him and forget about it for another year... Most boys do not really succeed in the area of potty training until almost 3 or even 3 1/2. Push it too soon and you will regret it.
Girls are usally ready by age 3.
Why not try but remind yourself not to be disappointed down the line if things don't continue along your chosen path. Just remember we are all potty trained at one point or another. That is definitely a sign he doesn't like his discomfort from a full diaper. But he might not be disciplined inside to do it on his own yet so don't get discouraged. You just enjoy the little guy.
I start my daycare kids potty training at about 14 mos old (when they can walk confidently). I start by everytime I change their diaper I sit them on the potty. It's not a big deal, just part of our routine. After a while they end up peeing in it or pooping, and then we get all excited. After a few months of this they start to make the connection. I have found that it is 10 mos from the first sitting to being in undies and totally trained.
