too early to train?

[creativewarrior]

hi
my daughter is obsessed with her nappy - every time she does a wee she sticks her hands in there and occasionally when she poos too! is this a sign that shes ready for toilet training... shes only 16mths. she also takes her pants and nappy off all the time its getting to be really annoying - thankfully she hasnt done it in public yet

what is the earliest anyone has started toilet training and what are the usual signs that they are ready?

[the_queen]

Hi there!
Awareness of toileting is a common first sign. The other big one is the ability to understand and follow some basic instructions, so if she's doing that already, I'd say she's ready to start!!
If I was you, I'd take her shopping (I went to Big W, nothing flash!) and get her to choose herself a potty (we also bought a step, for washing hands) and some knickers (absorbent training pants are the best). Talk to her excitedly about how the potty is only for her, she is the only one who can put wee's and poo's in there, and she can sit on it any time she wants! If she can take her own knickers off, then that's fantastic. Explain to her that she must tell you when she's done something in there, and mummy will deal with it from that point on. Praise her when she wee's/poo's on the potty, and when she has accidents, just clean her (and the floor!) up and don't make a big deal out of it. Don't give yourself any time frames, just go with the flow and it will happen at it's own pace. IMO, things like Pull Ups are a waste of money for during the day. Get them for night-time, and for when you go out maybe, but when you're at home put her in knickers. There are pocket training pants available that you stuff with absorbent material, kinda like a pocket nappy. They're a bit more pricey, but worth it for night times IMO.

OK there's my sermon!! :rolleyes: Good luck with it all, and if she doesn't seem to be "getting it", then don't worry, just try again in a few months. My DD didn't show any interest until she was over 2 yrs old so there really is no hurry. :thumbsup:

[JodieC]

My cousins daughter was just over 12 months when she toilet trained her, i was seriously impressed :thumbsup:

[Lauz]

very very ready ;) not too early at all - see above for someones fantastic suggestions ...

P.S - next time you take a nappy off, talk about what is in the nappy, so when you put her on the toilet, she knows what you're talking about- "oh you did a poo... see"

ALSO

if she's taking a nappy off at night and it's driving you crazy- the best thing- undies over nappy- lifesaver ;)

[Tisme]

My Mum would say definately not too early as my brothers and I were all in undies by our first birthday ... having said that however I still have a 4 yr old who refuses to go to the toilet. So for sure if she is showing interest get her going!!!

[the_queen]

Some people would say, train 'em from birth!!! Ever heard of Elimination Communication?? I've read about it, but can't say I have the patience, perserverance or appropriate floor coverings to give it a go....


Elimination Communication (EC) is basically watching your baby's signals for when he needs to pee or poop, and then providing an appropriate receptacle (instead of his diaper) for him to use. Contrary to popular belief, babies are aware of their elimination from birth. From birth, babies control the release of their pee and poop. They feel the sensations of a full bladder or needing to have a bowel movement, and are able to then release it as needed. Babies signal this need to eliminate the same way they signal their other needs like hunger, thirst, needing to be held, needing mom, etc. Conventionally diapered children learn that the appropriate place to eliminate is in their diaper. They also learn to tune out their elimination needs after a few months and become less aware of the feelings of a soiled diaper. Elimination Communication is not about early potty training, though that is usually a benefit. Eliminiation communication *is* about communicating with your baby on a deeper level, helping them to stay aware of their elimination needs, and teaching them to eliminate in an appropriate receptacle. Please know that Elimination Communication is not for everyone. But, if you are interested please visit the websites below or feel free to email me with your questions. Our baby is 7 months old and we love ECing! ~Lisa
http://homepage.mac.com/imamom/ec.html
:thumbsup:

[Tisme]

hmmm .... must read that at a time when I am more awake ... thanks for that.