Ode to the Potty!!

[KatherineIV]

Okay I am a first time mum and a bit naive...

When do you start potty training. I realise my son is a little young at the moment but he's already trying to walk and I was wondering when do we bring the potty into the picture?

A bit confused with this issue....

[rynosmum]

We are just starting - my DS is 21 months old.

He started noticing what was in his nappy and would ask to see it when he had a nappy change. I bought a little toilet seat and he wants to sit on the toilet before his bath. Last night, he was in the bath and stood up frantically trying to get out saying 'Poo ! Toillllit ! Poo !' I put him on the seat and although he wouldn't really sit still, he did it, looked at it and said his goodbyes before we flushed it away.

I'm hoping this is the start of a wonderful adventure !

[the_queen]

Hi Katherine,
You'll know when it's time, because he will start showing an interest in the whole toileting issue (just as Ryno'smum said )

My DD was over 2yo, she was probably about 26 months when I bought the potty and step (we bought it together, she chose them, we got a step so she could wash her hands, and also to get up onto the big toilet) but then I just kinda left them in the bathroom, and followed her lead. I'd explained what the potty was for, how it was a toilet for 2 yr olds, and whenever she wanted to sit on it, she could. If she wanted to put her wee's and poo's in there, she could. And it was very easy and stress-free really. A few accidents on the floor - but hey, that's to be expected. And once she'd started wanting to put her wee's and poo's in there, then I put her in knickers (again, she chose them at the shops). We started using Pull-ups at night time (she's still not night-dry yet, but that's pretty normal too) I don't think Pull-ups are beneficial to the child during toilet-training time. They save the parent having to do much cleaning, but I think when a child does have an accident, they're more likely to be aware of it and be aware of how yukky it feels, if they do it in knickers. Oh, that's another point, I don't think there's any need for "big girls don't need nappies, they're for babies" or "big girls do their wee's in the toilet" etc. I just said things like "it feels pretty yukky to have wet pants/poo in your pants, doesn't it? Next time you could put it in the potty and then it won't feel yukky in your pants!" And that worked for my daughter because she's quite strong-willed (to put it nicely ) and telling her what to do doesn't work - I have to make it seem like it was her idea (she's exactly like my husband ).

Anyway, hope that helps a little!! Don't stress too much about it - remember, every single mother goes through this, and every single mother manages to get through it OK. Just try to decide what will work best for you and your son. Good luck!!

[KatherineIV]

Thankyou sooooooooo much girls!! I was starting to get a bit worried... My mum was telling me from 12 months... I was astounded when she said that..

It's fantastic to be able to talk to mums who have recent experience...

Thequeen... I agree with not putting them down with comments such as "Big Boys don't wear nappies"... I think I will just wait until he shows an interest and go from there

Thanks again guys!!