Potty

[bradleyy]

Is there a correct age to start potty training your child? When did you all start?

[Eeeek]

There is no specific age it all depends on the individual child. They have to understand the concept of going to the loo and be able to recognise when they need to go otherwise it is pointless. My daughter is 27months and i am just about to start.

[spudqueen]

In my experience girls can be quicker at this than boys. I've 2 boys who were 33 months when I started (though he picked it up very quickly!) and about 26 months old. Circumstances dictated when I started, not their ages; My older son wasn't ready when I was expecting my younger son, and I didn't want to put too much pressure on him by presenting him with a brother and a potty too close together! For the younger one it was summer (a great time to potty train - they can run round half naked) and he just took to it, though he did insist on having a nappy on when he needed a poo for quite a long time afterwards!

[Hgrove]

The summer before your child starts playgroup (if s/he is going to playgroup) is probably a good time to give it a try.  In my daughter's case that is what I did, starting when she was about 2 and 3/4 yr old.

[Bangkok]

Apparently (and I don't know why I am posting this, other than you have no idea who I am), I refused to use a potty until I went to playgroup, at which point I saw everyone else using potties and insisted on using one.

 

Eeeek, can't help myself, really, terribly sorry.  Are you not a little old to use one??

[netty.m]

I have just potty trained my 2 1/2 year old boy.  He used to just wear undies in the house.  We had accidents but one day it all fell into place and so far he has done very well.  We have just moved on to the big toilet which is going ok. Good Luck.

[Solarjunkie]

Have to agree with spudqueen that summer weather is a great help - once a couple of pees have been caught in a potty, & the kid gathers it is the desired thing, the rest falls into place pretty quickly.

They need to be aware that they need to pee, & they need to have some way of telling you this - whether vocally or with a gesture. Personally, I think the discomfort of an old fashioned wet nappy encourages the kid too, as the modern ones can just feel dry.

I think most kids can do this at around 18 months to 2 years. The younger kids copy their older siblings, one hopes, and it's even easier!

[Le Chat]

My son was 18 months. We went on holiday and there was a grid on the patio. As he was running around naked, I said to him "If you need a wee, do it in that grid!" He duly obliged - When we got home, I did the same but with the potty! He never had an accident from that day on - he was fully "trained!" He's always been pretty quick with everything though, so I wasn't surprised!

[THFCUK]

i started my daughter about 18mths on a potty and she wouldnt take to it but one day when i was out shopping i brought a small toilet seat for children that sit inside your toilet and she took to it like water off a ducks back. there is no correct age but make sure they can understand what you are saying to them

[dirtyharriet]

I have 4 boys and none of them were clean and dry before 3.