Potty Training at 14 months

Susan - posted on 07/15/2010

My 4th child is 14 months and I can tell you from experience that they are all different. My daughter had just turned 3 my oldest son was just over 2 and my 2nd son was 18 months. This boy isn't really showing any interest. My theory is they are ready when there ready!

Beth - posted on 07/15/2010

My son (dOB 1-1-07) decided last night he wanted to start wearing big boy underwear and go on the potty!!!! YEAH!!!!! I have been waiting for this day for a while now:) I've been reading other posts and going by what I've read..... He is my oldest child so I'm learning the potty training tricks for the first time. I'm setting the timer for every 15 minutes and giving him a quarter every time he goes potty as his reward. He loves getting the quarters and being praised!! When do I start letting him go longer in between potty times? He's had a few accidents today but over all he's done well I think. I have him in underwear and he hasn't pooped yet(thank god) should I potty train for pee first and just do both at the same time?

Sarah - posted on 07/15/2010

They were 18 months. I was also preggo and the baby was born when they were 21 months old- so really it was bad timing! I'm sure you'll have a better experience!

Stacie - posted on 07/15/2010

Great...lol Thanks so much..BTW how were they when you started trying to train them?

Sarah - posted on 07/15/2010

Stacie- Ha ha! My 4 year old twins took forever to train! The next after that was a breeze... I don't know about yours, Stacie, but my twins are just so distract-able when they are together. I sincerely hope you have better time of it than I did!!

Stacie - posted on 07/15/2010

Ok I am reading all these ideas and all sounds like good ones, except anyone have any suggestions on how to do all this with twins? I have identical boys and am ready to start this process

Megan - posted on 07/15/2010

I suppose every child is different, if your child is ready then I think it's great. However, my son just turned 14 months and I cannot even begin to think about potty training him. I've always heard that the longer you wait the easier it is on you and the child. Personally I think I'll wait until he's at least 18 months maybe even 2 yrs. He's growing up so fast as is,I see no reason to hurry it along, afterall they are only little for so long!! Best of luck to all of you who are beginning this journey.

Becky - posted on 07/15/2010

Thanks ladies - I've been inspired to introduce my son to the potty...I don't think he'll be ready to be completely trained, but it's a starting point, anyway!

Jody - posted on 07/14/2010

I also wanted to add that in our experience (and my own opinion with my daughters who are older) I think it is MUCH easier to start a child with potty training when they have a bowel movement than urination. The simple fact is, you KNOW that look on their face (you know, the one we laugh at years down the road with red face and funny expression) when they have to have a bowel movement. I feel you should do both urination AND bowel movements together because it may confuse them if you only do one or the other as most of us do both at the same time.



Also-for those unsure of whether your child is ready, or they have never seen a baby potty before, you can get a potty and take your child in with you when you go and just set them on it with no diaper and just talk to them and tell them what it is and what it is for-babies DO understand us even though they cannot communicate it yet. It gets them used to being without a diaper and that way when they have the BM you try to set them down they won't get a little freaked out wondering what is going on.

Jody - posted on 07/14/2010

Desiree I think the original poster has a good idea with warm water on the genital area (although maybe not quite as often since your body doesn't process and eliminate water every 15 minutes) but we used that method on our female patients after having babies if they had C-sections or problems with going and it helped and stimulated the patients (men we never used it for, but obviously it works for the other mother) so I would try that. We try not to allow toys in the potty sessions because of the dips in the potty of course but also that way the child knows it isn't play time. You do your business, and you're done. Just like adults we found the little tiny chunky board books you can get at Dollar Tree Stores or Wal-Mart that are just the right size for their hands works best. It is good to have a set and switch them up unless he/she may have one they like best when going. Kind of like the guy who takes the newspaper to the toilet, I know we have found the same thing works well with our granddaughter ;)

If he gets up right before he goes usually it is just a matter of "Wait...am I not supposed to have a diaper on??" and just tell him it is ok to go in the potty. If he continues to get antsy then just wait a little longer. Potty training should not be stressful on the child (although no matter what it can be on the Mom or Dad!) and he should not get upset being in the bathroom or going on the potty. Just try and be consistent and of course use diapers at naptime and bedtime too for a while. (and store visits!)

Desiree - posted on 07/14/2010

I'm so glad this posting is here! Thanks! I was worried that I may have started too early. Max was doing great for like a week, even went in the potty 4 times in 1 day! I was so excited and realized he did get the concept but then 4 days went by and nothing!! I was bummed and put the potty away but then only a week later, 2 days ago, he seemed interested in the big potty so I broke out his potty chair again. We usually have success before bath and after nap but he gets so ansy so quick. I read, sing songs, bring in toys... I don't know what else to do. He always wants to stand up right before he goes. Any ideas on keeping him occupied? Other things that I do to get him to go are running water in the sink, letting him splash his hands in warm water. We also use a potty chair that plays music when he goes and he likes it a lot. Hope some of these ideas help someone! And way to go 'early' potty trainers! I am totally motivated again! Thanks!! Potty time, here we come! :)

Sarah - posted on 07/14/2010

I am cracking up at the people who think this is way too young and emotionally damaging! Is accomplishing a new skill damaging? Is keeping nasty waste off your skin harmful? ;)
I wish I had more energy to invest in my son in this area. Would love to put less diapers in the landfills, and keep his skin more well-cared for. And save money! ;)
I do think the idea of warm water sounds like a good one and may try it... If I have time. :)

Tammy - posted on 07/14/2010

All I have to say is wow!! My girls where completely trained @ 2 and my oldest son not till he was four. my soon to be 14 month old sits on his potty with diaper on when he follows any of us in the bathroom but does not want to go or take off his diaper. I use the clothe diaper with plastic liners during the day. And have few accidents.

LaToya - posted on 07/14/2010

I agree with Ricky. My daughter does the same thing. She can't stand to be wet and/or poopie. I used to work in a day care before I joined the military and even though the standard was potty training at 2 years no matter what, my classroom, which was 18-24 months and the classroom I started in, 12-18 months, both had toilets and the children had the option to sit on the potty during diaper changes. Diaper changing does not now, never has, and probably never will bother me but since my child is showing the signs that she possibly ready, I am going to let her try it. If she doesn't take to the potty, I won't force her. She advanced very quickly when she was born so I will not be surprised if she potty trains early. Ladies, if you feel that your child is ready, do it, if you don't, then keep them in diapers. However, if they are showing the signs, no matter what the age, don't try to put off the training. Children are advancing very quickly today and no matter how fast they potty train, learn to feed themselves, talk, count, or whatever, they are still your babies, even when they're 25 years old and have children of their own.

Kathleen - posted on 07/14/2010

great idea... my son just turned 14 months... I have to try it this weekend.

Meghan - posted on 07/14/2010

wow, my 3.5 year old isn't even completely potty trained. I can't even imagine trying to potty train my 14 month old right now.

Ricky - posted on 07/14/2010

For those who are saying its too young. In my case my 14th month old hates diaper changes and is starting to pull at his diaper when they are wet or poopy. He has hit all his milestones early so I feel that he is ready to start learning. And as a SAHM if I can stop spending money on diapers and start spending it on more food or activities with my son I'll be more than happy to do so.

Nicole - posted on 07/14/2010

I am sorry but it does seem quite rediculous to push your baby to learn how to potty train just to make it easier on you. I don't understand why people want to make their babies grow up quicker. I have had my last baby and I am so sad to think of the time when he isn't little anymore. Even Though changing diapers is not the most fun thing to do it is a special time. And it is not just about making sure to not force them to sit on the potty it is just the whole point of just not letting them enjoy themselves. Would you like to be sat down on a toilet every 15 minutes and have warm water splashed on your privates till you pee. It sounds more like training a dog than a baby when you say that he gets a treat when he does good.

Zöe - posted on 07/14/2010

I`ve just read through these posts with my jaw nearly on the floor! I`ve never heard of training a child so young - why the rush? surely its easier to wait a while. Usually potty training starts around 2 when the bladder is ready. I`m a trained Child Care worker and do know a bit about these things. Is this normal in the States maybe? I`m English and live in Norway, and both these countries don`t start yet.

Nicole - posted on 07/14/2010

Why so early? Usually people start to train around 2 years.

Janeai - posted on 07/14/2010

I didn't even think about potty training my 14 month old yet...she just started walking a few weeks ago but I guess I should get on board how can I do it for a girl??

Monique - posted on 07/14/2010

i love the idea of pouring the warm water on the penis, how interesting. ok, my son was born may 11 2009 and he advanced very well during his first year. everything but his teeth which didnt start coming in til 11 months. which is also around the same tiime i started potty training. at first he had his reservations but his potty has a button on it that makes lots of noise to congratulate the child when he pushes it. so i let him push the button, he really likes music so i tapped a beat on the pot while singing a song. now eveytime he hears the song he knows to sit on the pot. its never too early you just have to make it fun for them. you should know what your child likes and put it to work for you.

Jody - posted on 07/14/2010

I just wanted to make it extremely clear that our granddaughter is NEVER forced to sit on the potty. That is something anyone training a child to go on the potty shouldn't do and the child should do so of their free will. However, they do need to understand they have to SIT to potty (in our case since she is a girl) but she stands up when she is done or doesn't have to go and end of story. Some children advance more quickly than others and you have to go by your child, not whether or not you are ready to be bothered. Her father refused to buy training pants because he felt it was too stressful to be bothered (since he was too busy playing video games) and that is something not fair to the child. And Mel, you are smart to realize if you cannot devote the time to potty training to not insist on it or start full speed ahead. It really is a task overall and you have to pay attention and watch signals. Luckily my daughter has me if she isn't here to have her go. We now know if she is wearing a pull-up and she looks down she has 1) already peed or 2) has to go. If she's already went we say "Sweetheart, if you have to potty tell (Mommy, Grandma, Grandpa) and we will take you potty, ok?" Some parents get upset and yell or give up, but accidents can and will happen.



Kacy our granddaughter started out like that too. My daughter simply stood her up and turned her around. If it didn't work then she would do it again. If she did it again, she simply took her off. That is typical for the first few tries. And kids need to understand the potty is not a toy but a utensil. Just tell her simply "No-no, the potty is not a toy. We just potty in it and play with the toys downstairs" or my daughter would give her a book or a little toy she could hold in her hand till she went (which was never long). Mind you, the toy took a swim a couple times, but after a few times being told no, she got the hint. Don't be too forceful when you say no, or they may associate "no" with going potty rather than "no' having toy/feet/hands in the potty.



Our granddaughter also will sit for a long time examining books rather than playing toys or banging pots together, which also is different, but different does not mean "wrong".

Kacy - posted on 07/14/2010

My daughter sits on the toilet pretty well but she seems to want to play in the bowl itself with her feet! This is gross but she won't sit on it faced-forward. Any opinions on this or some tried and true advice? You ladies are all amazing :) Thank you

Stacey - posted on 07/14/2010

My son is 14 months on the 17th.
I cant believe you are all potty training such young children. \they are babies, they grow up so fast let them be babies for a while longer. The average age is 2 when they are more aware and understand. They should be able to tell you when they need to go not being forced to sit there!!
I defo wont be training my little man until 18 months plus when he is more aware.

Mel - posted on 07/14/2010

annalise is 14months this week. I thought she was ready for the potty about a couple of weeks ago in the morning she made a noise so I asked her, do you want the potty? She had seen my neice just go through potty training first hand and had shown an interest in it by keep sitting on it.

So took her to the potty, and I pulled a straining face and made the noise, and hey presto she did a pooh on the loo! woohoo.... I thought she was ready..

BUT, since that lucky moment, we have had no more success. even though I brought pull-ups.

I work so cant dedicate my day to getting her in the habit, so when she is ready is fine by me.

Good luck though! x

LaToya - posted on 07/13/2010

I was thinking of starting to potty train my 14mo. She acts like she's ready because whenever she is wet, she will take her diaper off and when I go to the bathroom, she sometimes follows me and her eyes get really big when she hears the noise and I've even caught her once or twice putting her foot up like she's trying to get onto the potty. Any ideas on how I should go about getting her started?

LeAnne - posted on 07/13/2010

my son is 14 mths and he is not even interested in the potty yet....he will sit on it with his diaper on, but when i put him on there without the diaper he gets upset and wants off right away...almost seems like he looks uncomfortable...but he does play with the toilet itself..so i don't know...maybe i will try sitting him on the "big" toilet instead of the little one...

Jody - posted on 07/13/2010

My granddaughter is now 14 months old and my daughter is potty training her. She started at 12 months when she kept whipping off her diaper and protesting when she had to pee. She didn't like it. She didn't like it even when she was an itty bitty baby to be wet! My daughter's heard all the BS about it isn't good for her from WIC to her pediatrician to what was her future sister-in-law insulting her telling her she was "emotionally damaging her child". I would like to know how it is good for a child that will stand up in her crib and cry because she hates being wet as soon as she pees? And whips off her diaper?



My kids are 15 and 22 and they both were different. One was potty trained at about 18 months (my oldest) and my youngest around 2 because she had some medical issues. When a child dislikes being wet to the point it is upsetting it is far better to try seeing if potty training will improve how they feel.



Our personal results are my granddaughter LOVES it. She even wakes up from a nap to go potty and during the night as well (and goes right back to sleep-when she was in diapers she didn't sleep as well). Of course she does get upset if she forgets or might have drank too much(and beware playing in water-they WILL pee!)-but that is NORMAL. All these so-called experts and studies out now cannot compare to hundreds of years of women being mothers and raising children. You and only you truly know when your child is ready. If you have the time and effort to devote to it then go for it and enforce it with others who interact with your child (daycare or even grandma or grandpa and especially DAD!) because consistency is important.



I do believe every 15 minutes is a lot and for some children may end in a lot of frustration(it would with my granddaughter) but that is why you learn what works for your child through trial and error. If they get so distressed to the point they cry a lot, fear the bathroom and/or potty, or get mad, then they aren't ready.



Oh and for you ladies with girls-what always helped is taking the girls in the potty with me-they would see I would sit down and my daughter did the same, and TALK to your child. Explain to them what it is, why we use it, and what it is for. Give her the TP to wipe herself, show her how to do it. Of course you really do it yourself, but it becomes a skill they become proud of and become self-sufficient. There are even potty books you can buy. I don't believe a child is ever too young to learn anything if a parent is willing to teach. I am not an expert, I am just a Mom with 2 girls and a lot of nieces and nephews and helping friends with their kids (boys and girls) and a beautiful baby granddaughter :)



Congrats on making it work!

Farrah - posted on 07/13/2010

Melanie, with 7 children, you probably have more patience than any of us!! WOW!!

Beth - posted on 07/13/2010

Thanks for all the suggestions ladies! I am still working on my 3 1/2 yr old son. I really like the warm waer idea because bribing hasn't worked yet. I am running out of ideas. my daughter is 14 months old and I'm thinking about trying to get her potty trained now so her big brother will go too. I'm wishing I started around 14-18 months with him because now he's so used to going in his diaper that he doesn't want to go in the big boy potty.

Melanie - posted on 07/13/2010

well i do have the opinion that you girls are crazy as my older 5 kids wernt trained untill they were ready and they were about 2-3 YEARS old... But HEY if you guys have the patience and commitment thats fantastic,, my 6th a girl born 11/5/09 can stay in nappies as she isnt ready and honostly i dont have the time or the commitment patience to bother... also im pregnant due early december, so once again im gonna have 2 in nappies.. I have had 3 in nappies before...

Farrah - posted on 07/13/2010

Wow, that it great!! I just bought a potty last weekend and have only put him on it once, right before his bath. I like your idea about pouring warm water on him! Thanks!!

Mimi - posted on 07/13/2010

i started EC w/both my boys at 3mo. my 28 mo is about 85% fully trained and will complete training w/him this week. my 14 mo i can count on both hands how many poos in his diaper since he was 4 mo- he holds it to go in the potty. i just time it after they have a meal and they usually need to go. some think it's crazy but i love not changing poopy diapers so it's worth the extra effort for me and my boys like being clean. i never force them to sit as soon as they get ancy i take them off. just make sure they are drinking plenty of liquids and eating lots of fruit to regulate them.

Colleen - posted on 07/13/2010

I was thinking that it would be nice to have one baby out of diapers before another baby comes along. However, I also realize that setbacks can occur out of jealousy or for whatever reason, but it would be nice to have her started...my thought is to just take it one day at a time.

Davina - posted on 07/13/2010

My daughter is 14 months and I feel she is no where near ready, My health visitor said between 2 and 3 is fine and whats the rush? Fair play to those of you who have already achieved this though x

Lynne - posted on 07/13/2010

My daughter is almost 14 months old, and I have not yet started potty training and after reading these posts am beginning to think I better read up & gear up & get ready.

Colleen - posted on 07/13/2010

I was very curious as to when to start with my daughter as well. I have enjoyed all the posts too. My daughter is now 14 months (05/12/09) and seems to be picking up on things fairly quickly. I have seen the baby books, etc that stated 16- 18 months for potty training is best, but I have to say if you think you and your baby are ready, then go for it. You are the one that knows you and baby best. We parents must trust our instincts...even the doctors are only giving advice. It is ultimately up to us to decide what is going to work and be right. Life is trial and error and a process...some things come quickly and others take a little more time. Whatever you choose as a parent goes! Live & Learn...and be patient with you and your child(ren). Keep going and have fun!

Holly - posted on 07/13/2010

my daughter was born 10th may 09 and has only just started walking a few days ago so have not tried her with a potty yet. Personally i think they are still quite young for that. We have started saying to her "poo poo" when we can see shes doing one and telling her shes either got poo poo or wee wee in her nappy when we change her. She relises shes doing a poo and tells us now when shes doing one, so i dont think it will be long untill we try potty training her. But im going to wait untill shes more steady on her feet. I will never presure her to do it either as i dont want to knock her confidence.
I have never heard of pouring warm water of a boys willy to make him go for a wee?! but if it works for you then i suppose its only a good thing. :)

Chanda - posted on 07/12/2010

Every child is unique and you as their parent should know them best. If they are slower with other things, it may take a little longer... if they are advanced in most things, they may pick up quicker than you think... it's all in the way you introduce it and how well the child will grasp the concept.

Chanda - posted on 07/12/2010

I'm not sure how to do it for a girl, but I do know that girls usually tend to pick up on things a bit faster. You may be able to slowly introduce the potty to her a couple times each day. My friend did this and then put "big girl" panties on her and she peed in them twice and was potty trained... simply because she did not like the feeling and also, she knew when it was time. I hope this helps.

Jennie - posted on 07/12/2010

All I hear are boys, my girl is electric if I put her in a potty to wait she is going to get anxious or at least I worry about that.

Hani - posted on 07/12/2010

well, i heard frm my China friends that they taught their children as early as 3 to 4 months?! can u imagine that??
By now, 16mths is able to go to potty by making sounds. Isn't it amazing??I wonder if my son, of 5/17 able to do that soon... we,parents put him on potty whenever he did a grump expression. in e end,he was able to poop in it.... well, need 2 try again for pee... once gets up, put him on potty

Madilyn - posted on 07/12/2010

look a little more into it. babies can start at birth. the diaper industry wants you to buy diapers longer so they came out with studies saying 18+ mo. My son likes to sit on the potty and is excited to pee in it. I wish I would have started elimination communication at birth though, then I could have avoided diapers all together. I was potty trained at 12 mo and my mom said that was normal then.

Julie - posted on 07/12/2010

You ladies are crazy. 14 months is way to soon for this. They are not ready. Ask your ped and they'll tell you the same thing.

Madilyn - posted on 07/12/2010

Im potty training too. I put him on his potty a couple times a day and he usually goes pee pee. I wish I would have started EC when he was newborn

Tahlia - posted on 07/12/2010

Mine was a slow process. Everytime he pooped his pants i'd tell him 'poo stink, jordan gone poo-poo's" followed by "jordy go potty' He'd laugh at me of course. And he'd repeat poo'poo to me. He still does it in his diaper, but he's getting better at letting me know before hand so we can go potty. Or sometimes he says nothing and just poins to the bathroom. Other than that i don't know what else to do, but if anyone else has tips i'd be keen in knowing too! Great idea of the water too!!

Pakisha - posted on 07/12/2010

Great ideas I'm getting from this post. My little guy turned 14 months yesterday and I started on Saturday with the potty training. I can see him becoming more aware of his "functions" now. Think I'm willing to try the warm water idea, and the reward system. He loves when I cheer and make a HUGE deal about him going on the potty too. Seems everyone is against starting so early, but I'm very happy to see there are others starting at the same age.

Meagan - posted on 07/11/2010

thank you. I've been trying to figure out how to potty train as far as peeing goes. My little man has been doing great with pooping. As soon as we see him grunting, we run him to the bathroom and let him sit there as long as he needs to, and when he finishes, he turns around to flush the toilet. I'll clap for him, and he knows he's doing something good and right, praise works on it's own for us.

Ricky - posted on 07/11/2010

Just to clear something up. I dont force my son to sit on his potty. About an hour before bed I have him sit on his potty and I read to him. If he wants off I let him, but he usually enjoys sitting there having me read to him. Because he is quite young and is starting out I only have him sit the one time before bed, and he gets a mommy or daddy toy (a kitchen utensil) if he goes.