What Are The First Steps To Potty Training And Is 16 Months Old Enough?

WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO POTTY TRAINING AND IS 16 MONTHS OLD ENOUGH?

ASHLEY - posted on 03/05/2010 ( 2 moms have responded )

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Heather - posted on 03/05/2010

My son was almost 3 when he started to show real interest in toilet training. Once we started, he did well, then he went through a short phase when he didn't want to, then back to it and hasn't stopped since. The good thing about him being that age, was we made a chart for him and told him he would be rewarded for going to the toilet like a big boy. At 16 mths I doubt they'd understand that concept.

Each kid is different, some start earlier and others later.

Amanda - posted on 03/05/2010

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16 mos wasn't old enough for my kids, but all children are different. Usually, the best time to start is when they show interest, go for a couple of houurs with a dry diaper or wake up from naps with a dry diaper, and tell you they need changing. There are many different methods for training, but if you start at this age, it will probably take longer to train. Start by getting them used to sitting on the potty. Sometimes you have to start with them sitting on the potty in their diaper until they get used to it. Then if they wake up dry, put them on the potty and praise them for trying. I recommend buying a book or getting one from the library that has several methods so you can find one that works for you. Also, stay relaxed throughout the process because it can be a frustrating time, but if you stay relaxed and realize that setbacks and accidents will occur, things will go much more smoothly. Some people punish their kids when they have accidents or won't use the potty, but that is a bad idea. It makes things harder than if you just have them clean up and say I know you will remember to go next time.