Has anyone tried to potty train a 6 MONTH old?

Karen - posted on 11/19/2009

I personally was too sporadic with it at that age, but I have a cousin who did it regularily for her brood of four kids, and she never changed a poopy diaper after six months old. But its not so much training the child as it is training the parent. Like even a puppy, a baby has to pee when waking, when eating or drinking, and before or after a bath etc... its just a matter of taking the diaper off, and putting them on the little potty and if they do, then praise praise praise, if not, no big deal, try again later. but the sooner they associate the potty with that business then they expect you to keep them clean and dry that way, it worked for Ruth my cuz. another friend with 9 kids, had trick of one very special toy, the ONLY time they are allowed to play with or use, is when sitting on the potty, regardless of whether or not they do their "business".

Yahreevah - posted on 11/19/2009

This ? Reminded me of my Nana. She always talked about my uncle potty training @ 6 mnths (1949). Unfortunantly my Nana passed whn I was a little girl, so I didnt get her secreat when I became a Mother. What I will say is you should go with your gut feeling. Every child is 1 in a Mill. If your baby can communicate well enough, than go for it. I will tell you most boys are stubborn when it comes to potty training.

Keisha Renee - posted on 11/19/2009

a 6 mo old is not developmentally ready for this stage. they are just learning object permanace( you leave the room and they dont cry). I think it would be more appropriate to wait until they can walk independantly, as they are far more self aware.

Pamela - posted on 11/19/2009

I forgot to add ... before seeing The Potty Project video I swore I was going to wait until DD #2 was pounding down the door to try because DD #1 we started at 1 and it took until 3 1/2 (we did take some breaks), she was impossible to train. I figured I'd try the other technique of waiting until DD 2 said she was ready and hope I'd get one of those kids that trains in a day. But for the short time I tried w/ DD 2 she actually did really good. She had success several times a day putting her on the potty at diaper changes and would go long periods staying dry. Even pooped in the potty almost daily. But of course being not even 1 yet, it depended on us putting her on the potty ... not her going by herself.

Betsy - posted on 11/19/2009

Some do try this, but it isn't actually training. It is trying to guess when they will go, seeing signs of pushing and then holding them over the toilet. I personally think that is a waste of time, taking up more time than a diaper change. As for real training, going to the bathroom is an involuntary body function for babies. As the enter the toddler yrs, and at different ages for each child, the body develops as it becomes a voluntary action. For that to happen, the bladder and bowels have to send signals to the brain, a function not even close to being developed at 6 mo.. The brain must then receive the signal, register it and understand it, then send a signal back down to the bladder/bowels of when to hold and when to release. So if you are thinking of true training at this age, that is as plausible as any of us trying to control when our heart beats because it is an involuntary act. Some kids are physically ready at 12 months, while others are not until closer to 3. Then you follow their lead as emotional readiness comes after physical readiness. If you try to train before physical readiness, it always backfires, and those are the kids that tend to train latest. It is frustrating for them to see disappointment or being told they have to control something involuntary, so that associates frustration with it, and emotional readiness takes much longer.

Pamela - posted on 11/19/2009

I started trying around 8 or 9 months on my 2nd child ... but we were having issues with our 1st and it was too hard to deal with. But look for the video The Potty Project at your library. I thought it was very interesting. Basically .. they learn early beds are where you sleep and the table is where you eat because that is where you put them. If you "teach" them the pee & poop in their diapers for 2 years then one day say "never mind, I want you to go in the potty" that is why there is so much conflict. The video encourages starting as early as 6 weeks ... which sounds nuts to me

Andrea - posted on 11/19/2009

Not myself but my Aunt did have her daughter potty trained at 9 months.. but she hated to have a wet nappy and if she pooed in a nappy she had to have it off right away.. but she was also walking by then and she was talking more then the normal 9 month old baby.. I have a two year old boy and he goes but not all the time.. My daughter is 7 1/2 months old and i am sorry i don't even want to think about trying to potty train her at this age.. but she is a month behind in motor skills do to Gastrochisis.. But you are her mommy and you know what is best for your baby and you.. If you are ready to put the work in then i say go for it.. Best of luck to you and let me know how it works.. Hope this is helpful.. take care

Katherine - posted on 11/19/2009

I've actually heard of that and some moms swear by it. Me personally? I can't imagine it being very successful, but then again I didn't think it was possible to teach sign that early. But you know what? If you want to try it go for it, it's not like you would be the only mom in the world and I'm sure there are websites on it :) Let me know how it works out, I'm curious.

Chelsea - posted on 11/19/2009

6 months old is WAY to young my daughter is 9 months n i couldnt even imagin tryin to potty train her now

Susan (Jimmie's Aunt Susie) - posted on 11/19/2009

I know diapering is a hard chore but expecting a child to potty train at six months is very unrealistic because it is extremely developmentally inappropriate. My degree is in Early Childhood Development and I wish every parent could have some of the classes I've had. It would really help with expectations and help the parent understand where their child is at developmentally. You can Google the stages of development for infants and toddlers. There is also information on brain development that is interesting and can be helpful in understanding how we learn. It's more likely that a child will potty train some time between 2 and 3 years. One and a half is possible, depending on the child. If we try to force potty training before children are ready it can result in more issues than you probably want to deal with.

Makasha - posted on 11/19/2009

I don't know of any 6 month old babies who are potty trained. As a mom, I wouldn't want the headache - its hard enough to potty train a 2 year old. Either way, good luck.

Vallerie - posted on 11/19/2009

My two children were potty trained at 2 (we still have issues with night time though there 4 1/2 and 3). I have heard that sometimes pushing a child too early may lead to kidney or bladder problems as they grow older. Not sure though...I think its best to let them get into the swing of things on there own I worked on it but didn't push it. Also, I found (at least for some girls) if you take one day and let them run around naked (obviously at home) they rather would use the potty than have an accident down there legs. As bohemian as this may sound it took one day only and the next day they were in there panties.

Vixi - posted on 11/19/2009

i dont think you should be worrying about getin ur little 1 potty trained so early! enjoy them as they are!

Katherine - posted on 11/19/2009

My best friend's mom told me that my best friend was potty trained at 7 months, and her next sister was 2 1/2 years, and her brother was 12 months. Just pay attention to your child, when they're ready they are ready. (Take into account though that 25 years ago, it was cloth diapers and very noticable when they wet their diaper)

Lisa - posted on 11/19/2009

Why would you want to start that early. To me if you do that you are taking away their babyhood and you dont want to rush it. Are you already in a hurry for you baby to grow up

Ashley - posted on 11/19/2009

My oldest daughter was potty-trained at 3 years. I tried when she was 2 1/2, but she wasn't ready. And she wasn't one of those kids that grunted or made faces when she was about to go to the bathroom, so there were accidents everywhere. But when she turned 3, she told me she wanted to wear her panties. After that day, she was fully potty-trained - day and night, no joke. She's never had any accidents during the day or during the night. She's almost 5 now. I firmly believe in potty-training them when they are ready - it's way easier then, and there are less accidents to clean up.

Penny - posted on 11/19/2009

I believe in waiting until they are ready - when they start to take nappies off etc No mess no stress Trust me you are only creating more work for yourself - I understand the saving in nappies but truly you have to look at the time you would be spending cleaning.



Also every child is different some will want to start at one and a half some at two and some at two and a half. Does it really matter? Why push the issue if they are not ready. Then it won't click and they will be more likely to have accidents. I have six children and have only "toilet trained" one. The rest I waited until they started to do it themselves. The one I "trained" so to speak is the one who every now and then will have an accident at night. Though as I said before everyone is different. It's just that when they are 10 will it really matter when they started going to toilet or when they started to crawl or walk - maybe confidence is a more important goal.

Natalie - posted on 11/19/2009

Wow good luck, I tried having my sons nappy off to air his bum from nappy rash and crap went all over the carpet, not a pretty sight! I think just let him do it in his own time... but hey give it a go if thats what you want

Sarah - posted on 11/19/2009

Yes I have done all three of my kids and it does work but you as a mother and the father have to be consistant!!!!! To make it easier have a couple of potties one that stays by change table and one in toilet. Each time you do a change of the childs nappy sit them on the potty, wait a little, read a little book to distract then put new nappy on.. 10mins-15mins after they have food just take off nappy and sit them on potty, try to distract with a book or tv..only for about 3-4mins each time as potty is hard on bottoms at that age. Eventually it will be part of daily routine for you and for them. My first child was out of nappies at 19months and fully out of naps at 2.5yrs-3yrs. Could have been a bit earlier as she was dry for months all through night but I was scared to try without:)
Hope that helps and good luck!!! Sarah

Sarah - posted on 11/19/2009

when children are ready you will no. i waited till mine were 1 1/2 and they started to take there nappys off and got them a potty and sat the on it when they took there nappys off it was easier to wait for them to let me no when they are ready.

Louise (Weez) - posted on 11/19/2009

Hi, I think 6 months is far to young, at that age a child has no understanding of bladder or bowel control. As a mother you have some kind of idea when your child is ready to begin training ie; when they tell you their nappy is wet and when they have soiled or they show an interest in the potty/toilet. A child needs to have the language there to be able to communicate that they need the potty/toilet...starting a child to early when they are not ready will only lead to them regressing and causing the unnesessary stress. Be guided by your child taking things slowely for a more effective outcome. My little boy Harry was just under 18 months when he first began trying to take his nappy off and sit on the potty within the week he was in pants and fully trained! I think it's important to remember that all children are individual and are all at different stages of development dont always follow ages and stages of development as they are only a guide, all children develop and learn at different times...Good luck when you do decide to start potty training! :-)

Ashley=) - posted on 11/19/2009

my daughter was out of nappies at 12 and half mths in the day time only as it took her longer to go with out nappies at nite this happened at age 2&half.i never pushed my baby to potty train as i thought 12mths was two early.As she wanted to keep taking her nappy off and wanting to get on the toilet i took her lead.i think honestly its to young.just because i have never heard of potty training this young that is.but all moms are different you no best for your child.:)good luck

Cara - posted on 11/19/2009

yes it is very possible and successful you don't see third world mums changing napies or covered in poo! You will need to be in tune with your baby and be patient.
My nan did it with us as babies, she would have us dry by 6 months using routine and understanding baby communication. And she defo didn't watch us every minute of the day!
Have a look at
http://babyparenting.about.com/cs/pottyt...
sorry i can't link it! There is lots more info out the too!
Good luck to you
Cara x

Eileen - posted on 11/19/2009

Sorry but i agree with all these moms. Why would you want to train her so young? Yes nappies are expensive and all but she isnt even aware of the fact that she has these movements. most children start training only from 18 months some only later depending if they are in creche are not. you cannot force a child to grow up faster that it wants too. you are just going to struggle and cause problems for her later in life. Kids do things when they are ready not when we are.

Deborah - posted on 11/19/2009

I'd rather change nappies than clear out potties.

6months is rediculous, sorry

Anna - posted on 11/19/2009

I don't think that is possible. They just don't have the brain connections to even know how to control the necessary muscles. I do know people who do the freedom diaper thing. That means the baby doesn't wear diapers - the parents just have to watch for signs that the baby is going to go and then quickly hold it over a potty or over a bush if you're outside. But that is not the same thing as being potty trained. Most babies aren't ready for that until age 2.5 -3.5. You will probably just stress out your baby if you force it too early.

Sarah - posted on 11/19/2009

my little boy is 19 months and I haven't considered training him yet and probably wont until he's 2. At 6 months, they cant walk (some cant even crawl). They wouldnt be able to get to the potty and sit there without assistance and definately wouldn't be able to let you know if there was a problem so my advice would be to wait. My step daughter was nearly 3 when she was fully potty trained.

Annika - posted on 11/19/2009

I agree with all of the answers so far, 6 months is probably really a bit too young - at 6 months babies don't have much control even of the arms and legs, never mind their inner workings as well. Perhaps start giving it a go once your little one is a year, but remember girl also tend to pick things up a lot fast then boys, boys can be a lot harder to potty train. Just be patient, some things shound not be rushed to fast :) Best wishes xx

Ann - posted on 11/19/2009

Personally I think it would be a total waste of time. At most I would be wiling to bet your child can only crawl. Just wait till the child can at least walk, or be off a full liquid diet.

Kim - posted on 11/19/2009

They say you cant potty train until they are aware of their bodily functions and at 6 months they just arent sorry, personally I think 6mths is a bit early.

My son started at around 2 and was fully day trained by 3 it took a little longer for the nights but we didnt have many accidents, friends that tried earlier found they had a lot more issues, from what I have seen girls seem more interested in training earlier than boys.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Rebecca Lynn - posted on 11/19/2009

I started my son at 1.5 and he was fully trained by 3.

Mea - posted on 11/19/2009

I know a woman who had her son completely potty trained at 11 months. But it actually wasn't him who was potty trained, it was the mom!! She could tell when he was going to go to the bathroom and was able to get him on the potty before it happened. She was very observant and CONSTANTLY watched him. You know that look they get when they are trying to force a bowel movement? Well, he would get certain expressions on his face when he was about to go, and she would get him to the potty. She was the one who was trained, not him. He did not go on his own. She took him when it was time. Sounds like a lot more work to me than changing the diaper. My son didn't start potty training until he was three and waiting proved to be less of a headache. When he was ready, he did great. I think it's easier when they decide instead of trying to force it. Good luck, but six months seems way too young... they aren't even crawling/walking yet.

Elyssa - posted on 11/19/2009

can the baby walk?

Lanre - posted on 11/19/2009

I agree with Khristine, 6 months is pretty early to potty train, i will suggest you wait tiill she is 18months.

Nicole - posted on 11/19/2009

My son was potty trained at 2.. most of my friends didnt have success until 3 some 4. YEARS... I have a 7 month old daughter and I feel that potty training would be taking away from their babyhood. She is VERY advanced, as well... ALMOST walking. I know diapers are a pain, but its life.

Charity - posted on 11/19/2009

I STARTED POTTY TRAINING MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE 11/2 BUT NEVER REALLY BECAME SUCCESSFUL TILL SHE WAS 2 AND NOW AT 2 1/2 SHE IS 100% POTTY TRAINED.

Khristine - posted on 11/18/2009

Hello :)



I personally have not, or have known anyone to have tried to potty train a 6 month old. I think thats too young - because they are not aware of their bodies and not able to hold their pee etc i don't know if it's possible.



but i wish you all the best! :)