Potty training

Emili - posted on 03/19/2009

I read " Toilet training in less than a day" by Nathan Azrin & Richard Foxx.  It gave alot of good ideas such as showing your toddler how to go to the potty by having the toddler teach a doll that actually does go pee.  Granted it took longer then a day for my toddler to learn but I didn't follow the book to the letter.  I started her two months before expecting my second child, but she had just turned 2 years old when I did.  I can't remember now if she had more accidents after the baby was born, I just told her often that accidents happened and I still love her even if there is an accident.  But we need to start getting on the potty in time.  I encouraged by getting excited and telling her how happy it made me.  After the baby was born diapers were never an option for her, nor did she ask for them, since she was a big girl and big girls go on the potty.  I was super happy that I didn't have to wash diapers for a while between kids.  It was like a mini holiday.  Good Luck to you, and remember take a deep breath they're not even 2 yet.

Laura - posted on 03/18/2009

Yes. Wait until the new baby is 6 m/o. Just kidding. Actually, even if you were to get your toddler to potty train the likelyhood of her not regressing right back into diapers or pull ups is not very high. Save yourself the headache and frustration and wait until later. In 2 months while feeding a brand new baby is not the time to be fussing at your toddler for peeing on the floor! Don't sweat it. It would be one more thing to stress over once the new baby arrives. Wait until she is older. It is a breeze. It is a whole lot easier to explain not peeing on the floor to some one who actually speaks engilsh .

I waited until my oldest daughter was almost 3 and it took less than a week. Good luck.

Susanne - posted on 03/18/2009

if your daughter wants to potty train than let her. both of mine starting potty training themselves and then we helped them finish the job. both i would let her guide you since after the birth her attitude might or might not change depending on her personality and acceptance to the new addition

Christine - posted on 03/18/2009

I have three kids all within a year apart from the next (now 10, 9 and 8). I had all trained by the time the next one arrived. What helps is leaving the potty chair out where they can see it. Rewards are fine, but make it something they enjoy. Make a huge deal with success and only say something like oops or not quick enough when there is a miss. I liked using the thick cotton undies during the day. When they've missed they KNOW they are wet, pull-ups just act as a diaper. Also, I took them shopping for their own NEW big girl panties, which really helped. Also the idea of being the "big" sister and not the "baby" helped. Accidents will happen though when they see the baby being changed all the time, or the time or two when they will disappear behind a chair and "poop". I had great success with all my kids and by the time the last one came time to train, the other two automatically just took charge. They could wait to see the success not only for their sibling, but for themselves as the "teacher" as well. Good Luck! and congratulations on the new wee one!

Elizabeth - posted on 03/18/2009

pull ups are good for night time but just delay the process for daytime. youre better off doing an extra load of laundry. reward systems are the best way to go...a sticker chart with a prize for going on the potty ( no need to punish an accident)

Kristin - posted on 03/18/2009

We started potty training at 18 months.  My pediatrician thought my daughter might be ready and we were getting ready to move overseas.  She was very excited and did well until the big move.  It really threw her off.  She just turned three two weeks ago and we are finally potty trained (knock on wood).  I have read it usually takes longer when you start earlier.  I will definitely wait with our next child. 

Jennie - posted on 03/17/2009

As long as you know that your daughter can understand going potty and being able to use her words when shes gotta go potty the doctors say its ok and most people that I know start they daughters at 18 months. What I did with my oldest child her name is Keegan and she is three now and completely potty trained even at night was everytime she and sat on the potty she got a peiece of candy and that went on till she understood now we have to accually go potty in the potty which may take a few days or weeks just depends on the child then when she got that she would only get candy if she went in the potty.  Then when thats down (now remember they say take you child every two hours to sit them on the potty) let her know about big girl undies.  My daughter loved her Dora undies she thought they were so awesome.  IN case you were wondering what kind of candy I used mini m&m bages some people use tooties rolls what ever you know you child likes other wise if you don't like the candy Idea sticker charts are great to cause then they can see what they hav achieved.  Any other questions just let me know and I will see if I can help.

Melissa - posted on 03/17/2009

Try her favorite candy for each time she goes on the potty, and make a big deal of it. I gave 2 m&m's and it was a hit.  My kids were young too, but if they are showing signs just go with it be persistant but no pushy...if you push they will revolt!

Janet - posted on 03/17/2009

My daughter started sitting on the potty at 20 months and it doing great now 2 months later.  We are adopting and expect a new baby in the next 2 months so I understand.  I'd encourage and guide her in that direction but not make a big fuss about it.  I'm finding with Lily it's more developing routines of when we sit on the potty.  She is doing better and better at staying dry in between.  As long as you don't pressure her, it doesn't hurt to move in that direction.  I think many children are ready for things earlier than we think sometimes. 

Chris - posted on 03/17/2009

17 months is a bit early, but not by much.  My daughter started sitting on the little potty at 18 months and within 2 months she was dry all day long.  But with that said, there was not a new baby on the way.  That does make a MAJOR difference.  Leave the potty out and encourage her, but don't dwell on it, she will be ready when SHE is ready.  Good Luck with your new arrival!

Andrea - posted on 03/17/2009

My daughter was nearly 3 when my son was to be born and she had just started potty training. Once the baby came she went back to diapers, and that is fairly common. Given that your daughter is only 17 months old and your son is due so soon, I don't think I would even attempt it yet. After your son arrives, when your daughter is a little older and has gotten used to her new little brother, I would make an attempt to potty train.