Hello! I would like to start potty training with my 15 month old. Its on the early side, I know, but I would like to give it a shot while I'm at home for the summer. I was hoping someone could give me advice or book recommendations. I'm also looking for any recommendations on the actual potty. I was thinking about getting something that you put on the actual toilet to make it more comfortable, just because my son often prefers using grown up items to those designed for kids ... so knowing mom and dad use the toilet might make him more interested.
Thanks for all the advice! I'll wait for another month, then give it a try. I've looked at a several "signs of potty readiness" lists, and he fits most of the criteria (dry for more than two hours at a time, aware of when he is going, shows interest in toilet and genitals, etc.). He does get wet overnight (drenched, actually!) and through naps, but I figure night-training can occur later. Its interesting, because there are definitely cultural differences in when potty training occurs. Half of my family is Russian, and most of them are surprised I haven't started already! Perhaps it comes down to different definitions of success??? Accidents won't both me much, and I intend to treat them very matter-of-factly, but if my son seems resistant or frustrated, then I'll back off for another month or two. I think I'll also get both a child toilet seat and a realistic-looking potty chair and just see what he wants to use!
I applaud you for trying and being so proactive but it is way too early for potty training. His little body and its functions most likely aren't ready for that type of control yet. Also, It is too dangerous for a baby that young to use a potty on the adult toilet. It would be safer to use one that is placed on the ground. He may like to use grown up items but don't let him grow up too fast :)
I had ny son trained by the time he was 18 months old. I was a single mom and this is what I did. I did not teach him to stand and pee at first, I had him sit on the potty chair, as soon as he woke up, I would take him and sit him on the chair, whenever I had to go to the bathroom, I took him and sit him on the chair, even turning the water on at the sink helps, you just have to be persistant with the training and praise him. If you ever need any encourgement email me and I will help you out.
I wish you all the luck in the world. However, my pedi told me that a boys bladder isn't fully developed until 18 months, so as much as they try, they can't control their bladder yet. I tried around 24 months, and now at 2 1/2 we are starting with much better success.
Just because the potty chair is something they can get on and off by their self, a potty chair works pretty good until they are good at telling you, & then go to the big(potty). If he is dry for two hours at a time his bladder is ready, if not you are sort of waisting your time, as his body isn't ready yet. Being big boy an bragging and just reminding him ever so often at first, and for (poop) if you think it is his usual time or you can see signs, put him on pot, and to sit there a bit, have a story book for him to look at, and then if he goes, of course be so proud of him etc.
I enjoyed Potty training without tears - but I want to let you know that you are, in all likelihood, setting yourself up for some serious frustration.
That said - with a fifteen month old boy, I'd recommend the bush method. Have daddy teach him how to pee on a tree. They love that. When you do have to go inside, teach aim with cheerios floating in the toilet. #2 is harder - at least, it has been for all of my kids except the one that got diaper rash.
C.,
I am a mom of 4 kids and they have all been potty trained before they were 24 months. Consistency is the key. Also, make sure you clap and let them know how happy you are for them. With all my kids I used a treat as an incentive. They only got the certain treat when they went potty (My treats were gummy worms). I took them to the bathroom every 30-45 minutes. Takes a lot of work, but its so worth it. After a week of working with my youngest son, he began letting me know when he needed to go. My girls are 16 and 6 and my boys are 4 and 18 months. Good luck and please let us know how he does. I also am a teacher and am loving my summer off too.
I have a 7 yr old son and a 3 year old who were all potty trained starting at 18 months and completed by 2 1/2. My 3 year old has been going by herself and wiping since 2 1/2...of course I help her "check" but she has all the pride of doing it herself. My advice is to get a plain potty (if you don't already have one). I bought 2 potty's of mine at a yard sales for $1.00 a piece and I cleaned it, bleached it and let my son and daughter turn them into the reward potties. When ever my daughter said she had to go potty I would take her to her new potty and I told her if she pee-pee or poo-pooed in her potty like a big girl then she could put a shiney, puffy, glitter new sticker anywhere on her potty. Within I would say 1 month, she was so excited about potting, I could her her yell from the bathroom "Mommy, bring me a sticker 'cuz I went tee-tee!" She was so proud of her potty, and after she collected 10 potty stickers she got to go to the local dollar store to pick out bubbles, a baby, a coloring book etc... It worked for my children, I hope it helps you. Good luck.
It may be tough at 15 months, but if he is smart, he will pick it up. Just be CONSISTANT!
I recommend the book "Potty Training in Less Than a Day." The doll thing mentioned below was adapted from that.
Below is a reply to a post I gave to another mom:
I have boys. I also potty trained at a day care for years.
Get a doll that "goes" (urinates). I used a "water baby" Cabbage Patch Kid (has a drain hole in the crotch). When the doll is "full", put it on the potty. Your son will see it urinate in the potty.
Leave it there while you get your son ready to do his business. When he is not looking, drop a tootsie roll under the doll. Get excited that the doll has "pooped". Give the doll a sticker or put one on a chart (whatever works for your son). Then say, "your turn".
If he does not want to stay on the toilet for lack of something to entertain him, set up a TV tray with books, puzzles, games, etc. that can be wiped off easily and kept in a bin in the bathroom.
Hope this works. :o)
P. <><
I think it is way too early to even think about potty training a boy and if it backfires it could take even longer. My son is finally trained and he just turned four. Most doctors don't recommend starting until at least two and my son's doctor said leave it alone until they show intrest. Why not wait until next summer and just enjoy him being a baby a little longer. They grow up so quickly. I used to be a teacher, so I know how much your going to enjoy your summer break!! Have fun!
