Should you potty train early and expect some accidents or wait until older and not so many accidents?

Question

I potty trained my first at 2 1/2, she was done in a couple days and wearing panties out of the house. Very easy. Now my 2nd daughter just turned 2.

My question to you is do you think it is best to wait until they fully comprehend the potty or start early? What worked best with you?

Answer 1

I had three sons. Each was different. It just depends on the child. Don't push, they'll let you know when it's time. Otherwise it causes alot of anxiety for you and the child.

Answer 2

Every child is different~ there is no " right way " to potty train- your child is your best indicator as to readiness and willingness.. wait until she is showing an interest to begin- even children at 2.5 yrs. old can comprehend failure... when parents start their children too young, they set their child up for the typical accidents that will happen... the child then feels as if they have failed and depending on the personality of the child, that child may begin to re-gress and actually fight going potty to avoid feelings of failure- some kids really internalize feeling bad about their accidents - use your older child as a " role model" and lil' sis may follow along to be like her... so when big sis goes potty, let lil' sis sit on the floor w/ a book and then let her sit on the potty for a while- and skip the potty chair ! That is just one more transition for your lil' one- good luck!

Answer 3

I have 3 and I've started the process of familiarizing (feelings, the proper place for things) as soon as my children were walking. All of my children were trained before they were 18 months and rarely had accidents, because it was second nature to them by then.

Kids before 3 have a short memory, so if you're going to teach them, you have to be consistent and say the same things ("Pee goes in the potty") over and over. Pretty soon it will be normal to them to go in the potty and they won't go in their pants. My daughter was 2 and saw a baby wearing a diaper and was horrified that someone would do that in their britches.

Also, by the time children are 2 they are much more strong-willed and care less about making you happy.

Answer 4

You should let the child guide you in the potty training. Yes, you should wait until they can comprehend a bit about what's happening to them. Also, I hear it's MUCH easier to train a girl, anyway.

Answer 5

The first child is always the hardest to train. The second one should be a breeze. Have her go into the bathroom with your older child as well as yourself. She should get it in no time. My 2nd one was trained at 2 and never had any accidents.

Answer 6

i had my 2 girls potty trained by 14 mos but my boy is 2 1/2 and hes a lot harder the earlier you start the better

Answer 7

There is always going to be an accident so dont worry start now. Less on pullups and More in your pocket. LOL Sound like an infomertial. But really start as soon as possilbe. Sooner the better.

Answer 8

My daughter didn't train until she was 3 However I started at 10mos (as soon as she could walk). So I think it really is up to
the child. After she trained she never had an accident in or out of bed...and that only took one day.( For her)

Answer 9

Can't hurt to try, but you know you won't be completely successful for awhile. You could delay frustrations, accidents, laundry, etc. by holding off a bit longer. Every child is different.

Answer 10

i started all mine at 22 months.