Is 18 months too young for potty training?

Question

And which are the best products out there- potties and toilet toppers?

I have a boy. Thank you.

Answer 1

My son wanted to be independent when it came to potty training. He did not want to use a floor potty and he did not want to be lifted to the toilet. What worked for him is The Potty Stool http://www.thepottystool.com This stool makes every toilet kid- sized. It really helped my children to have a SAFE and sturdy way for them to get to the toilet on their own. I like that this stool cuts potty training in half by eliminating the potty chair. This stool made all the difference for my kids. I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

I tend to think 18 months is too young although you can start familiarizing your toddler with the toilet. To be ready the child has to know BEFORE he or she pees or poos, should be able to get onto the potty / toilet and should be able to get his or her pants down. Some kids don't reach this stage until 3!

You can start by talking about going to the potty and if you can handle it let your son or daughter come with you and see what happens! Buy some underwear and talk about wearing underwear instead of nappies.

You might be able to put your child on the toilet at regular intervals and get a result but it's more "toilet timing" than "toilet training".

Look for potties that don't have a big "splash guard" at the front that can injure little bottoms when they try to sit down.

Answer 3

Some people think it is, but I don't as long as you don't put too much pressure on yourself and your child. Physically at 18mo they should have the muscle control to be able to use the potty. If you feel he or she is ready - you are the mom and you should trust your instincts.

I included some interesting potty training websites that examine the issues from several points of view and seems fairly unbiased.

I really like the potty seats, but if you are going to start early you might want a floor potty so it is more accessible to your child as they become independent pottiers.

Answer 4

I think it is a great age to start. I currently have a 'safety 1st' potty seat, which doest get used as much anymore, because my 2 year old prefers to toilet topper...which is made by 'the first years'
If you like you can click on my avatar and read my previous answers to potty training, for some good suggestions and hints.
And yes remember not to put alot of expectations on her, and praise her for just even trying.
My methods have worked wonderful for my fisrt 3 kids, 4th child is not there yet. good luck

Answer 5

no...every child is different...my nephew was 17 months when he started...granted he's now 22 month and isn't fully potty trained yet...but he had an interest in it at 17 months and was not affraid to sit on the potty...now he's use to sitting on it at certin times but hasn't gotten the whole idea of using it when he needs to yet...but it will come in time! One thing they found that helped him want to use the potty is a movie called "Elmo's Potty"...but he's a HUGE Elmo FREAK!!!! Everytime they'd sit him on the potty they'd let him watch the movie and he's always got up and turned the TV off...alot of the time he doesn't make it through the movie because he goes potty

Answer 6

its not too young, heres some sign they are ready for potty training he/she tells you when there diaper needs changing,they are interested in the toilet, and are coordinated enough
to start use the little potties on the floor much easyer for them to access also get the pullups that have the side u can take off like a regualr diaper and with the feel and learn
good luck

Answer 7

If he is showing discomfort when he wets or soils a diaper this would be a great time to work with him on potty training. You can visit the website and blog listed below that I work on a few days a week. With both of my boys I started out with them just sitting to go potty. I let them pee outside in the backyard since it is private.

Answer 8

Some girlies are just smart enough and coordinated (muscles) enough to get it done that early. Mine had a high IQ, and I tried at 18 months, but it wasn't doing too great, so I backed off until she was 2, tried again with M&M rewards each time she left something in the pot. Success in no time.

That was 21 years ago, so I know nothing about the products.

Enjoy your little one. Laughter of a toddler is precious to your heart.

TX Mom

Answer 9

I started trying with my son at about this age. I learned that they will do it only when they are ready. He would use the potty one time, and not the next. Right after he turned 2 he told me he wanted to wear the big boy undies. I told him if he went in them he had to put his diaper back on. He hasn't worn a diaper since.

Answer 10

I am the youngest of 4 kids and my mom had all 4 of us starting at 18 months and we were in regular underwear by age 2, and night trained by 2 1/2.