Should we stay or should we go (and am I being too optimistic)?

[deepheat]

Howdy. DD is 17 months. DC2 is due in April. Wondering whether we should try and potty train before DC2's arrival and risk DW having a difficult situation at home with a new-born and a potty training (and potentially struggling) DD or whether we should just wait and deal with it afterwards.

DD currently seems to be making progress on her own. She usually tells us when she's done a poo in her nappy and often walks out the room to do it (none of this is 'trained' behaviour). Is this normal, or might we be lucky?

Any thoughts?

[nonanny]

Sounds like she is on the way with the awareness side. I waited with all of mine till after the next baby had arrived, but actually when it came to 'it' (the training) I wished I had done it sooner because all in all it only took about 3 weeks. They did it at about 2 and a half. I actually think if it goes well it can work as an activity when you are also dealing with a new baby because its something you can continually praise the older child for doing.It will probably annoy you however if there is weeing on the sofa just as you sit down to feed, so I guess wait and see. 17 months is quite young and these days not necessary to get out of nappies just yet. But you could try in say Feb.? Might be a lot of running around with potties tho just as you are at the really lumbering stage... BUt nappies being associated with babies might mean that she wants to keep them so she can bond with/compete with the new baby.