Dd is 2.1 - I'm due dc2 in Feb - when best to start potty training?

[extremelychocolateymilkroll]

Dd hasn't really shown much interest in potty training. Will occasionally tell me she has done a poo but it never seems to bother her - never asks for her nappy to be changed. In fact, it's difficult to get her to lie down to have her nappy changed sometimes. I've felt pretty rough until a few weeks ago with this pregnancy so couldn't face the thought of potty training. Should I wait until she shows signs of being more ready? Is it best to try and get her out of nappies before the arrival of dc2? Hopefully she'll start nursery in September of next year so would hope to have her potty trained by then. Is it reasonable to think that I could get her trained during Feb-August or will arrival of dc2 throw things a bit? TIA

[ches]

If you're feeling up for giving it a go, then do. The worst that can happen is you go back to nappies.

[extremelychocolateymilkroll]

Thanks ches.

[NellyTheElephant]

All I would say is if you are going to give it a go then I'd do so asap - I reckon that ideally you don't want to be potty training less than 3 months before the next baby or it's all just too close, too traumatic, too likely to revert and have relapses..... Giving it a go is never a waste of time (even if you do end up going back to nappies) as it starts to give them an idea of what will eventually be expected.

I'm never sure about the 'showing signs' business, neither of my DDs ever showed any spontaneous interest in potty training, but both still trained easily enough when I decided to give it a go. It depends if you are feeling strong enough and patient enough. I potty trained DD1 at 2.3 (3 months after DD2 was born) as I could not face doing it before DD2's arrival and DD2 at 23 months (4 months before DS arrived) as I was so desperate to have a break from nappies. DD2 did have a relapse after DS was born, but it wasn't a big deal and was soon resolved, but for me the main thing was I got my 4 months break from nappies before DS arrived!

[sewCreative]

For me i waited till dd1 was ready. She actually told me "i not wear nappies now" at 2.7 (dd2 was 3 months old) and i was lucky and it was easy. 2 days and patience, the three of us sitting reading and playing on a plastic table cloth (no longer used on a table!!!) for a week. Although i only ever had 3 accidents. Yes very lucky. Dd2 also decided - before i was ready to do it - took a bit longer - but it happened when i was able to spend some time in the house and just relax and go with it. We were lucky with both of them.

I think what i am trying to say is just be relaxed and do it when you or she is ready. You'll not loose anything by trying now - but if its stressing either of you out then stop and wait a month or so.

Best of luck