Introducing a potty at 19 months

[OhRosalind]

DS is 19 months and has been having lots of nappy-free time as he’s got a rash from sweating in his nappy and the skin needs to air. Since he’s spending every afternoon naked and I’m mopping up wee anyway, I wondered about introducing a potty. I wasn’t planning on proper potty training as he seems a bit young, but I don’t want to confuse him/cause problems later by not doing it fully. Is it too soon? Any advice on how to encourage him? He loves books so I thought one about using a potty might help - suggestions welcome.

We tried at 19 months but it didn't quite work out. Not sure if it was because she wasn't ready, or we were too pushy about it, though we tried not to be! She was fine for poos, but just held her wee all day until she was so uncomfortable she was crying. Wouldn't go on the potty, and eventually would have an accident. So, I wish I'd waited a couple more months, but it might have just been us! Who knows?!

No harm in showing it. My 17 month old tells me when he’s done a poo and carries over the nappy mat and bag... which is a compete shock for me as took me 1.5 years to get my older one to admit to doing a poo and he only started pooing on the loo at 3.5!

Since 17-18 months he’s been asking for a nappy change when he does a poo (I can always tell from his facial expressions anyway. When he’s naked he shouts wee wee as it happens but not before.