Elimination communication from 5months, DS 22 months now possibly ready for potty training - advice?

[cleanandclothed]

So, DS has used the potty from 5 months, basically when I changed his nappy and when I picked up a 'signal'. From 6- 18 months he generally managed at least 2-3 successful potty trips per day. Wore a nappy all the time as well. 18 - 20 months completely stopped using the potty, just after he learned how to sign for it when he wanted it! Now 22 months and in the nice weather at home he runs around with no nappy on and is about 90% reliable at using the potty when it is in the same room, whether I am there or not, and will ask for it if he can't see it and he doesn't have a nappy on, but if he does have a nappy on he will ask for it sometimes but not all the time. Claps when he goes in the potty and takes great interest in the contents!

So - probably ready for potty training? He can't take his nappy off himself (we use cloth with a nippa) but I could put him into shorts and show him what to do? He goes to nursery 4 days a week and they use the potty with him a bit, but I don't think he or they would be ready not to use nappies yet.

I think he is a bit young to potty train and expect him to do it, (and I don't mind him still in nappies) so I was wondering if increasingly longer time with no nappy (with shorts on for some of the time, and trips out if I am brave) might work.

Any thoughts?

Sounds to me he is almost toilet trained already. Just leave the nappy off.
Give yourself 2 weeks and you shouldnt need a nappy ever again.

I'd say he sounds almost trained too. And I don't think 22 months is too young - DD was 19 months (although was unreliable for a while - she just wanted to be like DS and not wear nappies).

DS was trained at about 2 years 2 months but was ready sooner - but as DD was born when he was 22 months I delayed a bit.

Thank you. Had our first trip out of the house without a nappy today - so far so good. Have a 2 week holiday next month so shall pack plenty of washing powder and give it a go......

You pay nursery to do what you tell them. Stop sending him in a nappy if you think he's ready, but with spare clothes. My DS was out of nappies at 18 months, but nursery were very cooperative and actually start potty training ALL their kids at 15 months. Of those kids whose parents participated, most were out of nappies by 2. Not really surprising seeing how most of us were before disposable nappies.

I may be preaching to the converted but there is an Elimination Communication yahoo group ecuk that may be able to help. I've been lurking on it for a few months since starting ec and it's very informative. Well done on a great ec success!

Started gently potty training my son at 22 months without having done any EC. He took to it quite quickly and was out of nappies and pretty reliable at around age 25 months. I would say your son could easily be out of nappies in a few weeks as he is further ahead than my son was at 22 months. A lot may depend on the nursery and how prepared they are to pay attention and understand his signals when he needs the potty. However, you could discuss it with them, see how supportive they are,and give it a try if you think they will be supportive. I've heard some nurseries won't toilet train until toddlers reach a certain age or have been 'promoted' to a particular room or age group. Also I would ensure clothes are easy-off to help him learn to pull his trousers up and down as soon as possible - so go for 'pull up' type elasticated waist trousers (and not those that need a drawstring tied up) - there are a few nice ones around but you have to search a bit as each retailer might only have one type.

Well - about 10 days in and he is pretty much dry - still has a few poo accidents but nursery seem happy and I am fine with it - so we will carry on for a bit! Thanks for all the support.