When to start - Advice please, My mother has totally confused me!

[smoggii]

My DD is nearly 10 months old. I hadn't even considered starting to potty train her yet. I thought it was best to wait to potty train until 18 months plus when baby is old enough to communicate when she is ready to go or at the very least communicate that she has done something.

Today my DM said 'are you going to start potty training? I started putting you and your brothers on the potty from 5/6 months, it was reactionary training to start but you knew how to use the potty before you were 15 months old'

I said i thought it was something done much later and she said 'the longer you leave it the longer it'll take and she won't get it quick enough'

I said i'd do some research.

So I have and most things seem to say that kids don't really get it until age 2-3 and starting early just means longer training.

I'm wondering what to do and whether her memory has been eroded by time [hgrin]

Should I be putting my baby on the potty now when I think she's been. She also suggest I let DD roam around 'barebum' and that will encourage her to use the potty [hconfused] I personally thing that will just encourage her to wee on my floor!

You can in theory start this early but it's not potty training as such, google elimination communication if you want to know more about it. I think it's easier to wait until they can tell you they need to go, hold on for a bit and pull their own trousers down. Some people really like the EC route though, whatever works for you.

years ago people did train earlier as the washing was harder with toweling squares and mostly hand-washing or top loader machines (if you were lucky!!)

After two DC's and lots of friends and relatives kids experience here is my up-to-date wisdom [hsmile]

The earliest trained was at 18 months - a friend who was a SAHM, seemed to take a while but fine
Most don't start until after 2, many not until 3
My two trained easily at 2.5, could probably have done it a bit sooner but not much.
Latest trained was 4.5, a friend with a DS who just didn't get it.
Even if you day time train, night time training can take (much) longer especially with boys.

good luck [hgrin]

WIth 1st I did it at 2.3 as it was warmer and so fewer layers to strip off. It took her about a week and she has never wet the bed. I did nights after another 6 mths or so using pull ups etc, I wanted to try and train her over the summer months
WIth No2 it took 3 days but she was older 2.8 she went dry even at night. Again I aimed for the summer.
I think each child is different and when you feel your child is ready you go for it. I was also trained younger according to my mother but she said it did take longer !

I wouldn't even entertain your Mother's idea

Wouldn't think about it until child was at least 2

IME the later you leave it, the quicker the process is

Your mother's way does work, if you have the time and interest to do it. Your child, your rules. If you are happier waiting until your child is older then wait :)

If you want support to introduce a potty whilst your DD is younger post here

Thank you everyone x