What's the rush?

[Ilikepinacoladass]

It all sounds like a right old faff to me, is there any advantage in starting around 2 (other than saving on nappy costs!) My little one is 2 and 3 months, happy to wait till he's nearer 3 to potty train, he doesn't start preschool till next sept and he'll need to be trained by then but that's ages away. We've got a potty and he's done poo's and wee's on it, so it won't be a total shock to him when we do start.

I just can't see what the rush is with some people, am I missing something? Is there a risk with starting later?

The biggest benefit for me it that find it much nicer to not have to change dirty nappies!

Some people have VERY strong opinions about when potty training should happen, in both directions. But whatever works for your family is right for you.

I've been wondering this - couple of groups I'm in with children same age as my DD (just turned 2) have been banging on about potty training for ages.

DD is pretty switched on, I know she totally understands the concept but I don't think she's ready physically yet. Like your DS she's had the odd wee/ poo on the potty (more flukes really when she's had no nappy on and we've just caught it, or she's managed to squeeze a drop out so she can get the round of applause!) but not ready to take it any further just yet. I genuinely don't get the rush and would rather just follow her lead.

I do keep doubting myself though, I thought over to 3 was normal but definitely getting the sense from others that starting at 2 is more expected.

I did all mine between just under two and 2.5. The tipping point in each case was thinking they were ready enough for it to be less inconvenient for them to be out of nappies than in them. I really don't understand why it is some sort of weird race though, I know what you mean about it being some sort of competition in some circles! Do what's right for you. It is nobody else's business.

We left it up to her. Like you we bought a potty and told her she could use it if she wanted to. She did off and on, we didn’t make any fuss, left it up to her and it just happened. I read Janet Lansbury who said to make it a non event and it worked for us. Once she was on the potty reliably she’s started using the loo and we were done and dusted. Pull ups at night for a few months and now take her for a wee once she’s been asleep a couple of hours. Doing it over the summer so she could be bottomless helped a lot.

We changed to loo seats with little seats in them that magnet to the lid when not in use. Also got a travel potty for out and about.

Don’t rush it. I’ve got a friend who’s been trying to get her daughter potty trained for a year and wishes she hadn’t bothered till she seemed interested. It’s not one of those things people tend to wish they’d done sooner.

And yes nappies are expensive and a faff but potty training on the go can be a bit hairy too. Good luck.

I personally don't see the rush! Our LB was 2 in July and MIL is constantly telling me he's ready to be potty trained! (He's definitely not imo but there we go) and I just don't see why we need to rush these things

They'll do it when they're ready and last time I checked the majority of adults don't walk around in nappies because they don't know when they need a sh*t

No harm in having a potty etc of course but no I don't see the rush or why it's a competition!

We did it just as my lo turned three. Beat decision imo as he got it straight away and had barely any accidents. Being able to communicate well and have good understanding I think helped lots.

Yes at the mo it seems like it would be much more of an inconvenience for him to be out of nappies than in them! When it seems to be looking like the other way around I'll be more motivated to do it I think.

At the mo I really can't imagine why I'd bother (other than nappy costs, which with the current news is definitely a factor!). Was excited to start weaning (didn't start earlier than 6 months) but was looking forward to it and read lots about the benefits of them learning to eat at the right time etc, but the potty training thing doesn't interest me at all really. Especially because by the sounds of it if you start before they're ready you potentially have months of the polava.

Was just wondering if I'm missing something in terms of it being beneficial for their development etc not to wait too long, as some people seem very keen to get on with it!

I think it's better to do it before they are 3.5, there's apparently more risk of severe constipation if it's done later than that..
In my opinion if you do it early i.e. around their second birthday you are likely to get regressions and more accidents during age 2-3.
However if you do it later, older than about 2y8m, they may take to it much more quickly with fewer accidents, but you're also much more likely to get refusal.
So it depends what your preference is really. I wouldn't assume later is going to be straightforward though. There can still be problems. A few accidents that don't bother the child are preferable than them refusing to go altogether!