When is the "right age" to start potty training

I've heard it's 18 months. DS is only 5 months but I was just wondering.

Would it be more easier for the dad to show them being that they have the same organ?

Last night my nephew followed daddy into the bathroom because he was crying that he wanted to be with daddy. So he watched daddy use the bathroom. He did #1 of course and my brother was like "he watched with such fascination. My SIL was like "good that way when it's time to potty train he you can show him how to pee pee in the potty".

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

I guess it depends on the child, but at almost 21 months Andrew is in no way ready for that.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

OMG first you're thinking about his first birthday and now potty training-isn't he only like 5 months I think he should at least be able to walk which I doubt he's at yet-lol!

Anyway-I don't think there is any "set or right" age. I certainly didn't feel Jenna was ready at 18 months at all. At 2-she was able to tell me when she did pee or poo and we are slowly starting now-you have to take your own child's cues on that one and never rush tem or it can backfire.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

Posted by DaniRN

OMG first you're thinking about his first birthday and now potty training-isn't he only like 5 months I think he should at least be able to walk which I doubt he's at yet-lol!

Anyway-I don't think there is any "set or right" age. I certainly didn't feel Jenna was ready at 18 months at all. At 2-she was able to tell me when she did pee or poo and we are slowly starting now-you have to take your own child's cues on that one and never rush tem or it can backfire.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

i am no where near that stage either with DD being 6 months old but I plan on starting when she shows signs.

I myself wasn't potty trained until i was 3-4 years old, my mom couldn't make me do it no matter what she did or tried, I did it when my boyfriend jon was already potty trained ;)

my brother on the other hand wanted to pee standing up so badly, he was trained at 1.5 years old.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

wait-how about my dr asked if my 7 month old was potty trained!!!!
I thought he was kidding, but he said its the new thing-all over the news that parents are beginning to potty train infants even before they can walk!!!

I think thats sooo ridiculous-i would say prob about 2 1/2 is about right, or even before that if they start to show signs of being ready(like telling you they did "pee pee or poop"in their diaper)

Also for boys-when they can start walking, their dads should take them in the bathroom with them when they go, to get them used to the whole process.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

It's different for boys and girls... my son wasn't potty trained until he was 3...they'll tell you when they are ready, it's def. not something to force... I've seen too many problems arise from parents that were really pushy about potty training.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

I think the question varies by parent more than by child. Outside of the US, they train as infants. There's a debate if it's the kids that are trained or it's the parents who are better trained to read cues.

I have a friend who trained her daughter at 8 months. Joseph started when he was 2 and wasn't fully trained until 3 . Maddie started asking to go on the potty at 15 months & was fully trained by 2-2-1/2

Message edited 11/1/2006 9:13:31 PM.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

My dd started at 2 1/2 and my son is slowly getting it at 3. He still has accidents and wears pullups to bed and when we go out.
They will let you know when they are ready. There is no sense on pushing it. You will only stress yourself out.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

I don't think there is a "right age." I think it's up to you. Christopher's 15 months right now and I just can't imagine him being ready three months from now. Unless a miracle happens in the next few months, I don't think I'm going to start trying until he's 2.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

They will do it when they are ready. My son stared training at a little over 2, and he was almost 3 when he was completely trained. My daughter was not completely trained until she was close to 3 1/2.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

god my kids were not ready until 3 1/2 but it only took like a day to train them!

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

I Know I still have plenty of time but I was only just thinking about it.

A friend of has a son who is going to be 2 in about 2 weeks and she said that she shows him the toilette but he shows no interest in it and in using it. I told her that she should still keep on showing him the toilette but not forcing him to use it or anything. Just show it to him and tell him that is where big boys pee and poop. Maybe if she keeps showing him then one day he will do it.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

Damien just turned three and has no interest whatsoever which I am so thrilled about with baby #2 coming in two weeks

I am so happy I have a potty training resistant child


All kids are different.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

My son is 18 months and started going last Saturday. At first I just bought the potty and he played with it like a toy. He would cry if I took him diaper off. On Saturday, he saw my DH walking to the bathroom and he said "pee pee":. I asked him if he had to go and he said "yes". I took off his diaper and he sat down and he went. He went 6 times the first day! He also has been taking my hand and bringing me to the bathroom when he has to go!
I am so shocked !

He still goes when he is sleeping and other times during the day but if I ask him if he has to go and he says yes..he goes!

Message edited 11/2/2006 9:44:29 AM.

Re: When is the "right age" to start potty training

dd was potty trained around 3 and a half.
ds is now 2 and a half and still has no interest.
dont rush it. you will know when they are getting ready. i started to train my dd at 2 when i knew she had no interest and caused myself months of headaches. then i waited till she was 3 and a half and she was potty trained in 2 days.