Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

For the past week or so Clover has been telling me after she goes poo-poo in her diaper. She has been copying Roman for a while sitting on the potty (with clothes on). Should I start trying or not bother because it's too early? She only does it with poopy, not pee-pee.

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

She is showing interest, and that's great. I have read over and over again that it used to be common (in the 1950s) to have children potty trained before they hit 2 years old (like 98% of kids were pt before age 2). Now it's like 2% of kids are pt before age 2...it's not that their bodies have changed...it's the approach that has changed. If I were you, I would definitely try it out and if it isn't working after a few weeks, then take a break.

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

my niece was trained by 18 months. She copied her older brother. My brother and SIL were thrilled. She just started going in there one day and that was all it took.

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

I would do it without any pressure whatsoever.

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

You can try, its just hard for them to tell you before they do it at that age.

Julia was great at telling me when she did pee and poop at that age too, but it wasn't till she was closer to 3 when she got the hang of it to tell me she had to go before she already went.

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

DS is 19 mos - for months now he has been telling us when he has to pee/poo poo pretty consistently. But, I am waiting until 20 months. I read that until 20 months their bladders are not mature enough to really hold it generally - however, this is not true for everyone. They said if your child is waking up wet from naps or in the morning they are in this category and NOT ready. So telling is not enough - they have to be waking dry (indicating they are capable of holding it in) and also going to the bathroom at farily predictable and consistent times every day.

From what I read though being aware is the first step! And, every child is different so yours may be ready

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

It can't hurt to give it a try. Worst that can happen is that she doesn't go in the potty and you have to wait a little longer.

I got DS a training potty and all he is interested in doing is taking it apart and putting it on his head! Guess that means he's not ready yet!

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

Definitely not too early! My ds will be 17 months tomorrow and for weeks he has been pointing to the potty. So before his bath I ask him if he has to go and he says "YES"! Then I put him on his little potty which I put in the bathroom. As soon as he actually goes pee pee in it I am going to make a HUGE fuss!! There is no pressure for him to be potty trained, but he seems to understand what's going on!! So it is a good start I think!!!

Re: Is 17months too early to "start" potty training?

I don't think it's ever to early. My sister started my nephew at 18 months and was fully trained by 2. I plan on starting Rylan as early as possible...of course I don't have an expectations but it doesn't hurt to try.