Potty training questions for BTDT moms...

Please tell me when/how to introduce underpants or should I do pull-ups? We haven't been too consistent with potty training but Ryan asks to go pretty much everytime we open his diaper (so he's not necessarily telling us he has to go beforehand). But, he goes everytime pretty much. The past week, he's been going about 3x/day. Today he started pooping and cried after the fact (a little got on the seat and I'm not sure he expected it to come out). So, I can't tell if he's "ready" or not.

I bought him underpants today - planned on it being a stocking stuffer. But, since he's going on the potty so often these days, should I be getting them on him now. It's really hard for me to focus on this now with a crew still working in my house, and a NB. He's getting a lot better about saying he has to go and then actually going within minutes - but sometimes I'm in there with him for 15 minutes a pop

WWYD? Should I just pick a date (like next week) and make it happen, or hold off until he starts telling me and not going at all in the diaper? Or, should I be asking him more throughout the day?? Next steps please!!!
ETS: He is 20 months. He first peed on the potty at 18 months and went here and there for the first month, then a few times a week and now, just recently, a few times a day.

Message edited 11/25/2009 12:59:30 PM.

Re: Potty training question...

I say pick a date and go straight to undies!

My oldest was 27 months old. We put her in undies one morning and showed her a sticker chart next to the potty. That was all she needed. She was potty trained in 3 days with only 3 accidents. I had her help "clean up" the mess which I think really made it click for her fast. She did still need a pull up(which she called diapers, so she didn't know the difference) for naps and nighttime until around 31-32 months old because she was such a heavy sleep pee-er.

My youngest DD was 24 months old and asked to use the potty. I wasn't planning on potty training her until around 27 months like her older sister but she asked so I did it). So the next morning we went straight to undies. She was trained in only 4 days with about 6-7 accidents. She was soooo scared of her own pee that she picked up on how to avoid peeing on herself fast. She was also sleep/night trained within that week. Now at 25 months old she is completely potty trained.

I think having the "clean up" their messes really helps in the learning process. My youngest didn't need any bribes(my oldest needed stickers), seeing her big sister do it was enough for her to learn.

The first week I would ask them A LOT if they had to go. After the first week they were telling me when they needed to go.

Good Luck! I hope its as easy for your son as it was for my DD"s!

Message edited 11/25/2009 1:04:38 PM.

Re: Potty training questions for BTDT moms...

Re: Potty training questions for BTDT moms...

Any more wisdom to share?