when to start potty training?

So what does your pediatrician know? If she is interested, I would definitely get her started! My sister-in-law claims she was trained at nine months, and I know in many other countries children are potty-trained at much earlier ages than American kids are. She may not have the control she needs yet, but if she's interested I certainly wouldn't discourage her! If she can tell you her diaper's dirty, that's the first step already!

My 16 month old daughter showed interest in the potty at 9 months. She used it pretty regularly for about a week and then the thrill was gone. She showed interest again at 12 months and used it for about 2 weeks. Again the thrill was gone. I say start letting her try to use it, but don't push her.

I dont see any harm in having a potty there and letting her play with it etc, its always good to make the toilet and potty a good place not something they should be scared of etc so its never too early to introduce them to a potty. What I think is too early at 9 months would be to expect a child to consistently use the toilet and wear knickers that obviously comes a lot later on x

My mom always told me "YOU know what is best for your child, dont let anybody tell you how to do it!" My oldest daughter was 12 months and going pee on the potty about 2 times a day. Then her sister was born when she was 15 months old and back tracked. If your daughter is showing the interest, I'd jump right in and go with the flow. Just dont expect her to go all the time but keep up the great job and you'll probably have a child under the age of 18 months potty trained! Good luck.

I think you will be able to tell the signs when your child(ren) are becoming ready and/or curious about potty training. My oldest daughter was very interested in potty training so I put a little potty in there and she just came and sat on her potty whenever I went potty. She didn't actually do anything in there. Then she started to pull down her pullup and sometimes go pee in there. Then it just got better and better and she became potty trained very early on. (Started around age 1). Then my second daughter wasn't too interested so I had start encouraging her to go in there when my oldest or I would go potty and she started going potty. But she always had issues with number two. She became fully trained by 2 1/2. Now I have a six month old boy so I'm not sure how that will go! But there are definately signs. Teach them the difference so they can start to know internally when they have the "urge" to go. Then always encourage them. My friend's daughter was fully trained by around 1 1/2. It just depends. Some children do digress though - I think it's just normal at least for a period - so don't get discouraged if that comes about. Hope this helps!

well hello there only1 and happy day to ya! If was rough when i had my son..he was sooo scard of the potty because of the loud flush it made..that he actually thought a monster was goin to take his pee pee! oh myy!!and in some grocery stores they were louder so that didnt help//he was about 2 and half and i deiced to ask his ped..and he said usually they arent ready till about3 yrs..and this is in Pennsylvania USA..i know its different everywhere else..anywho inJuly he said he wanted to ride teh little bus and go to school..and i said okkk..but u need to pee and pooh in teh potty or hthey wont get ya..well guess what??potty trained fully within a week! whoo hooo! lol..dont worry btw..shes prob too young to start..but if she shows interest...go ahead and try!! lots fo luck to ya! Byee! April

Every child is different. If she seems interested try it. But don't push it if it seems to be too much, too fast.

I will just give you an example and maybe you won't be so discouraged.
My friend has a daughter who is about 2 yrs younger than my own. Well, this friend started potty training her daughter when she was a baby too. Had her "poop trained". Well, now she pees in her pants all the time and she will be 4 in December.
As a matter of fact, they were here yesterday. and in a matter of 30 minutes after her & my daughter went outside to play, she had peed her pants.

So maybe that gives you a little insight. I know that's just one kid, but I wouldn't push it.
My daughter was 3 when I got her completely potty trained. All I did finally, was take the pull ups away. Before that she would pee in the pull up. Well, within a week she was completely potty trained. No accidents. Not even while she was sleeping.

Your child's interest is the main factor to decide when to start training her. Some say that the moment your child walks, she must start training. You should role-model or show her how to use the toilet even if it may sound and appear dirty but I think, imitation is the best way to teach them right. Also, potty training takes time so have more patience. Good luck!

Ok, this is a little pointless - the ONLY reason i say this is because if a baby cant physically walk to the toilet, pull down their nappy & sit on the toilet themselves, then teaching them is too hard at this stage. Don't be discouraged by what the Dr has said, he is just being honest with you & letting you know that a child of that age is a little too young to understand everything involved in using a potty - plus at 9 1/2 months, i doubt she's even learnt to control herself from going, a baby's body just lets it all come out until hey learn to hold it.

They need to be old enough to realise they have to go, they need to be capable of removing clothing items & climbing up there etc.

I believe starting around 18 months is a good thing but a child will soon let you know if they're ready & no, playing with the potty isn't really a sign - my daughter was playing with hers from the day we got it, just because she could & it made fun noises:)

We're trying to potty train at the moment & my daughter is almost 2 but she will sit there for ages & either hold on to what she has to do or will just cry about it & not do anything until she's back in her nappy. That is a good enough sign to say that she is too young, not ready & doesn't feel comfortable doing it in the potty yet, you cant force them.

Some people wait longer but i'd say anywhere from 18 months & up is a good age to attempt to start, they'll soon let you know if they're ready for it or not.