Okay, BTDT Moms...I need the REAL DEAL on this question...

Lately, Paul has been a BEAR to deal with during diaper changes! He has NO patience whatsoever when it comes to interupting his playtime...so, there's lots of kicking, screaming, whining and crying - and that's JUST ME! Just kidding...you get the idea

In order to alleviate some of this stress for me, I've decided to try the Pull Ups a bit earlier than planned. I've seen commercials recently, where they are marketing the pull ups for 'toddlers on the go,' so I just figure it might make my life easier (for pee pee changes) to just slip one off, and pull another on...and then off he goes to play again!

However, all this is making me really wonder if he's 'an early bloomer' and maybe is ready to introduce the potty chair? He totally understands what you mean when you ask him, did you do a poop? Or, do you need to be changed? I already bought him a book about the potty, and I was planning for Santa Claus to bring the actual chair (is that weird?)...I'm not in a hurry - that's the LAST thing I want to rush him into...but, I'm wondering if maybe he's ready.

So, BTDT Moms...how did you begin the potty training process and what do you recommend as a good starting point, or indication that a child is ready to start? Thanks in advance....I appreciate any advice!

Claud since Emma is younger than big boy Paul from everything Ive read... kids should wait till they are atleast 27 months old to begin potty training because it can take longer if you start before.

BUT Ive also had friends whos kids were potty trained by age 2. I think if you stick on your timeline. Have santa bring him his potty then SLOWLY try to introduce it you will have potty training success! Does he tell you he went after the fact or before??

Claud, I ALWAYS ALWAYS have 'something ready' as a distraction item. I try to make it something new and different if possible during diaper changes. I know this doesnt always work. But lately a book, remote or phone does the trick in most cases. and my learning to wrestle him down is also helping. But it REALLY is HARD I feel for you there.

Funny you just mentioned the pull-up thing. I just got a free sample in the mail today, and I was like Angry that they think I have a 'toddler' - he's still my BABY
For wet diapers I can see the pull-ups being very handy so they can run off, but I also see it as tough depending on how theyre dressed (if you have to take shoes off, etc. when did moms EVER have it easy? )

I really wish I knew any answer or had any advice on the potty training thing.
It's so hard to predict, and each child is SOOO different in this area (and all other areas!)
I bought my oldest niece a musical potty for her 2nd Xmas, she was 18m, and she sat on it, peed on it, did the whole sticker-reward thing for quite some time, went in and out of phases of wanting to potty train and not wanting anything to do with it... and didnt officially potty train till she was 3 1/2
Her younger sister rarely if ever even used the little seat, and was potty trained by 2 (they potty trained together! many times the little one wiping the tushie of her older sister Thats a priceless sight )
Sorry for the tangent, but I really dont know how to determine when they are ready...

I say you give it a shot, and see how he feels. You can definately help him get used to the whole process. Im kinda nervous about it, but I hadnt started the worrying process because I was told boys potty trained at around 3 on the average, so I figure I have quite some time to go... but ya never know!

I also heard mixed/differing opinions on potty training them standing vs sitting.

Quick story-one little boy at the gym, asked to go potty. and I let him go (we usually dont go with them.. if they are potty trained, they are fine by themselves).. But his mom told me to just make sure he gets the pants all the way down, and to help him sit on the seat... well I sat him up, and realized 'it' wasnt pointed into the bowl and he wet his legs and pants I felt kinda awkward helping a 'stranger's' boy go potty, but I had to
and I thought 'oh no, the girls process is so much easier than this whole process. '

Ive seen kids, many times, say/tell mom they went 'ca-ca' and never really showed further interest in potty training...

Do you have the book that has the toilet flushing sound?? Its too cute. Oh, then they will wanna go potty JUST to flush the toilet! (or to wash their hands/play with the water)

Id love to hear advice on this, and anything anyone finds online.

Hey -

So funny-- I am having the SAME problem with AIdan, He would not let me put a diaper on -- then once I got it on -- he take it off.. He would wake up from naps with his clothes off and diaper in hand!! I just started using the Pampers ' First Stages ' Pull up pants -- and they are great !!! They go on in a snap ! He loves it -- and he cant get them off! The huggies Convertables are another good choice but they only start at size 5 -- and Aidan is still in a 4 -- tha pampers start at 1T .... Give them a try -- it will make your life easier!!

Just lending some support. I have NO experience in this area but I would image the book would be fun to read and the seat would be a fun Christmas gift too...Don't they make a Once upon a Potty video too?
I will save my pull-up coupons for you

It's Potty Time

Claud this is one of the best potty videos. You and your DH wiil get a kick out of it too. *with songs like' You're a super duper pooper'* The kids at my Day Care love this video and we use it all the time with the kids who are training. In my experience, mind you this is with other peoples children, boys do train later than girls as Anna said, but if he shows interest by all means introduce the potty. A lot of boys end up training themselves in my experience so you never know.

Im not a BTDT mom of course but i wanted to share that story of my half brothers potty training.

He was just two and he was in the bathroom with his mother. He understood the whole process by that time so she asked him if he had to go and he said yes and went on the regular toilet (with moms help) and then flushed and washed his hands and that was it - he never used a potty or a diaper again! She was flabbergasted! It was like a mother dream come true.

I dont know if that helps at all but some children are ready earlier and i guess a mother knows

Stacey, That is hysterical - 'You're a super duper pooper!'

Stef....from your mouth to God's ears...I could ONLY HOPE that Paul would be a dream child to train. I am getting the sense that maybe it's just too early for him. He doesn't know how to say poop or pee...but, he knows what it means, so that's a start!

Thanks for all the encouragements everyone!