Potty training - already?

By Baby Blogger Kate Richards  
In an unconventional and unexpected move, Ben appears to have started potty training himself.

I bought Ben a potty a couple of months ago, mainly under pressure from my mother-in-law, and it has since resided unnoticed in the bathroom. Then a few days ago, Ben decided to sit on it (the wrong way, round, but still) and was, um, successful! Since then, he's made a habit of using it after his evening bath.

While I'm very glad and impressed, I'm not planning to launch into official potty training just yet. Firstly, at 23 months, he' still a bit young, not to mention unable to pull down his trousers by himself, and secondly, I'm not keen to still be on the throes of it when the new baby arrives (the poor carpet!).


The general advice these days is not to rush things, as potty training can easily become an emotional time for all involved. There are bound to be some accidents along the way, and the experts say it's a good idea to look out for a range of "I'm ready" signs before starting.

These include having the relevant words, staying dry for a couple of hours at a time, noticing other people using the toilet, knowing in advance when he's going to need the potty, and asking for his nappy to be changed (Ben already does this one). Often parents wait till the summer months to start potty training, so the toddler can wear fewer clothes and the inevitable accidents will be easier to clear up.

I could buy a step for the toilet and one of those inner seats, but he's still so little I'd worry about him falling in! I think my next move will be to place another potty or two around the house, and teach him to manage his trousers. Go Ben!