How to know when to toilet train?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had zero kid experience before having my son do I could use some advice. He is now 19 months and I SAH with him, but he will start a 1 day a week program in September. When is the best time to toilet train? He is also not talking much at all and has just a few words, not sure if that factors into it.

I would do it when it's warm. So, either you do it soon, or I would wait until the spring. We are on week 2, and I cannot imagine doing this in winter (unless you live in SoCal).

[Anonymous]

I'm in an apartment building so no outside area where DS could run around naked. What do I do? We have carpet and rugs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm in an apartment building so no outside area where DS could run around naked. What do I do? We have carpet and rugs.

Get rug cleaner and watch him like a hawk. My DS got it very quickly with no damage!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm in an apartment building so no outside area where DS could run around naked. What do I do? We have carpet and rugs.

Get rug cleaner and watch him like a hawk. My DS got it very quickly with no damage!

Or just put him in underwear and on a schedule.

[Anonymous]

So right now (19 months and not talking) isn’t too early?

[erinbeck]

It sounds like he's getting an awareness, that's awesome! We had heard the "buckle down" theory, too, but that was hard for us - our work schedules are all over the place and getting a few days to hunker down just didn't happen. So instead we started slow. We put a potty at her favorite table instead of a chair and let her be naked anytime she as home for like 2-3 weeks. Eventually she became fascinated with the "something" going into the potty! And we made the biggest happy deal out of it that we could! Once the awareness kicked in, the rest almost happened on its own. We'd repeat, "Peepee goes in the potty!" over and over and over, and "No peepee on the floor," whenever she had an accident. Once she seemed to understand, we ditched the diapers and never looked back. So many different ways to do it, so you can pick what works for you and your life!

[Anonymous]

erinbeck wrote:It sounds like he's getting an awareness, that's awesome! We had heard the "buckle down" theory, too, but that was hard for us - our work schedules are all over the place and getting a few days to hunker down just didn't happen. So instead we started slow. We put a potty at her favorite table instead of a chair and let her be naked anytime she as home for like 2-3 weeks. Eventually she became fascinated with the "something" going into the potty! And we made the biggest happy deal out of it that we could! Once the awareness kicked in, the rest almost happened on its own. We'd repeat, "Peepee goes in the potty!" over and over and over, and "No peepee on the floor," whenever she had an accident. Once she seemed to understand, we ditched the diapers and never looked back. So many different ways to do it, so you can pick what works for you and your life!

Please be aware that extended times on the toilet can actually cause constipation. I realize this particular article is from men's health but it's true:
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19521086/time-spent-pooping/

Toilet training means there will be accidents. Your preschool or nanny should be working with you. Be consistent. Be patient.