My 13 month old daughter does not like a dirty diaper. She will go over to the diaper basket I keep downstairs and pull out the changing pad, set out a diaper and if I'm not over there by then she will start pulling out wipies. After we are done, she wants to take the soiled diaper (all wrapped up) and throw it in the bin, then we wash our hands. Of course, I think this is great and many poeple have told me potty training will be easier.
We keep the little kid's potties in each bathroom, sometimes our 4-year old son prefers to use the "big potty" and sometimes the little one. For the last three months, since she began walking, my daughter follows me into the bathroom and sits on the potty (the little one) when I sit on the potty. She flushes when I do (it has a little lever that makes the flushing noise) and wants to wash her hands with me. We go through this routine every time. My mom was telling her friends about this "cute" habit and they suggested I jump on it and start taking off her diaper and setting her on the potty when I go. They say she is showing signs she is ready and I don't want to miss the boat. I thought she was just sitting because I am sitting because she can't really understand the concept at 13 months, right? She doesn't even have bladder control yet from what I have read. I certainly don't want to push her, and thought it was just a cute thing she was doing and we were planting seeds about what goes on in the bathroom. I thought I'd wait until closer to 18-24 months to begin trying to actually use the potty. Am I wrong? Any thoughts on this?
I didn't change anything in our routine, except to take off her diaper when she sits on the potty. At first, she would jump right up and look at the potty, I think it felt different to her. But now she sits for a few minutes on the potty, We haven't actually voided on the potty, but she wants to sit on the potty, and I think that is a big step. I came across a book called "Diaper Free Before 3" and it turns out that we are actually following a potty-training routine without even knowing it!! I have been taking note of when her diapers are wet and trying to go to the potty before hand. But no pressure on my little sweet-pea. I feel like an enormous amount of progress has been made just by her voluntarily sitting on the potty several times a day. Thanks to all for the input!!!
Often girls are ready early. I can't think of any reason to wait. She's a genius! Go with it! But don't be upset if she's on-again off-again, but reinforce what she is doing as 'right.' I have heard of 12-month olds potty trained.
I think it's great your not pushing. I have friend who's daughter had the same amount of interest she didn't push her, but was potty trained @ 15 months. It couldn't hurt to take her diaper off see if does go. If she doesn't no big deal just do your usual routine.
I am one of seven girls and my mother says we were all potty trained fairly earl with the 2nd oldest fully trained during the day at 14 months. She exhibited similar behaviors of wanting to be changed and using the training potty as those you described in your daughter. Good luck and enjoy what I have heard is one of the benefits of having a girl.
I certainly don't think it would hurt to try taking her diaper off. I definitely wouldn't pus it, but it is possible that she may be an early trainer.
Go for it! Your little girl is just advanced. Don't hold her back! You'll make other mothers jealous!
PS what is SAHM?
It absolutely will not hurt to try. THe only thing to remember, since she is so young, is that there can be no pressure or punishment for her if she doesn't go. And rewards probably won't work, other than a big hug. But if she's already doing it go for it! It's not unheard of for girls to do it that early because they are more mature and tend to dislike the uncomfortable feeling of dirty diapers more than boys. Izzy is doing the same thing- we were at the groccery store today and when I went to the bathroom she wanted to sit on the potty, too, so I took her diaper off and helped her sit on the big potty! Of course, she didn't go because she doesn't quite get the coordination of it, but I still gave her praise for doing it- it can be scary sitting on the big potty, especially when you're so little!
You have one very bright little girl! She is nonverbally telling you that she is interested in getting rid of her diapers at least during the daytime. She may not be physically developed enough yet for nighttime control, but if she is doing everything you said she is, then by all means help her to use the little potty and get her some pull-ups to wear during the day time. If she is this smart now, wait until she is older. Sounds like you have a budding genius on your hands. Please let us know how it goes.
I agree that you don't want to set her up for failure or accidents due to lack of physical maturity that might dampen her enthusiasm, but why not give it a go (as a game) It sounds so charming! Keep the light approach you have and see how it goes - while you are in the house. I'd be interested how it works out!
