Early Potty Training – Will I Really be Diaper Free by 20 Months??

I’m a little superstitious. This is precisely the reason why I have waited so long to write about my journey with early potty training. I have no problem talking about my experience with friends or inquiring parents, however sharing it online is different.

Now that I see the light at the end of the tunnel and the finish line is within reach, I’m ready to put it out there. Until now I was afraid I would jinx my potty training mojo.

So here I am at 19 months and sassy kid #2 is diaper free during the day, verbalizes when she needs to go pee and poop and loves to empty her potty seat into the toilet on her own. While her aim is impressive and rarely misses, it makes me uneasy. Should she really be allowed to do this? At least she insists on washing her hands immediately after.

As a very proud mommy who would love to share photos, in respect of my daughter’s privacy I will only only share the techniques that work for us. I prefer that she not disown me before she becomes a teenager.

Let me be very clear. I take a laid back approach to infant potty training, which is what I attribute to my success. I won’t give empty promises that starting earlier gives quicker results, but the payoff of being diaper free before the age of two is worthwhile to me.

My oldest daughter was potty trained by 20 months and we started the process the second she turned one. When baby #2 came along, I was determined to begin the process even earlier so we began potty training at 9 months.

Why I Potty Train Early

1. It saves  money – once my child became comfortable peeing in the potty we started to use less diapers immediately. When they began pooping in the potty, it cut our diaper bill down even further.
2. Better for the environment – why manufacturers are not required to produce biodegradable diapers is crazy to me. When you compare the cost to purchase biodegradable diapers which can range from .34 cents to .62 cents per diaper versus around .22 cents per diaper for regular disposable, it can really take a toll on your budget. Yes there are great cloth diapers available but that is an entirely different story.
3. Teaches independence – My parenting style is to promote independence at every stage of development – sleeping, feeding, communicating, etc. This is my personal parenting style and what works for us.

Early potty training is a four step process for our family. Phase 1 can be implemented starting at age 5 months – 1 year. Having trained two kids at different ages, I prefer starting as soon as they can sit up on their own. What?? I know that sounds crazy but keep reading…

Phase 1 – Keep it Simple

Create Schedule: Keep it simple but set a schedule for trips to the potty just like you do for feeding and sleeping. The goal is to simply get acclimate your child with the toilet and train their sphincter muscles. I know, saying that out loud sounds disgusting.

Sample Potty Schedule (no less than 2 minutes, no longer than 5 mins)
• Upon waking (morning and each nap)
• 15 -40 minutes after bottle/feeding (this will be adjusted once you start noticing your baby’s pattern)
• Immediately Prior to Nap Time

Equipment: All you need at this point is a potty seat for the toilet. There are many brands on the market but my personal preference is the Bjorn Toilet Trainer Seat. I have used many others but with this brand I noticed that the ergonomic design had an impact on my kid’s making the connection sooner. I strongly discourage using potty chairs in the beginning because it is almost impossible to keep them seated. More on this in Phase 3.

Tips:

1. Sing songs and read books. Squirming is typical but playing Peek-a-Boo or Patty Cake, singing Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spider and A, B, C’s or reading your baby’s favorite books work wonders. I never used a timer but I have heard this works well in conjunction with singing and reading. I make a point to get very excited and make the trips fun. Remember, you set the tone for making this a positive experience.
2. No pressure! The most important part of Phase I is to be consistent and establish a daily routine. Just think of it  as you do with feeding and napping. Do not put unnecessary stress on yourself or members of your family. In the beginning, I focus on practicing only at home and wait until Phase 2 to track our progress in a journal. Like I said, I take the laid back approach.
3. Sign Language. Starting early means your child will need a way to communicate until they are able to speak. Be sure to incorporate some type of sign from the beginning. Pick something easy that works for your family. It does not need to be the exact baby sign which I found too difficult.
4. Lose the onsies. I’m a big fan of onsies but they make trips to the potty a little challenging. Dress baby in two piece outfits when awake or nothing but a diaper. The less they have on the less stressful the process.
5. Have Support. It is extremely important that every childcare provider (husband, sitter, grandparents, daycare, etc) is following your schedule and is on board with training. Our schedule was in the diaper bag and posted on the refrigerator.
6. Don’t give up! It may take a few weeks before your child actually pees in the potty. This does not mean they’re NOT ready. In the beginning it’s all about setting a schedule, getting them comfortable on the toilet and building up strength in their muscles.

What about gender?

I realize many people believe gender affects the success of potty training. I constantly hear “Boys take longer than girls”, “Girls are easier”…. I am not convinced it has to do with gender but more with the child’s personality. Every child is different when it comes to learning and processing information.

I noticed immediately that #2 was more stubborn and had a stronger personality than #1. If I had waited until after she turned one, I am confident potty training would have been a struggle. There is no doubt in my mind she would have resisted and made the process more difficult.

The biggest benefit to early training is that when babies enter toddlerhood they do not know anything different. It eliminates resistance and to be honest I have no patience for the potty dance or an incentive program to encourage my child to use the toilet. That’s just me.

All I can do is share my experience and encourage parents to do what’s right for your family. But consider this… Delayed potty training only became socially acceptable in the last 20 years with endorsements by Dr. Spock who discouraged directive training and emphasized accommodating children’s feelings and catering to their preferences.

Would you consider early potty training? Do you have a success story to share? Sassy Moms want to know!