At the thought of potty training, many parents don’t know when or how to start. The thought of potty training your child can be an overwhelming experience.
When, how and who are common questions.
When should I start?
How should I start?
How should I complete the process?
Who should be involved and do it?
When should you start is one of the most frequently asked questions by parents.
My answer is whatever age you want from birth.
There are pros and cons to starting at any age you choose, and they’re listed to help you make a decision that’s right for you, your family, and your child or baby.
Before 1 year
Advantage
- The bond between parents and children is strengthened by learning to communicate very early in life.
- You save time and money
- Start early before he is mobile and he will be more willing to sit on his potty.
- You will learn to communicate more non-verbally.
- You don’t have to unlearn the lessons of wearing a diaper for your bodily functions.
Disadvantages
- You have to have a more regulated schedule
- You need more information from your parents and caregivers.
- You have to learn to understand their non-verbal communication.
- it will take more time
- It is more difficult to find briefs and tiny panties.
- Other parents will criticize you and try to dissuade you.
From 12 to 24 months
Advantage
- You can save $100
- aid to the environment
- If you can start before he is mobile, he will be more willing to sit still on his potty.
- You will learn to communicate more with verbal and non-verbal messages sooner.
- You have less time than you have to unlearn the lesson you were taught about using your diaper for bodily functions.
Disadvantages
- You have to have a more regulated schedule
- You and other caregivers need to add more to the process
- You have to learn to understand his non-verbal communication, indications that he needs to go to the bathroom.
- It will probably take a little longer
- It is more difficult to find briefs and panties for children under two years of age.
After 2 years of age
Advantage
- It can happen faster because you can communicate more verbally and tell him when you need to use the bathroom.
- He may require less input from you and other caregivers as he can accomplish more on his own.
- You will be able to have a more flexible routine
- It’s easier to buy underwear that fits you well
- Other parents will accept that what you are doing is normal and will encourage you
- He understands rewards more and can more easily perform for such incentives.
Disadvantages
- He has to unlearn the lessons of wearing a diaper for his bodily functions, which he has been allowed to do for much longer.
- It is more expensive; it could cost you $1000 more just for diapers.
- He may be more resistant to starting since he’s so used to performing in diapers.
- It can turn into a battle from start to finish.
Once you make the decision to start potty training your child, stick to that date.