Possible to start PL to a nonverbal toddler?

[Latte Mama]

First, I KNOW it's early to start PL. However, both DH and I feel that a completely unpressured approach to at least try won't hurt. If it doesn't work at all, no problem!

However, are we completely bonkers to even start this with a non verbal kid? My DS does sign and is quite good with receptive language. He has peed a few times in the potty already when shown.

Thoughts?
Oh and I'd love to hear book suggestions, I'm completely overwhelmed with all the ones on Amazon.
Thanks!

[fireweed]

Not too early! Maybe look in the EC forum(is there one??) for practical advice. If your LO can sign, then I'm sure he can communicate his need to go potty.
We started PL at about 16 months(although dd was pretty verbal already), and at first it was more like ECing with me getting dd to the potty at regular intervals, and watching her cues, but by 20 months she was out of diapers except at night.
Check out 'Potty Free Before Three'- we found it very helpful.

[Tjej]

Yes, there's an elimination communication forum under diapering.

You can always use sign language.

The real way to make real progress is to make the switch to underwear. It makes you (and your child) a lot more aware of things and a lot more willing to get to that potty right away! As long as you can do that and have misses and not get mad...

Tjej

[Latte Mama]

Originally Posted by fireweed

Not too early! Maybe look in the EC forum(is there one??) for practical advice. If your LO can sign, then I'm sure he can communicate his need to go potty.
We started PL at about 16 months(although dd was pretty verbal already), and at first it was more like ECing with me getting dd to the potty at regular intervals, and watching her cues, but by 20 months she was out of diapers except at night.
Check out 'Potty Free Before Three'- we found it very helpful.

20 months, that's great! I've heard of that book, I'm going to check it out, thanks.

Originally Posted by Tjej

Yes, there's an elimination communication forum under diapering.

You can always use sign language.

The real way to make real progress is to make the switch to underwear. It makes you (and your child) a lot more aware of things and a lot more willing to get to that potty right away! As long as you can do that and have misses and not get mad...

Tjej

Yes, underwear, I bought some already in preparation. Oh no getting mad over misses, no way! He's already peed on the floor . Heck I have 3 elderly cats who have occasional accidents and also puke. I don't get mad at that stuff.

[RosemaryS-F]

Naw, my son started at 21 months and now at 23 months, rarely pees in his diaper and I haven't cleaned up poop in a loooong time. It's great. There's a window around 18-24 months apparently when pl is really something they'll do (so I hear, and it seems true from our end.)

[cparkly]

NOT too early! Our 21-month old DS has not worn a diaper since December 15. He may have a miss (where he starts to pee, then catches himself) once a week. We did not gradually switch from cloth diapers to underwear, because I did not want him to feel confused, so we went straight to cloth trainers and never looked back! He signs potty when he needs to go. He is so happy with it.

[atreyyena]

For my younger DS, he decided at just about 2 that he wanted to be like his older brother, no diapers. so he potty trained himself, both day and night time. If i'm not paying attention (like taking him potty before bed) he'll wet the bed at night about once a week, but we have a vinyl crib mattress, so it's no big deal.


The biggest thing I found, is don't make it a game. going to the bathroom is just a thing people do, it shouldn't be entertainment. Now he'll be three next month, and he doesn't want me in there with him. Sometimes I turn on the light if needed, but he goes to the bathroom, by himself, without stories, like the rest of us do. He's very proud of his independence.

For advice, I guess I'd say, give him the option of going potty every now and again, if he wants to he can. if not, is HIS butt, his choice.

[lifeguard]

I just put ds on the toilet first thing in the morning, after naps, before baths & anytime we do a diaper change. He pees most of the time when I put him on & is dry after his nap - in fact he pees more in the first hour he is awake than the entire night.

Definitely not too young, but I do think it is important for it to be no stress.