It was suggested I X-post here

[AFWife]

The Toddler Forum suggested I cross post here...

Help me think through this!

DS is my first. My brother and I PL'd later (closer to 3) so I can't go to my parents for advice. (Same with DH's mom...she's surprised he's doing it so early)

He's 18mo. We started introducing the potty around 10mo. Basically, if I caught him pooping I'd set him on it and give him lots of praise (clapping and saying "YAY FRANKLIN!") for finishing up on the potty. We also would sit on it after naps and occasionally in the morning and sometimes catch a pee. It was all very laid back. If I caught it cool, if not it's no big because he's so young.

We started doing it more recently. He runs around naked most of the time because we have few misses during the day. He knows where his potty is kept (usually in the living room) and will come use it when he needs to.

Okay, my questions...

1) Originally we were catching poops and missing pees...now, a few months later (after a brief strike) it's reversed. He comes to pee but will go to his room to poop. MIL said that kids get that "need to be alone to poop" thing going on...will buying a second potty just for his room help?

2) He's not verbal yet...well, he's getting better. The other night he said potty and then used it, but it hasn't happened again. When do we do underwear? Would it be best to do it at home first?

3) How do we start doing it out and about? This one makes me the most nervous...


This and ANY other advice is very very appreciated!

[riboflavin]

1) We definitely experienced the need for poo privacy at our house. It was quite a challenge because he was too young to undress himself. I think you could try many things. A potty in a private place like his room like you said and easy access clothing or naked so he can go himself. Split crotch pants may help in the house when it gets colder if naked becomes less of an option. You could also set him on a potty and then tell him you will give him privacy and shut the bathroom door. He may feel like a big kid then and do it. Maybe less praise? That could possibly be embarrassing for poos. Also, sometimes potty videos help, like Once Upon a Potty. Sometimes waiting until immediately before they have to go and setting them on the potty helps. I know our son would not go if we put him on the potty at the first sign of an impending BM, because he would have to sit there too long. So if we would wait until right before the 'big moment' he would do it!

2. We didn't do underwear until he was pretty reliable with no accidents-basically a grad. Training pants are great though for any stage or age because there are so many different kinds for all different stages. They are generally much easier to get on and off than a diaper. And much trimmer too. They also are usually not stay dry material inside, so that can help with a little one's awareness of his body processes. That can also make it less desirable to go in the pants! Depending on the style of training pants you buy, you may want to try them at home first to get an idea of the absorbency. There are many styles available though, that are waterproof and will hold a miss; pee and poo!

3. We started doing it on outings by going out for short times at first, usually right after DS went potty. Then we knew we would generally have about an hour or 2 before potty time. We would take walks, go to coffee shops, parks and places where I know I could use a potty or tree if need be.