Age to Potty Train

When is a good age to start potty train?  Plus any good tips?

I didnt think about training till after the boys 2nd birthday. Jordan was trained at just over 2 years. Brett was totally dry for his third birthday party and Coby also just turned three. Jack Jack is 19 months and still SUCH A BABY. I cannot imagine introducing him to a potty any time soon.
I hear girls are easier to train.

Thanks Pebbles.  Jackson turned 2 in September, so I thought I should start him on the idea.   

I think this should be child led.

I was not forced.  Consequently, I didn't train till I was nearly 3.  But one day I just came up and told my mom I wanted to wear 'big girl panties' and use the potty.

Never had an accident again.  Even at night.

Lots better than tears, tantrums, etc.

We started training Aillidh b/c she started telling us when she'd done a poo.  So I just started asking her if she needed the loo often during the day.

She also began taking an interest in everything in the bathroom - washing her hands, brushing her teeth, turning on the shower, etc.

I think this should be child led.

I'm definitely taking this route with mine.  He turned two in October, and barely has an interest.  Most of the time he doesn't even care if he's got a dirty diaper, so I don't think he's even remotely ready for it.  Which is fine by me as I am soooooo not looking forward to potty training.

Yes that's what I was thinking as well but something I read warned against leaving it "too late."  Has anyone read any good books on it they can recommend? (NOT Gina Ford  )

Yes that's what I was thinking as well but something I read warned against leaving it "too late."

Do you remember why they said waiting too long was bad?  Just curious.

Just that it was harder to get them potty trained past a certain age. I wish I oculd remember where I read it. I subscribe to a few of those monthly baby email thingies, I think it was in one of those. But as with everything I guess it depends on the child.

I guess that makes a bit of sense.

I think I'm going to try to wait until summer and do the free-range toddler thing in the yard.  I've heard that can work a charm.

Does that mean what I think it means?

We started the first one at 2 and struggled with it for about six months.  The second one completely trained herself at 18 months and with the third we waited till she was almost three, bought her pants and said 'from now on you use the toilet' and she did.  So I have no good advise, I'm afraid.  I do think it's as much about training yourself to get them to the loo as it is about training them.    I think the general rule is if he knows what he's doing and starts objecting to being wet or messy it's time to start.  If it was me, I'd give it a couple more months till warmer weather-shorts and underpants are easier than trousers and overalls unless he was showing an interest.  

as Calvin is only 18 months (and a few weeks), we have no plans to start anytime soon.
although we are going to get a potty to get him used to it. the advice i've been given is; not to start til they can 'tell you' they have to go and with boys, until they are at least 2. i'm in no big hurry though!

Does that mean what I think it means?

Pretty much!

But I've heard really great things about the free-range approach.  Basically, you they run around the yard naked (from the waist down) and you let them pee and poop when they need to.  The theory is that by having them see what they do and be more aware of it, it tends to make the transition to a potty easier.  I wonder if I can find a link somewhere..... a-ha!

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T106600.asp  (scroll down about halfway to the "Bare-Bottomed Drills" header)

Jackson has a new potty chair that has he has never used, the one thing he does loves to do his carry all his cars in it.  I guess he is just not ready, there is no pressure. 

Thanks all for the advice.

I believe with Jordan I rushed. I was preg. with Brett when Jordan was a toddler and changing his diaper was causing sickness so I started training him before I actually felt he was ready. He took a good 4 months to train. With Coby we let him sort of decide for himself. He was nearly 3 but he went right from regular diapers to the toilet. No pull ups or potty chairs. He was ready so he just did it.