Pee Pee in the Potty: The Beginning

With two babies in diapers, we're really looking forward to the day our 19 month old daughter learns to use the potty. There seems to be some controversy nowadays as to when to begin potty training. Some "ECers" start teaching their babies from the beginning not to use a diaper, and others believe it's best to wait until the child initiates potty training.

Actually, we've been introducing the concept to her pretty much since she could walk:

• We got her a couple potty chairs and those things that go on top of the toilet.
• We let her walk around without a diaper on so that she could see when she emptied her bladder and make a connection between the sensation and her seeing her own pee (at least that was the goal).
• We bring her into the bathroom with us and explain what we're doing so that she knows what everything is for, like the toilet paper and flusher.
• We've demonstrated to her, using a soiled diaper, that her own poop belongs in the toilet so that it can go down the drain.
• Most recently, we purchased a potty training book called "A Potty for Me" by Karen Katz (as in "Counting Kisses"). It's a very cute book and our daughter really enjoys it.

I've seen tons of tips, including putting together a reward system, letting the child run around in the buff while they figure it out, and even placing a diaper inside the potty chair so that the child can slowly transition away from diapers. I'm not into reward systems because I think they undermine a child's internal rewards of pride and self-satisfaction. I have tried the diaper-in-the-potty thing, but results were lacking.

I know, they just have to be ready. Well, she knows when she's going, she has the language skills to say when she's gone, and I think she can control it for the most part.

So, we've decided to buy some panties for her. I've been pointing out to her the difference between the underwear that I wear and the diapers that she wears. My thought is that if she feels how much more comfortable the "big kid pants" are then she'll be more motivated to move on out of those diapers.

Only time will tell, but I really think we're getting close. I'll post an update after a week or so, but I'd also enjoy hearing about what other people have tried. What worked for you?