Finlay is 2 years 1 month.  I have always said that I am not in any rush to potty train at all and I've read so much about how it's so much better to wait til they're closer to 3 etc. so I've never said anything to Finn although we do did buy a potty a couple of months ago and ocassionally we put him on it if he was reading a book or something.  Once or twice he did a wee so we gave him loads of praise etc.

About a month ago he wasn't wearing any clothes, clutched his willy and said "nappy."  We were downstairs with a potty so I asked him if he wanted to sit on the potty which he did and he did a wee.  Since then where have been loads of times where he hasn't had a nappy on and has either said "potty" or if I'm in another room, he's just gone of his own accord.  In fact, yesterday he did a poo on the potty when I was in the other room but he also weed on the floor, I think he didn't think he should poo and wee in the same receptacle

So he knows when he needs to wee and poo but I don't know if this means I should be potty training him?  He's only just 2 and he can't do the other things they should be able to do like pull trousers up and down etc.  But (and I'm clueless) I'm not sure if there's some kind of "window of opportunity" and I should go for it now?

WWYD?   

It sounds like the perfect window of opportunity. I don't think it matters about the trousers - my son is just 3 and is just getting the hang of it!  My son also showed no knowledge of needing a wee/poo and it was only when he asked to wear pants that we went for it - I think he was one of those children who just have to learn about cause and effect.  We still have several accidents a week (especially at nursery) and appear to be having a bit of a relapse and he still isn't very bothered about having wet pants/trousers.

Give it a go and if it all goes really pear shaped you can always try again later.

I have no experience at all, but my instinct says that if he is willingly using the potty now then go with it - they are all ready at different times. To me, it could be a confusing message tell him that it is ok to just go in his nappy now and then in a few months time tell him to go back to using the potty (I've not explained that very well buyt hope you see what I mean!)

Wave!!

I think you're doing everything right by not pushing it.  I'm trying the same with E as she is at an identical stage to F

I hoped we'd have longer!!

I would go for it, especially if he is doing it of his own accord.  E had just turned 2 when she was fully potty trained.  Dont worry about thing like pulling up his trousers etc that will come in time.

Yes, definitely go for it - you've got a smart one there.  We started training my little boy at 2 yrs 2 months because he really wanted to.  It took longer and I think we had more accidents than some but as he was really keen we went with it.  Getting them keen is half the battle I think.

Clarrylove

What a clever boy! I would say go for it. My 2 (boys) have been completely different when it comes to potty training - the first was like yours, very keen and showing signs of knowing when he was going to go, so we started potty training early and slowly, with no pressure. He was 21 months when we started, and was in pants full time at 22 months ish.

Number 2 boy is a different story- he is 28 months and loves being in pants and using the potty, but rarely asks to go and isn't fussed if he does have an accident..he's too laidback to care I think.

Good luck if you do decide to go for it - think of the money saved in nappies if it works!

Thank you so much for your help guys.  I think I might slowly go for it then, buy some pants at the weekend and let the childminder know what's happening!

It's good to hear of other's experiences.

Hecate  Pleased to hear Emily's doing the same.  We'll have to exchange notes! xx