Is Chloe to young to start potty training? That is a question I’ve been asking myself lately. For the past three days in a row, Chloe has come to me and said “Poopy!” and then I’ve watched her bear down and go (in her diaper). The first day it came as a big surprise. The second day, I was surprised again, yet prepared to act excited and pleased. The third morning, I went out and bought a new potty. I had no expectations, but thought I might as well be prepared.

The third day was yesterday. When Chloe came to tell me, well, let’s just say I could have handled it better. First, I waited too long, but I wanted to be sure. Then, when I was sure, I took her to the bathroom, tried to whip off her diaper, and sit her on the seat. Unfortunately, one side of the diaper got stuck. There was already poop in it (because I waited), and I had to use the other hand to keep it inside (and limit the smear factor). Anyway, I was too late and it was awkward for both of us. Doubly so when I finally got the diaper off and Chloe reached her hand to see what was going on where her diaper had been. Yuck. Chloe looked at her browned fingers and learned a new word: “Dirty!”.

No pooping was done in the potty that day. And Chloe was out running around with her daddy the second time she went. I’ll have to remember to ask if she warned him, too.

Today is the fourth day.

Will she be as consistent today? She sure loves sitting on her new potty and has since randomly said “Poopy!” several times yesterday in reference to the chair. Will I be faster? Should I even try? What if she does (miraculously) learn to poopy in the potty, doesn’t that mean that I’ll have to find a potty whenever she needs to go? If I told her to go in her diaper, wouldn’t that be sending a mixed message? On one hand, I’m pleased she’s begun to recognize her bodily functions, but on the other hand it adds a complication that I don’t feel ready for.

I also have a confession to make. I already had a potty that I bought on craigslist soon after Chloe was born (top left image). I really liked the modern design of it, but it was used a little harder than I originally thought and I never cleaned it like I knew I should. It is sitting in our shed. Then, a friend recommended a  sit-on-top model, actually a 3-in-one, that was working well for her son, and I thought that might be better (center image). So that is what I bought. Now we have two (or three, really, because I couldn’t decide and bought a third one, too, which I plan on returning. I’m such a dork.).

So, that is where I am. Now I wait to see what today might bring for poopy time…

Note: Babies R Us is currently offering $3 off all potty chairs over $20, plus an extra $5 off if you get the coupon book.