I have been trying to find the 'right' time to TT my DD for the last 6 months or so. I was lawys told "they will let you know when they are ready". I am amazed at how they do!!!

My DD (2.5) recently (a week ago) announced that she was now a big girl and wouldn't wear nappies and wanted to use the toilet. Up until this time she would say that she didn't want the nappies, but refused to use the toilet (about 5 months worth). Prior to that she would sit on the potty, but had no idea what it was all about.

There was no point in starting anything then, because we just would have been 'training' for months. All the advice I have had is once you start, don't stop. I am happy that we didn't push her before she was ready.

We have had it reasonably easy for the last week. She is waking up dry from naps as well as overnight sleeps, and generally has one accident a day (usually involving #2s only). We don't have to concive her to go to the toilet, and when she does go, she happily does her "business". She even took herself yesterday. There's definitely no going back now.

I was hoping that she would hold off until we were settled in with bubba #2, but I guess that's not meant to be. Two in nappies would be far easier than one TT and a newborn. I am dreading DD regressing after #2 is born......

From my experience, I would say that 17 months is too young. He wouldn't be able to cognitively connect the sensation of needing to go with actaully going to the toilet and doing it there. In past generations parents will say that their kids were TT by the age of 2 all the time, but it was more that they pretty much pee'd to a schedule, and mum got him/her to the toilet in time.

Good luck if you choose to give it a try, but I would wait until he gives you the signs that he is ready. I agree with Sammi - get a potty to familiarise him with it, but I woudln't expect him to 'want' to do anything just yet.