I believe that toilet training is actually quite a long process. It begins with letting the child see what you are doing in the toilet and talking about the toilet and the potty. 20 months is pretty early to be fully trained but its definitely time to start discussing the toilet/potty and what its for. I used a potty for both of my children  because I think that it  easier for them to access - get on and off on their own (quickly) - and this is vital. You need to put the potty in a place where yor son can get to it on his own. Both of my kids did this for about 3 - 4 months before they started to climb onto the toilet on their own.

the potties that are designed like a chair are the best - not the ones where you have to squat. It will take longer than 3 days - your son will just get gradually better and better at using it over time. I don't think there is no need to leave the house. Just wear a nappy out until you are confident that your son can tell you when he needs to go. I used to take the potty with me to places - peoples houses etc. In the shops I used to take the little bowl that pops out of the middle and use it only for emergencies! We never had any accidents in public and both of my kids just got better and better.

It is best not  to push the issue too much at first or your child can develop a resistance to wanting to use the potty. Professionals advice not to begin too early! I think around 22 months is the earliest recommendation.

We introduced Zack to the potty as soon as he could walk,I never did the three day thing and with in three weeks of his first wee my boy was fully toilet trained nights and all. I didn't train him in winter but as soon as it warmed slightly we tried him with the potty he was not very keen on that so we tried the toddler seat on the toilet and he loved it.

I would suggest trying now and just go with the flow we didn't push the issue with zack we just let him go at his own pace. The main thing I was told was to make it a stress free thing for all involved.

Good luck

  Lexi xxx

By all means give it a try and see if he is ready.  If he is not ready it won't work - does he show any interest in the potty or can he tell you when he does things in his nappy?

I didn't do the three day thing, but then again it took a few weeks for us to toilet train.  I just take the nappy off at home and when we're out encourage them to tell me when they need to go.  I wasn't game to go out without a nappy until they could do it at home.  A couple of my friends have taken the potty with them when they are out - but if you are in a public place you are then stuck with a potty full of wee and what do you do with it? 

I would rather get them to go before you go out, then put a nappy on, and if they ask you to go to the toilet while you are out, then go (even though it can be a nuisance)