Potty training can be challenging for children and for parents. And then once you have it down at home, it can be overwhelming to think about leaving the house diaper-free. But potty training on the go can be done!
Here are some ways to prepare for your outing.
Tips for Potty Training on the Go
1. Talk About Your Outing
Consider only taking a short trip away from home for your first visit.
Talk to your little one about where you’re going. Offering your child an idea of what to expect can help you both feel at ease. You might want to explain how the public restroom experience can be different than home. For example, “Mommy will stay close to you. We might use a special seat cover!”
Try to familiarize your child with what the process might look like in a public setting versus home.
2. Potty Time Before You Go
Encourage your little one to make one last bathroom visit before you leave home. This might give you a longer window of time before the next bathroom visit.
3. Pack Essentials
Dress your little one in elastic pants for an easy pull-down.
Then pack extra underwear and pants in case of an accident.
Pack sticky notes.Many public bathrooms flush based on a sensor. Use a sticky note to cover the sensor and avoid any alarming mid-potty flushes. This can be scary to a young child.
Pack disposable seat covers. These disposable potty seat covers are a game changer. Adult-size toilets can be large and awkward for your little one. They might be tempted to grab the rim of the seat. These disposable potty seat covers are compact to carry, easy to install, and a protective barrier.
Bring a mini hand sanitizer. Young children can be curious and touch their surroundings. Even though you’ll wash your hands, it’s good to have sanitizer on hand to use quickly after their bathroom break.
4. Go Potty Yourself
It sounds silly, but you might want to go potty with your child. Show them it is safe and familiarize them with the surroundings together. This can create curiosity for them rather than turn into a power struggle. If mommy does it, so can I!
5. Choose Family Restrooms if Possible
For your first few outings, try to choose a family restroom or an individual restroom. West Acres Mall, for example, has family bathrooms with toddler-sized toilets. This can be a nice way to ease into public bathroom visits. They tend to be more private and quiet.
6. Minimize Stimulus
There can be a lot to take in with a public bathroom: strangers, hand dryers, loud toilets flushing. Try to ease your little into it by going in when it’s quiet.
Also, try using sticky note over the sensor to avoid surprise flushes. And even bring your own paper towels to avoid loud hand dryers. You might also want to lay down some toilet paper in the toilet prior to them going to avoid any extra splashes.
Continue to communicate with your child about what they are hearing and seeing. Reassure them they are safe. You can also “newscast” what is happening. “The toilet is going to flush next. It might be a little loud! Mommy is here.”
7. Offer Lots of Praise
Even if your child doesn’t fully “go,” offer praise for each step along the way. Praise them for standing in the stall or sitting on the toilet. Each step is a part of the process.
It may take lots of practice for your little one to feel comfortable. Try to remain calm. If you’re frantically cleaning the stall, covering the sensor, and splaying out the cover, your child will pick up on that. Be cool and direct. Offer praise and know that even if there is an accident, you’ve come prepared and will be able to handle it.
Don’t let your successes at home, stop you from being excited to leave the house. You got this!
Remember to keep the outing short, go prepared, and give yourselves grace.
And for more potty training advice, read 9 Practical Tips to Potty Train in a Weekend.
