Travel Tips for Potty Training

It’s inevitable. At some point during potty training, you will need to step out of your child’s comfort zone and embark on an adventure that requires planning and public restroom facilities. This may seem scary at first… for both you and your child. However, following a few simple tips, along with plenty of practice and patience, will build confidence in your toddler’s ability to stay dry during family excursions.

Short Trips Across Town

Before embarking on a weekend trip to see grandma (or a weeklong family vacation), it’s best to start gradually with some simple trips outside the neighborhood. A journey to the grocery store or a ride to the mall or playground are great ways to start. Leave the disposable training pants at home and cheer your child on, letting them know staying dry is a task they can conquer!

Have your child use the potty before you depart. If they don’t have to go, that’s fine, but they should still take a timeout and try. And while they will not have the luxury of wearing those disposable training pants, it’s a good idea to be prepared with a change of clothes, just in case.

The first time using a public toilet can be a frightening experience for young children. Clean the seat with a disinfectant wipe and place a disposable paper cover after it dries. Your child should sit on the side of larger toilet seats, while you help them balance. And be sure to cover automatic flush sensors to prevent a loud (and sometimes traumatic) flush while they make their attempt.

Ask your child if they need to go at regular intervals and have them try again before heading home. Some children may be more comfortable using a travel potty chair rather than the big public toilet, especially in the beginning. This can be accomplished in a family restroom or even in the car prior to heading into your destination.

Longer Road Trips

Once your child has conquered short trips, it’s time for longer travel. Resist the urge to use disposable training pants but be ready for accidents with wipes and a clean change of clothes. Have your child try to go before leaving home and build in plenty of time for frequent potty breaks along the way. Continue any reward system you have going at home. If your child uses a sticker chart to document at-home success, bring the chart with you and continue the positive reinforcement while on the road. And if he or she has an accident, chalk it up to experience, use thatclean set of clothes, and give them a word of encouragement for a successful next attempt. Avoid scolding your child for the accident. Remember, this is a learning experience and a new (and stressful) situation for both of you. Teamwork and positive encouragement should rule the day.

Vacation Time!

Your child is doing well with longer road trips and finally ready for a few days away from home. Consider accommodations with a washer and dryer (privately owned rental homes or full-service suites) rather than a regular hotel room. That way you have access to clean changes of clothes when accidents happen. Bring along absorbable pads for the bed, especially if your child continues to have difficulty staying dry at night and continue encouraging your child to try going at regular intervals. Remember to bring that sticker chart (or other reward system) to keep your child engaged and encouraged during the length of your stay.

Most importantly, traveling with your children while potty training should be fun, positive experiences. Heap on the praise for success and rally around failures, letting them know they tried their best, you still love them, and drier days are just around the corner!