Many people will suggest to you that when first potty training it’s best to just stay at home for a few days. While this seems like logical advice, for many of us it’s just not possible and eventually you will have to leave the house. Taking your potty training toddler out in public is a whole new monster from working on it at home! Here’s a few more tips for when you’re out and about:
–Make your child try to go before you leave the house. It’s a great habit to get into and will hopefully keep you from having to run to every public restroom when you’re out.
–When putting your child in a car seat or buggy, protect the seat in case of accidents. I don’t recommend going out and buying one of those expensive piddle pads (who chose that name anyways?!?!), I simply use a clean diaper, basically putting it on under the child but I don’t fasten it. I keep one in every car seat and buggy so we have it to throw under for added protection at any time.
–Have a stash of necessities with you at all times including: multiple pairs of clean underwear and pants, clean shirts, clean socks, clean shoes, wipes, plastic bags. It will be awhile before your diaper bag gets lighter or gets to stay at home
–If you’re worried about germy public bathrooms, invest in some fancy (and expensive) toilet seat covers. I prefer to just cover the seat how I would for myself and then lift my children onto the seat and have them hold my arms while I balance their waste to keep them from touching the seat.
–If you’re out for an extended period of time, take your child to visit the toilet as often as you would at home. Usually public bathrooms are more exciting than at home so kids won’t fight you going (I once visited a restaurant bathroom 4 times in 20 minutes with Sugarplum because I knew she was getting ready to make a poo and she kept telling me she had to go but would only pee every time we were in there).
It’s also good to know where the bathrooms are located wherever you’re going in case your child decides they need to go while out.
