Potty Training While Traveling
Traveling with young children can be an exciting adventure, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. Potty training while traveling is one of those challenges that many parents face. However, with a little bit of planning and preparation, potty training on-the-go doesn’t have to ruin your next travel day. Here are some of our tips and tricks that we found to help make potty training while traveling a breeze. (Ok, maybe not a breeze but more tolerable for you and your kiddo!)
Plan Ahead for Potty Training While Traveling
If at all possible, it’s best to avoid traveling for the first 1-2 months of potty training. If you are able, I would postpone travel until your child is comfortable using unfamiliar toilets and wearing underwear. I understand this isn’t always an option but your travels will be less stressful for you and your little one!
When you are ready to head out, take some time to plan ahead for your child's potty training needs. This includes packing all the necessary supplies and planning for bathroom breaks along the way. Talk, talk, talk about unfamiliar potties/bathrooms and what to expect. Public restrooms are loud, cramped and often smell funny. When toddlers know what to expect, they are less anxious!
I’d also recommend making sure you stay somewhere that has laundry. Potty training involves lots of washing of clothing, undies and bedding.
Pack the Right Supplies
When it comes to potty training while traveling, having the right supplies is key. Here are some items to consider packing:
Travel potty seat: A travel potty seat is a compact and portable option that can be make your child feel more comfortable with an unfamiliar toilet. We practiced using ours at home so it was familiar for them. We take this potty seat while traveling on vacation and when we visit relatives.
Travel potty: A travel potty is a convenient, practical choice for travel. My kiddos were never fans of travel potties but I know a few friends whose kids prefer going potty on their travel potty in the back of their vans. Travel potties are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for parents on-the-go.
Pull-Ups: This is where we were a little more relaxed in the potty training department. When traveling with our toddler, we used a Pull-Up on flights or long car rides. This did not set back their potty training journey and it made us all feel less stressed about traveling long distances. (Or getting stuck on the tarmac, waiting in line for security, stuck in the middle of Iowa without a gas station in sight, etc) Call them “travel pants” if you need to! We would our kiddos back to undies as soon as bathrooms were readily available.
Wet wipes: Wet wipes are essential for travel on a good but crucial for a potty training toddler. They clean potty seats, hands, messes, you name it!
Wet bags or plastic bags: Wet bags or plastic bags can be used to dispose of soiled clothing or training pants.
Change of clothing: DO NOT FORGET A CHANGE OF CLOTHING FOR THE PARENTS! Everyone always remembers to bring along clothes for the toddler but they don’t always think about themselves! This goes for car rides and plane rides. Any excursion with a potty training toddler requires backup. (I distinctly remember getting peed on at the pumpkin patch. Don’t be me. I have not traveled without a spare outfit since.)
Plan for Bathroom Breaks
When planning your trip, be sure to schedule in bathroom breaks along the way. Do not fall for the “But I don’t have to go”. They do and they need to try. Or you’ll be taking the very next exit (or cleaning up a mess).
Consider stopping at rest areas or gas stations that have clean and well-maintained restrooms. Nothing is worse than a toddler touching every single object and floor tile in a filthy gas station restroom.
If you are flying, go to the bathroom right before the boarding the plane. I don’t know about you but airplane toilets still kind of freak me out and I’ve been using a toilet for almost 40 years. You can pack along a potty seat to make things a little more familiar.
I also LOVE family bathrooms at airports. They are spacious and quieter. They seem a little more like home than a large public restroom. My youngest hated the sound of toilets flushing so I would be able to take her to the bathroom, hand her to my husband outside and we could avoid the whole toilet flushing frenzy. Tip: if family bathrooms aren’t available, be sure to pack post-it notes! Place a post-it note over the sensor to prevent it from flushing while in use! Or headphones! We did it all!
Keep a Routine
When it comes to potty training, consistency is key. This is especially true when traveling, as disruptions to your child's routine can make it harder for them to stay on track. Try to maintain a similar schedule and routine as you would at home, including regular bathroom breaks and reminders to use the potty.
Make it Fun
Potty training can be a fun and exciting time for your child, especially if you make it a positive experience. Consider bringing along some of your child's favorite books, toys, or stickers to use as rewards for successful potty breaks. (We love these reward charts!)
Stay Calm
Our kiddos feed off of our energy. If you are stressed, they will become stressed. And remember, as with all things parenting, this stage of life will be over before you know it! Traveling with a potty training toddler has provided me with quite a few core memories!
Potty training while traveling can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can be a successful and stress-free experience. Remember to pack the right supplies, plan for bathroom breaks, maintain a routine, and make it a fun experience for your child. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to successful potty training while on the go!
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