How to Potty Train on a Trip

Take frequent breaks during the trip.

Wetting accidents and struggles with potty training are common even in the comfort of your own home. Traveling with a potty-training toddler adds a greater challenge to the task. You might find your child has more accidents while on the road or forgets to tell you when she needs to go to the bathroom. Preparation before you set out on your trip helps you keep potty-training accidents under control. Keep your child's needs in mind to avoid causing her stress by pushing for potty training too soon.

Things You'll Need

• Portable potty
• Wipes
• Extra clothes
• Pull-up diapers
• Plastic bags
• Towel
• Mattress pad

Instructions

1. Pack the potty-training supplies together in a spot that is easily accessible, particularly when traveling by car. Include a portable toilet or a child-sized ring to fit onto a regular toilet. Bring along pull-up-style diapers in case your child can't stay dry, extra clothes for accidents, wipes to clean up messes, a towel in case the car seat gets wet and plastic bags to store urine-soaked clothing.

2. Map out your route to include bathroom breaks at least once every two hours. Mark towns, rest stops and other areas on the map that will have restrooms in case your child needs to make an unscheduled bathroom stop.

3. Talk to your child before you leave about the trip and going potty. If you choose to use pull-up diapers during the travel portion, explain to your child the reason for the diapers and when she will go back to underwear.

4. Spread drinks out during the traveling. Avoid giving your child a large cup of liquids all at once, which could make him need to use the restroom again quickly.

5. Find the public restrooms as soon as you arrive at a new location during your trip. This allows you to get there quickly to avoid accidents if your child needs to go.

6. Remind your child frequently during the trip to use the restroom since she might be distracted by the new scenery. Have her try to use the restroom even if she feels like she doesn't need to go.

7. Place a waterproof mattress pad under your child as he sleeps on vacation. This prevents leaks on a hotel mattress or a relative's bed if you're staying with family.

8. Prepare yourself mentally for some accidents even if your child normally stays dry. Go back to pull-up diapers for the trip if your child is struggling to stay dry. Avoid punishing your child for accidents.

References

• Disney Family: 10 Tips for Traveling With a Potty-Training Toddler
• Potty Training Tips: Tips on Training While Travelling