Potty training, toilet learning, elimination communication, a complete mess?
Whatever you may call potty training, it comes with an array of “stuff” that can become overwhelming to even the most organized parent!
When potty training with my own 3 year old twin boys, I tried all the potty training tips, tricks, and helpful advice I could find. We dabbled with many potty learning options while we figured out what worked best for them individually.
They were young boys who were still learning every day about listening to their bodies so it took time, patience, and a lot of sacrifice.
Also, potty training doesn’t just end after the first couple days or weeks until your toddler ‘gets it.’ You really have to stay on top of them for months after they’ve been trained to make sure they don’t have an accident. The hardest time to do this is when you’re out!
Urgently running through a public place to find a restroom as soon as your toddler says “I have to go potty” is literally the worst feeling! Not to mention having to use public restrooms with your child touching anything and everything in there – gross!
Top Potty Training Tips When Traveling or On-the-Go
My kids did well potty training in the house, but who wants to stay home all the time? I don’t know about you, but staying home all day with 2 toddlers is not my ideal day. We love our trips to the park and the library, but what do you do when you’re out and about when potty training is on the cards?
In fact, one of the reasons I created the Poppy Potty was to have a better portable potty for toddlers for our adventures outside.
Here is a list of my favorite top 5 tools and tips that have saved my sanity many times, especially when we are on-the-go!
Related Post: Free Printable Potty Training Chart
1. Get a portable potty, like The Poppy Potty!
If you have stayed home for a few days during the first stages of potty training, getting out of the house and getting some fresh air is a relief. Having a portable potty that is lightweight and easy to carry, makes leaving the house with your potty training toddler so much easier!
Kids move around when they are playing, and during potty training it’s best to have a potty close by. I move the Poppy Potty from place to place as they play outside to ensure we have the best chance of getting them there on time when they feel the urge.
Being able to have a potty close by not only eliminates the mess you have to clean, but it also gives your child the confidence of knowing that they made it, they listened to their body, and will help motivate them to trust themselves and continue the process.
We always take our Poppy Potty to the park, on nature walks and hikes, even to restaurants as it can be used as a seat reducer for the big toilet. We have also used it in the car for roadside emergencies. You’ll be in so many situations where you need this, trust me!
I personally love the Poppy Potty for it’s lightweight portability. I used to use a larger travel potty seat that was clunky and not convenient to carry around. This is more inconspicuous to carry into a restaurant or mall.
2. Potty Training Underwear!
No I’m not talking about the cute little princess big girl underpants, but there are underwear that absorb a little more liquid than standard underwear, but not as much as a pull-up.
These potty training underwear have an extra thick gusset with 4+ layers of fabric that really help absorb accidents. They don’t act like pull ups to keep all the pee in, but really just help stop a “down the leg flood.” I found these really useful in saving a few outfits when the inevitable accident happens.
If they do have an accident, just quickly take off their bottoms (which are usually dry enough to put back on) and replace the underwear. We only used them for about 3 months, but they really helped save my sanity and meant that I didn’t have to carry as many changes of clothes.
Related Post: 23 Tips for How To Potty Train Your Toddler Before Two
3. A Wet Bag!
A wet bag is such a small thing to add in to your on the go bag and a big lifesaver. You can use disposable bags or reusable bags like the ones shown above.
A plastic bag will do to the job, as will The Poppy Potty Biodegradable Potty Liners. When that little accident happens, having a wet bag is ideal for popping the wet clothes in to sort out at home.
My toddlers have had accidents at the beginning, middle, and end of our outings and I usually don’t want to leave just because I have a pile of wet clothes to carry. So I get them changed, get the wet stuff in a bag, and keep on playing and adventuring! You will never regret having an extra little wet bag on hand.
4. Biodegradable Wipes!
Since we use The Poppy Potty and our Biodegradable Potty Liners, we like to use biodegradable wipes as well when traveling.
Now, I know you’ve probably been carrying wipes for a few years now, but it’s good to remember that even older toddlers, like my 4 year olds, need a wipe for their bottoms, hands, and faces when you least expect it!
Find the best wipe that works for your family and keep it in the bag with your potty at all times. Keep a spare pack in the car too!
Related Post: 11 Potty Training Mistakes Every Parent Should Avoid
5. Patience, Patience, Patience!
Seriously, as a parent this one is the hardest one to keep in your pocket. I run out of this on the daily!
However, when toddlers are learning to listen to their bodies while growing bones, learning to share, playing a new game, pretending to be dinosaurs, and all the rest of the things toddler brains and bodies have to do, we have to be patient with them. They are also learning a huge new skill: to control their bladders!
So, take a deep breath, smile and say “it was an accident” or “it’s ok, we’ll get there next time” and move on to the next activity. If you lose it (which I have done) forgive yourself, and get back to being the love of your kids life.
We hope these top 5 essential Potty Training Tips for Success On The Go will help make your life a little easier, and a little less messy!
ABOUT THE POPPY POTTY
Poppy Potty is the potty training mom’s ticket to freedom!
Poppy Potty is a 10 second set up, lightweight, environmentally friendly portable potty to make your life easier. Perfect for the toddler on-the-go or while traveling.
It can be used at home – standing or on the toilet, in the car, at the park and even camping. Carry it in your bag and you’ll never be caught out again when you hear “I need to go pee.”
Poppy Potty is:
- Quick to set up in 10 seconds
- Weighs less than 2lbs
- Toxin Free – BPA, PVC and Phthalate Free
- Multi-functional 2-in-1 design for standing solo or on toilet
- Strong – suitable for children up to 110 lbs
- 20 Biodegradable potty liners + Organic Cotton Carry Bag
Related Post: 5 Tips to Gently Potty Train Your Toddler – Toddler Scared to Poop? How to Get Rid of Potty Training Anxiety
