Tips for Potty Training while Traveling

It is no secret that potty training is tough. But potty training while traveling is an adventure in its own right. With a little planning, a lot of patience, and a package of your toddler’s favorite Disney Pull-Ups, it’s totally doable!

Potty Training While Traveling

As if traveling with a toddler isn’t a handful as it is … throw in potty training a toddler while you’re traveling and it adds a whole new dimension to your trip. The truth is though, the rules for potty training are pretty much prevalent and universal across the map. Potty training depends a lot on routines and predictability. If you’re traveling during this time, just know: It CAN be done!

Bring a Potty Chair

This is especially important if you’ll be taking a roadtrip.

Having a potty chair with you means no excuses for not doing their doody (pun totally intended) in the potty. Buy one well ahead of the trip and allow your toddler to use it at home. That way, he’ll be familiar and more comfortable with it during the trip.

Prepare for Potty Training in Public Bathrooms

Ann McArthur recently wrote an article on this and explains why a Post-It note can be your best friend when your toddler needs to use an automatic toilet. If you’re a traveling mom, your little one is going to have to get used to airport bathrooms, rest areas and gas station restrooms. It’s all part of the gig.

Continue with the Rewards

Bring the snacks, stickers, hugs, bubbles, or whatever you’re using as a reward. Children respond to positive reinforcement and the little extra motivation can go a long way! Keeping with the rewards system assures your child that being away from home doesn’t mean the routine is different. If the rewards are working at home … they should still work on the road.

Pick Your Battles

Be forgiving to your toddler and to yourself. If you know you’re going to be on a flight where it is going to be virtually impossible to get your little one to the restroom every time he/she needs to go, consider using a Pull-up instead of big boy/girl underwear.

Know that Accidents Happen!

Sometimes we just can’t get a toddler to the restroom fast enough. When an accident happens, give yourself a break and move on. Naturally, the familiarity is taken away if your little one is on the road while potty training, so just recognize the challenge and keep going.