By Jane Marsh
Travelling with a potty-training toddler is a full-on adventure. They may be comfortable in your quiet and predictable routine at home, but with the outside world a spontaneous factor, it’s tempting to slip on nappies to save the hassle of sitting in cramped, loud and dirty toilets. However, it may get more challenging to pick up where you left off. How do you maintain consistency even when on the go?
1. Stick to a Simple Routine
Toddlers thrive on routine, and travelling disrupts the daily rhythms they’re accustomed to. You can try shorter and nearer trips first – perhaps a weekend away or a day out to local and regional destinations as sustainable options – before jetting off on a long-haul holiday. Your child can grasp the basics of using the restroom while on the move to nearby places.
Encourage them to take toilet breaks before leaving home, before getting on a plane or into the car, and regularly during stops. Even if they say they don’t need to go, they might still pee a little. That’s a bit less pressure on their bladder.
Set a timer every few hours or keep an eye on the clock so you’re not waiting for your little one to say “Potty!” when you’re on a long hike far from restrooms, on a tour with no toilets nearby or in a long line for the nearest one. This takes the pressure off your toddler to remember and saves you from the frustration.
2. Pack Your Potty Survival Kit
Your child may hold their pee when there are many changes happening, which means when they finally need to go, they need to go fast. A portable or foldable potty seat can be your best friend. It’s the one familiar thing your child can rely on when restroom scenery keeps changing.
If you’re camping outdoors, an electric toilet can be more comfortable than using an outhouse, and it’s much cleaner, too. Since bathroom breaks in nature can make them feel exposed, you can also bring a pop-up tent for added privacy.
Packing your essentials goes beyond the portable seat. You also need:
- Cleaning essentials: Wet wipes, hand sanitiser and soft tissues are basics that help keep your toddler feeling fresh after a wee or a poo. Some parents also pack a small spray bottle along with their wipes since some poop can be sticky and needs a little spritz before wiping.
- Disposable training pants: These are great in-betweens – like an extra layer of protection without reverting to nappies. The thing is, they can feel like nappies to little ones, so how you present them matters. Tell your toddler they’re special “travel pants” to help make the distinction clear.
- Extra clothes and underwear: Pack them in a waterproof bag so you’re not digging through your suitcase mid-leak. It’s also smart to bring a change of clothes for yourself. If your toddler isn’t peeing, they might be throwing up from motion sickness, and you definitely don’t want to sit through the whole trip in that.
3. Talk Through What’s Coming Next
Toddlers don’t know much about the big, wide world yet. For them, a public loo can feel like a noisy, scary monster, so it’s natural for them to hesitate. Talk them through it before going in – “We’re going to the toilet so you can pee. We flush and wash our hands just like at home”.
Inside, help them notice their surroundings. “What colour is the floor? That’s you in the mirror! Hear that sound? That’s a hand dryer. It can be loud, but it’s safe”. Naming the noises helps them feel less afraid.
One clever trick many parents swear by is covering automatic flush sensors with a sticky note. Those sudden “whoosh” flushes can make toddlers freeze or run off in tears. If yours is sensitive to noise, bring small headphones or their favourite toy for distraction.
4. Keep Your Cool When Accidents Happen
No mum or dad enjoys cleaning up a potty accident in public, but it happens. Stay calm, grab your rubbish bag for soiled clothes and sort things steadily. The less fuss, the quicker your child can move on without shame or fear.
5. Celebrate Successes, Big and Small
When your toddler manages a wee in a strange loo, celebrate! Give them a big “well done” or a sticker, or sing them little songs during hand washing. These moments reinforce good habits and create positive memories so your little one is more comfortable using the potty next time.
Why Keeping It Consistent Matters – Even in New Environments
Did you know that about 15% of 5-year-olds still have pee accidents? This just highlights that potty training isn’t a simple flip of a switch but a gradual process as your child learns to control their bladder.
A regular routine can reassure them and support their learning as they tune into their bodies. Your goal is to keep the habit as familiar as possible, even when you’re miles from home.
Keep Calm and Potty On
Potty training on the go isn’t perfection. You’ll have smooth days and tough ones. Your composure teaches your toddler that it’s OK to learn slowly, and that you’re on their team. With a bit of preparation, a steady routine and lots of encouragement, they may soon understand that peeing and pooping can happen anywhere – at home, in the car or halfway across Europe.
Jane is the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she shares practical tips on how to live a greener life.
