Are you ready for the hilarious and sometimes frustrating world of taking a potty trained child out and about?

There can be many ups and downs of going out with a newly potty trained child.

Gone are the days of bulky nappy bags and looking for a changing area.
Your little one is officially a potty-trained pro and it’s time to take the show on the road.
But as much as this new milestone is exciting, it can also bring up some parent worries when it comes to leaving the house.
Don’t worry, this blog has you covered with these five great tips for a successful and fun-filled potty training adventure when out and about.

1 Don't confuse them, Build their confidence.

Ditching the nappies for good is a big step for both you and your child.
But putting them back on when you go out will only confuse them and make them feel like you don’t trust their abilities.
Children get very confused by inconsistencies.
"Do I wee in a nappy or the toilet???"

It’s all about building their self-esteem and confidence so they can continue to thrive in their potty training journey.

If you are worried about wee or poo accidents in the buggy or car seat. Protect it with a potty liner. Affiliate link
( just check with your car seat manufacturer its Ok with their car seat- safety first)

TOP TIP – It’s all about building their self-esteem and confidence or they may want to give up on this new skill of toilet training.

2 Short and sweet visits.

When starting out, it’s best to plan for short visits and make sure you know where the nearest toilets are located. This will also help your child understand that potty training is not just for indoors.
We don't want to stay in for too long when we first start potty training as some children will clock in their brains that potty training is only for indoors.

TOP TIP - stay in for the first three days after you've ditched the nappy. 
Then BE BRAVE and venture out.
You may have the "The Public Potty Dilemma"
"You thought dirty nappies were gross? but public toilets with a toddler can be a new experience.
"Don't touch that.!!"
"Don't open the door?"

Bring your wipes and hand sanitizer!" and stay neutral about public toilets.

Model that you are OK using them too.

3 Create a fun toilet routine before you leave the house.

Creating a fun toilet routine before you go out is a great way to get your child excited and interested in using the potty.
Make it a family affair and take turns sitting on the toilet/potty.
But be careful not to turn it into a power struggle as children don’t like to be told what to do.

TOP TIP -offer choices in a fun way so your child feels in control.


 “Do you want to go to the toilet with your eyes open or your eyes shut?” 👀👇
They love to say eyes shut and you can make it fun guiding them.

“Do you want to take your dinosaur or your car into the toilet area?” 
Let them park it somewhere special or dinosaur can perch somewhere exciting.
“Do you want mummy to use the toilet first or Freddie?”

“Do you want to use the toilet in 1 minute or 5 minutes?” 
Then set a timer and they are more likely to listen to the timer.⏰

4 Accidents happen ( or what I call them "Mistakes").

Try not to stress.
Children need to know you have it together so they can relax.
 
While out and about, be prepared for the occasional accident as little ones will have lots of extra stimulation and may not be able to focus on their bodily signals.
Make sure to clearly communicate expectations and remind them of their potty training abilities.

And don't stress about what other parents might think.
They are probably not thinking what your brain is imagining. - accidents happen and it's all part of the process.

5. Invest in a travel Potty.

Last but not least, invest in a travel potty.
I highly recommend the "Whizzer" Affliate link - a unisex toilet for children that is small, compact, and comes in loads of colours.
Make sure to get your child used to it at home first it will appear less scary, and they will feel more relaxed when out and about.

EXTRA TOP TIP- let your child take ownership for their Whizzer, they can pop it in their own rucksack or your handbag.
We want children to take ownership for their wee and poo as it belongs to them.
They could also pack spare pants /knickers and clothes, (NOT forgetting spare plimsoles and socks as some wee accidents are huge!!


Potty training and going out and about with your newly potty-trained child can be a fun and exciting experience.

So, next time you're out and about with your potty trained little one, just remember, you're not alone in your potty training worries.
And always bring spare clothes, for you and little one.!!

Happy potty training adventures out and about.

Due to go on holiday soon?
Download my free infographic on going on holiday with a newly potty-trained child. Here.