Are you ready for your first potty training outing, besides a walk around the block? Start by trying a trip to the park down the road for half an hour or to the store for just a few items. Here are a few potty training tips and a list of what to pack for outings from a Certified Potty Training Expert.
Before Leaving the House
You have probably been working on potty training for nearly a week or more at this point. You have a general idea of your child’s pee schedule. Make sure you schedule your outing after they have emptied their bladder, post breakfast. Give a strong prompt, “You need to go pee before we can go to playgroup.” Also be sure to bring a potty in the back of the car as a backup. This is the perfect time to use the “My Carry Potty.” If you are anxious, try not to let your child pick up on it. Put a towel down on their carseat to ease your anxiety if your child does dribble a little. Remember that potty training is a learning process, and just like walking it doesn’t come immediately.
What to Pack for an Outing
Here is a potty training tip, never leave home without a change of clothes and portable potty! You will still have your diaper bag, but now instead of being packed with diapers you will have a change of clothes and much more. Know that even a fully potty trained child has accidents occasionally, so you should always be prepared.
- Full change of clothes
- Wet bag, such as gallon Ziplock
- Portable, My Carry Potty (for car)
- Compact, potty seat cover (for public toilets)
- Wipes, preferably flushable wipes
- Sticky Notes (for automatic flush sensor)
- Undies and plastic covers
Public Bathroom Potty Training Tip
Bring a compact potty seat with you wherever you go. I like this owl one with a non-slip design and put it in my purse when heading into the grocery store with my son. If you do forget it occasionally, have your child sit backwards to not fall in. A boy can stand on the seat to pee with your help; and don’t forget to help him aim as well. The number one potty training tip in public bathrooms is to cover the automatic flush sensor with a sticky note so it doesn’t scare the child accidentally. Public bathrooms echo and are loud. If they only have a blowing hand dryer, it may be better to just have the child wipe their wet, clean hands on your pants. That’s what parents are for, right!?
If you are looking for more potty training tips or are ready to begin but don’t know where to start, check out our online class: Potty Training 101. It is taught by a Certified Potty Training Expert with years of experience. You can also gift the class to your nanny if you want their assistance in potty training.
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About The Author
Kelsey Dickson has over 15 years of experience working with children as a nanny, preschool teacher, and now a mother. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and is a Certified Potty Training Expert. At Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny she is the eLearning and Social Media Manager. Check out our online childcare classes, such as Baby Sign Language and Sleep Coaching 101! In her free time she enjoys gardening with her son, going for walks with her husband and dog, and discovering local wineries in New England.
