Travel Is Not A Reason To Pause Your Toddler’s Potty Training
Friday, May 14th, 2010Parents can minimize the perils of potty training their toddlers while traveling by making a few, easy preparations.
Don’t hesitate to bring your child’s freestanding potty chair along for the ride. It’s not ideal, but having it on-board can be a lifesaver if you’re miles from your destination and your child has a full bladder. If need be, you can pull over and position it on the passenger side seat and continue your training. Bring along plastic inserts or bags to line the potty chair for easy clean up.
It’s also helpful to take toilet paper or wipes along for the ride. If your child is used to one or the other, stay consistent. Bring what they’ve grown used to and you’ll have one less potential obstacle in the potty training process. Long trips are stressful for everyone and having some of the comforts of home go along way.
Protect your car seat and your little one’s clothes by putting them in disposable training pants before starting out. There are many styles and price points to choose from and they are worth remembering to avoid embarrassing accidents.
It’s a good idea to limit how much water your child ingests while you’re traveling. Keep them hydrated but don’t over do it or they may have an accident. Finding a place to pull over on a busy highway can be challenging sometimes and is best avoided.
Occasional stops at roadside rest stops are always a good idea. Don’t hesitate to bring your toddler’s potty seat into the bathroom with you. Kids are sometimes wary of using a strange toilet so be prepared to use the potty chair.
Keep in mind that toilet training relapses are common when children are stressed out or traveling. The best way to minimize their inconvenience is to plan for them to happen. In that way, you will be prepared when they do and even more pleased when they don’t.
Upon arrival, try your best to get your child back onto their normal potty routine. Both you and your child can take comfort in knowing that when you return home, you’ll be in your old surroundings and can continue with your potty training progress.