We started potty training Luke at around 2.5 years old. A few months after, we had a scheduled trip to Hong Kong and we were pretty nervous. What if he pees on his chair on the plane? What if he suddenly wants to poo at the most inconvenient times?
Here are some tips that really helped us keep potty training while we were traveling. It’s not easy, but trust me, it can be done!
1. Bring a Portable Potty Seat
Luke uses a kid-sized potty at home but it’s too bulky to bring during trips. We got an OXO Tot Go Potty and it was so useful for us. I love that it folds flat and comes in a bag, so it’s easy to pack. It’s also so easy to open; you just literally snap the legs in place!
It’s so convenient and that’s why it’s one of our must-brings now when traveling.
The way it works is that you have to put plastic underneath it to catch the poo (sorry if that’s tmi haha!) You get 3 bags already when you buy the Oxo Tot Go Potty but if you run out, you can always buy refills or, if you have a lot of old plastic bags, you can use those as well. You can also put the Go Potty on top of an actual toilet bowl if your toddler likes that better.
(For Philippine residents, you can get one at Mothercare, selected Baby Company branches or directly at www.oxototph.com)
2. Schedule it: Poop before you go
… or at least, try! This will really require a lot of patience as it could take a looong while. But you have to give him time, even if it means that everyone has to wake up a little earlier OR leave a little later.
To give you some perspective, just think of all the hassle (and the time wasted) if he suddenly said he had to poo in the middle of riding “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland.
Keep them sitting in the potty! Let them read a book or play with some toys. You can also entice them with a small reward after a successful session. Luke’s reward was that he could watch one short video on my phone. Whatever works, right?
3. Bring a portable urinal: For Boys
Seriously one of my favorite items is this portable urinal! We can pee anywhere because of this and I love it! Haha. When Luke was just starting to potty train, it would be hard for him to hold his pee. If he has to go, he has to go! So whenever the lines are long at the bathroom or when we’re in places where it’s hard to find one, I just whip this out and ta-da!
We used this on the plane ride home from our last trip when he suddenly just HAD to pee and it was almost take-off. I unbuckled him, quickly let him pee and then put him back in his chair, all before the plane took-off. Phew.
(For Philippine residents, you can get this from Baby Mama)
4. Pull-ups for long plane or car rides
During the day, Luke would just wear briefs and we’d be okay. I’d say 98% of the time, no accidents. But just to be absolutely, absolutely sure, we would put Luke in pull-ups for plane rides and long car rides, in case he falls asleep.
It would just be too much of a hassle to clean (much less use) a wet plane seat or car seat!
5. Start practicing waaaay before you leave for the trip
A trip is not the time to start practicing them to potty train. There’s too much going on when you’re traveling so it would really be much wiser to start training them way before you leave. At least at home, it’s much easier to clean up messes and everything is within reach.
We started potty training Luke by setting a regular schedule for pooping first. Then little by little we started to remove his diapers during the day and replaced them with briefs to train him to be aware and tell us when he had to go. By God’s grace, he learned pretty fast. I think it’s also because he’s pretty OC and doesn’t like it when he’s dirty or wet! Haha.
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Have you traveled with a potty-training toddler? How was your experience? Would love to hear your stories and tips as well so leave them in the comments below!