Out & about when toilet training

When you start the toilet training process it is common for parents to be apprehensive when venturing out and about.

A common question is whether to continue with the toilet training or place a child back into nappies or pull ups for outings.

It is recommended to avoid confusion and regression to refrain from placing them back into a nappy.

Accidents will happen even once they are toilet trained at home or out and about.

While it may seem that it’s a daunting task to attempt to go out and about in the early stages of toilet training for the likelihood of accidents.

Rest assured it is possible with some extra planning and accommodating the additional need to have access to a toilet in some capacity.

This may mean breaking up outings for example into shorter outings to promote success in toileting when out.

If accidents do happen it isn’t the end of the world. Use it as a learning experience.

• Make sure they go to the toilet before leaving the house. This gets them into a good routine and while they may not actually go it is the trying that is key. If they do go, remember to praise them.
• If they have gone before they leave the house then if they need to go again then remain calm as they have a small bladder and they may legitimately need to try again.
• Listen to them when they say they need to go to the toilet. While it can be very inconvenient it is vital to listen to them when they verbalize that they need to go. Often they cannot hold on while they wait for you to finish what you are doing if you are at the grocery shop for example. Most people understand the needs of a little one learning to toilet train and will be accommodating and allow you to leave your shopping for example and come back once they have gone to the toilet.
• Be aware of the closest toilet when you get to your destination as chances are they will need to go before you leave there and again like the first tip get them to try before you leave there too.
• Pack a spare set of clothes for the accident if it does happen. A good idea is to pack a plastic bag too to hold the wet clothes in.
• Be calm and patient. Try not to lose your temper if they need to go a lot or have an accident. They are learning their trigger signs of needing to go and need praise for trying.