Whether you’re taking a tedious drive across town or going on a family road trip, traveling with toddlers takes a little extra planning. This is especially true when you’re in the thick of potty training! You can’t pause the training process if you have a long drive ahead, but the last thing you want is a wet car seat.
We’ve learned that having the right plan and tools can make all the difference in keeping everyone safe, clean, and comfortable. From portable potties to planning extra stops, being prepared helps avoid stress and keep things on track even when there’s no bathroom in sight.
Travel Potty For Kids: Everything You Need for Potty Training on the Road
In this post, we’re sharing our must-have tips and favorite travel potty gear to help your next road trip go off without a hitch (or an accident!). From navigating rest stop timing or handling on-the-go cleanups, these essentials will help keep your toddler comfortable and keep you sane!
Is Travel Potty Necessary?
Yes. If your child is potty training or still has the occasional accident, a travel potty is a must-have. No matter where you live or how short the trip, there will come a moment when you hear, “I have to go potty!” from the back seat and you're nowhere near a bathroom or home. A travel potty can be a lifesaver in those situations, helping you avoid accidents and stay consistent with your potty training routine.
What Are The Best Kids Travel Potty?
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Potty Chair
This is one of our favorite portable potty seats, because it can either be a free-standing potty or it can fit onto a standard toilet seat to make it kid-friendly. That means this can be used when a restroom is available, and when one is not. It’s a versatile, easy to clean folding potty seat that’s perfect for potty training on the go.
MCGMITT Portable Potty Training Toilet Seat
This potty seat can also be free-standing or fit on public toilets! However, unlike the Oxo Tot version, this seat has a silicone storage compartment if you need to collect the mess until the next stop. Additionally, you can put this portable potty training seat in the provided travel bag.
Portable Folding Silicone Training Toilet Seat
For the most compact option, grab this silicone seat! It fits on a standard toilet, but folds up compact enough it can fit in your purse! It’s super handy! However, it won’t help you if your toddler needs to go and there’s no bathroom available.
How To Travel While Potty Training
Make it a point to practice in other settings.
When you’re potty training, make it a point to practice outside your home! This will ensure there’s no unexpected drama in public restrooms. So, when you’re out and about, have your child take a potty break in a few unfamiliar locations to confirm they’re comfortable going anywhere!
Leave a portable travel potty in your car.
Travel potties are great for road trips or long commutes with toddlers! Instead of trying to remember to bring your portable potty everywhere, just keep one in your vehicle all the time. That way you don’t have to remember it, since this is something you don’t want to forget!
Make a potty training kit for your vehicle.
To be fully ready for potty training in the car, you need more than a portable potty. You’ll need to deal with things like dirty clothes, a wet car seat, and more! Keep the items below in your vehicle at all times to give you peace of mind during potty training!
- Travel Potty
- Disposable Bags or Potty Liners
- Baby Wipes
- Toilet Paper
- Hand Sanitizer
- Extra Clothes and Shoes
- Wet/Dry Bag
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Pull-Ups
Here are more things to keep in your car to prepare for emergency sitautions.
Use pull-ups as a backup if necessary.
If you’re really worried about accidents, you could use a cloth diaper cover to help contain the mess. Still encourage your child to tell you when they need to use the potty and make frequent stops to use the bathroom.
See if your car seat manufacturer has a waterproof liner.
Some car seat brands offer waterproof liners designed to keep your car seat dry and protected, so you can keep going even after an accident. Popular options include the Britax Seat Saver Waterproof Liner and the Clek P-Thingy. Just remember: never use any accessory in or on your car seat that isn’t approved by the manufacturer!
And, for your vehicle seats? The same thing goes! You can only use a car seat protector if it’s approved by the manufacturer. For more ideas, here’s how to keep your seat safe when potty training. There’s plenty of good ideas in there.
Plan regular stops for potty breaks.
It’s a good idea to plan stops throughout the trip for lots of reasons. Regular breaks give your child consistent opportunities to use the bathroom, help prevent accidents, and allow everyone to stretch and recharge. Plus, taking short breaks can reduce travel stress and make the journey more enjoyable for the whole family.
Here’s more on how to plan travel stops!
Celebrate wins with rewards.
When your child successfully goes to the bathroom in a public restroom, in a travel potty, or even in a ditch, it’s time to celebrate! Positive reinforcement, like praise, stickers, or a small treat, helps boost their confidence and motivation, making potty training on the go a more positive and encouraging experience.
Know how to clean your car seat safely.
Not all cleaning methods are safe for car seats. Using the wrong tools or products can damage the seat’s life-saving safety features. Always follow manufacturer guidelines, and stick to warm water with mild soap. Avoid abrasive materials and high-pressure cleaners, which can compromise the integrity of the seat. Check out our full guide on how to safely clean your car seat for more tips.
Travel potties are a great tool for preventing mess and stress!
Potty training on the go comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s totally doable with the right mindset and gear. Every family trip is an opportunity to build confidence for both you and your toddler. Being prepared helps turn stressful moments into manageable ones, even when bathrooms are scarce or accidents happen.
With the tools and tips we’ve shared, you’ll be ready to handle hiccups with less mess and more patience. Keep your expectations realistic, your supplies stocked, and your encouragement high. You’ve got this!
For more car seat safety information, head to the Safe in the Seat blog! And, if you’re ready to get the next car seat size up soon, take our Car Seat Finder Tool to find the best seat for you!
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