by Bozena Hartley

Created on: June 11, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2009

It would be easy if potty training was limited to your living quarters. Many parents dread leaving the house for longer periods of time, especially if their toddler refuses to use public restrooms. Continuous training is necessary though, in order to be successful. There are several things you can do to help your child to stay clean and dry, while out.

Shortly before leaving, have your child go potty. It will minimize the need to go to the bathroom in a public place. If she refuses, explain that everyone goes potty before going out. You can use the bathroom yourself and have other family members do the same, to make your point. This will show her that it's just a routine for everyone, not an exception for her only and will be more willing to do it.

Whether you are shopping, visiting relatives, or having a picnic in a park, it is wise to be equipped with a portable potty. There are so many varieties available, you can easily find one that will be suitable to take along. A toilet seat insert usually is small enough to fit a diaper bag, but it can be used only if a bathroom is available and if your child isn't afraid to use a public toilet. Public toilets are bigger and louder than the ones at home and many toddlers refuse to use them. If that's the case, you could try a folding or inflatable potty seat. They often come with liners, or you can use shopping bags or trash bags for lining. They are very convenient and will put your child at ease. You just have to provide a safe place, out of public view, like your car, or a bathroom stall and, of course bring hand sanitizer in case there is no water to wash hands.

If using a public bathroom without the toilet seat insert, you will need to help you child with sitting on the toilet by holding her still. You can also hold her slightly above the toilet, if you don't feel safe for her to sit on it. However, most public bathrooms are sanitized on a daily basis and catching any kind of infection isn't very likely. You can also bring your own sanitizer just for that purpose. Also, it goes without saying that you should help your child to wash hands afterwards.

When you are visiting friends or family in their house, bathroom breaks might be a little easier that in a store. The bathroom is quiet and the toilet is about the same size as yours. However, you may have to stay in the bathroom with your child, or walk in as soon as she is done to make sure there is no mess left behind. The hosts will appreciate your diligence.

A child will often make a great progress in potty training while being out and about. Since there is no 'pull ups' available for changing (you don't have to mention that you have one), she might go to a great extent to stay clean and dry, like going poop into her folding potty, or use a public toilet which she refused to do before. Accidents are inevitable, so don't loose your patience. Most likely, your child is just as embarrassed about it as you are.

Potty training during outings is much easier today than it used to be several years ago. There are many different potty chairs available, public restrooms seem to be cleaner and even training pants are better quality. The only thing that didn't change is the need for parents' patience and persistence.

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