When training your little one to use the potty, I recommend you stay home for the first few days to eliminate distractions for the child, and to save yourself undue stress. Once you have established the use of the potty, it is time to brave a trip out with your little toilet trainee.
Choose Your Venue
For your first trips out, choose places that are child friendly and have toilet facilities. You have to assume that there will be accidents along the way, so perching your child on the velvet sofa at your favourite café is bound to go badly. The plastic seats in your local McDonalds just might be the better option.
The most relaxing option is to visit friends who have children too. If they have trained a child they will no doubt be inured to surprise deposits on their floors. Your singleton friends could be forgiven for being put on edge by the combination of their pristine carpets and your nappy-free toddler. I still remember, back in my pre-baby years, the horror of seeing my young nephew vomiting puréed carrots on my new seagrass carpet.
Be Prepared
Pack a bag with lots of spare underpants, trousers or pyjamas and socks. Also bring wipes, a few plastic bags and maybe some old muslin cloths. If your child is sitting in a car seat or in the buggy, it could be worthwhile laying an old towel on the seat under his bum.
If you are going somewhere without toilet facilities, bring the potty with you. If you are driving, a normal potty will do. Will you be able to empty the potty somewhere? If you are not sure, bring a wide-mouth jar with a tight fitting lid and decant the potty contents into it. It's not a pretty idea, but it could be the best option.
If you are going out walking, it is worthwhile having a travel potty. I used the "Potette," which folds flat enough to store in the stroller. In fact, I had recourse to it only a handful of times, but knowing I had it allowed me to go on many trips that I would otherwise have hesitated to risk.
Relax
You are as prepared as you can be, so don't waste your energy worrying. See if your little one can do a wee before leaving the house, and remind him regularly about the potty, but expect accidents. Each accident will help your child master the potty. Let him pass without scolding, stay positive and you'll soon be going out and about with confidence.
Sheila Ryan - A freelance journalist and mother of three small boys, Sheila Ryan has a degree in psychology and English, and a short temper when ...
