Written by: Jessica Irwin, Pediatric OT + Potty Training Expert, Rooted in Routine
If you’re currently in the depths of potty training and wondering how you’re ever supposed to leave the house again, you’re not alone! The thought of figuring out how to survive outside of the house with a potty-learning toddler is a lot.
But here's the truth: staying home indefinitely isn't the answer, and it's not realistic either. Life keeps moving, with errands, playdates, visits to grandma's, trips to the pool, etc., and your child needs to learn how to navigate the real world, including all the restrooms in it. So with a little prep and the right mindset, you CAN do this!
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Create a “before we leave” potty routine
This is your first line of defense and one of the most important habits you can build. Every single time you leave the house, build in time to have your child sit on the potty first (it’s okay if they don’t actually go, but the routine is what’s important!). Make it a non-negotiable part of your getting-ready routine, the same way you put on shoes before you walk out the door.
You can say something like: “We always sit on the potty before we leave the house to see if we have any pee or poop to let out.”
Don’t make it a big deal or a battle, but just a simple and expected part of the routine. Over time, it will become second nature for them. (And I promise you won’t have to do this forever!)
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Start with short outings first
If you’re just coming off the end of a few set days at home to really work on official potty training, try to ease into leaving the house. Start with an outing that lasts less than an hour – maybe a walk around the neighborhood, a quick errand, or a short car trip. If possible, wait on any longer trips until you’ve gotten the short ones down first. This takes the pressure off both of you while you’re still figuring things out.
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Dress them for success
When you head out, dress your child in loose-fitting bottoms with an elastic waistband. Avoid snaps, buttons, tight leggings, belts, overalls, or anything that takes more than two seconds to get off (because when a toddler says they have to go, they have to go!).
Unless you’ve already introduced underwear at home, you can skip it for outings in the early days too.
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Pack your “potty emergencies” bag in advance and bring it with you
Before you head out, pack a potty training go-bag with all of the things you may possibly need while out. Yes, this may seem excessive at first, but being prepared is key! Over time, you won’t need to bring so many things with you, I promise.
Here’s what to include:
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A travel fold-up potty – these are a game-changer for using in your car trunk, on the side of the road, or anywhere a public restroom isn't an option or isn't close enough. Keep one stocked in your car so you're never caught off guard!
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A toilet rim seat — for placing on top of public toilets (or at non-kid friendly family and friend’s homes) so the seat isn't too big for your child. The fold-up travel ones are perfect to throw in your bag.
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At least 2 extra shorts/pants for your child (and an extra shirt just in case) – in case of any accidents
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A wet bag or plastic bag – for holding any wet or soiled clothes after an accident
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Wipes — for quick clean-ups on the go
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A small towel or puppy pad — helpful for putting under your child in the car seat in the early weeks
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Car upholstery cleaner or cleaning spray — in case of any car seat accidents
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Have a plan for accidents out of the house
Accidents will most likely happen when you’re out, and instead of spiraling about how to handle it, go into it being prepared! Remember, the goal during potty training isn’t to prevent every single accident at all costs. Accidents are a completely normal and expected part of potty learning, so knowing how to handle them calmly and effectively is key.
A few tips for managing accidents on-the-go:
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Stay calm. Your calm reaction matters a lot. A matter-of-fact, neutral response (“Oops, you peed! Let’s get you cleaned up.”) goes a long way.
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Change them as quickly and neutrally as possible. Avoid long lectures or visible frustration (even if you’re feeling it inside!) as it can make some kids more noxious about future outings.
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Use your wet bag immediately to contain soiled/wet clothing so it doesn’t become a bigger mess in your diaper bag or car.
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If an accident happens while driving, a small towel or puppy pad under the car seat makes clean-up much easier, so consider keeping one in the car permanently in the early days of potty training. But even without this, remember that car seat fabrics are washable!
And remember that you are prepared from step 4 – you packed your “potty emergencies” bag for a reason!
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Introduce public restrooms intentionally
Many toddlers are fearful about using the toilet in new places at first, particularly in public restrooms. This is quite common and doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your child. Public restrooms are often loud and unfamiliar, and many have automatic flushers that turn on without warning – all things that are surprising and unpredictable for young children. And young children don’t usually like surprises!
The key to teaching your child to use a public restroom (or a toilet anywhere other than your home) is to introduce them intentionally, rather than waiting until there’s an emergency. Even on outings where your child says they don’t need to go, bring them into the restroom with you when YOU need to go (or when you can manufacture a reason to). Target, the grocery store, a restaurant, the local rec center, or anywhere you go frequently is a great place to start.
Tips for using public restrooms with your toddler:
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Tell them in advance that public restrooms are loud, AND they are safe. You can say: “Bathrooms can be really noisy sometimes! If it’s too loud, you can use your hands to cover your ears.” Teaching them this proactively is a great skill for them to have to modulate the new sensory input.
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Place your fold-up rim seat on top of the toilet before they sit
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Help lift them up onto the toilet and crouch down so that you can help support their hips/waist while they’re sitting. Getting down on their level also helps them feel safer in general, too
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If your child appears scared, don’t avoid public restrooms entirely – that will increase the fear over time. Instead, keep bringing them in with you, validate what they’re feeling, and offer comfort and reassurance that they’re safe, but don’t force them to try right away. Exposure, done gently and consistently over time, is the path through.
And an extra little tip: bring a pad of sticky notes or large stickers with you into any public restroom with automatic flushers and cover up the sensor – this prevents the flusher from going off while your child is sitting there! Then take it off and throw it in the trash can on your way out.
Remember, familiarity breeds comfort. Some kids adapt quickly and others take more time. Either is normal.
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Give yourself (and your child) grace
The first few times you leave the house mid-potty training will probably not go perfectly, and that’s okay. There may be a near-miss in the Target parking lot, an accident on the way to grandma’s, or a total meltdown outside a public restroom. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong!
You and your child are both learning something new. Glitches are a part of the process, not proof that it’s not working. You will both adjust over time, and the more you get out of the house and practice, the more normal (and manageable) it becomes.
