You’re out and about with your little one, having a picnic in the park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Sitting on a blanket with a spread of snacks, you relax, take in the rays and enjoy spending some quality time together, watching the world go by.

Although you’re having a wonderful time, you can’t help but notice that your child is gulping down an awful lot of juice. While there’s nothing wrong with that, you start to worry that soon they’ll need a trip to the toilet.

Since you’re currently potty training your child, this will be the first time you’ve had to deal with the situation outside your home, and it’s a little daunting, to say the least.

Parents, we’ve all been there. While raising a toddler is a beautiful time of life, it can also be a little challenging, especially when it comes to potty training!

Potty training within the safety of your own home is one thing, but dealing with the situation in the outside world is another story altogether. However, by equipping yourself with knowledge on exactly what to do, you’ll be able to work through this phase with ease and confidence!

First, let’s clarify what potty training is and why it’s so important.

What is potty training, and why is it important?

Potty training is a huge milestone in the life of a toddler. It’s a time when a child makes the transition from emptying their bladder and bowels in their nappy to learning to follow the queues of their own body and using the toilet.

It’s crucial that your toddler makes this transition, as it’s the beginning of them feeling confident enough to go to the toilet independently, and they grow.

Now we know what potty training is and why it’s important, let’s explore some ways in which you can prevent and deal with potty training accidents outside the house.

How can I prevent potty training accidents from happening outside the house?

Potty training can be a frustrating and difficult phase for many toddlers and their parents. So be patient with yourself as you navigate through this time together! While there are certain measures you can take to make this process easier within your home, it’s good to be prepared for what you might face when venturing outside.

So, follow these points to prepare for the great outdoors!

Take enough changes of clothing with you. Taking enough spare clothes with you is essential when heading out with your child during potty training. How many different outfits you will need will depend on how long you’re away. Whether it be for a few hours or the whole weekend.

Take your regular potty with you at first. When you first decide to take your child out while they are potty training, take their regular potty instead of a travel one. Being faced with using a different potty for the first time and being away from home may make the situation more stressful for your child. When first introducing the travel potty, use it in the comfort of your own home so your child has a chance to get used to it.

Encourage your child to join you when you use the toilet. Just as you would when in the house, it can be very helpful to actively encourage your child to use the toilet when you are out and about. This way, you can both gain some privacy.

Aim to visit the toilet around once an hour. The more regularly your child visits the toilet when they are out, means that you won’t need to prompt them as much. So aim to make a trip at least once an hour.

Watch out for cues. Be on the watch for signs that your child may need to empty their bladder or bowels.

Keep an eye on how much your child is drinking. Another important point is to watch how much your child is drinking, as this will give you a good indication of when they might need to use the toilet.

If it’s not possible to find a public toilet, try to find a secluded spot. Although not ideal, you may find yourself in a situation where your child needs the toilet immediately, but there isn’t access to a toilet. In this scenario, try to find a secluded spot instead, for the benefit of your child, yourself, and others.

If an accident occurs, always stay calm. Although easier said than done, it’s vital that you stay calm if an accident occurs in public. Remember, no one will be judging you; this situation has happened many times to many people. Try to get your child cleaned up as quickly as possible and move past the situation swiftly.

Take a waterproof bag to put dirty and wet clothes in. It’s always best to be over prepared, so take a waterproof bag with you so you can store any clothes that get dirty from accidents until you’re back at home.

How do I stop toilet accidents outside the house?

Perfect your toilet training with Unii's tips.