Traveling while Potty Training

Traveling with a toddler who’s in the middle of potty training can feel overwhelming, especially if your little one is newly potty trained. The process is already an intense learning experience at home—add airports, road trips, or family visits into the mix, and you might wonder if you’re setting yourself up for chaos. But don’t worry! With a little planning and a lot of patience, it’s totally possible to stay on track with potty training while traveling.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the journey without derailing your potty-training progress.

Stay Consistent with Your Approach

The Oh Crap! method emphasizes staying consistent and observant, which can be a little tricky when you’re out of your regular routine. But consistency doesn’t mean rigidity—it's more about keeping the same mindset and expectations wherever you go.

When traveling, maintain your child’s potty routine as much as possible. Continue to encourage them to notice their body’s signals, and offer the same calm, patient guidance that you would at home. Expect that there will be accidents (hello, unfamiliar places and distractions!), but treat them the same way you do at home—with understanding and no fuss.

Know Your Travel Day Challenges

Road Trips: If you’re hitting the road, plan for more frequent stops. Try to schedule pit stops every hour or so, giving your child plenty of chances to use the potty. Make sure to bring a portable potty, as it’s a lifesaver when you’re in between rest areas or when facilities aren’t available. A small, familiar potty can be especially comforting for your child in an unfamiliar environment.

Flying: Airports and airplanes can be overwhelming for a newly potty-trained kid. Before your flight, give your child plenty of opportunities to go. In the airport, make a stop at the restroom before boarding the plane. Once you’re on the flight, give them a chance to try the airplane bathroom, but if they’re nervous, don’t push it too much. The airplane’s noises and tight quarters can be intimidating. Instead, encourage them to try again when you land or use a portable potty in the airport bathroom after the flight.

Bring the Right Supplies

Packing wisely is key when traveling during potty training. Here are the essentials:

• Portable potty: Bring a travel-sized potty or seat cover. It helps keep things familiar and reduces anxiety around using public restrooms.

• Extra clothes: Accidents will happen, so pack a couple of extra outfits in your carry-on or easily accessible bag.

• Waterproof pads or pull-ups (for emergencies): These can be helpful in case your child has accidents in their car seat, stroller, or while in transit. While the Oh Crap! method emphasizes avoiding pull-ups, using them strategically during travel (like on long flights or car rides) can save you stress.

• Wipes & sanitizer: For easy cleanups and sanitizing public restroom surfaces or your portable potty.

Timing Is Everything

When you’re traveling, try to sync bathroom breaks with natural pauses in the journey. Encourage your child to go right before you get in the car, before boarding a plane, and during any layovers. Also, take advantage of natural breaks—whether it’s fueling up at a gas station or taking a quick stretch—by offering the potty without pressuring your child.

Keep Communication Open

The Oh Crap! method emphasizes observation and communication. Even though traveling can be hectic, make it a point to talk to your child about what’s going on with their body. Gently remind them to notice the signals when they have to go. Keep it light and casual, without making potty breaks seem like a stressful task.

If you’re staying with family or friends, don’t be afraid to let them in on your potty-training routine. Give them a heads-up that you’re following the Oh Crap! method so they understand your approach and can support you in giving your little one the space and time they need to succeed.

Be Flexible and Expect Setbacks

Travel can throw off anyone’s routine, especially a toddler who’s learning a new skill. There might be setbacks or days when potty training feels like it’s regressing. That’s completely normal. Be flexible and patient, and try not to stress if there are more accidents than usual.

The key here is not to revert to diapers or pull-ups full-time, even when things get tough. Stay consistent with the method and your child will bounce back once they’re settled into a more familiar routine, even if they hit a few bumps along the way.

Give Yourself (and Your Toddler) Grace

Traveling with a toddler who’s potty training isn’t easy, so give yourself and your child a break. If you encounter challenges, remind yourself that this is just a phase, and accidents are part of the learning process. Take it one potty break at a time, and remember that you’re both doing great!

Trust the Process

Potty training while traveling can seem daunting, but you already have the tools you need to succeed. Trust the process, stay consistent, and keep a positive attitude. The more you stick with your routine, the more comfortable your child will become—even in new environments.

Whether you’re driving across the state or flying across the country, you’ve got this, and so does your little one! Happy travels!