Potty Training on the Road

6/2/2008 | by

by Mary Santana, Illinois

Whether you’re taking a short trip to grandma’s house or an extended vacation, traveling with a potty training toddler can sound overwhelming. Don’t stress – Mary Santana, former PULL-UPS® Potty Training Partner and mother of three, has great advice for potty training on the road.

“My husband and I love to travel and when we had kids we wanted them to be part of that lifestyle. We take them everywhere we go, and believe me, potty training doesn’t have to be a nightmare.”

With family trips to Aruba , Puerto Rico and Florida under her belt, Mary says the first step for parents taking trips with potty training toddlers is simply to think ahead.

It is helpful for parents to make a stickers to mark accomplishments along the way may help the child feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

In addition to packing the right tools, Mary recommends that parents remain consistent in their potty training techniques. Consistency starts by creating a potty training routine that includes what children wear and use when they’re potty training.

“You have to be consistent and remind them to use the potty frequently. They may forget to go or ignore what their body is telling them if they get caught up in the excitement of the trip. Take them to the bathroom and explain, ‘this is where we go to the bathroom while we’re on vacation.’”

Mary’s final words of advice are to stay positive. “There will be good days and bad days, but staying positive will increase your chances of having a wonderful vacation with your child.”