Potty Training Checklist: What To Bring When Leaving The House
Parenting is pretty much an endless cycle of trying to remember things, forgetting those things, remembering them and swearing to write them down some place, and then forgetting to do that.
Don't worry, that's perfectly normal, but new parents can often feel like they're chasing their tails trying to remember everything there is to do, and this is especially true when your little one starts potty training.
So, to make things easier, this post will give you a simple, easy to follow checklist with everything you need to bring with you when leaving the house whilst your kid is potty training.
Thanks to this post, you don't need to tell yourself you'll write things down before inevitably forgetting ever again. You're welcome!
Potty Training Checklist
It doesn't matter if you're going on a 3-hour road trip or a 5-minute drive to a friend's house, as parents, you want to be prepared. So, below is where you'll find a complete potty training checklist telling you exactly what you'll need to bring with you whenever you leave the house!
1. Your Potty
Obvious? Yes, but you'd be surprised how many parents forget to bring along a potty and are then shocked when their kid refuses to use the big toilets whilst out.
You can tell them toilets and potties are exactly the same thing until you're blue in the face, but every kid knows that their potty doesn't usually make a big scary sound like that when they've finished using it.
Remember to bring along your potty - it'll make your life a whole lot easier!
2. Any Dolls Or Books Your Kid Uses At Home
Going potty outside the house is a big deal for your kid, so it's important that you make it feel like 'going' at home as best you can.
If your kid has a favorite doll or bear that they always take with them while going potty at home, then make sure you bring it along with you. Having it feel like normal is the key to making it normal for your little one.
Take anything they usually use on the potty, no matter what it is. It'll help keep them calm when going potty in an unfamiliar environment.
3. Spare Underwear
All the training in the world won't stop accidents from happening occasionally, so the key to avoiding the stress that often comes along with that is to bring along spare underwear.
That way, if anything happens, you won't be left scrambling around your local mall with a crying toddler as you try to discreetly pick up some fresh underwear from the store. Trust us, you don't want to end up like this. Too many parents have done so in the past, and it is NOT fun!
Preparation is the key to avoiding stress, so bring along some spare underwear, just in case.
4. A Spare Outfit Or Two
In a similar vein, you'll want to pack some spare outfits too. Without going into detail, there's no way to tell how big the accident is going to be, or what exactly the nature of it is. So err on the side of caution and be prepared for a full outfit change if necessary.
Enough said.
5. Wipes
The last thing you'll need is another thing for your 'just in case' bag: wipes. If an accident happens, then it's important that you can clean your little one up quickly so they aren't embarrassed. Remember, they're trying really hard not to have these accidents, so just like every amazing parent before you and every amazing one that comes after, it's your job to clear up the mess and make everything better.
While we're discussing accidents, remember to stay calm and not make a big deal out of them. Reassure them, but remind them they're using the potty now, so all they need to do is let you know when they need to go next time.
Keep it calm and supportive, and accidents won't be a big deal for anyone involved, and thanks to this checklist, you'll have everything you need to clear it all up when they happen!
Car Seat Protection During Potty Training
If you're going on a slightly longer trip, then it's important that you know how to protect your car seat should any potty accidents happen while you're traveling. Below is a list of things you can use to stop those accidents from damaging your car seats.
1. Potty For Road Trips
Yes, they really exist, and yes, they're a lifesaver when on the road! These potties for road trips are collapsible and come with removable plastic bags or bin liners you can simply tie up and toss away when your little one has finished using the potty.
Obviously, these aren't something you'll use all the time, but they're great to have in the car, so when your child needs to go, and go NOW, you're prepared.
The best form of protection for your car seat is prevention, so if your kid needs the potty, you can pull over and have them use the travel potty! You, your little one, and your car seats can all breathe a sigh of relief!
2. Waterproof Car Seat
Of course, your kid doesn't always tell you when they need to go, for whatever reason, so accidents can happen in the car.
Well, if they're using a car seat, you'll want to make sure that it's waterproof, for, ahem, obvious reasons. This just gives you added peace of mind that nothing is going to happen that will affect your actual car seats, so everything is protected.
They designed waterproof car seats for moments like these, so make sure you make the most of them!
3. Car Seat Protector
If your kid isn't using a travel car seat, or the one they have right now isn't waterproof, then you can pick up car seat protectors with waterproof lining specifically for accidents on the road. Simply lay it down on the car seat and strap your child in on top.
That way, any accidents will be taken care of so you're not left cleaning the entire back of your car for a week!
4. Consider A Diaper For Long Trips
This last one is a parental decision you'll have to come to on your own. Sometimes, it's easier to just let your kid wear a diaper for long trips, just in case. You can still bring along the road trip potty, so if they let you know in time you can use it, but if your kid is just starting out potty training, then sometimes a diaper is the best route forward to protect your car seats.
Remember to make it clear to them that the diaper is 'just in case' and you still want them to tell you if they need to go potty.
Remind them, too, that when you arrive at your destination, the diaper is coming off and the big kid underwear is going on, so they'll have to let you know then, anyway. So long as the rules are clear and given to your kid beforehand, they'll understand.
One Last Thing To Remember
To finish, it's important to remember that you can be as prepared as you want as a parent, but sometimes you'll still forget something and you'll need to improvise. Don't beat yourself up over it.
You're doing a great job, and despite what we may have believed as kids, parents aren't perfect! So remember the above checklists if you can, stay calm if accidents happen, and then, if all else fails, improvise.
You've got this.