A Potty in the Wild
Once you have completed your potty-training bootcamp at home and you’re ready to test the waters (quite literally) outside, let this be your guide. It can help you with what I learned the hard way!
Give yourself and your toddler some grace.
First and foremost, cut you both some slack. It can take up to three months to fully potty-train your child, with accidents occurring up to one year later. Makes sense! They’ve been in diapers since the day they were born, and it takes time and practice to develop new skills.
Pack for pees.
Keep a plastic bag by your entrance stocked with a set of undies, pants and socks, as they can all get soaked in a moment’s notice. Remember to bring this bag with you anytime you leave the house, even if it’s on a short trip. You just never know! Large ziploc bags are our go-to since you can place the wet garments inside after an outfit change, zip it closed, and be assured it won’t soak anything else in your daypack.
Pack for poops.
In addition to a change of clothing, make sure to pack wipes and dog waste bags for when nature calls outside. Just when you thought you were shedding the weight of the diaper kit on your adventures, haha!
Use the potty before leaving the house.
It’s become a rule in our house! This can be encouraged by doing so yourself.
Stock up your car.
Update your vehicle emergency kit for a potty-trained passenger. Include the aforementioned items, as well as an extra snowsuit. One from the thrift store will do! In this case, we care about keeping them dry more so than the quality of said snowsuit. In addition, throw your potty in the back of the car for a more comfortable “bathroom experience” at rest stops and trailheads.
Cover their undies (if you feel the need).
As tempting as it may be to have them wear diapers for long rides in the car seat, hiking backpack and/or chariot, try to avoid doing so. It could confuse them and entirely stump their progress! Instead, keep them in their undies, and add cloth or disposable potty training pants (i.e. cloth diaper covers, pull-ups) on top. This will protect the seat while continuing to encourage potty-learning. Additionally, incorporate potty breaks into your drive, hike, bike ride or ski.
Practice squatting or standing with them.
Showing them how to squat or stand to pee in the bush will make your life way easier. You can make it fun too! Point out their stream or comment on the snow melting. Yeah, we went there! But we’re dealing with two- and three-year-olds. You gotta go there!
Time your adventures.
If your child poops at a regular time, plan your day accordingly. This could mean departing on your adventure after they’ve done their morning business or getting them to hike (rather than returning them into the hiking backpack) after they’ve finished lunch on the trail. A little movement always gets things… literally moving.