Over the river and through the woods... and "I have to go!" at mile three.
Holiday road trips with a toddler in potty training take a little planning. Here's the plan we'd use for Thanksgiving, Christmas and every trip to grandma's in between.
Before you leave
Practice at home. Let your toddler try the travel potty in your own bathroom a few times first. A new potty in a strange place is a lot to ask.
Pack the potty where you can reach it. Not in the trunk under the gifts. The Potette Fold N Go folds to about 1 cm, so it fits in the car door pocket or the diaper bag.
Print a chart. Our free printable potty chart has a car symbol for potty stops on the road. Bring stickers.
Offer a try right before the car seat buckles. Every time.
The car kit
- A travel potty that stands on its own. The Fold N Go sets up on any flat surface, from a rest-stop floor to the grass by the gas station. No toilet needed.
- Liners, plus more than you think. Potette liners hold up to 5 oz, tie shut and toss like a diaper. Grab 30 or 90.
- Wipes, hand sanitizer and a roll of paper towels.
- A full spare outfit within reach, socks included.
- A bag for wet clothes.
- Snacks and drinks you've already tested. Holiday travel isn't the day to try something new.
Easiest option: the Fold N Go + 30 Liners Starter Bundle, which gives you 33 liners to start.
On the road
Stop when you stop. Gas, coffee or snacks? Offer a potty try too.
Use the car as a bathroom. Once you are parked, set the potty on a flat spot by the open car door for a little privacy. No waiting in line for the restroom.
Keep it calm. Accidents in the car happen. Change, wipe, move on. You packed the spare outfit for a reason.
At grandma's house
Bring the same potty they use at home if you can. The 2-in-1 Potette Plus works as a stand-alone potty or as a seat on a regular toilet, and it folds flat for the suitcase. Show your toddler where it lives as soon as you arrive, and tape the chart up at their eye level.
Parties get busy. Set a reminder on your phone to offer a try every so often, since excited toddlers often forget to ask.
Quick answers
What age is the Fold N Go for?
15 months and up, to a maximum of 50 lbs.
Does the Fold N Go need a toilet?
No. It stands on its own on any flat surface, and it isn't a seat insert.
Does the Potette Plus fit on a regular toilet?
Yes. Fold the legs into trainer-seat mode and it sits on standard toilet seats.
More help: the travel potty buying guide, the potty on the go checklist and our baby and toddler gifts under $50 for the holiday list. Shop everything in Potty Training On the Go.
