Adventures Of The Travelling Potty
Summertime… and the livin’ is easy. Bright sunshiny days and warm nights spent gazing up at the stars. Crickets chirping, camping out and bonfires to roast marshmallows. Who decides to take a road trip with a potty-training toddler?
We did! And so should you!! After all, life just can’t stop because your toddler isn’t 100% potty trained, and Mama and Daddy need a little VACATION! So we packed up the truck, The Bug (our 2.5 year old) and we headed out on the open road.
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How To Survive A Road Trip With A Toddler (Even If You Are Potty Training)
The best anyone can do is be prepared. So pack up your car, truck, or minivan, singing duck potty and all, round up the fam and head out for a family road trip adventure!
Road Trip With A Toddler: Leg#1 The Pinery Provincial Park, Grand Bend, Ontario
Camping Trip With A Busy Toddler
I honestly didn’t know how this would go. This campground is awesome, nestled in the forest and sand dunes of the shore of Lake Huron and IT IS HUGE!
The bug is a BUSY LITTLE MAN! And, to be honest, he is just getting the hang of actually listening to us and learning that he is not the one in charge. (Work in progress) . He’s curious by nature and a little explorer with no fear. He’s not quite 3 and definitely not ready for the big bad world on his own, as much as he thinks he is!
Terrifying right?
What if he wanders away and gets lost?? We need another set of eyes, and a couple of spare arms would be good too. Fortunately, I found this simple little camping hack that I thought was brilliant!
Write your campsite # and/or phone # on the back of your toddler’s hand with permanent marker!!
So simple, yet SO EFFECTIVE! And don’t fret, it will wash off eventually.
Actually, this is a great tip for kids of all ages. The day before we arrived, my sister-in-law came across a little girl around 9 who was lost on her bike and crying. They helped her find her way back. Easy enough for anyone to get turned around in a park this size!
I’m of the mindset “BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY”!
Other than that, my husband and I took turns with our eyes glued to him. I think at this age that’s all you can really do! In a few years time, it will less worrisome.
I don’t want to make it sound like it isn’t FUN to camp with a toddler, but you just have to use your head. Think, running shoes that light up and glow stick bracelets for when it starts to get dark. I was thinking a cowbell would be an excellent idea!! How about some jingle bells tied into the shoelaces?? YES!
Road Trip With A Toddler While Potty Training
So as far as camping, how you deal with the potty training situation all depends on your accommodations. We pitched a tent but we were on my mother and father-in-law’s site and they have one of those wonderful huge pull-behind trailers, complete with bathroom and shower. Ahhh, now that’s my idea of comfort. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not much for “roughing it”.
Of course, we brought Bug’s travel potty and set it up in our tent, and he did use it a few times, no issues. It was especially useful to have it in the tent to use right before bed and first thing in the morning.
Be sure to keep your routine as best you can as far as prompting your toddler to use the potty, watching for his or her signals and using your rewards or sticker chart if you are using them.
Consistency is so important, but by the same token, since you are on vacation be flexible, and if accidents happen don’t sweat it. You can get right back to your routine properly when you get back home. Remember, you are supposed to be having fun!
Related Post: The Oh Crap! Potty Training Method: PT 2
And, let’s be honest. Boys can pee outside when they are camping. Lucky them. So you KNOW that Daddy took him in the bushes a couple of times. Just remember to look out for poison ivy and oak. “Leaves of three, leave it be.”
6 Things You Need If You Have A Potty In The Tent
- BABY WIPES
- LYSOL WIPES
- HAND SANITIZER
- TOILET PAPER
- POOPY BAGS (thankfully for us, we didn’t end up needing to use them but as I said BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!
- COFFEE FILTERS (huh???) STICK ONE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE POTTY TO SAVE THE MESS. You’re welcome.
I’ll get to the COMPLETE Packing Checklist in just a minute…
A puppy pee pad or two would work for underneath it also, but we just had towels in the tent just in case. You sense a theme here? Just BE PREPARED! I suppose the boy scouts were onto something with that motto…
A couple more obvious points here, but still worth mentioning.
Bug Spray And Sunscreen
Pick up some FAMILY FRIENDLY BUG SPRAY (DEET FREE) We use this one from BABYGANICS and find it works wonderfully!
Alternatively, make your own using essential oils! You know, we love our essential oils around here!
Related post: The Absolute Best Essential Oils For Calming And Relaxation
DIY Kid-Friendly Essential Oil Bug Spray Recipe (ages 3+)
- 8 oz. water
- 8 oz. witch hazel
- Start with 10 drops citronella essential oil
- 10 drops lemongrass EO
- 10 drops tea tree EO
- 5 drops peppermint EO
- Mix all together in a spray bottle and apply liberally.
- Don’t spray directly on the child’s face (Rub onto your own hands then apply).
Also, you can make a bracelet out of two pipe cleaners twisted together that have been saturated in citronella, tea tree, and lavender essential oils.
Sunscreen, your choice but the highest SPF the better I say. We really like the Banana Boat Spray-On. It is NOT sticky and sand brushes off it really easily!
Road Trip With A Toddler-Leg #2 Pelee Island, Ontario
Pelee Island, Ontario…the southernmost point in Canada. And oh, what a beautiful and relaxing spot it is.
We came here because I was doing an art show at the Winery Pavillion and for this leg of the road trip and stayed at a B&B called The Driftwood Bed and Bagel. Our hosts were the nicest people you would ever want to meet and the place was lovely and super clean! If you are going to the island, be sure to check them out!
They had a big yard for bonfires and picnics right across from the lake so we were able to enjoy the dazzling sunsets.
Get The Ensuite Bathroom
Choosing the room with the ensuite bathroom was the only way to go for this road trip with a toddler who just happens to be potty training. Set up that portable potty right in the bathroom and show your little one where it is.
It just makes life easier.
Make it fun and exciting by saying something like “Oooooh look at this nice bathroom!” or “WOW! What a cool toilet!” or “Check out the fun soap in here to wash our hands!”
All cheesy as hell, I know, but remember you want your toddler on board!! Cheese away!
Remember it’s all about persistence and patience. Kids do thrive on routine but life happens and your routine may get a little messed up! Nothing like a vacation to throw a wrench into it, especially regarding naps and bedtime.
Bug slept in our bed at the B&B and aside from the fact that he is a major bed hog, it was no problem! Just go with the flow and have fun. It’s only a short break. Enjoy it! However, be sure to get your toddler right back in the routine as soon as you get home.
On a side note, if your toddler is sleeping in a separate bed, these foam bed rails really come in handy! We use them at home actually and LOVE them and they are especially handy to have when travelling, staying in hotels or with relatives where the beds may not exactly be toddler-friendly.
Related Post: Making The Transition From Crib To Big Kid Bed
Stay Consistent
So…speaking of consistency, we used the Oh Crap! Potty Training Method and one of the big “No-No’s” with it is putting your child back in a diaper or pull-up EVER to avoid regression. But honestly, we had to do this a couple of times while driving on this trip and it didn’t set us back whatsoever.
If you are driving for a couple of hours (or whenever your kid’s window of dryness is) I would recommend it. We had one pee accident in the car seat which made for a big clean up. Forgot to put the waterproof pad under Bug (whoops!)
Of course, make frequent (as in EXTRA) pit stops while you are driving but sometimes on a freeway, it’s just not possible. Always have your TP, wipes and hand sanitizer handy in the vehicle just in case of a side of the road “SITUATION”. Trust me on this one, you won’t regret it. Been there, got the T-shirt.
Be sure to emphasize that you are only putting a pull-up on them because of the long car ride, just the same as you should rename the naptime diaper to naptime underwear or sleeping big boy/girl underwear. (You choose what you call it, just be consistent!) We have found overemphasizing that has sunk in pretty quickly.
Bug now knows he does NOT wear a diaper (sleep time underwear) except for sleeping. That’s the next bridge to cross in our potty training journey.
I can truthfully say that there was no regression upon returning home and settling back into our routine. YAY!
Related Post: Surviving The Terrible Twos and Other Stages
PACKING CHECKLIST FOR ROAD TRIP WITH A TODDLER
(Bear in mind that SOME of these are specific to camping ***)
~POTTY or POTTY SEAT (whichever you are using)
~TP or FLUSHABLE WIPES
~BABY WIPES
~POOPY BAGS or ZIPLOCK BAGS
~GARBAGE BAGS
~LYSOL WIPES
~HAND SANITIZER
~PULL-UPS FOR NIGHTTIME
~EXTRA UNDERWEAR
~EXTRA CLOTHING OF ALL KINDS ESPECIALLY BOTTOMS & PJS
~RUBBER BOOTS & RAIN GEAR***
~FAVORITE BLANKETS, PILLOWS, AND STUFFED ANIMALS
~ BATTERY-OPERATED NIGHTLIGHT OR FAIRY LIGHTS FOR TENT***
~PERMANENT MARKER (for writing campsite # on hands; see above)***
~GLOW STICKS***
~PLAYPEN AND PLAYPEN SHEETS FOR SLEEPING IF CHILD IS STILL USING ONE
~PORTABLE DVD PLAYER
~DVDs
~A FEW FAVOURITE TOYS FOR OUTDOOR PLAY
~WATER WINGS/LIFEJACKET
~SWIMSUITS
~COLORING BOOK & CRAYONS
~A FEW BOARD BOOKS
~BUSY BOX ( a metal lunchbox with your child’s favorite small toys)
~ELECTRONIC GAME (We love this toy laptop from Leapfrog!)
~STROLLER/WAGON
~BUG SPRAY***
~SNACKS FOR THE RIDE
~SIPPY CUP OR BOTTLES
~COOLER
Your road trip with a toddler will probably result in a few potty accidents but don’t let that stop you from going! Bring some cleaning supplies and don’t sweat it! It all comes out in the wash.
Make those vacation memories. Enjoy every precious moment with your little ones, because they grow up way too fast.
If you enjoyed this post, please share with your friends, and happy travels!
Until next time, K.
Kelly is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.
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