Potty Training and Public Restrooms
Oh, the horror and the joys of public restrooms—but mostly horror. While you may worry about the public bathroom being a sickly-green-tiled E. coli farm, imagine facing it as a toddler. That extra-large potty is almost as tall as they are, and it flushes like a super-suction whirlpool at random intervals. Add to that a machine that screams when you put your hands in it and you’ve got the most terrifying place on the planet.
Besides equipping your child with a map of the best bathrooms in the city, how do you teach your toddler to use a public bathroom while potty training?
Lead by example, and bring a friend
Take your toddler with you to the public bathroom, even if it’s just to wash your hands, to show them it’s nothing to be afraid of. If you intend to use the facilities, it may help to bring a friend or partner, in case your toddler tries to make a run for it while you’re on the toilet. It’s pretty easy to crouch and go under the stall door when you’re 36” tall.
A familiar potty seat for a public potty
Once you’ve started toilet training, your toddler can start using the public bathroom. Even though he or she may have seen you use the public toilet, sitting on extra tall toilets may be scary for them, as they may feel like they’re going to fall in. You can reassure them by using one of many portable potty seats that fold up to fit into your diaper bag. If they use the same seat at home, it may make them even more comfortable.
Equipping your diaper bag for hygiene
To reassure yourself about hygiene in public bathrooms, consider potty protectors, flushable toilet seat covers that also cover any area your child’s hands may touch.
And it helps to pack hand sanitizer, tissues and wipes because not all bathrooms are well-equipped.
Accidents will happen but so will rewards
It may take a while for your son or daughter to agree to use a public bathroom, so you should probably pack an extra set of clothes, training pants and a plastic bag into your diaper bag as well.
Prepare for accidents, but focus on the positive: remember to reward your toddler for success on the public potty as you would at home—and maybe even a little more—to help them make positive associations.
The public restroom may not be the most desirable place to continue your potty training, but with a little forethought and a stocked-up diaper bag, it’s definitely a toilet you both can tackle.