Public Restrooms and Potty Training

My 20-month old loved the art class that is offered at Gymboree. They are located throughout northern VA and I believe the class was no longer than 30-40 minutes. They did art, story time and snack time. The cost is $77/month, but Gymboree always welcome a free trial class. Their website is http://www.gymboreeclasses.com.

I sooooooo understand where you are coming from. I have a 3-year old and a 14 month old. Although, it is a little easier since my 3-year old is a boy.

I know Wal-Mart and Farm Fresh have these travel seats. Here is an example of the disposable ones:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4809923

But there are also these (you just bring wipes to clean it and a plastic ziplock bag to put it in)...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=1008...

They have non-padded versions of these in stores, I just couldn't find an example to show you online. It is the non-padded version that I've seen at Farm Fresh.

I hope that helps! Good luck!

When my youngest child was potty training, my mother-in-law found a folding child's seat cover. It was perfect for use in public restrooms. When folded, it fit into a large ziploc bag for sanitary storage. We wiped it down with antibaterial wipes after each use. I honestly don't know how I mananged with my older two without one. I'm guessing that you could find one in a baby store or large department store.

I also kept a potty in the car for many years. It was wonderful for those times that there were no restrooms closeby. . . or when the only options were unacceptable!
Good luck

I haven't read all of your responses but I wanted to say not to worry yourself about such a small problem. Your kids will come into contact with so many germs in their lifetime. being exposed to germs can keep your kids from getting sick in the future. I'm not saying to touch everything in public restrooms or to not worry at all but I would just take small precautions. The most important thing is to wash hands really well and once you are done turn the faucet off with a paper towel. Also use a paper towel to open the door, if you don't you are cancelling out all the hard work you just did to avoid germs. You can buy disinfecting wipes to clean the toilet seat if you want. Don't use them on your kids hands though.

I have a four year old daughter and this has been a very difficult task. Between getting in the stall, ensuring she doesn't touch ANYTHING and maneuvering the position on the seat it's been a problem. From the time she's been potty trained I lift and hold her over the seat. I am now 7 months pregnant and I still do it, but it comes down to lifting and supporting with my knees, becuase often times she waits until the last minute to say she has to go. When I have time and when I can I wipe the bowl then use the regular toilet seat covers and cover the bowl with 2 or three. It's a comfort thing and I am not comfortable, I'm not even sure at what age I should trust her to go by herself in the stall. I guess I'll have to monitor how she does on her own first. I too would like to know where to by the ones with overlapping sides.

I'm in this boat now too with my almost 2-year old. She LOVES to go to public restrooms (I think it is because she likes to get to wash her hands after she potties). I don't want to let on how gross I think they are because I would rather her tell me she needs to go than to have an accident in her pants.

Anyway, I've recently decided that the family bathrooms (the ones for either girls or boys) are cleaner than the single sex restrooms. I've found them at the mall, in airports, and even in a few restaurants. These are great because you have your own room that locks from the inside with a sink inside too instead of just a stall with a door that little ones can crawl under. Sometimes they even have a bonus feature of not having auto-flush toilets!

Good luck!

I've left the cart (keeping the purse of course) many times in any part of the store and never had a thing happen....The folding hard plastic seat cover that makes the "hole" smaller is very good as someone mentioned below - it keeps kids from feeling like they're going to fall into the toilet. The toilets in handicapped stalls often are quite large and that was an early issue for us that was solved by the little cover. Be aware that you'll have to just get used to the idea of placing it on a public seat, wiping it with a Clorox wipe or whatever after she uses it, and sticking it into a bag to carry away with you. Another issue, especially for girls who must sit to use the potty, is the self-flushing toilet -- these scare the heck out of some kids if the flush happens underneath them. You can't wipe these toilets' seats down in advance easily because that makes them flush again and spew more water on the seat. Then these monsters always seem to flush WHILE the child is sitting down, which obviously can frighten them. If possible, carry something like a small roll of masking tape or a pad of post-it notes with you and before she sits, stick a small piece of tape(gently, so you can pull it off and throw it away afterward) or a note over the sensor "eye" that controls the flush. That should prevent it from flushing until you flush it manually when your daughter's all done. Good luck--this too will pass sooner than you think, thank goodness.

Hi A.,
One thing I do for myself personally is to keep some hand toweletts in my purse. When I have to use a public restroom I wipe down the seat with a towelett or two. When I have my granddaughter with me I put her up on the potty and hold her there so she does not have to touch the potty at all. I have learned which restrooms seem to be the cleanest. And yes, just park that cart near the bathroom and take all your pesonal belongings with you. As far as the 15 month old he will be learning from his sister about not touching anything in the bathrooms but good luck with juggling the two! Some public restrooms have a toddler seat in the stall where you can strap your toddler in while you go or while you tend to another child. I am not sure how clean those would be??? but it is a thought. I would definitely use a handicap stall to have the added extra room. Good luck!

I would give her very little to drink before you go and while you are gone. Make sure she pees before you leave and hope for the best. Its going to be inevitable that you will need to use the public restroom sooner than later, sorry. Lots of places have seat covers but yes you can bring your own. Ive even washed a seat w/ soap and water before. When you got to go you got to go and you do what you have to.
I carry germX stuff w/ me and Ive used that and a paper towel several times. I like this idea best. And its pretty convenient. The most important thing is I try to teach my daughter not to touch anything and how germy the bathroom is. SHe is 3 also.
As for what to do w/ the cart while you are in the bathroom: I put my 2yr old in it and we take it right into the bathroom. Otherwise he will be running rampant around the bathroom while I am tending to my 3yr old. We use the handicap stall for all 3 of us. I get goofy looks but pay them no mind. Gotta do whats easiest for me.
If the cart is full of stuff then yes I have to leave it by the door and hope no one takes it. If its just a few items I pile them up somewhere near the bathroom opening and if there is an employee there I let her know I will be back for them. Ive had my items put back on the shelves before and had to re-shop all over again.

I have a foldable potty seat that sits on top of the regular toilets. I got it at onestepahead.com but I also have seen them at Walmart recently. The website also has other great options. Use the handicap stall, much more space to work with. As regards to the potty trips while grocery shopping, just park your cart near the restroom (usually there is extra space there) and take your purse with you. My son always has to go when we are in the grocery store. No one will bother your cart or belonging since it is near the restrooms. Good luck with potty training.

Hi,
I've been through the same thing with my daughter and son and it's just disgusting business using public bathrooms (although much easier with a boy, since no contact with the toilet is usually necessary).
I always go in the handicapped stall, since I can pull my daughter's stroller (or grocery cart!!) in with us while I help my son "go". If it's not available, I wait. Just try getting 3 people into a stall not even big enough for one!! Also, become familiar with all the clean bathroom locations in the places you frequent, so you'll always know where to run in an emergency.
I bought Charmin toilet covers from Target. They're in the travel size toiletry section in a small red and white "Charmin" package. I use 2 of them to completely cover the toilet seat and then lift my son onto the seat so he doesn't have to touch anything. When he's done, the covers just flush right down the toilet. I've seen the toilet seat covers in different catalogs that are reusable, but do you really want to put that thing back in your diaper bag after it's been on a public toilet seat?!?!? Super gross!
With my oldest daughter, I can remember holding her "hanging" over an especially messy seat and letting her pee from mid-air. You do what you've got to do, right?
One of the BEST purchases I ever made was a travel potty from the One Step Ahead catalog. It looks like a little suitcase that opens up into a tiny toilet you can line with large ziploc bags (but I've always used tripled-up grocery bags). With potty training "newbies", sometimes you can't get to a bathroom in time if you're driving and this item was a God-send! I've also used it MANY times when there wasn't a clean bathroom to use. I just opened it up in the back of my minivan and then threw away the bag. Much cleaner alternative!
Lastly, pack a large bottle of hand sanitizer and use it generously! You'll still feel icky after using the public bathroom, no matter how clean it looks :)

There are folding potty seats that sit on top of a regular toilet. I used to carry that (in a plastic bag) in my diaper bag for public restrooms. It makes the seat smaller so your daughter won't fall in and protects from germms.

Oh boy, the public restroom dilemma. I, just this year, have begun allowing my boys, ages eight and eleven to go into public restrooms alone. I can't tell you how many women I've spoken to who smile and verbally approve my bringing them in with me, who have stood at the door watching them so I would not leave them alone while I went in. I have had a securitiy guard at a campground offer to stop anyone going in so my boys could brush their teeth, because she herself never allows her boys to go in alone at campgrounds. It's better to be safe than to worry about what people think. They're behind stalls, anyway! I've often waited for the restroom to clear out, or asked if anyone minded first. The ideal situation is to find one of the many family restrooms available. I now send my boys in together, only, and stand outside the door and yell in, "one minute, boys!" Yes, by the way, I leave the cart right outside the bathroom door. You can purchase covers, but they always fall in. So I teach my kids to put toilet paper on the seat, if need be, use lots of soap and only open the door with a paper towel when leaving. Good luck!

I know it's a lot to carry, but I carried the little training seat that fits over a regular toilet with me in a grocery bag. You also have to bring some disinfectant to spray it with after using. Whenever I have another child, I always use the handicapped stall. You even can fit a stroller in some of them. I can't think of anyone more handicapped than a mother with 2 small kids (possibly one not yet walking) needing to use the bathroom! As far as the grocery store goes, that's what you have to do.

I have three boys and I never wanted to carry a potty seat/cover with me. That was always one more bulky thing to have to have in my hands that I did not have another hand for! And lets think about this for a minute. After you put the potty seat/cover on the nasty toilet, you have to carry a nasty potty seat/cover around and then put it in your vehicle.
So I always have a small container of Clorox wipes in my purse or diaper bag for the seat and good hand soap. Sometimes I had to use Clorox wipes for their hands and that worked just fine. Keep things simple as a parent and you will be less stressed.
Have a wonderful time with your little ones! A.

We just went through this in the summer when our 3 yr old son was a new potty user. If the place was relatively clean then he would sit backwards on the seat (facing the wall) for stability. I would just repeat to him "Don't touch anything, don't touch anything..." And I would have a pack of diaper wipes to hose him down with whenever we would go in a public toilet. Being a boy - I send him in with Dad as much as possible so he can stand and touch fewer surfaces. Being with your younger child too - always go in the large handicapped stall with your stroller or car seat for a clean place to keep the baby. Restroom in the grocery store. I've taken my cart in if it was a slow day at the store. I've also left the cart at the customer service desk and told them our little potty trainer needed to use the restroom. One time when I was going to be in the store for a while - they took my whole cart of bagged groceries and put it in their big freezer in the back (that's because I had accidently locked the baby AND the keys in the car and we were waiting for my husband and the fire dept. to get there) But that's a story for another day! AND I just had to put my mind at rest about the bathroom germs - cos what are you really gonna do - they have to go!
Blessings,
S.

you can get the seat covers you are talking about from a websited called www.onestepahead.com. I also think BabieRus may carry them. I feel the same way about public restrooms. I am getting ready to start potty training twins so I am not looking forward to that. I plan on getting the seat covers also, because some restrooms are just plain gross. Good luck on finding the seat covers.

My girls were both fully potty trained by (27 & 26 months) and I found keeping a potty in the car was the best thing. I always put them on it before we went into any store. Buy the flushable wipes so you can dump everything into the potty later. If we did have to go in a store I used the handicap stall. I put a cover or toilet paper on the side nearest the rail and put them on there and had them hold the bar. It is such a ritual that the oldest (4 1/2) does it herself now. I also found that stretchy pants or dresses made the process easier. As far as shopping I park the cart outside the bathroom and take them all in and the 2 older girls have to go before we leave and I change the babies diaper and then I go. Two trips during the same shopping trip is not fun.
Making it a priority helped us do it faster. I pull over if they have to go regardless of where we are.
Good luck!

A.,

I have a 3 y/o girl potty training right now, and use the fold up toilet seat cover. I have ALMOST dropped it in the toilet once or twice, but that is better than the time that I actually dropped HER into the toilet at the Walmart when I was trying to help her hold herself over the hole that was too big for her (she is very petite). My daugher was not nearly as amused with me that day as her father was with the splash and screams that he heard outside the door. Anyway, those seats can be sprayed and put into a large ziplock bag and put back in the diaper bag that I am sure you are still carrying for the extra panties and shorts and socks, etc. for accidents. My husband DID drop it into a spot-a-pot at a fair. He's a bolder man than I am...I would have just left it there and gotten another.

Good luck. And regarding your shopping, for the last 3 years, you have had to leave your stroller outside of certain places/rides (I am sure) at fairs, etc. You own that, but don't own anything in the shopping cart yet. If someone takes it out, just pick it back up after your daughter finishes in the bathroom.

Another mother commented that your children will still end up on the floor, touching everything (and even unlocking and opening the bathroom door when it is your turn, God Bless them). Just grit your teeth, and keep repeating your "don't touch that" mantra. Wash their hands, and remember that they are not licking the back of their legs, so are not getting any missed germs in their mouths.

Have a good day. And enjoy your kids.

Suz

Hi A.,

Relative to the potty training, I have two toddlers and I've got the perfect solution for you! Try the "On the Go Potty" with its disposable folding inserts. The actual potty and inserts are availble online or at BabysRUs for about $9.99 (can't remember how much the inserts cost). Inserts come in packs of 10 and have an odor and moisture absorbent pad, which is great. The potty is super light weight, it collapses, and it's portable. I can even fit it in some of my oversized hand bags : )

Talk about convenience! You just set up (in 3 seconds), let your toddler use the potty (either in a public restroom or in your car), tie the insert up and dispose of it. No more worries about having to let your kids sit on a germ-infested public toilet. I use disinfectant wipes after each use just to keep the "On the Go Potty" tidy. However, the inserts literally cover the potty's repository. I love it!

Don't stress about your grocery cart anymore. I just park it and do whatever I need to do. In most cases, no one will bother it. Just grab your portable potty and go, go, go! Hope this helps!

Kisha

I absolutely hate public bathrooms and dreaded the potty training stage with my daughter. I understand your anxiety. I found a pocket-sized bottle of Lysol and kept that in my person. I insisted on using toilet seat covers and finally found a plastic collapsible one that fit my dufflebag. I insisted she use potty before we left home, which cut down on amount of trips to outside pottys. No drinks until we get home, either, or at least in the car, heading home. Do not give her anything to drink right before leaving the house unless you plan to give her time to empty her bladder before you leave. I shop very quickly and do not stay out longer than an hour. Now that she's older, she holds it a little longer and we can usually avoid the public restrooms. When grocery shopping, leave the cart and make a beeline to the potty. If you haven't paid, whose going to steal it? Sometimes, you might have the time to take it with you and park it outside the restroom.

Hi, A.. My daughter is almost seven now but I remember the potty training days! The travel "Folding Potty Seat with Handles" is what I used to carry around with me and I loved it! It's small enough to fit in a diaper bag and it's easy to clean and disinfect after use. It's available in the Leaps and Bounds Website (http://www.leapsandbounds.com/catalog/product.jsp?product.... I highly recommend this over the paper toilet covers. Hope this helps!

My son always had to go the bathroom when we were in public...even if we had just gone before we left home. I think he just wanted to see how creative I could be in getting him not to touch anything in the restroom! If it's a public restroom room and we have been in the building, chances are we have been in it. I also learned to say "can you wait?" I found that in most cases it was not urgent. It was the curiosity of checking out the restroom.
I bought a travel plastic potty seat. It folds up and comes with it's own plastic carry bag. I think someone else who responded has the same or similar. I got mine at Burlington.
Someone who responded asked the question who would want to put it bag in the diaper bag after being on the public toilet seat? It comes with a plastic bag and of course you can use a wipe until you have to time to sanitize it!
We also used pull-ups when going out.

I have the exact same issues. I have never liked public restrooms even for myself let alone my child, but you have to do it. My son was just potty trained at the end of July. I don't know about seat covers you can purchase. I just cover the seat completely with toilet paper even down the front side where his legs will lean against the toilet. I don't like the waste but I don't see another way. The alternative would be to keep a little potty in the car. We do this for long trips if there is not a toilet near by. As for the cart, it is not a concern to leave you full cart. Just park it near the bathroom or in an area that you can find it again. No one should bother with that. The way I don't let this bother me, is that he gets a bath every night, even if I only do his lower. You do get used to it. Good luck.

You can buy small packs of seat covers and toilet paper in the trial size section, in case the stall is lacking. Also, look for "family" restrooms or stalls. Some places (bigger grocery stores/malls) have restrooms with more room and/or a tiny toilet for kids (Wheaton Mall has one). I agree that if you just leave your cart near the restroom, most people won't bother it at all. Just take your valuables with you.

Take the cart in the bathroom with you and keep your son in it. At that age, I did that even if I had merchandise in the cart and no one ever said anything to me about it. If they had given me a hard time, I would've invited them to verify that I wasn't stealing anything and explained it is the best way to keep the baby off the floor. Probably not in the nicest most patient tone of voice either ;-)

I've never heard of a seat cover than hangs down but what a good idea. I'm still constantly wincing as I see my daughter gripping the side with her legs and her clothing touching it. Eewww, ick, hate that, but can't always avoid it.

One thing that my daughter has found helpful is to use the handicap stall with the side rail to hold and actually sit sideways on the toilet instead of trying to spread her legs over the gap in the front.

I have 2 girls and have told my husband I have seen every public restroom in town. Always go in the handicapped stall which is bigger. I never had my own toilet seat cover--just another thing to do while you're juggling 2 kids and a purse.

I always wipe the seat w/clorox wipes. When they were really young I'd hold them over the toilet so they wouldn't touch it. They will inevitably touch the seat, sit on the floor, drag their clothes along the floor and you will freak out. I try not to make a huge deal about it because I don't want them to be afraid of not pleasing me or have it be a bad experience for them. Just grit your teeth, get through it the best you can and make sure they learn to WASH WELL on the way out. Carry some Purell in your purse just in case.

Get used to the public restroom--you'll be seeing many over the years! Oh yes, the grocery store...Every store has one, sometimes they're in the back storeroom. I always just leave the cart and take them in. It adds another dimension to the already long, arduous process of shopping w/2 little ones!

i have similar issues, with a 3 year old and an 18 month old. depending on the bathroom, i take the cart in the bathroom and go to the big stall. sometimes it's too small and crowded to do that, so i just have to be on top of what my little one touches and make sure he doesn't crawl under the stall. i will usually go when i first get somewhere, since stores don't allow merchandise in the bathroom so then i'd have to leave the cart. i just line the seat w/ tp and set him up there. than i wipe the back of his legs with a wipe and have him wash his hands really well. hope that helps.

I have three boys, so it's MUCH easier for me. But I always make sure they go to the bathroom before we leave the house when we're going shopping, etc. Another thing I started doing was keeping a small potty in our van (do you have a minivan?) for emergencies or when public restrooms are in really bad condition.
I've left the shopping cart off to one side somewhere and taken them to the bathroom in stores too!
Good luck!

When my boys were potty training, we had a re-usable plastic potty seat that folded up and fit in a bag inside the diaper bag. You could just pull it out when they needed to go, it covered the toilet, and made the "hole" smaller and more child-sized. After they're done you can swipe it with a baby wipe and sanitize it when you get home. It was very convenient!

They aren't gender specific, and I found ours at Target for about ten dollars. Babies r' Us may be better for something like that though.

As far as the grocery store, mine are 5 and 7 and STILL need to go everytime we're shopping. I just park the cart right outside the bathroom door. I've never had anyone take it or start putting my things away. Just be sure and do as the previous poster said - take your purse with you.

Good luck!

I hate public restrooms too and I think my daughter knows it! I went to Toys R Us/Babies R Us and found a fold up toilet seat that you just place on the potty. It fits in my purse or diaper bag. I love it because my daughter isn't afraid of falling in. Also those darn automatic flushing toilets can be a pain! Cover the sensor with toilet paper!!! I usually try and get the largest stall so my daughter, me and the stroller can all fit in there! It may take time! My daughter won't potty in public unless she has to!!

As for grocery stores, just park your cart outside of the restroom. Be sure to take your purse in with you!

I don't think I have ever had to make a stop in the bathroom during grocery shopping. I just ALWAYS make sure both of my girls go to the bathroom before we go anywhere...that usually helps out with that. And in the beginning of potty training, to be on the safe side, I would change them into a pull up just for the outing...just in case. Then change them back into their underwear when you get home. It is easier than it seems in the beginning...just think, no more lugging around diapers!!
K.

Take baby wipes or I hear Lysol makes pocket wipes to clean the toilet seat. Just be sure to wipe the residue off with some clean TP. And yes, you just have to take the cart with you and park it outside the bathroom! You won't be the first to do that, or the last!

Here's another tip. On the big seats when you don't have a child sized potty seat, sit on the back of the toilet seat and have your kid sit in front of you. I don't know why this works but it gives them support so they don't feel like they're falling in. And they don't have to put their hands on the seat to support themselves. try to have your kid as far out of the stall as possible when you flush - yuck bomb! When you have the kind that flushes itself (I hate those) try to stick a piece of toilet paper over the sensor so YOU can decide when it flushes (got that tip from John and Kate Plus Eight!)

And of course, wash all hands whether they've touched anything or not! Or even if they didn't actually go to the bathroom (false alarms happen).

Oh, the hairy, scary world of public toilets! Try rest stop bathrooms, or worse yet, port-a-potties! Keep tp in the car for going in the woods. Seriously.

-S. Kav

Bring antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer with you everywhere so that if you or your children happen to touch anything in the bathroom -- which I'm sure you will -- you can sanitize thoroughly. Use the wipes to wipe down the toilet seat before sitting on it to make yourself feel better. I don't think you need the covers. Most grocery stores have bathrooms that are for public use now so I just usually bring the cart as close to the bathroom as possible and then leave it right outside. Nobody will touch it, especially if it is close to the bathroom as they will figure that is where you are. They do have grocery cart covers as well if you are worried about germs. Here's part of an article that I found. It's food for thought on this subject...

"As Columbia University's Health Promotion Program sums up: "Because toilet seats are not major culprits in spreading disease, paper or plastic seat covers offer little more than peace of mind." In fact, you have more to fear from bathroom door handles and faucets than from commodes.

And while we're on the topic, you might consider something to cover that phone receiver. A University of Arizona microbiology team tested a dozen office surfaces including the bathroom. The scientists found that phone receivers had 25,000 bacteria per square inch, while toilet seats had only 49 bacteria per square inch. Talk about calling in sick!"

Hi,
They have those potty covers in bathrooms these days. You can take your own disinfectant to clean the seat and you can do like the other person suggested about a potty cover. This is what I have done when in a grocery and my son had to potty. I took my groceries as close to the restroom as possible and left them. You can also let someone know if they are close by that these groceries are yours. You will do fine just try to be patient and don't panic. :) Good Luck

I always carry a little purse size can of disinfecting spray(Lysol makes one), or a pack of disinfecting wipes (check the trial size section of stores for easy to carry packs. I long ago gave up trying to balance over a toilet seat, and one of my pet peeves is people who stand over and then tinkle on the seat and don't clean up after themselves, spreading more germs than they're avoiding; thus the wipes and spray, easier to manage. You can leave your cart outside the bathroom at most stores, I have never had a problem doing that.

my daughter are 21 months apart, so when my older daughter started potty training right before 2, it was a nightmare! one of my girlfriends showed me these disposable toilet seat covers, i think theyre made by kleenex (dont quote me on that, but you can buy them at cvs, walmart, walgreens, etc) that made life easier. AND i carry around purell like its nobodys business. i used to always use the handicap toilet because a LOT of them have those 'tot holders' (literally a seat that folds out on the wall with straps... lysol wipe it first!!) or you can strap the baby to the changing station. its hard, i understand this, but thats what i did and we all survived!

as far as the cart, just leave it. ive never had a problem with anyone touching my stuff. just make sure to grab your purse! GOOD LUCK and best wishes... and i hate to say it, but once kids are potty trained, even if they go before they leave the house, they ALWAYS seem to have to go when youre out somewhere... and i do mean always.

Hi, these logistical snafus of potty training happen to us all. As for some tips, here's what's worked for me in the past.

I always, ALWAYS carry hand sanitizer (we don't touch public sinks, they're worse that the toilets if you consider that everyone is touching them BEFORE their hands are clean.) I also use the hand sanitizer to wipe down toilet seats that seem to need it with the aid of a little toilet paper. I also include in the wipe down any area my child may need to put his/her hands for support when getting on and off the toilet.

My younger child can hang out in a stroller or even stand next to me as long as I am able to keep him from touching anything. If you're not grocery shopping I would recommend taking an umbrella stroller along anywhere you go so you have something to strap your little one into while you assist the potty trainer.

As for grocery shopping, most grocery stores have a large enough area near the bathroom to accommodate a few shopping carts for just this reason. Leave the cart near the bathroom and take only your personal items with you (i.e. purse, diaper bag etc.) If someone were to come along and restock your shopping selections, oh well, you can always pick them back up before you check out. It's a pain, but such is life with a potty training toddler.

My last suggestion is to carry Kandoo wipes or allow your older child to use baby wipes. Often time, kids don't feel they can get clean enough with dry toilet paper, and it's likely to shred with the rough handling they give it. I would also always carry in your diaper bag or purse a spare change of underwear and a skirt or pants that are not bulky and are easy to fit into your bag. If it comes to a change of clothes, at least you have someting temporary to use until you can get home and coordinate a new outfit. (don't forget extra socks too, as these often fall victim to the same accidents as the underwear and pants do.)

I hope this helps. Good Luck!

I got a portable potty for our car so that we wouldn't even have to use a public restroom. I got it from the One Step Ahead catalog (can go to their website as well). It folds up like a little kid's briefcase & you just use zip lock bags as the "potty" part. That way - no smell, no bowl to clean, and easy throw-away.
And if you're at a store & need to use the public restroom I'd go to the manager's desk/customer service desk & let them know you need to leave the cart there while assisting your child.
Good luck.

It may sound crazy, but I have a potty in my car on the floor behind the drivers seat. My youngest started potty training at 15 mos while I had a newborn. Now they are 3 1/2+ & nearly 2 1/2 & while I more frequently am able to use public restrooms with my littlest understanding not to touch anything it is still nice to have the clean potty in the car especially at the park where the bathrooms are especially funky & when someone is having poor behavior I can strap them in their car seat while the other one does there business. Good luck!

YOu juat hvw to take them both wiht you. I take my daughter before we go shopping and usually sh is fine while we ar eactually shopping. I also know more or less how long she can go before pottying so I remember that and I try to purposefully not give her excessive amounts to drink before something like that. If a public restroom really bother you, you can get the pottet from Babies r us but you would still have to go in a restroon/etc to use it

I strongly recommend the Potette On the Go Potty. You can find it at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Kalencom-POTETTE-Go-Potty-Green/dp/...

We lived overseas when we were potty training recently and used this potty extensively. We lived in Turkey where there wasn't always a bathroom and when there was it was either dirty, a literal hole in the ground - or both! This little potty is about $10 and folds up in a little carry bag that fits in a mid to large-size diaper bag or in the bottom of the stroller. Sometimes we'd just open both doors to our car and set up the potty on the side of the road or in the parking lot if she had to go NOW.

You can also buy the disposable bags, which are helpful, but we just bought a box of kitchen size garbage bags and a box of cheap nursing pads. I wasn't sure about the necessity of the pad in the bag at first, but it is especially useful if you are somewhere that you can't throw away the pee immediately.

We also have the Cool Gear portable potty which is nice, but it is HUGE and a pain to take with you. We keep our Potette in our van 'just in case'.

For the grocery shopping, I would say definitely take her to the potty before you even get a cart. If she has an emergency while you're in the middle of shopping I'd definitely leave the cart - you could even leave it by customer service or tell an employee that you'll be right back.

Good luck!

While I've been potty training my boy, I make sure he at least tries to go on our potty before we leave the house. It doesn't always work, but it's a good start. If we're out and he has to go, I just make sure he washes his hands really well. Even though he stands up to go, he touches the seat to put it up!

Another thing to try is put a training potty in your car. If your little one has to go, put her on the potty in the car. This is easiest if you have an SUV or van, but I think can work anywhere. Then you have a clean place to go. Just be sure to have some Purell to clean hands afterward. ;)

Good luck.

Hi A., you received some great suggestions. I have to agree with one respondent and say that you can get the portable potty and keep it in your car. Just make sure you keep lots of napkins and plastic bags to be able to dispose of the waste properly. I also want to make a suggestion. While I recognize that you don't like to use public restrooms, here's another option. You can also find a decent hotel and use the restrooms on their first level. Many people don't think about that. But hotel restrooms are usually cleaner. I hope this helps.

I bought one of the travel seat covers but I have found it doesn't fit a lot of the toilet seats in public restrooms. I ended up buying a portable potty that uses gallon size bags. It folds pretty flat and you can sit it on the floor in the bathroom and then your child uses that as the toilet and you just throw it away or dump it in the toilet. It is also great for traveling even small trips I have found that there isn't always a restroom available at the time my daughter decides to tell me she has to go.

Hello,

Well I am in the same situation. I DETEST public restrooms and will also wait as long as possible so I dont have to use them!! Maybe I am wierd I dont know. But my three year old son was potty trained at two and we had the same issues. My local baby store sold toilet seat covers. they are a GOD SEND!!! they come in a pack of like 20 and are very thin. we keep them in the diaper bag with the extra set of clothes for him. We STILL use them now! they cover the whole seat and over the sides. He is still too short to stand up and use the potty so he always has to sit and hold on. So these work wonders. Also, i have a two year old daughter. When I am on my own with the two, I also try to find a family bathroom that is large enough for a stroller. If not, I have to wait on the handicapp stall. I am huge on telling them not to touch anything the whole time we are in the bathroom. and we "kick" the handle to flush the toilet. It has not made them freaked out, just very conscious of the dirty stuff. In the grocery store, just park cart near restroom and head in with kids. It should be there when you come out. Good luck with everything!!

I keep a potty in my car for those times when the public restroom is just too gross!!!! My daughter also refuses to use toilets that flush automatically no matter how clean they are!

Toys R Us carries a hard plastic fold up seat that can fold up into a diaper bag too....Myabe that will help!

Good luck!

first off you get too picky you will cause her to not want to go if the proper things are there. If you want to use something bring something in your purse otherwise don't use anything. If you make it a rule to rely on the business you will have a prob. if there isn't one. If it was me i wouldn't use anything i would teach good bathroom habits washing hands after going. In school it will make it hard to use covers and stuff and could cause accidents to happen.
in grocery stores you park your cart outside the bathroom and take your purse. If i had a son also i would just help her go to the restroom standing out side to door with or with out the stall open if she can't go alone. I'm not sure i would try to bring a 2yr old in the stall also might be tight OR use the handicap stall.
good luck

Well, my DD is 2 and just potty trained about a month ago. I bought a travel potty that doubles as a potty seat (the kind that goes on top of the toilet). It is AWESOME. It is small enough to carry in my purse or a bag but still big enough for her to be comfortable using it. When I use that, she doesn't touch the toilet at all!!

Here is the link to it at Babies R Us. I highly recommend using this one. I tried the smaller versions (the ones that fold up etc.) but I found that they didn't always fit all the toilets all the time. This one does!

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3135626

It comes in girly colors too :-)

A., look online for the catalog "one step ahead". they will send you one or you can shop online.

they have potty seat covers and a wonderful invention i just love, a hard potty seat cover that folds up very small. it is wonderful to cover the full size seat so your little one doesn't fall in. I just put it in a zip lock back so it doesn't contaminate anything else in the diaper bag until i can get it home to disinfect, i also carry lysol spray w/me sometimes, i spray down anything, especially those playrooms at mcd's or chick filet.

i always take my kids in the handicap bathroom, let's face it, when you're toting 2 or more kids and one is potty training, it is sort of a handicap, right???? haha. thus solves the problem of so many kids and a small stall.

you might also want to shop alone, is gramma close by to spend a couple of hours w/them, or dad in evening or weekends?

and yes, leave your cart close by the restroom doors, no one has ever taken mine,

good luck to you, i've already raised 2 (in college now) and have a 4 year old.

ps if dad ever has her out alone, remind him to NOT take her in the mens room (urinals out in the open)-well it was an issue w/me, i didn't want my little girl exposed to other men using the bathroom. he can find a family bathroom w/stalls, or we carried a potty seat in the car and encouraged use as soon as we arrived someplace, or took her back to the car to go.

I had tis very same problem when I started potty training my daughter. What I did was I bought a fold up portable potty seat from Toys R Us and antibacterial wipes to keep in my bag. I would put the potty seat on the toilet after wiping it and after she would go I would wipe the bottom of the fold up seat to put back into my bag. I felt really comfortable with this. The potty seat came in it's own plastic ziploc so I kept it in there. Now once she got a little big older and my son started walking I got use to the fact of just wiping the seat and placing toilet paper to cover the seat for her. The antibacterial wipes make me feel a little bit better about it all. I would definately cringe over the fact of her using a public rest room but the fact is..once they start using the potty, most of the time they want to use every potty in sight. So the more comfortable you can be with it the better.

As far as the grocery store..I think the only option is to leave it parked somewhere right outside. I just usually take my bag and the kids and it's always still there. Good luck! I know it's such a gross issue.haha!