Sometimes, potty training doesn’t line up perfectly with your holiday plans. Maybe your toddler decides they’re done with nappies just before a trip, or you’ve booked something spontaneous and the timing isn’t ideal. While this can feel a little daunting, there are simple ways to stay on track and help your child feel confident and supported during your time away. Whether you’re travelling locally or going abroad, here are some tips on how to make potty training on holiday easier for everyone.
1. Bring Familiar Items
When children are away from home, familiar objects can provide reassurance and help them feel more secure. A favourite book, their usual wipes or even a pair of trousers they prefer to wear can make a difference.
If your child uses a potty at home, bring it with you if you can. The Potette® Plus 2-in-1 is a great way to maintain consistency at home and on holiday. It can be used at home as part of your child’s regular potty training routine but is also specifically designed to be ideal for travel - portable, compact and ready to go!
The Potette® Plus 2-in-1 folds flat so it fits compactly into your bag, making it easy to take with you wherever your day leads. It comes with disposable liners for quick, and hygienic clean-ups. When you do have access to a bathroom, it also works as a toilet seat trainer, helping your child feel secure and supported on a full-sized toilet.
Its versatility means you can adapt it to whatever your day brings — whether your child prefers using it as a standalone potty in a quiet corner, or needs a bit of reassurance while using public toilets. Having the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 with you gives your child familiarity and flexibility, which is key to maintaining progress while you're away from home. Whether you’re in a hotel room, at the beach, or pulled over at a rest stop, Potette® is always ready when your little one is.
2. Prepare for Accidents
Even if your child has been dry at home, travel can increase the chance of accidents. Long journeys, busy days and new routines all play a role. Being well prepared allows you to respond quickly and calmly.
Pack a small travel kit that includes spare underwear and clothing, wipes and a wet bag for used items. Absorbent seat protectors can be a great backup when travelling with a newly potty-trained child. While they aren’t recommended for use in car seats due to safety guidelines, they’re very useful for prams, airplane seats, or highchairs. They add an extra layer of peace of mind during those “just in case” moments. If your child has a small accident while sitting down, the protector helps prevent mess and stress. These liners are washable and reusable, so they’re easy to clean and pack again for the next outing. Having a few on hand means you don’t have to worry about unexpected leaks while you’re out and about.
Muslin or burp cloths are also a good addition. They are lightweight, compact and super absorbent, which makes them ideal for travel. They can be used for quick clean-ups, to protect surfaces, or even as a temporary layer over a chair or buggy seat. If you don’t have access to a washing machine, they can usually be rinsed and dried easily in your accommodation.
One of the biggest challenges during travel is those moments when your child needs to go, but there’s no bathroom in sight. Having a portable potty like the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 can make all the difference. Instead of frantically searching for the nearest public toilet, you can simply unfold it and have a comfortable, familiar potty ready to use in seconds. Wherever you are, Potette® helps you stay in control during life’s unpredictable moments.
3. Stick to a Familiar Routine
Even children who are confident at home can find new environments and changes in daily rhythm difficult. Travel often comes with disruptions to routine such as different mealtimes, longer outings and unfamiliar places to sleep. These changes can affect a child’s ability to notice or respond to the urge to go to the toilet.
Try to maintain a sense of consistency by offering regular toilet trips throughout the day. Encourage your child to use the toilet before leaving your accommodation, after meals, before nap times or car journeys and during any natural breaks in the day. These regular opportunities help reinforce the habit and reduce the likelihood of accidents when distractions are high.
If your child is not used to public toilets, you can prepare ahead of time by visiting a few local ones before your trip. Introducing them to different settings such as public toilets in parks or cafes helps them feel more comfortable with unfamiliar spaces when you are away from home.
And if you're travelling with the Potette® Plus 2-in-1, you can make public toilets feel a lot more familiar. It works as both a portable potty and a toilet seat reducer—so your little one can use the same trusted potty they’re used to at home. That comfort and familiarity can make all the difference when they’re faced with a new and unfamiliar bathroom.
4. Show Them the Toilet
As soon as you arrive at your accommodation or any new place, take a moment to show your child where the toilet is. Knowing where to go builds their confidence and helps prevent delays that could lead to accidents.
Let your child see how the toilet works and let them try it out if they want to. If they are hesitant, seeing you use the toilet first may help them feel more comfortable. This simple introduction can help them settle in and gives them the confidence to respond when they need to go.
5. Support Children Who Are Sensitive to Loud Noises
Public toilets can be noisy and unpredictable, especially with loud hand dryers or automatic flushes. For some children, this can be a barrier to using the toilet confidently while away from home.
If your child is sensitive to sound, child-friendly ear defenders can make a big difference. They reduce background noise and help your child focus on the task at hand. You can also reduce overwhelm by taking your time and avoiding rushed bathroom visits whenever possible. Having the option to use a travel potty like Potette® Plus 2-in-1 in quieter places can also help children feel more in control.
6. Keep Fluids Consistent Throughout the Day
It may be tempting to reduce drinks during travel to avoid accidents, but this can actually have the opposite effect. Good hydration supports healthy bladder and bowel function. Without enough fluids, children are more likely to become constipated or experience discomfort, which can interrupt potty training progress.
Offer water regularly, especially in warm climates or when active throughout the day. A familiar water bottle or cup can encourage consistent drinking. Helping your child stay hydrated also helps them stay in tune with when they need to use the toilet.
7. Respond Calmly and Focus on Progress
It is natural for accidents to happen, even after several dry days. New places, excitement and tiredness all play a role. How you respond can make a difference to how your child feels about continuing their progress.
Offer encouragement and acknowledge the effort your child is making. Let them know that it is okay if things do not go perfectly. Focus on what is working and continue to offer support with a calm and reassuring approach. This helps build confidence and keeps the experience positive.
8. Enjoy the Holiday!
Although potty training may feel like the main focus at times, try to keep space for rest, fun and time together. Supporting your child through this milestone is important, but it is also just one part of your holiday.
Celebrate small steps and acknowledge how far your child has come. You have already done a lot of the work by helping them get to this point. Trust that the tools and preparation you have in place will help you manage the journey ahead, and allow yourself to enjoy it.
With a bit of prep, the right mindset and tools like Potette® by your side, potty training doesn’t have to hold you back from making memories. Whether it’s a weekend trip or a long-haul holiday, you can travel confidently knowing you’re covered.