For outings during potty training, pack for two outcomes: a quick washroom stop and a wet change of clothes. That means two spare outfits, a wet bag, training pants or underwear for the trip, wipes, and a plan for washrooms you do not know. Whatever approach you use at home stays the same, and the bag just makes it portable.
Why outings feel harder in the early weeks
At home, the potty is in the same place, the routine is familiar and the spare clothes are in the next room. Out of the house, none of that is true. A child who is still learning to notice the signal may need a washroom suddenly, the nearest one may be far away, and an unfamiliar toilet with a loud flush or hand dryer can feel scary.
Leaks happen on outings, and they are part of learning. The aim of a go-bag is to turn a leak into a two-minute change instead of a cut-short trip. Keep early outings short, near washrooms, and at times of day that fit your routine.
Spare clothes and a wet bag
Pack more spare clothing than seems necessary, then adjust after a few outings. Two full outfits is a sensible start: a top, bottoms, socks and underwear or training pants for each. Pack each outfit in its own bag so you can grab one without unpacking the other.
A wet bag keeps wet clothes away from dry ones. You can find wet bags in the cloth diaper accessories collection. For example, the Voccos Waterproof Wet Dry Bags, Black and Grey, 2 Pack comes as two bags, so one can hold the wet clothes while the other holds the clean outfit. A resealable plastic bag does the job until you buy one.
Training pants for the trip out
Some families put a child in training pants for outings and use underwear at home, and others use underwear everywhere. It is a personal choice that depends on your child, the length of the trip and your own comfort.
- Training pants pull up and down like underwear and add some absorbency for the trip. One example is the Pull-Ups Girls' Training Pants, 3T–4T, 112 Count. The training pants collection shows other sizes and styles.
- Waterproof covers go over training underwear. One example is the Joyo Roy Waterproof Covers for Potty Training Underwear, Boys, 3T, 4 Pack. Check the product page for materials and washing instructions. Anything you take home to launder makes the wet bag matter more.
Check the pack or product page for the size range, and pack the same style in the spare outfit so a change is quick.
Travel potties and folding seats
Some children are more comfortable on a seat they know. Two portable options are common: a small potty you can set up wherever you stop, and a folding seat that sits on top of a regular toilet. The first suits road trips and long waits, and the second takes little room in a bag.
Look for a stable, non-slip base, a size that fits your bag or trunk, a surface that wipes clean, and a fold you can manage one-handed. Try it at home first so your child can get used to it before you need it on the road.
Carry a few resealable bags and wipes for cleaning up, plan to empty a portable potty into a toilet, and clean it the way its instructions say.
Protecting the car seat: check the manual first
A car seat is safety equipment, and add-ons that did not come with it can interfere with how it works. Before you put any pad, liner or cover on or under your child's car seat, check the car seat manual or ask its maker whether it is allowed. If the manual does not allow it, do not use it.
For long drives, a spare outfit within reach and planned washroom stops help whatever the manual says about covers. Look for the cleaning instructions in the manual too, and read them before you need them.
Finding washrooms and keeping to a routine
- Locate the washroom when you arrive, before your child needs it, and note whether the place has a family washroom.
- Offer a try before you leave home, when you arrive and at the times that match your routine at home. Use the same words you use there.
- Dress for speed. Bottoms your child can pull down alone are quicker than buttons, belts and one-piece outfits. In a Canadian winter, a snowsuit and boots make every washroom stop longer, so pick outerwear that comes off quickly and allow extra minutes.
- Prepare for noise. Some children dislike loud hand dryers and automatic flushes, so talk about them beforehand.
If you have questions about your child's progress, a sudden change in toileting, or signs that using the toilet is uncomfortable, ask your doctor or public health nurse.
The potty training go-bag list
Clothes
- Two spare outfits, each with underwear or training pants
- Extra socks
- A zip bag for each outfit
Clean-up
- A wet bag for soiled clothes
- Resealable bags
- Wipes and hand sanitizer
- A small towel
Potty gear
- A travel potty or folding seat, if you use one
- Training pants for the trip out
Comfort
- A small toy or picture book for waiting in line
- A snack and water
Shop this guide
- Goodnites Boys' Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear, Size XXL, 24 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Zoocchini Toddler Potty Training Pants, 3 Pack, Organic Cotton, Sea Crew, 3T-4T (ships via Amazon)
- 3-in-1 Toddler Potty & Step Stool, Portable, TPE, Easy-Clean, Splash Guard, Anti-Slip (ships via Amazon)
- ALVABABY Wet Dry Bags with Two Zippered Pockets, Dinosaur & Fish, 2 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Training Pants
- See all: Reusable Training Pants
- See all: Potty Training
- See all: Cloth Diaper Accessories
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Should I use underwear or training pants on outings?
It is up to you. Think about how long you will be out and how easily you can reach a washroom, and pack a spare of whichever you choose.
Is a backup kit in the car worth it?
If you drive, yes. A spare outfit, a towel and a second wet bag in the trunk mean one leak early in the day does not use up the go-bag. Restock both when you get home.
What if my child will not use a public washroom?
A portable potty or folding seat can help, along with a routine you repeat each time. Do not rush, and try again at the next stop.
Where do the wet clothes go?
Into the wet bag, then into the wash soon after you get home. Follow the care labels on the clothes and on the wet bag itself.
Need help choosing sizes or a wet bag for your go-bag? Contact us and we will go through the options with you.