Help me with public restroom trips...3yo and 1yo

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I can't seem to figure the logistics on this one!  

My almost 3yo DS is newly potty trained.  My 1yo DD is just barely walking.  Let's say we're out at a store where I don't have the stroller, and DD is riding in the cart.  For example, the grocery store, or Target.

So, what if DS has to use the potty.  How do I do this?  I can't very well take the cart into the restroom (even if I could squeeze it in there, it's hardly sanitary, and I'm sure it's not allowed), but my DS is a big boy, and needs me to help lift him onto the potty.  He's 40lbs, so it's not something I could do with one hand!

I can't set DD down on the dirty floor while I help DS go potty...

How do you do it?  I'd love to hear your stories!!

Thanks! 

mlf625

If you have an SUV, you could keep a potty chair in the back end.  That's what my friend with 2u2 had to do.  I don't love the idea, but she said in the end it worked best for her.  

Could you bring a Bjorn along on those kinds of trips and stick DD in that for a few minutes while you help DS go potty?  DD is 16 months and I had her in it the other day.  She thought it was kind of fun.   

CaitlinJ22

I am dreading this! Can you bring a sling in your bag and put her on your hip while you help him? Or just hold her on your hip and somehow get him up there? I know when I need to get DS in the highchair at restaurants, I have DD on my hip and use two hands to pick him up while still having her on my hip? make sense? I would try to bring a stroller for the first few times going, or if you are at a store where you need a  cart, then keep a potty in the car and make sure he goes before you go to the store?

let us know what works! 

TonyaCody06

DD is newly potty trained at home but I haven't braved this public thing yet  I'd imagine I'd use a sling/wrap for #2. 

I don't think the car potty is ideal b/c then you are having to leave your shopping cart while you leave the store. Plus I think it is good to teach them where it is appropriate to use the restroom.  

sfshawna

Either:

a)Use a car potty. The best invention ever . Honestly, I always have mine in my minivan, and there's plenty of room to set it up since I have one of our captains chairs in the stow and go position most of the time. Have them go before you enter the store, and abandon your cart and go back out to the car if its an emergency. I disagree with the previous poster saying that kids need to learn the appropriate place to use the restroom. In your situation or for anyone with multiple young kids, the most important thing is that they dint go in their pants . They will not be scarred by using the potty in the car!

b)Bring along your bjorn, or even a back carrier like an Ergo. With your youngest on your back, you can help your oldest a little more easily in a public restroom.

Fasa

snippet:

I can't seem to figure the logistics on this one!  

My almost 3yo DS is newly potty trained.  My 1yo DD is just barely walking.  Let's say we're out at a store where I don't have the stroller, and DD is riding in the cart.  For example, the grocery store, or Target.

So, what if DS has to use the potty.  How do I do this?  I can't very well take the cart into the restroom (even if I could squeeze it in there, it's hardly sanitary, and I'm sure it's not allowed), but my DS is a big boy, and needs me to help lift him onto the potty.  He's 40lbs, so it's not something I could do with one hand!

I can't set DD down on the dirty floor while I help DS go potty...

How do you do it?  I'd love to hear your stories!!

Thanks! 

 

I take the cart into the bathroom.  Usually It can fit into the Handicap stall and I would rather have DD#2 stuck in the cart than all over in the bathroom.  It doesn't touch anything so I don't feel like it is unsanitary.  If it doesn't fit in the stall, then I just leave the door open.  DD#1 is 3... who cares if someone walks by.  Not a big deal to me.  I guess that I would not perfer to take the cart in, but it is better than the alternatives.   

angelproberts

Fasa:

snippet:

I can't seem to figure the logistics on this one!  

My almost 3yo DS is newly potty trained.  My 1yo DD is just barely walking.  Let's say we're out at a store where I don't have the stroller, and DD is riding in the cart.  For example, the grocery store, or Target.

So, what if DS has to use the potty.  How do I do this?  I can't very well take the cart into the restroom (even if I could squeeze it in there, it's hardly sanitary, and I'm sure it's not allowed), but my DS is a big boy, and needs me to help lift him onto the potty.  He's 40lbs, so it's not something I could do with one hand!

I can't set DD down on the dirty floor while I help DS go potty...

How do you do it?  I'd love to hear your stories!!

Thanks! 

 

I take the cart into the bathroom.  Usually It can fit into the Handicap stall and I would rather have DD#2 stuck in the cart than all over in the bathroom.  It doesn't touch anything so I don't feel like it is unsanitary.  If it doesn't fit in the stall, then I just leave the door open.  DD#1 is 3... who cares if someone walks by.  Not a big deal to me.  I guess that I would not perfer to take the cart in, but it is better than the alternatives.   

I always take the cart with me, especially when I was pregnant. DD wasn't quite walking when I would suddenly have to go and that was the only safe way to go. I don't think it's unsanitary. Good Luck though and you've given me yet another thing to think about.  

musicteacher84

Great question! I will be dealing with this shortly too & it's nice to know what other people do!

agmaso

Until your older one can either hold it until you get home or do it without much assistance, I'd suggest bringing a baby carrier along with you. A ring sling doesn't take up much space and you could slide her to the side and partially on your back while you help your son. Either way you will still have the use of both hands.