TRAVELING WITH A TODDLER WHILE POTTY TRAINING
Potty training has to be one of the hardest things you have to do as a parent. It can be a long, frustrating, and tedious process for some parents and toddlers.
As if potty training wasn’t hard enough, trying to potty train a toddler while traveling adds even more complication. That is why we use a travel potty for toddlers to potty train our two-year-old.
Honestly, potty training isn’t going well for us. Our son turned two a few weeks ago, and it has been a struggle.
To make him more comfortable, we use a travel potty seat at home, so he can get used to using the same travel potty seat when we are traveling.
For parents out there struggling with potty training, don’t get discouraged. We are having a hard time getting our stubborn two-year-old to use the potty, although he has the taking off his diaper part down pact.
Related Post: 15 Tips for Potty Training on the Go
What is a travel potty?
A travel potty is a portable “toilet” for toddlers who are transitioning from diapers to using the toilet. It is perfect for errands, road-trips, or any occasion when your toddler needs to go.
Many travel potty can be used with a disposable plastic bag or have a collection container where their business can be dumped, clean, and reused.
Do I need a travel potty?
Not every toddler needs a travel potty. Whether you need one depends on how comfortable your little one is with using a public restroom.
Many toddlers get scared of the loud sounds, big toilet, and people inside a public restroom.
Having a portable travel potty makes it easier for your little one to be comfortable using the bathroom. Plus, with everything going on right now, many parents do not want their little ones to use public restrooms.
They are lightweight, easy to carry, so why not? It provides consistency and confidence as your toddler embarks on their way to becoming a big boy or big girl.
An additional bonus is you are one step closer to no longer buying diapers, which is what I am looking forward to.
Related Post: The Best Potty Training Watches for Toddlers
TYPES OF TRAVEL POTTIES FOR TODDLERS
Travel Potty Chair
A travel potty chair is a stand-alone toilet that toddlers can use for potty training.
Most of the travel potty chairs can be used with a disposable bag, which makes clean up easy, but can be costly and create a lot of waste.
There are potty training chairs that do not require disposable bags, but they take time to clean. When your toddler has to poo-poo, cleaning can be a hassle on the go.
As parents, I’m sure it’s no different than changing their diapers.
Travel Potty Seat
Travel potty seats are seats that are used with a toilet that allows toddlers to sit on the toilet, without falling in. Unlike potty training chairs, they cannot be used alone.
The purpose of a travel potty seat is to use it in public restrooms when needed. There are different types of potty training seats such as disposable, foldable, and ones with or without handles.
Each design has it’s pros and cons, but for our list we picked the best potty seat for traveling families.
What is the best travel potty?
The best travel potty depends on your little one and how you travel. Here is a quick look at the best travel potty, depending on your specific situation.
- Best travel potty for long car rides – BabyBjörn Smart Potty
- Best travel potty for toilets – Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat
- Most portable potty – Tinabless Folding Travel Toilet
- Most popular travel potty – OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel
- Disposable Travel Potty – Playtex Potty Genie
- Our favorite travel potty for toddlers – Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty
Potty Training Books for Toddlers
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TRAVEL POTTY CHAIR COMPARISON TABLE
Different potty training chairs offer several pros and cons. This table will help you quickly compare the features that each training potty chair has to offer and determine what works best for your little one.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
THE BEST TRAVEL POTTY FOR TODDLERS
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel
The OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty is the most popular and best-selling toddler travel potty.
This potty chair is only 3.2 pounds, which makes it perfect for long road trips or quick errands. The OXO Go Potty requires disposable bags, and although OXO has a brand, any disposable bag will do the job. It is quick and easy to open and grows with your toddler since it is a 2-in-1 combo.
A few of the drawbacks of this toddler potty training toilet is the price compared to the other potties on our list. Although it isn’t that much more expensive, there are cheaper alternatives that are just as good.
The main complaint is the splash guard being too short for little boys. Many parents complain about the height of the splash guard for boys who have not mastered aiming while going to pee-pee.
This potty chair is a 2-in-1 combo, so it can be used on the toilet when your toddler is old enough. It isn’t as sturdy on the toilet as it is on the floor, so if you have a toddler that likes to move around, you may need to keep an eye on them.
Pros
- Can be used on a toilet seat
- Easy to open
- Travel bag included
- Sturdy
- Durable
Cons
- May be too short for taller toddlers
- Splash may be too short to prevent spillage
- Not as sturdy on the toilet seat as it is on the ground
- Potty refill bags are expensive
Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty
The Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty is the best value and overall a close second for our favorite travel potty for toddlers. Like the previous potty, it is a 2-in-1 combination that can be used on the toilet as your little one gets older.
This seat is perfect for little ones starting their potty training journey. The seat is comfortable and specifically designed for little ones, so it fits their bottoms.
The Potette Plus also requires disposable bags, but they are more affordable than the other brands. It doesn’t take up much space, so it can be used at home or stored in the trunk for errands and outings.
Since the seat is larger it is more sturdy when used on a toilet seat and the legs can be used as handles.
Based on our experience with this potty training toilet, the legs can be difficult to snap in place. This isn’t ideal for a toddler that needs to go and can result in an accident.
Besides the stiff legs, there is very little to complain about this toddler travel potty chair. It is one of the must-haves when traveling with a potty training toddler.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Can be used as a potty seat on the toilet
- Handles keep your toddler steady when used on the toilet
- Color options
Cons
- Legs are stiff when opening
Tinabless Folding Travel Toilet
The Tinabless Folding Travel Toilet is the most portable potty chair on the market. It is small enough to fit inside a diaper bag, which is perfect for parents on the go.
If you have a 2-year-old that is just starting to potty train, this may be the perfect potty training toilet for them. It is small enough to fit in your bag and doesn’t require disposable bags.
I recommend using disposable bags while out, to make it easy to clean on the go. When you purchase this potty you get 20 disposable bags.
The main complaint with this potty is how small it is. As you can imagine a portable travel potty would be small, but many complain it is too small for their toddler to use. For this reason, I do not recommend for taller kids.
Although the weight limit is listed at 60 lbs, it seems this travel potty is better for toddlers under 35 lbs.
Overall, if you are looking for the ultimate portable travel potty, this is it.
Pros
- Compact (fits inside diaper bag)
- Easy to clean
- Comes with 20 disposable liners
- High weight capacity (60 lbs)
Cons
- Too small for tall toddlers
- Can be difficult for boys
Cool Gear Travel Potty
The Cool Gear Travel Potty is the only folding potty training chair on the market. It folds up into a suitcase, making it perfect for traveling with a toddler learning how to use the potty. This is the travel potty we use with our 2-year-old.
Although this travel potty chair requires a disposable bag, you can use any gallon size bag, so we use the ones from the dollar store. It is a lot cheaper than buying disposable potty bags.
One of my favorite things about this toddler travel potty is the pockets on the sides. Our little is very active, so to get him to sit on the potty we give him books to “read”.
He likes to press the buttons and hear the sounds, so the pockets come in handy at home. Plus, they are perfect for storing extra diapers and wipes.
My major complaint about this potty chair for toddlers is the missing splash guard. Our 2-year-old like to play when he goes to pee-pee, so sometimes he makes a mess because there is nothing there.
Pros
- Compact
- Portable (easy to carry)
- 2 storage pockets
- Can use any brand bag (1 gallon)
Cons
- Low weight capacity
- No splash guard
- Can be unsteady for an energetic toddler
Potty Liners
![[30 Counts] Disposable Potty Liners Compatible with OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty, Potty Refill Bags for Toddler Travel, Universal Potty Bags Fit Most Potty Chairs](https://itzafamilything.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TkRGQldURkxkMmxwVTB3dWFuQm58MTcyODkwODYzMw=)
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BlueSnail 3-in-1 Go Potty for Travel
The BlueSnail 3-in-1 Go Potty comes with everything you need to potty train your toddler on the go. You get a travel bag and 20 biodegradable bags to to help keep your potty training toddler on track.
This is one of the most sturdy potty chairs because it has three legs instead of two. Your toddler can sit comfortably on the potty and it won’t move, even if they like to squirm.
This is a combo potty that can be placed on the toilet for older toddlers, and the additional leg adds more stability. It would be nice if this potty had handles for kids to hold onto while on the toilet.
Although it isn’t as compact as the other travel potties on the list, it is great to keep in your car or use at home. The inside is easy to clean and is even collapsible to save more space.
According to the reviews, this potty is too small for kids over 3-years-old, but that is to be expected with a portable potty chair. It may seem too small, but as long as your little one can do their business that’s all you need.
Pros
- Versatile
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Free travel bag included
- Includes 20 disposable bags
- Very portable
- 3 legs for more stability
Cons
- Isn’t as comfortable on the toilet seat
- No handles
BabyBjörn Smart Potty
The BabyBjörn Smart Potty is the best travel potty chair for road trips. If you have a potty training toddler and need to take a long drive, this is the best potty for your toddler.
Throw it in the trunk and pull it out when your little one needs to go. All you need to clean it are baby wipes and a plastic bag for the waste.
Although it isn’t as compact or portable as the other potties on our list, it will certainly get the job done. It can be used for kids up to 50 lbs, so it can be used by 2-year-old or 5-year-olds.
The complaints about this toddler travel potty is the splash guard not being high enough for boys. This is a common complaint, but until your little guy learns how to aim downward, this could be a problem with any travel potty.
Overall, this is the perfect portable training toilet for families that like to take road trips.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Do not require disposable bags
- Color options
Cons
- Larger than other travel potties
- More expensive
- Splash guard isn’t tall enough
- Can be uncomfortable for long period of time
Bonus: Playtex Potty Genie
The Playtex Potty Genie is a great disposable portable potty for toddlers. From the makers of the diaper genie, this travel potty is perfect for road trips, camping, or vacations.
For families that love camping or outdoor activities, this is the perfect solution that doesn’t require any cleanup.
The few complaints about this disposable travel potty is the price and set up. It can be confusing when you think you are getting a set of six, when it is really a set of two with six total pieces.
The other complaint is the stability, although it says it can fit up to 60 lbs. some toddlers could not fit on the portable potty.
Pros
- Portable
- Compact
- Disposable (no clean up)
- Holds up to 60 lbs
Cons
- Expensive
- Set up (learning curve to set up)
Potty Training Reward Chart
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
TRAVEL POTTY SEAT COMPARISON TABLE
Toddler travel potty seats are for older kids potty training that no longer needs the potty chair but is too small for the toilet.
Although many travel potty seats for toddlers are similar, the portability differs. We provided the best toddler travel potty seats to help you to find the perfect fit for your little one.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
THE BEST TRAVEL POTTY SEAT FOR TODDLERS
Jool Baby Potty Training Seat
The Jool Baby Potty Training Seat is perfect for older toddlers ready to conquer public restrooms. Although it isn’t the most portable, it is one of the best travel potty seats for boys, due to the high splash guard.
If you are looking for a potty training seat that is portable, has a high splash guard, and doesn’t move this could be for you.
The major drawback with this potty seat is that it doesn’t fit all toilet seats and it doesn’t fold. Although these could be deal breakers for some, for older kids potty training this could be a good choice.
Pros
- Fits most standard toilets
- Includes hook for storage
- Large splash guard
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- High splash guard
Cons
- Isn’t universal fit for all toilets
- Doesn’t fold
Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat
The Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat is our favorite travel potty seat for toddlers. It is compact, comfortable, suction cups, and has a 50-pound weight limit.
If you are a family on the go, this is one of the best potty training seats that fit inside your toddler bag. It is easy to clean and has a weight capacity that can accommodate growing kids.
There aren’t many cons to this potty training seat, except the lack of splash guard. Having a splash guard makes life easier.
As a mom with a 2-year-old, that we are currently potty training. he doesn’t understand the concept of aiming down, so we clean a lot of pee-pee.
Pros
- Portable (fits in diaper bag)
- Easy to clean
- Includes travel bag
- Non-slip suction cups
- Comfortable
- Includes 10-year warranty
Cons
- No splash guard
Gimars Potty Training Seat
The Gimars Potty Training Seat is the most affordable toddler potty training seat on our list. It comes with a travel bag, so you can carry it in your diaper bag without worrying about the germs.
This toddler toilet seat doesn’t have the suction cups, so if you have a little one that likes to wiggle they could slide around. The potty seat has been upgraded to reduce the gap, so your toddler’s legs will not get pinched.
Of all of the toddler potty seats on our list, this has the highest weight capacity. This potty training seat can be used for toddlers up to 60 pounds. If you are looking for an inexpensive travel potty seat, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Portable (fits in a diaper bag)
- Easy to clean
- Nonslip silicone pads
- Hold up to 60 lbs
- Travel bag included
Cons
- Uncomfortable
- Plastic material
Jionchery Portable Potty Seat
The Jionchery Portable Potty Seat is one of the few potty training seats that have a splash guard included. This makes it a great option for boys who are potty training and are still learning how to aim.
For kids who don’t like to use the public restroom, this seat can accommodate up to 100 pounds. Plus, it’s portable, so it folds and fits into your purse.
Pros
- Splash guard included
- Non-slip pads
- Max weight over 100 lbs
- Travel bag included
- No gaps, so no pinching your toddler
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable
- Doesn’t have silicone cover
ONEDONE Portable Child Potty Urinal
The ONEDONE Portable Child Potty Urinal is the most convenient and portable travel potty for toddlers. This urinal allows boys and girls to pee-pee quickly and without a mess.
Remember, this travel potty isn’t just for boys. There is a version for girls as well, so you can make quick stops when you need to. Since it is so small, you can carry it in a diaper bag or purse when you are on the go.
There are some complaints that the cup leaks, but it may just be bad luck for that particular urinal. If you have issues with your portable potty, there is a 12-month warranty that includes a free replacement.
For families on the go and that spend a lot of time in the car this could be the perfect portable potty for quick bathroom breaks. With the warranty you can try it risk-free, so why not?
Pros
- Portable (fits inside any bag)
- Boy & girl version
- Leak-free
- Easy to clean
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Cannot go #2
Gimars Full Cover Disposable Travel Toilet Potty Seat Covers
For parents looking for disposable options, the Gimars Full Cover Disposable Travel Toilet Potty Seat Covers are perfect for older kids. These travel potty seat covers allow your little one to go to the bathroom without touching the toilet.
Unlike the toilet seat covers that are small, get wet, stick to your butt, and overall almost useless these toilet seat covers are perfect for toddlers.
They are 20% larger than other toilet seat covers, waterproof, tear-resistant, and have cute designs. Plus, they are small enough to carry in your pocket and pull out when needed.
If you use this disposable travel potty seat for toddlers remember, they are not flushable. You will need to remove them from the toilet seat and throw it in the trash.
The few negatives about these disposable covers is the price. If you use them frequently the price can add up quickly. Also, the waste is something to keep in mind, so these could be your backup when needed.
Pros
- Cute & fun designs
- Peel off sticker for non-slip
- Large enough to cover entire toilet
- Easy to carry
- Nothing to clean
- Waterproof
- Non-tear
- Individually wrapped
Cons
- Not flushable (throw in trash can)
- Expensive, if used frequently
- A lot of waste
THE BEST TRAVEL POTTY FOR TODDLERS BUYING GUIDE
There are a few different things to keep in mind when choosing the best travel potty for your toddler. For the potty training seats and chair on our list we looked at the following factors.
Height & Weight
When deciding on the best travel potty for your toddler, weight and weight are important factors. Many people do not realize that potty training chairs and potty training seats have a weight limit.
Some of the travel potty chairs are short, so if you have a toddler that is tall or has long legs that is something you want to consider. Although age isn’t really a consideration, height and weight are important when choosing the best travel potty for toddlers.
Design
There are different potty designs, depending on your preference, your toddler’s age, height, and where they are in their potty training journey.
Easy to Clean
Honestly, potty training is messy, so easy to clean is nice to say, but that won’t always be the case.
If you decide to use a potty training chair that doesn’t require a disposable bag having on that’s easy to wipe clean is important.
You don’t want any poop to get in areas that are hard to clean.
Material
Depending on if you are using a travel potty seat or potty chair will determine the type of material.
The best potty training seats have a silicone top, which makes it more comfortable for your toddler to sit for longer periods.
Portability
One of the most important factors when choosing the best family travel gear is portability, so choosing a travel potty is no different.
The toddler travel potties on our list are portable for road trips or airplane travel.
