The 10 Best Travel Potties
This wiki has been updated 32 times since it was first published in October of 2016. Smart parents know that if you have to go on a long journey with little ones in tow, it's wise to be prepared for every kind of emergency. Some kids may not be able to wait until the next stop or refuse to use a public restroom. These travel potties will ensure that your toddlers can get the relief they need, when they need it, no matter where your wanderings take you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Oxo Tot 2-in-1 Go
2. OneDone Urinal
3. Kalencom Potette Plus
Editor's Notes
April 07, 2020:
While the criteria for what makes something a travel potty may not be very strict, we feel that if nothing else, it needs to be easily portable. With that in mind we decided to remove the Joovy Loo Potty Chair from our list. Though it scored a very high spot last year, after careful consideration we feel that its large size and inability to fold up makes it better for use as a home potty. We were also on the fence about the Baby Bjorn Smart, since it too doesn't fold up, but have decided it still deserved a spot due to its smaller size, ease of cleaning, comfort, and stability. That being said, it just barely made it and did drop quite a few spots.
We also eliminated Jerrybox Potty Seat, but in this case for a very different reason. There were simply too many reports of it feeling flimsy and sliding around during use. It was replaced with the Gimars GM-B199, which has essentially the same design, but a better build quality and grippy silicone pads on the bottom to keep it in place.
The best travel potties should offer both the convenience of standalone use and the ability to be placed on top of a standard toilet seat for those times you have access to a bathroom. This way, you won't be running through diaper sacks unnecessarily. The Oxo Tot 2-in-1 Go, Kalencom Potette Plus, BlueSnail Go Potty, and Babyloo Multipurpose all boast that ability.
For those who don't want to have to worry about keeping a bag of urine and feces in their car until they can find a garbage can, we have included the OneDone Portable. Though it is a bit larger in overall size than many others, it includes a bucket that seals when you close the lid, so any messes are always safely contained until you find a place to empty it. That being said, the hole itself is actually a bit small, which may make it uncomfortable for boys. The OneDone Urinal also seals closed to contain its contents, but it is only suitable for going number one.
Special Honors
My Carry Potty Available in designs ranging from dinosaur to a cat to a ladybug, as well as some non-themed options, there should be a My Carry Potty that appeals to every child. It is a bag-free option that seals shut after use, and which is made from a durable, easy-to-clean plastic. mycarrypotty.com
4. BlueSnail Go Potty
5. Cool Gear Travel
6. Gimars GM-B199
7. Babyloo Multipurpose
8. Tinabless Banana
9. Baby Bjorn Smart
10. OneDone Portable
Why You Should Invest In A Travel Potty For Your Child
It's always wise to train your child using products that are designed for small children.
Of all of the developmental stages, potty training can be one of the most stressful. But there's a way to take some of the frustration out of the process: by purchasing a travel potty. These products are essentially portable toilets for children who are learning how to use the bathroom the grown-up way. They're great for making kids feel more comfortable relieving themselves during any kind of outing or trip.
Travel potties are useful because the act of traveling itself can be overwhelming for children, potentially causing them to forget what they have learned about using the potty. A travel potty will make them feel at ease and enable them to relax — one of the key factors in successful potty training. The less anxiety-ridden the process is, the more likely your child will be to absorb new information and apply it to their behavior.
When potty training, keeping a consistent schedule is key. Any gaps in training due to travel could set your son or daughter back, which means it's important to continue teaching them the ropes of using the bathroom like a big kid even when you're on a family vacation. A travel potty will allow you to stick to your training regimen, no matter where you are.
This type of product will make your trip run more smoothly. Besides providing your child a special place to go, a travel potty will help you and your child avoid suffering any messy accidents away from home. After all, when you're on the road, you probably won't have much spare time for cleaning.
Travel potties also offer a safety advantage. It's always wise to train your child using products that are designed for small children. Attempting to teach them using adult-sized toilets might make trips to the restroom more difficult and time-consuming than it would be if you were using a travel potty. These potties will keep your child safe and your trip on schedule.
Features To Look For In A Travel Potty
As you search for a travel potty, you'll notice that there are quite a few options to choose from. Here are some common features to familiarize yourself with before you make your decision.
To make sure the potty is the right size for your child, be sure to double-check the product's age and weight limits.
The first things you should consider are the size and shape of the potty. Travel potties, in general, are smaller than those meant to be used at home, but models vary. If you're flying, you will want to find a toilet that is especially compact to avoid additional charges (or having to ship the potty separately). Those who plan on traveling in a personal vehicle or camper can go for one of the larger models.
Pay attention to how the potty assembles. If you prefer not to spend extra time putting a toilet together, choose one that collapses. Some options can be taken apart piece by piece and transported in a carrying bag for convenience.
Storage is another feature to think about. For storing supplies like wipes and ointments, there are potties that come with built-in compartments. With extra space, you won't have to carry potty-related sundries with you in your personal bag or luggage.
To make sure the potty is the right size for your child, be sure to double-check the product's age and weight limits. Additional protection against spills come in the form of splash guards and raised toilet seat edges on many models, and most are compatible with liners, too, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Kids can be picky about appearances, so opt for a potty with a design they will be drawn to. Travel potties are available in an incredible range of colors, from bright to neutral tones. Pick a color combination that your child will like so they will associate the act of using the bathroom with positive feelings.
Tips For Potty Training Your Child
To give your son or daughter the best odds for quickly mastering the art of using a toilet, it's crucial to make it a pleasant — as opposed to pressured — process. The following are a few simple tips for creating a comfortable potty training experience.
Believe it or not, not all kids feel prepared to start training at the same time.
There's no point in forcing your child to begin potty training if they aren't ready. Believe it or not, not all kids feel prepared to start training at the same time. Some are eager to train at two years old, while others may need extra time to adjust to the idea. Prematurely stressing the importance of using a toilet can result in setbacks and a prolonged training period. Your tot will likely exhibit curiosity about using the bathroom at some point between the ages of two and three. When that happens, it's time to introduce them to the potty.
Sometimes all you have to do is create a soothing environment to potty train successfully. If your youngster isn't familiar with the cues their body gives them when its time to use the bathroom, be patient. Reading to your child is a great way to pass the time as you wait; it will take their mind off the task at hand.
Rewards are another way you can motivate your son or daughter to use the potty. Each time they make it to the toilet, give them a small prize, like a sticker or a piece of candy. Since potty training won't last forever, you don't have to feel bad about bribing your child. Any tactic that encourages them to use the bathroom on their own is a good thing and will make the process more enjoyable for the whole family.
With a travel potty on hand, you will be able to keep training your child whether you're on a day trip or a weeks-long vacation. Potty training requires structure, so make sure to set up a predictable routine that your child can count on.
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.