Youve done a lot of the hard work and potty training is now going well. To get things running smoothly youve been staying home and its been working. Youve got a good system happening between the two of you and there have been relatively few accidents in recent days. Youre even starting to feel like this potty training thing is no big deal.

You wonder whether maybe its time to head out, to move beyond the safety of home. However, you know that potty training at home is very different to potty training in the big wide world but you arent sure how different and what to do to prepare yourself and educate your child on what to expect.

Just because its new and perhaps a bit intimidating, you cant stay home forever. No really, you cant! Of course, its tempting to put them in pull ups so you wont have to worry about any potential accidents. The only problem is that it isnt really sending your child the right message about the path ahead.

You know that your child can go for at least an hour in between potty visits so if you time it right you might be able to get there and back within the hour. Well, maybe. But bladders, especially childrens bladders, arent always like that. You know what its like when you get excited or nervous, you need to go to the bathroom more. Your child is like that too, only they cant hold on like you can. So you may well find that your child needs to go more when they are out, not less.

So what can you do?
1. Explain to your child what will happen when you are out, how it will likely be different from home and any concerns you may have.

2. Get them to go, or at least try to go potty before you leave.

3. Find out where the toilets are as soon as you get wherever you are going and go straight away. Its much easier doing this calmly before they really need it than in the rush of a sudden urge.

4. If youre out in public, as you move around always be on the lookout for those tell-tale bathroom signs so you know exactly which direction you should head if you need to.

5. If you dont have a portable potty with you, try getting your child to sit backwards on a regular toilet some children find this easier because they have the wall or toilet cistern to hold onto and dont feel like they are going to fall off the seat on to the floor.

6. Take some spare clothing, a couple of plastic bags, and some baby wipes and paper towels with you in case of accidents.

7. If they have an accident in a shop or restaurant let the staff know and race to the bathroom with your child. Sure it is embarrassing but you wont be the first. All you can really do is apologise quickly and leave a big tip.

8. If your child has an accident at a friends house then its your responsibility to clean it up. Best to take your own paper towels so you can quickly spring into action without having to ask for everything and make it a big deal.

9. Dont forget to take your sense of humour accidents or not, youre going to need it. There may be several false alarms with your child wanting to find out what happens when they say the magic trigger word. If you feel this is happening, try not to get upset with them. Instead try praising them for telling you and being so responsible about their potty training, even though you know its not easy.

Good luck!