If you plan on hiking or camping with a toddler, you’ll want to be prepared for the inevitable bathroom break. This guide will help you teach your little one to go potty in the woods so you both know exactly what to do when nature calls!
Those dreaded words…
…“I need to go potty!”
Of course you’re on a hike and in the middle of the woods, away from any bathrooms.
So what do you do?
Our daughter has been “going in the wild” since she was just over 2 years old, and we’ve got a bunch of tips to share.
So if you have a little one who is on the verge of being potty trained, or who just hasn’t gone outside yet, these practical tips should be super helpful!
Is your child still in diapers? Jump down to see those tips.
If your child is potty trained
If there’s a toilet at the trailhead, this is a good time for everyone in the family to go (or at least try). However, be prepared to hear the words, “I need to go potty!” when you’re already on the trail and there’s no bathroom in sight.
Don’t panic if you find yourself in this situation (you definitely will at some point if you go hiking with a toddler!).
We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know:
Understand trail etiquette
If you’re new to hiking or spending extended time outdoors, you should know that there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to “going in the wild”.
- Go off the trail to do your business.
- Make sure you’re at least 200 feet from any water source.
- If your little one needs to go poo, use the shovel to dig a “cat hole” that is 6-8 inches deep. When they’re done, cover it up.
- Tip: This is a good resource about how to go poo outside.
- Never ever leave your toilet paper on the ground. Pack it out in the trash bag you brought. Teach your little one about making sure you clean up after yourself.
Talk about it
As with everything when it comes to toddlers, talking about it several times in advance is always helpful.
Before your hike, let them know that they get to try going potty outside. Tell them what it will be like.
And remind them again while you’re hiking. This will help them feel prepared and not panic as soon as they’ve gotta go!
Use positive reinforcement
“You did it!”
“You went potty in the woods, are you proud?!”
“Wow, you got really close. I bet next time, you’ll be even better!”
Our daughter is so proud when she goes to the bathroom outside! So much so that she sometimes goes in our backyard and declares, “I went potty in the woods!” (I guess we’re still working on determining the correct situation!)
Demonstrate
When you need to go, show your little one how it’s done and let them watch. Talk about how it’s pretty cool you can go potty with a nice view!
Support them (literally!)
Make sure they’re squatting back enough that they won’t go on their pants. It sometimes takes a little effort on the parents’ part!
Pack extra clothes just in case
Accidents happen, so be prepared with extra clothes and a bag to keep the wet ones in. Don’t get upset, but let them know that next time, they should be sure to tell you so you can help them go.
Keep your eyes peeled for good potty break spots
We all know there are some trails that are better than others for “doing your business”. Some sections are narrow and crowded with other people and there’s not much opportunity to go off trail.
So look out for those spots with privacy, big trees, bushes or rocks, and ask your kiddo if they’ve gotta go. Or, maybe you even go give it a try when you see the opportunity so you’re not stuck in a less ideal spot.
Create the opportunity
As with everything, practice makes perfect.
The more times they go outside, the more confident you’ll both feel about it all.
So if you’re on a trail that has a toilet, you might even want to make it a point to find a place outside to try instead to get that practice in.
What to pack
- Poo shovel
- Toilet paper (part of a roll should be sufficient for day hikes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes (we just pack a few in a baggie in case of toilet emergencies and other “dirty” moments!)
- Trash bag
- Kula cloth: I personally haven’t bought one for my toddler yet but I have my own and love it. When she gets a bit older, I’ll probably get her one, but for now TP works fine.
- Extra clothes
If your child is still in diapers
If your child is still in diapers, there are a few things to know before you hit the trails to make your life a whole lot easier.
Start off with a fresh diaper
Before you begin your hike, be sure your child has a clean, dry diaper.
It’ll be easier to do the job in your car than on the trail, so start off fresh!
Stay organized
Be sure you have all your diaper changing essentials organized and handy. You can either put them into a packing cube which you’ll keep inside your hiking pack, or you can wear a diaper bag fanny pack (like this one) to have it all easily accessible.
Find a good spot to change them
Check in with your child every so often, and when it’s time, find a flat and safe space off the trail to change them.
Tip: If they are old enough and can stand while you change their diaper, that can be a good option and can make things a little easier (aka no need for a changing pad or a totally flat space).
What to pack
- Diapers (at least 1-2 more than you think you’ll need for the trail)
- Plastic bag to carry trash
- Wipes (we prefer a travel-sized pack for hiking)
- Portable changing pad
- Some way to organize it all, like a packing cube or a diaper bag fanny pack
- Hand sanitizer
- Cream or ointments if necessary (optional)
- Extra set of clothes, just in case
Want more advice for traveling as a family?
We have lots of resources on traveling with children, from newborns to toddlers. Check out our Family Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!
- Practical Family Travel Tips: The ultimate guide to traveling with a baby or a toddler
- Flying with a Baby: Tried-and-true tips to prepare you for the flight
- Hotel or Airbnb with a Baby: Read this before you book any accommodations!
- Travel Snacks for Toddlers & Babies: Easy + healthy snacks to avoid a hangry child (or parent)
- Best Travel Toys for Toddlers & Babies: Tested + parent-approved toys that will keep your little one entertained (and won’t take up too much luggage space)
- Surviving Toddler Jet Lag: Our step-by-step process for adjusting time zones
- Encouraging Family Travel Tips: Heartfelt advice to boost your confidence!
- Flying With a Car Seat: How-to guide + tips for bringing a car seat on a plane, whether you decide to check it or carry-on
Psst! If you’re living or traveling in the western US and into outdoor adventures, be sure to check out our sister site, Go Wander Wild. It’s packed with trail guides, hot springs, camping, winter activities and more!
Join our Adventure Baby Challenge!
Are you a new or expecting parent dreaming of traveling with your little one(s), but don’t know where to start? This is for YOU:
Our 2-week Adventure Baby Challenge walks you through the exact steps we took to build up our confidence to travel the world with our kids. Click on the image below and we’ll send you our FREE calendar, plus details & encouragement for each daily challenge!
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We want to hear from you!
We hope these tips for helping your toddler go potty outdoors are helpful!
Do you have any advice that we should add? What questions or concerns do you still have?
Note: Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, we are sharing tips that have personally worked for us. This doesn’t mean they will work for everyone.