Best Travel advise for families

Travelling with kids comes with plenty of little challenges, and using public washrooms is often one of them. Whether you’re at an airport, railway station, shopping mall or highway rest stop, finding a clean and child-friendly toilet isn’t always easy.

The good news? A little preparation can make public washroom visits much less stressful for both you and your child.

Here are 11 practical tips to help you manage airport washrooms and public toilets with kids while travelling.

1. Make a Washroom Stop Before You Really Need One

Young children often announce that they need the toilet at the most inconvenient moment—just as you’re boarding a flight or waiting in a queue.

Encourage your child to use the washroom before leaving home, before boarding a flight or train, and whenever you come across a convenient stop during a road trip. If your child is potty training, plan regular toilet breaks rather than waiting for them to ask.

2. Dress Your Child Appropriately for Public Washrooms

This is one of the most overlooked tips for using public washrooms with kids.

Avoid flared trousers, long dresses or other clothing that can easily touch the bathroom floor. Choose comfortable, easy-to-manage outfits that your child can pull up or down without much help.

Simple clothing makes toilet visits quicker and reduces the chances of clothes dragging across potentially dirty floors.

3. Carry a Small Public Washroom Kit

Public washrooms may not always have the supplies you need, so it helps to keep a small, dedicated washroom kit in your travel bag.

Include:

• Tissues or toilet paper
• Child-appropriate wipes
• Disposable toilet seat covers
• Toilet seat sanitiser suitable for the surface
• Hand sanitiser
• Diapers or pull-ups, if required
• Diaper rash cream
• Spare underwear or a change of clothes
• A small bag for soiled clothes

Keep these essentials together so you can find them quickly when your child needs to use the toilet.

4. Carry a Diaper Changing Bag for Hassle-Free Changes

If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler in diapers, a dedicated diaper changing bag can make public washroom visits much easier.

Pack diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, a change of clothes and a clean, foldable changing mat. The mat gives you a cleaner barrier when using a public changing table.

Never leave your baby unattended on an elevated changing surface, even for a moment.

5. Leave Unnecessary Bags and Dangling Objects Outside

Public washrooms can be cramped, and there may be very little space to keep your belongings off the floor. Carry only what you need into the cubicle, and keep bags, loose straps and other items from touching the floor. If another trusted adult is with you, they can hold the extra luggage while you help your child.

6. Carry a Portable Potty Seat and Disposable Bags

Adult toilet seats can feel too large or intimidating for young children. A portable potty seat can help your child sit more comfortably and securely, especially if they are still learning to use the toilet independently.

For toddlers who are not yet comfortable with public toilets, a travel potty can be useful. Carry compatible disposable liners or bags where appropriate, and always dispose of waste responsibly.

7. Choose the Right Washroom When Possible

When travelling through an airport, look for family washrooms or baby-care rooms. These may offer more space, changing facilities and privacy than standard washrooms.

At other stops, choose a washroom that appears reasonably clean and well maintained. Having enough room to help your child comfortably can make a big difference.

8. Teach Your Child the Public Toilet Rules

Before your trip, explain simple rules such as not touching unnecessary surfaces, keeping clothes away from the floor and asking for help when needed.

For younger children, stay close and offer support throughout the visit. 

As they grow more independent, guide them towards using public washrooms confidently while maintaining appropriate supervision.

9. Help Your Child Use an Adult-Sized Toilet Safely

Public toilets are often designed for adults, which can make them difficult for small children to use comfortably.

A portable potty seat can provide a more secure fit. Help your child get on and off the toilet safely, and make sure they feel supported rather than rushed. Never allow a young child to balance precariously on a toilet seat.

10. Carry Spare Clothes and Be Prepared for Accidents

Even children who are toilet-trained can have accidents while travelling. New surroundings, long queues and unfamiliar washrooms can make it harder for them to reach a toilet in time.

Keep spare underwear and a change of clothes easily accessible, rather than buried at the bottom of a suitcase. A separate bag for wet or soiled clothing will also help keep the rest of your belongings clean.

11. Make Hand Hygiene a Priority

Encourage your child to clean their hands after every toilet visit. Carry hand sanitiser as a backup when soap and water are unavailable, and keep it out of reach when not in use.

Public Washroom Checklist for Travelling with Kids

Before leaving home, check that you have packed the essentials:

• Tissues or toilet paper
• Child-appropriate wipes
• Disposable toilet seat covers
• Toilet seat sanitiser
• Hand sanitiser
• Diapers or pull-ups, if required
• Diaper rash cream
• Diaper changing bag and a clean, foldable changing mat
• Portable potty seat or travel potty, if needed
• Compatible disposable potty liners or bags
• Spare underwear and a change of clothes
• A bag for soiled clothes

You may not need everything on this list for every trip. Adjust your kit based on your child’s age, toilet-training stage and the length of your journey.

Final Thoughts

Using public washrooms with kids while travelling doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to plan ahead, dress your child in practical clothing, carry the right supplies and allow enough time for toilet breaks.

Whether you’re navigating an airport washroom with a toddler or stopping at a roadside facility during a family road trip, a little preparation can make the experience easier and more comfortable for everyone.

And remember: successful family travel isn’t about preventing every little inconvenience. It’s about being prepared to handle them when they happen.