How To Protect Car Seat When Potty Training
Oh, the adventures of potty training!
It’s undoubtedly a challenging time for parents and toddlers—learning to go potty on their own is the first real-life skill a child learns from their parents or caretakers.
It can be frustrating (as you know), but in time, it gets easier. You may be at the point in your potty training journey that you are ready to get your child in the car and run errands, go on a road trip, or even just practice riding in the car without a diaper.
If you’re concerned about your child potentially having an accident and going potty in their car seat, fear not. We’re highlighting all the tips and tricks that seasoned parents have used to keep the car seat dry during potty training so you can leave the house again.
Freedom, here you come!
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Car Seat Liners
Some brands sell liners that are safe to use with the car seat.
You’re in luck if you have a Diono or Britax car seat! Both of these brands offer liners that are compatible with their car seats, strollers, and high chairs that can be used to keep seats dry, even after an accident.
The Diono liner has a waterproof seat liner, anti-slip fabric so it won’t move around during use, and a high back and sides for extra containment of spills or accidents.
With super-soft fabric and extra padded comfort, your little one won’t mind an additional layer of comfort and dryness as they relax on a road trip or a quick Target run.
The Britax car seat liner is made of moisture-wicking fabric with a waterproof liner that protects the seat from any liquid, from wet bathing suits or diaper leaks to full-blown potty training accidents.
Featuring a no-slip grip that prevents any sliding or movement while your child is seated, Britax’s option is super-safe with a textured bottom that holds onto the seat securely.
It’s machine washable and crash-tested with all Britax car seats but fits in most harnessed car seats and strollers, so you can easily pop it into most brand car seats if you wish.
Related post: Evenflo Revolve 360 Car Seat Review
Piddle Pads
Car seat protectors like Piddle pads are a convenient and effective way to keep your child’s car seat dry during road trips or quick errands.
Piddle Pads are made from soft wool, absorbent resin cotton and feature anti-skid leather material to avoid moving around in the seat.
Piddle Pads can also be used in a stroller as you travel or go on day trips.
These pads are easy to clean, machine washable, and dry quickly, so you can use them daily if necessary.
You might also be interested in the complete list of 4 in 1 car seats.
Car Seat Cover
Niko carries an easy-wash waterproof car seat cover that fits most standard-size car seats. It’s a soft, stretchy, machine-washable linen material that stretches over the entire car seat.
The piece of the liner that your child sits on contains waterproof material that will absorb any leaks, spills, or accidents that may occur.
Niko’s car seat liner has been rigorously crash-tested and fits most front-facing and universal harness openings or 3-in-1 car seats for toddlers.
It can be washed and reused repeatedly, making it an environmentally friendly and safe option for your child as they navigate potty training like a pro.
Related post: Best Car Seats for Big Babies
Training Pants Over Underwear
If your child is in the midst of potty training and you aren’t 100% confident in their ability to hold it in the car, a great trick recommended by many parents is to put the child’s regular underwear on and a pair of training pants on as a second layer.
With absorbent training pants acting as the second layer, the car seat will stay dry even if your child goes potty while in the car.
It also acts as a reminder of what it feels like to pee their pants because they’re wearing snug-fitting underwear, so there’s a level of discomfort that comes from sitting in their urine.
Even as you potty train your child and they have accidents, the car seat will stay dry because of the absorbency power of the training pants or Pull-Ups.
Plastic Pants
Gerber has plastic training pants that can be easily slipped on over underwear for car rides, long walks in the stroller, or any other time you may need quicker access to a restroom.
Plastic pants may not be the most comfortable option for your child, but they certainly get the job done!
These pants are made from stretchy PEVA plastic that won’t irritate your child’s skin and are flexible for long car rides. The waistband and leg cuffs are covered in soft nylon for extra comfort.
The plastic material holds any liquid from accidents or spills that may happen while in the car seat. Use caution when lifting your child out of the car seat, as the fluid may leak. Otherwise, these are a great option to keep the car seat dry.
Related post: Tips For Taking Toddlers To Weddings
Clean the Seat Thoroughly After an Accident
Accidents happen (but you know this!) during potty training. Riding in the car will be no different—it’s almost guaranteed that your child will pee in his or her car seat during the potty training experience. Every kid does it, as gross as it may be.
If and when your child does pee in the car seat, the most important thing to do when you get home is to take out the liner and toss it in the wash (hopefully, you bought a car seat pad that is machine washable!). The sooner it’s clean, the faster you can put the entire experience behind you and laugh about it later.
Urine probably won’t stain the seat and dries relatively quickly, but do your best to clean as much as possible to avoid any lingering smells or stains on the seat itself.
We recommend Dreft cleaning wipes that are safe to use for sensitive skin and don’t contain any harsh chemicals.
And, if all else fails…
Put ‘em in Pull-Ups
It says nothing about you as a parent if you end up putting your child in a Pull-Up for a car ride, regardless of the duration or how long you’ve been on the road.
Sometimes it’s easier to acknowledge when it’s time to take a break from potty training and let your child relax, particularly if you’re on a long road trip or driving overnight.
Travel can be stressful for young children because they aren’t in the usual routine they are used to. Adding potty training on top of that can be too much for some kids, and more accidents may occur.
Don’t push it! If you feel stressed about driving in the car with your child without a diaper, they will pick up on those feelings and probably show some signs of stress as well.
Related post: Pampers Easy Ups Review
Wrap Up – How To Protect a Car Seat When Potty Training
Like everything else in parenthood, potty training is just one phase of the grand adventure of your child’s life. It can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s a brand-new skill that your child is learning.
Give them (and yourself!) grace and patience, and try to make it fun. They will follow your lead, so we recommend being as encouraging as possible—with plenty of treats along the way!
More Tips: What to do if toddler won’t tell when he needs to go potty