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Original poster

Toilets with a 5 and 3 year old

20 replies

FindingNemo123 · 20/09/2026 08:14

Hello! If you need a wee, and you're out and about. There are multiple cubicles free. Would you let your 5 and 3 year old each go into their own cubicle, and you go into your own one as well (all at the same time)? I suppose my concern is that they might finish a little bit before me and that I can't see them while I'm busy using the loo. For context, I did do this and absolutely nothing bad happened but not sure if I want to keep doing it or if I'm just too anxious.

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SouthLondonMum22 · 20/09/2026 17:42

Mine are 3 and then 2 year old twins. 3 year old goes on his own then waits outside my cubicle and 2 year olds go in with me.

Pinkflamingo10 · 20/09/2026 17:38

No they all come in with me. Every time.

Surroundedbyfools · 20/09/2026 13:02

mine are almost 3 and almost 5 I just bring them in the cubicle with me or I just wait n go later letting them both go x

user293948849167 · 20/09/2026 12:54

No I didn’t at that age. 5 and sensible is probably ok to go in the cubicle next to you and the 3 year old, but what I usually did was all go in together.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 20/09/2026 09:27

Grumpyoldcat · 20/09/2026 08:48

No. Aside from the fact that they will be touching toilet seats etc... i never let mine sit on the loo seat. I held them up over it😆

That’s just weird. How do you expect them to toilet alone at school?

ToKittyornottoKitty · 20/09/2026 09:26

If the 5 year old is independent enough to do this and lock and unlock the door reliably by themselves then yes for them. The 3 year old, absolutely not. Mine wouldn’t have managed unlocking cubicles reliably at that age though

Bearbookagainandagain · 20/09/2026 09:22

I have a 5 and and 3 yo too. The 5 yo goes into 1 cubicle, i help the 3yo into another and stay with her (mainly to help her out her trousers back on). Then if i need to go and it's not busy, i let them wash their hands on their own and go quickly. It depends on their mood as well, because they're tired/excited they would trash the place in 5 min.

If it's busy and we can't all fit in the cubicle, I might go with the 3yo and let the 5yo out.
Or we all use the disabled/changing toilets.

Or, i just wait until there is another opportunity, luckily my pelvic floor hasn't been compromised 😆

Hibbs126 · 20/09/2026 09:01

I keep 3 year old with me, 5 year old by herself, she knows to wait outside my cubicle when she's done. She has only recently started going into them by herself.

bababamama · 20/09/2026 08:50

@Grumpyoldcat. bizarre! Why?

maryberryslayers · 20/09/2026 08:50

3yo no, 5yo yes, but I tell her to stay in the cubicle until I ask her to come out to me.

Dancingonlies · 20/09/2026 08:50

As others have said, 3yr old with me and 5 yr old told to wait by the sinks when they are done.

Grumpyoldcat · 20/09/2026 08:48

No. Aside from the fact that they will be touching toilet seats etc... i never let mine sit on the loo seat. I held them up over it😆

Hellodarknessmyoldpal · 20/09/2026 08:44

I’d keep the 3 yo in with me but 5 yo likely fine depending on where it was

TheStepboardisfullofbitteroddos · 20/09/2026 08:32

I let my 5yo go alone most of the time. Certain places I might not unless I'm waiting outside the cubicle. My 3yo nope. Definitely go with.

FlatCatYellowMat · 20/09/2026 08:32

5 yes, 3 in with me, and we'll be talking the whole time (no need to force this ;) ) so I know that they're OK.

TeenToTwenties · 20/09/2026 08:18

I got them to stand with one foot under my cubicle door, and talk to me.

Confetti57 · 20/09/2026 08:17

I don't have this issue as my kids are way too clingy to do this and always want to come in with me. I am slightly jealous, three in one cubicle at all times over here! Safety wise though I probably wouldn't until 5+.

ShrinkyDinkyPetal · 20/09/2026 08:17

I only have a 5 year old but they use their own, unless its sketchy or super crowded. They just wash hands and wait if they finish first, I'd keep a 3 year old with me. Mine never stops talking so I know they're ok!

RocketLollyPolly · 20/09/2026 08:16

I usually take the 3 year old in with me and let the 5 year old go alone.

I would consider the contest too. Quiet National Trust property - low risk. Busy overseas shopping centre - higher risk.

Smallpoxy · 20/09/2026 08:15

The 5yo, yes. 3 yo, no.