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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask the etiquette for potty in public place?

135 replies

WhenZogateSuperworm · 30/05/2019 21:15

I’ve read some posts on here really against using a potty in a public place so need some advice. DS is 2 and we have just started potty training. I need to go to the supermarket tomorrow. When he needs to go he needs to go right now.

I have a travel potty and usually would be one saying whipping it out in the supermarket is gross- but it’s going to be that or a puddle on the shop floor which is surely worse?

So... potty in public- when/where is an absolute no no and where is it ok to try and use discreetly?

OP posts:
Frangipane · 30/05/2019 21:18

I would say an absolute no no to using one in a supermarket unless it is in the toilets. In fact, I would go so far as to say you might find yourself thrown out of the supermarket if you tried to use a potty in the aisles.

My advice is either to pop a nappy on for the duration of the supermarket trip, or, if you think your child can go half an hour safely, and the trip will take no more, get them to use the potty just before you go in.

floraloctopus · 30/05/2019 21:19

Never, you should always take them to the toilet.

Dana28 · 30/05/2019 21:19

You have to put him in pull ups. You absolutely cannot put down a potty in a supermarket

Thatsashame · 30/05/2019 21:19

Pull ups

CMOTDibbler · 30/05/2019 21:20

You still don't pull it out in the supermarket aisle. You ask them to try and do a wee as soon as you get out of the car, or head straight to the loos when you get there. Then if he needs to go you abandon your trolley and run to the loos. If you are walking there and back, then you could use the potty behind a bush/bench/tree if necessary

Thatsashame · 30/05/2019 21:20

Potty in the park. Go for it
Not in the supermarket

Original poster
WhenZogateSuperworm · 30/05/2019 21:20

I am hoping very much he can make it to the toilets!

I was planning on going to the retail park rather than the supermarket but they don’t have toilets which is why I’ve doing supermarket instead.

It will be a straight in and out job and so I’m hoping a pain of training pants will contain anything! At the minute he is weeing every 20 minutes or so!

OP posts:
hormonesorDHbeingadick · 30/05/2019 21:20

Sounds like it’s too soon to take him out the house yet. Either so your shopping when someone else has him, partner? Or do an online shop this week.

FizzBuzzBangWoof · 30/05/2019 21:21

Agree with Frangipane, if he needs to go while you're at the Supermarket then it's a quick dash to the loo I'm afraid

Please don't get a potty out in the aisle Shock

Thatsashame · 30/05/2019 21:21

Or online shop. Tesco normally have delivery slots same day in the evening if ordered before lunch 12 o clock

Twickerhun · 30/05/2019 21:21

Put toddler on the potty before you go to the shops, monitor drinks in to him and wee output and choose your times.
Don’t use a potty in a supermarket!

puppylovebaby · 30/05/2019 21:21

My DC are 11 and 13 and I never took a potty anywhere with me. I don't remember any accidents either.

KittekatMP · 30/05/2019 21:22

Absolute no no. You need to use pull ups when out of the house until he is reliable. Nobody wants to see a potty of wee, particularly in a supermarket. That would be simply disgusting for a child to wee or poo right next to food.

Get an online delivery if you really need food tomorrow and don’t want to use a pull up.

BrightYellowDaffodil · 30/05/2019 21:22

No potties in public places EVER.

I was in a coffee shop last year and a woman whipped out a potty for her child to use in the middle of the floor. Right in front of everyone previously enjoying their food and drinks.

InTheEndgameNow · 30/05/2019 21:23

Put him in a pull up and take him to the supermarket toilet before you start shopping.

Iltavilli · 30/05/2019 21:23

I think we’d all be delighted to have your child shit near our food

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 30/05/2019 21:23

You could use a potty in a toilet cubicle.

Original poster
WhenZogateSuperworm · 30/05/2019 21:23

Unfortunately it’s a necessary trip- realised tonight that we are on our last toilet roll!

OP posts:
Original poster
WhenZogateSuperworm · 30/05/2019 21:25

I can’t believe someone used one in a cafe- that’s really grim!

I totally agree that pottys shouldn’t be in most public places. I will keep the travel one for the car for emergency road side stops and behind trees in the park.

OP posts:
NannyR · 30/05/2019 21:26

Encourage him to use the potty before you leave the house, then if the supermarket has loos take him before you start shopping, then put a pull up on and explain that you know he's doing really well and it's just in case you can't get to the loo in time, then go to the loo as soon as you finish shopping.
If you have a car, you could get him to use the potty in the boot before and after shopping?

Deadringer · 30/05/2019 21:26

Stay in or put a pull up/nappy on him.

Ifeelinclined · 30/05/2019 21:26

Why do people think it is acceptable to whip out a potty in public? It's not appropriate.

HigaDequasLuoff · 30/05/2019 21:26

The stage when you have literally 15 seconds to get them on a potty is short but important - except age 2 is quite early, are you sure he's genuinely ready and asking for potty?

I totally was happy to whip a potty out whenever wherever at that stage, but DS was 3.5 and that stage only lasted about 2 weeks before we usually had at least 2 mins and could at least get behind a bush/pillar/round a corner etc.

If your DS isn't ready and he's not sufficiently aware of his body or his ability to control his sphincters then this stage could last months and I would be less sure about reassuring you to go for it.

People will frown. But people will always do that - it is impossible to be a mum who doesn't get frowns and tuts, so do what works for you.

LoisLittsLover · 30/05/2019 21:27

Take him to the loo as you arrive...?

Teddybear45 · 30/05/2019 21:28

He’s only just started potty training so all trips should be in pull ups. You only put him in pants when he can tell you he needs to go before there’s a puddle on the floor

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