Using the bathroom in public with little ones

[stacey79]

I never thought of this until I was watching Rachael Ray the other day. How do you go to the bathroom with toddlers? I've gone with my niece who just turned one. I keep her in the stroller or car seat. What's the best plan for toddlers, though?

One mom on the show said she just didn't drink anything much out with her toddler and would wait until she got home. I know that I will encounter this issue and can't wait without hurting myself. Just wondering what you moms out there have found works best?

(No kiddos, yet, but hopefully soon. This was an issue I hadn't thought of...)

[hdb1982]

When Katie was younger I took her in the stall with me Now that she is older she waits outside the door and I talk to her to entire time to make sure she is stil out there.

[ICNDonna]

Many moms use the stalls that are for the disabled. They are large enough for a stroller --- and many have the "changing stations" in the stalls for the disabled.

Donna

[Charisse]

Good question! I'm expecting a baby girl next month and I was actually more worried about how my dh would take her to the bathroom if he's out in public with her alone. I guess it's okay for him to take her into the men's room but that's kind of gross!

[SharonA]

Many public places (like malls) have "family" restrooms. That way, Mom and/or Dad can take their son and/or daughter to the restroom without anyone raising an eyebrow about it.

Being a single mother, when my son was young, I had to take him into the Ladies Restroom when he or I had to go. I wish the family restrooms were around back then. It would have made it so much easier.

[Charisse]

Sharon I've never seen a "family" restroom. I live in northern CA. Guess we are not very family friendly here!

[SharonA]

That really surprises me. I always thought the left and right coasts were first in everything. We have a big mall here that has them and I have seen them in other places, as well.

[stacey79]

I'm in Indiana and I have seen some of the family restrooms. THey are in some bigger places around here. I forgot about those.

One of the things the lady mentioned on the show was that her toddler would crawl under the stall walls. It was just a new issue I completely hadn't thought of. I know my bladder is an issue, but the safety of any children I have would be the most important issue.

I do remember as a kid going into the men's bathrooms with my dad or uncle. They would check to see if anyone was in there and then go in and make a paper seat for me and stand right outside the door. That didn't happen a lot, but a few times that I remember. I've always had bladder "issues!"

[jen74]

I am in Chicago and I have seen a few family restrooms, usually in the bigger malls though.
Jen