When Nature Calls

A well-prepared outdoorswoman

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Potty Break Primer

Before heading outdoors with your kids, make sure you understand the environmentally correct way to go to the bathroom when plumbing is not available. The basic rule is Leave No Trace, and it applies equally for adults and children.

What about when your child needs a bathroom break in the middle of an outdoor adventure? Are you—and your child—prepared?

The good news: Bathroom breaks are much easier on the trail than on the highway, and you don't have three lanes of traffic to cut across.

The Diaper Gang
In some ways, having a child in diapers on the trail is easier than dealing with a preschooler past the diaper phase. The bonus is that you don't have to stop each time your child needs to go.

The downside is that you have to change diapers, but you're a pro at that anyway. Just be sure to bring plenty of supplies along—including a changing pad and plastic bags for safely stowing used diapers—and beware that a day's worth of dirty diapers will add extra weight to your pack. This truly becomes an issue on backpacking trips, because several days' worth of diapers definitely adds up.

The Outhouse Option
You'll encounter outhouses at many parks and along some hiking trails. Help young children use them, and be sure to go inside first to inspect for wasps, bees, and general sanitary conditions. Children may balk at the odor or the whole idea of an "outhouse"; young children especially may have fears. Simply be as reassuring and helpful as possible (no jokes about the pit-toilet monster!). Go in armed with patience. These visits will hardly be fun for either of you.

If you're car camping, a simple solution for preschoolers is to take your own child-size potty along. Your child's already used to it and it saves mad dashes and late-night visits to the latrine.