Why I Dread Taking a Toddler to Public Restrooms

You know those words you never want to hear when you’re out and about? “Mommy, I need to go potty!” It’s a panic-inducing moment. You can’t let them have an accident, and the nearest bathroom is miles away. So here you are, hauling your little one to the public restroom, which feels like a marathon in itself.

Now, you might think, “What’s the big deal? Everyone does it.” Sure, but dealing with a potty-training toddler is a whole different ballgame. When it comes to public restrooms, you can be sure that everything that could possibly go wrong will go wrong, because, well, toddlers.

First off, let’s talk about bags.

Even if you could leave your stuff with your partner, you have to bring a ton of supplies: reward candy, stickers, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, and flushable wipes. And what if there’s nowhere to hang your bag? You’re stuck either slinging it over your shoulder or letting it touch the germy floor.

Then there’s the toilet itself.

No amount of toilet covers and folded paper can protect you and your wiggly child from who-knows-what on that seat. You feel like you might as well clean it with your kid’s bottom and some flimsy tissue. Do Hazmat suits come with butt zippers?

Oh, and those automatic flushers?

They can really scare a kid. One splash of water and suddenly your little one doesn’t want to go anymore because of the loud noises. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

And let’s not forget about hand dryers.

They make a noise that terrifies toddlers just as much as they scare dogs. Without paper towels, your child refuses to dry their hands under that contraption. So, you’re either holding their slippery hands or letting them wipe their soapy mess all over your pants.

And then there’s the trash can.

If it’s within reach, you can bet your kid will try to touch it. It’s like a treasure chest of things you never want them to discover—used items and who-knows-what else.

When you finally get a moment to yourself,

your toddler suddenly thinks it’s time to explore. They’ll try to open stall doors, grab strangers’ shoes, or peek into other stalls. Ever had to chase your little one out of a public restroom while your pants are still down? I can only imagine the chaos!

And should you opt for the handicap stall?

It’s like the VIP suite of restrooms—more space, a place for your bag, and sometimes even your own sink. But then guilt creeps in. What if someone actually needs it? Is it worth the potential judgment for a bit of sanity?

In the end, if it means a quick and somewhat germ-free trip to the restroom, I’ll take my chances with the etiquette police.

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Summary

Taking a toddler to a public restroom is often a chaotic adventure filled with germs, noise, and unexpected challenges. From managing bags and dealing with automatic flushers to navigating trash cans and escape attempts, it’s a test of patience and endurance. Yet, sometimes, it’s worth it to ensure a quick trip to the loo.