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4 Ways to Handle an Icky Public Bathroom

How to handle public bathroom gross-outs when your kid has to go potty
By Robert Herguth

And you thought that changing your child's diaper while out and about was tough. If your kid is newly toilet trained (or still getting there), you may have an entirely different set of challenges on your hands.

He's probably not so good yet at giving you fair warning that he needs to go, so if you dash into the bathroom and find it grimy, you most likely don't have the time to just turn around and hunt for a cleaner, more attractive version. What to do instead? Try these time-tested tips:

Carry wipes

Use them to give a pass over the toilet (and maybe your child as well!). A preschooler's likely to still need your help wiping anyway, so these are a staple.

Hover

If a toilet's just too unsanitary, try to hold your child above it while he goes.

Wash up

Kids this age often insist on doing things themselves. If yours threatens to throw a fit when you try to turn on the water for him, make a quick exit and use water and paper towels (or hand sanitizer) outside.

Complain

Be sure to tell someone in charge about the state of the bathroom before you leave.

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