Riding a mountain bike downhill takes focus. Add a talkative toddler in a seat right in front of you and things get more interesting. One dad found that out on a dirt trail when his little passenger made an announcement nobody on a bike trail wants to hear.
Dad and creator @roroshreds captured the entire conversation with a camera mounted on the handlebars, and the on screen text sums it up: “Sir… we are not equipped for this.”
A downhill ride with a very small passenger
The camera looks back at Dad as he rolls down a winding dirt trail lined with bare scrub trees under a bright blue sky. His toddler rides in a front mounted kid seat, wearing a helmet and sunglasses, and another cyclist is visible farther back on the trail. It is a perfect day for a ride, until the toddler speaks up.
“I’m pooping,” the toddler says, clear as day. Dad answers calmly, “You’re pooping? I hope not.”
No diaper, no problem
What follows is a short back and forth that gets funnier each time. Dad explains, “I don’t have a diaper.” The toddler repeats the one word that matters: “Diaper.” Dad tells him again that he does not have one, and the toddler says “Diaper” once more, as if saying it enough times might make one appear.
Then Dad asks directly, “Did you poop? You did not.” The toddler says a quiet “I’m sorry,” which makes Dad laugh. A moment later the toddler adds, “You’ve got poops.” Dad, a little bit in denial, asks, “Did you actually?” and gets a simple answer: “No.” Dad sums it up with a relieved “Okay. I thought so.”
It is only about twenty seconds long, but anyone who has taken a toddler anywhere far from a bathroom will recognize that moment of dread.
Why toddlers announce bathroom news
Toddlers love to talk about bodily functions. They are learning new words, noticing what their bodies do and discovering that the news gets a big reaction from parents. Many children go through a phase of potty talk, and sometimes the announcement is real and sometimes it is just a fun thing to say. Staying calm, as this dad did, keeps the moment from turning into a bigger deal than it needs to be.
Using words at all is a good sign. Children who can tell a parent what they are feeling are on the road toward potty training. If your child does say it, it is always worth a quick check.
What to pack for an outing with a toddler
- A small diaper kit. Keep a spare diaper, a few wipes and a small bag for dirty ones in your pack. Even if you never need it, you will feel better knowing it is there.
- A change of clothes. A spare shirt and pants can save an outing.
- Water and a snack. Kids get hungry and thirsty fast when they are outside.
- Sun protection. Sunglasses, a hat under the helmet or sunscreen can help on bright days.
- A first aid basics pouch. A few bandages and some wipes cover most little scrapes.
Riding bikes with a little one safely
Cycling with a young child can be a great way to spend time together outdoors, and a few basics make it safer.
- Use a helmet that fits. A child should wear a properly sized, snug helmet any time they are on a bike or in a bike seat.
- Follow the seat maker’s limits. Child seats come with weight and age guidelines, so check the instructions before you ride.
- Pick the right trail. Choose a path that matches your skill level, especially when you are carrying extra weight.
- Keep the speed down. The ride feels different with a passenger, so brake earlier and take corners slowly.
- Take breaks. Little kids get restless, and a stop gives you time for water, a snack and a bathroom check.
Common questions about toddlers on the go
What should I do if my child says it is time to go while we are out? Take it seriously and stop when it is safe. If you are miles from a restroom, a quick diaper change on a blanket or a trail break is better than guessing.
Is it normal for toddlers to say things that are not true? Yes. At this age, kids are still sorting out what words mean, and they like to try them out. A calm question, like the one Dad asked, usually gets to the truth.
How do I keep a toddler happy on a longer ride? Talk to your child, point out things along the way and plan stops. A good conversation can make the miles go faster.
The takeaway
Every parent has been caught without the right supplies at the wrong moment. This dad handled it with humor, and the whole scare ended with a toddler who simply liked saying the word. Pack the extra diaper, ride carefully and enjoy the conversation.
Credit for the original post goes to @roroshreds on Instagram.