Potty Trained 2 Year Old in Pools

[jktmom]

We are cruising with a friend that has a 2 yr. old that is potty trained. Will they have an issue taking him in the pools? I wasn’t sure if he had to be 3?

 

[MomOTwins]

The rule is potty trained and no children needing swim diapers allowed--not age based.

BUT as a parent, knowing how potty trained works in practice, I would really strongly nudge your friend to stick to the toddler splash areas. Yes, a two year old may be potty trained at home, but I'd wager that maybe when splashing in a pool, after eating a load of ice cream, distracted from watching a movie on funnel vision, maybe one in million 2 year olds would qualify as "potty trained" in those circumstances. It really is a big deal when someone has an accident--the pool is out of commission for at least three hours, which is a lot on a short cruise.

 

[jktmom]

Thanks and agreed. I would hope that all parents are taking regular bathroom breaks with their kids anyways the same as they would (or as we do) when we are not swimming all day.

 

[hpsalb]

My last cruise was pre-pandemic but age-based rules were enforced in the pool areas. It was 3 yrs to use the pool and 4 yrs to use the Mickey slide (on the Dream). One of my kids was age-checked for the slide and I saw lifeguards question parents of smaller swimmers in the pool.
I know the number of kids sailing is low right now, but pre-pandemic I would not have let my 2 year old swim in the pool anyway. Too crowded for a small swimmer. We saved that for our CC day.

 

[jktmom]

I just found some pictures of the pool rules signs and there is no age limit posted. Only rule regarding kids is being accompanied by an adult and no diapers.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I just found some pictures of the pool rules signs and there is no age limit posted. Only rule regarding kids is being accompanied by an adult and no diapers.

On the DCL website, regarding Mickey's Pool (Dream & Fantasy):
Restrictions:

• This attraction is intended for Guests 3 years of age.

regarding Goofy's Pool (Magic & Wonder):
Age Restrictions:

• This attraction is intended for Guests 3 years of age or older.

regarding Donald's Pool (Dream & Fantasy):
Restrictions:

• This attraction is intended for Guests 3 years of age or older.

 

[Lilsia]

I also recommend taking them to the toilet more often. Make sure they go before they get in the water and then take them again in about 15 minutes. Something about getting in the water makes them want to go. You have to be diligent with your little ones and not rely on them telling you when they have to go.

 

[jktmom]

On the DCL website, regarding Mickey's Pool (Dream & Fantasy):
Restrictions:

• This attraction is intended for Guests 3 years of age.

regarding Goofy's Pool (Magic & Wonder):
Age Restrictions:

• This attraction is intended for Guests 3 years of age or older.

regarding Donald's Pool (Dream & Fantasy):
Restrictions:

• This attraction is intended for Guests 3 years of age or older.

Thanks. This same section of the website also says that the splash area is limited to guest 3 and under which is definitely not true so they do not go by these rules on the ship and this is not what is posted on the ship.

 

[MomOTwins]

Thanks. This same section of the website also says that the splash area is limited to guest 3 and under which is definitely not true so they do not go by these rules on the ship and this is not what is posted on the ship.

It says splash areas are “intended” for kids 3 and under, just like pools are “intended” for 3 and up, which is not the same as “limited.” On the ship, the sign says nemos reed is only allowed for up to 8 years old. Similarly, the pool rules onboard just require a child be fully potty trained and supervised by an adult.

Of course, as noted above, there is really no such thing as a 2 year old who is completely past the potty training stage where they will no longer have an accident under any circumstances, no matter how well they use the potty back at home or at day care when everything is familiar and routine.