Choosing a potty chair might be a helpful tool as you begin potty training. However, there are many types of potty chairs, so how do you know which one is the right one for your toddler? One of the best ways to ensure that you're getting the right one is to research your options and weigh the pros and cons of each before purchasing a potty.
Types of Potty Chairs
Whether you opt for something easy and no-fuss like a stand-alone potty, or something that does double duty, know that using a smaller potty seat might make training your toddler just a bit easier. Many kids are a little intimidated by the whole potty training process in the beginning. Parents often find that using a smaller potty chair takes away some of the fear and anxiety that some kids have when learning how to use the toilet. Potty chairs and seats are also made for a child's small bottom, so they are more comfortable for kids than an adult-sized toilet.
Potty Seats for the Toilet
Parents looking for a potty seat option with little to no extra cleanup love toddler toilet seat attachments. These toilet ring seats sit overtop your standard toilet seat or fit together with it so your child's bottom fits comfortably on the big toilet. If you opt for a toilet seat ring, you'll probably also need a step stool so your child can sit up on the toilet without help.
- The Playtex Air Cushy Potty Ring from Target is about the simplest version you can find. This gray plastic toilet seat fits on regular and elongated toilet seats, has a small splash guard, and features small handles on the sides for only $14.
- Summer Infant's 2-in-1 Oval Toilet Topper replaces your current toilet seat with a set that includes an adult toilet seat, child toilet seat, and lid all in one. This makes it easy for each member of the house to flip to the seat that best fits their body for only about $20. You can also purchase a round toilet seat version.
- Take your child's potty seat on the go with the Mommy's Helper Cushie Traveler Folding Padded Potty Seat. If your little one needs a potty seat at home, she'll need one everywhere you travel. This simple, cushioned toilet seat rings fold in fourths so you can pack it in the diaper bag and set it on any toilet for only $10.
Stand Alone Potties
This type of potty is a simple unit with minimal parts. The potty may or may not have a separate bowl for waste, which can be a drawback for some parents. However, it is small, lightweight and easy to handle, and some people appreciate not having a complicated potty chair. These types of potties are made from plastic, which makes them easy to clean. Generally, this is the cheapest potty chair option.
- The Potty Scotty Musical Potty Chair is designed to play music when a sensor detects moisture. It's built for boys and features a low splash guard in the front. The unique design is meant to encourage the more natural posture of squatting, rather than sitting, position. You can also buy a girl version called the Potty Patty, both cost about $14 each and can be personalized with your child's name for free.
- LOCKIG's children's potty chair from Ikea features a sleek, modern ergonomic design for ultimate comfort. An anti-slip bottom makes it safe while the removable bowl makes cleanup easy. The potty comes in white and green for about $12.
- Choose the Baby Bjorn Potty Chair if you want a product that has a contemporary feel combined with appropriate function. It comes in several colors from turquoise to gray, has a removable bowl and features a comfortable backrest. This potty chair costs around $30.
Wood Potty Chairs
Does your toddler fancy himself a prince or princess? If so, an appropriate wooden potty that looks like a throne might be just the ticket to getting your child to sit down and try potty training. However, wood is not as easy to care for as the traditional plastic potties. If moisture sits too long, it can warp the wood, and you may have to purchase special cleaning products for wiping the surfaces of the potty. The paint is also likely to get scratched and fade after lots of uses. However, the wooden options are fun and give your child an exciting item he can look forward to using anytime he feels the urge.
- The Froggie Prince Wooden Potty Chair has a crown-shaped back, royal painted images and can be personalized with your toddler's name. The potty chair also has a lifting lid, a rack for books and a roll for toilet paper. This product will set you back about $80.
- If you want something that's regal for your child, but a bit less over the top, the Natural Wooden Potty Chair by Potty Training Concepts might be the answer you're looking for. It features a plain wood color but is convenient and comfortable with arms for your child to rest her body on and a removable bowl to make clean up a snap. This potty chair costs about $60.
- Give your child a customizable mini toilet with the Little Kingdom Beatrice Potty Chair. Featuring a bright nature theme, the chair includes a toilet paper roll holder, book rack, and a picture frame where you can put your child's photo or they can put their favorite picture. For the ultimate in fun or relaxation, this $40 musical chair from Walmart plays lullabies with the pull of a string.
All-in-One Potties
If you're a parent who wants your potty chair to do double duty, there are plenty of options out there. These potties transform in several ways, from chair to big toilet insert to step stool, making them the choice if you need something that will grow with your little one. You can use the chair for pottying, then flip the lid and you have a step stool so your child can wash his hands. Like a stool, the product is also a great place for your toddler to rest her feet as she learns to sit on the big toilet. That'll save you the tantrum that's likely if she falls in the big toilet. These slightly technical options typically require assembly and the lifting lid does pose the risk of a pinched finger, so use caution. These choices will make your potty training life much simpler.
- The Playtex Potty Genie 3-in-1 Potty Trainer offers all the benefits of an all-in-one potty with a more convenient cleanup process. The seat holds scented liner bags so you can simply tie them up and throw them in the garbage or a Potty Genie pail instead of dumping and rinsing the bowl. There's a built-in storage area for disposable bags. When your child gets bigger, the removable toilet seat ring can go on the big toilet and the base serves as a step stool all for only $25.
- If your child loves trains, the Thomas the Train Potty Chair is perfect for you. This potty starts out as a traditional model but can transition to an insert for the big toilet and becomes a step stool by flipping down the lid. Expect to spend around $30 on this product.
- For the ultimate in modern versatility, you want the Dreambaby 3-in-1 Toilet Trainer. It converts from a standalone potty to a toilet seat with an attached ladder in a few simple folds. When your child gets bigger, you can take off the ladder and just use the toilet seat ring. At only $35 this seat truly grows with your child.
Unique Potty Seats
Not all kids potty train alike, sometimes you have to use creative means to help them learn.
- If your little guy prefers to stand up and pee, the Toddler Standing Potty Urinal makes that possible. This plastic urinal hangs from a hook on the side of your toilet. After he goes, you simply dump it in the toilet and clean like any other potty seat bowl. Choose from white, blue, or yellow for only $6.
- For extra active kids try the Ride On Toddler Toilet Trainer Scooter designed to look like a minion. The wheels are removable and it functions as a potty chair even while your child is riding it. You dump the bowl like other toilet seats on this innovative $35 potty chair.
Choosing the Right Potty
A lot goes into choosing the best potty chair for your toddler. Talk to friends and family about what products worked for their toddlers. Also, take your toddler with you when you choose a potty because having a hand in the selection process can help increase the chances that she'll use it. In no time, potty training will be behind you, and you'll be on to the first day of school and beyond.
