My Top List of Potty Training Seats for Toddlers
My Top List of Potty Training Seats for Toddlers
The potty training journey can be a wild ride – a rollercoaster of emotions, conquered milestones, and yes, even a few well-placed puddles. It's definitely a time of pride for parents as your little ones master a new skill, but it can also be a test of patience and perseverance. One key ingredient to success in this messy yet rewarding chapter is finding the best potty training seat for your toddler.
Now I know choosing a potty training seat can be quite overwhelming. It definitely was for me. Aisles overflow with brightly colored plastic thrones, character potties with sing-along melodies vie for attention alongside sleek, minimalist designs and let's be honest, the access to Amazon search for anything you can possibly imagine, make the sheer number of options endless. But don't worry, fellow potty training warriors! This comprehensive guide will prep you with the knowledge to navigate the world of potty seats and other great potty training tips to help you find the ideal fit for your tiny toilet conqueror and make it as fun and easy as possible.
Considering Your Potty Training Needs
Before we dive headfirst into specific potty seats, let's take a moment to explore what factors to consider when choosing the perfect throne for your little one.
Age and Readiness
There's no magic bullet when it comes to the "best age" to start potty training. Some toddlers show signs of readiness around 18 months, while others might take their sweet time until closer to 2 years old. The key is to look for signs your child might be ready, like curiosity about the toilet, staying dry for longer stretches during the day, or pulling at dirty diapers.
Big Potty vs. Little Potty
This is a big decision (pun intended)! Traditional potty training chairs offer a familiar and comfortable space for little ones who might be apprehensive about the vast expanse of the "big toilet." Stand-alone potty chairs can be a great option for the early days of potty training, especially if you have multiple bathrooms or plan on using it for travel. On the other hand, some toddlers might be more comfortable skipping the middle ground and jumping straight to a toilet training seat. This can be a great way to ease them into using a regular toilet seat from the get-go.
Features
From built-in splash guards to fun sound effects and integrated step stools, there's a whole world of features designed to make potty training more fun and engaging for your little one. Consider your child's personality! Would they be motivated by a brightly colored Elmo seat with silly songs, or are they more drawn to a more grown-up design that mimics a real toilet?
Top Potty Training Seat Models
Now that we've explored some key considerations, let's delve into the exciting world of potty training seats! Here are some of my top picks, catering to different needs and preferences:
Best For on-the-go potty training
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty: For parents who crave adventure (or at least occasional trips to the grocery store without a diaper bag explosion), the OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty is a lifesaver. This ingenious little seat folds completely flat and comes with a handy dandy disposable bag liner – perfect for road trips (we used it on our last road trip and it was gamechanger), public restrooms, or even a quick dash to grandma's house. Plus, when you're back in the comfort of your own bathroom, it transitions easily into a toilet training seat. Imagine the good time your toddler will have using this portable option on a family vacation, without any worries about accidents in a full-size, adult toilet they aren't quite used to yet.
Best ‘fun’ potty training seat
The Sesame Street 3-in-1 Potty Chair: This chair is a popular choice for parents looking for a fun and versatile option to kick off their child's potty training journey. Available in Elmo and Cookie Monster themes (we have the Elmo one), this potty features a removable bowl for easy cleaning, a built-in splash guard to help prevent mess, and a friendly Sesame Street character to keep your toddler company. Plus, they have some other fun features like a pretend flush handle and play some fun sounds that can be a great motivation for toddlers. My kids loved this!
Other popular potty training seats
Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty: This feature-packed potty is a great option for toddlers who are ready to make the switch to a real toilet. It features a realistic flushing sound that can be surprisingly motivating (and maybe a little educational for those curious minds), and a removable bowl for easy cleaning. Parents of little boys will appreciate the high back and built-in splash guard for added security. Plus, it looks just like a grown-up toilet, which can help toddlers feel more confident and grown-up themselves.
BabyBjörn Smart Potty: This BabyBjörn toilet trainer is a fantastic investment for parents who like to get their money's worth. This versatile potty functions as a standalone potty chair, a toilet training seat, and even a step stool! The ergonomic design is comfortable for young children, and the removable seat makes cleaning a breeze. While it doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles, it makes up for it in its ease of use and the fact that it can grow with your child through different potty training stages.
Summer Infant My Size Potty: This brightly colored and cheerful potty is a favorite among many parents. It's a traditional floor potty with a removable bowl for easy cleaning. The high splash guard is a great feature for boys, and the price point is very budget-friendly. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of some other options, it gets the job done and is a great first potty for many toddlers.
Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat: This simple and affordable toilet training seat is a great option for toddlers who are already comfortable with the idea of using the big toilet. It features easy-grip handles for stability and a non-skid edge to prevent wobbling catastrophes. While it doesn't have a splash guard, it's incredibly easy to clean and store, making it a practical choice for many parents.
Essential Supplies for Potty Training
While the right potty training seat is undeniably important, there are other things to consider to make the process a little less messy and a lot more successful. Whatever potty training method you decide to go with, here are some additional training essentials to keep your arsenal stocked:
Sticker Charts
These can be a powerful tool for motivation, especially for visually oriented toddlers. Rewarding them with a sticker for each successful potty trip can create a positive reinforcement loop and a sense of accomplishment.
Potty Training Pants
These absorbent training pants are a lifesaver during the inevitable accidents that occur as your toddler gets the hang of things. They offer peace of mind for parents and help to prevent leaks and messes on furniture or carpets.
Patience and Positive Reinforcement
This might be the most crucial element of all! Accidents are a natural part of the potty training journey. The key is to stay positive and offer encouragement throughout the process. Celebrate the successes, no matter how small, and avoid getting discouraged by setbacks.
Every toddler is unique, and what works for one child might not work for another. The most important thing is to find a potty training approach that feels comfortable and effective for you and your little one. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seats, methods, and rewards until you find a system that clicks. Here are some bonus tips to help you on your potty training adventure:
Bonus Tips for Potty Training Success
Let Your Child Choose Their Own Potty
Involving your toddler in the potty selection process can be a great way to get them excited about using it. Take them on a shopping trip (real or virtual) and let them pick out a potty that they love. They'll be more likely to be enthusiastic about using a potty they helped choose.
Practice Makes Perfect
Once you have your potty seat, allow your toddler to sit on it regularly, even if they aren't quite ready to go yet. This will help them get comfortable with the idea of using the potty and take the initial fear out of the equation.
Read Potty-Training Books Together
There are many great children's books about potty training available. Reading these books together can help to normalize the process and answer any questions your child might have in a fun and engaging way.
Lead by Example
If you have a little one who is still in diapers, consider letting them observe you using the toilet. This can help them to understand the process and see what using the potty is all about.
Make Potty Time Fun
Play some upbeat music or sing silly songs during potty time. You can even turn it into a game by letting your toddler time themselves while they sit on the potty.
Beware of Power Struggles
Try to avoid turning potty training into a battle of wills. If your toddler is resistant, don't force them to sit on the potty for extended periods. Take a break and try again later.
The potty training journey can be a rollercoaster, but it's also a time of immense pride and joy. By finding the right potty training seat, along with a little patience and a whole lot of positive reinforcement, you can help your little one conquer the throne and graduate from diapers once and for all. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your unique little one. With a little determination and a sprinkle of fun, you'll be celebrating those potty training milestones in no time!
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
