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The Best Potty Training Chairs and Seats, Toddler-Tested and Parent-Approved

With help from these parent-approved training potty seats and chairs, your big kid will say bye-bye to diapers in no time.
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By Emma O'Regan-Reidy, E-Commerce Editor
Updated July 30, 2024
mother helping toddler use potty seat for potty training
Image: Odua Images | Shutterstock
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In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our product testers, advice from a pediatrician and a survey of 300 parents from The Bump community, we chose the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multistage 3-in-1 Potty as the overall best potty training toilet. This potty chair stood out because of its reasonably-priced 3-in-1 capabilities, ease of use and lightweight, modern design.

If your child is showing signs that they’re ready to transition out of diapers, there’s no time like the present to kick off your potty training journey. “The potty training journey is different and unique for every child,” says says Mona Amin, MD, a pediatrician and podcaster based in Miami, Florida. “There is really no specific or correct age to introduce a potty chair or potty seat. I find it’s best to follow the lead of the child by watching for signs of readiness to start potty training.”

While all you really need is patience and a plan, a training potty that makes your kiddo feel comfortable and confident can help set them up for success. Keep reading to discover our top picks for the best training toilets, all of which have been tested and approved by parents and their potty-training toddlers.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Potties for Training

Image: Jamie H., Rhea S., Brooke E.

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify the 28 best potty training toilets on the market, and chose a shortlist of 18 products to test. From there:

  • We enlisted the help of 18 parents and their potty-training toddlers who all used these training potties in their homes. As their children sat and subjected these potties to truly unforgiving tests, our independent product testers carefully evaluated each training potty for ease of cleaning, ease of use (for parent and child alike), effectiveness, style and design, and value for money.

  • We interviewed a board-certified pediatrician to better understand must-have features and gather potty-training tips for parents.

  • We consulted guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to choose the best potty for your child.

  • We surveyed 300 members of The Bump community and asked them to rate the potty training seats and toilets they’ve used with their own kids and comment on their overall experience.

  • Because every family’s experience is different, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these training potties performed for parents across the country.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Potty Training Toilets and Seats to Shop

Overall best potty chair

What We Love
  • Good value
  • Can reduce odors
  • Transitional 3-in-1 design
  • Easy to clean
Things To Consider
  • Some parents find the splashguard low for boys

Over the course of potty training, many parents wind up buying both a potty chair and potty training seat: Your child may begin on the potty chair when they’re very young, then graduate to an on-the-toilet potty training seat as they grow bigger. And since little ones need a leg up to reach the toilet seat or sink for handwashing, a step stool is another common purchase. But the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multistage 3-in-1 Potty can stay with you throughout your child’s entire potty training journey thanks to its reasonably-priced three-mode design, which works as a chair, a seat and a step stool. Plus it offers a deodorizing disc on the lid to neutralize odors. For families with limited space, or who just want a one-and-done multipurpose product, this Best of The Bump award-winning potty is the ideal solution. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

Image: Rothavy N

The Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multistage 3-in-1 Potty boasts several helpful features to make the potty-training process more seamless for parents and kiddos alike. To keep little ones in place as they pee and poo, there are easy-to-grasp handles on each side of the chair. An easy-grasp handle on the bowl also makes it a breeze to sanitize: “I like how easy it was to clean,” our product tester Rothavy said. “You just lift the seat, and the bowl is removable. [It’s] one big opening without any hard-to-reach places.” Rothavy found the portable design “very easy to move around from room to room.” (“We even brought it to my parents’ home,” she added.) With the lid closed, the training toilet can be used as a step stool with a textured surface that provides added stability, so toddlers can easily reach the sink to wash their hands after they go.

Once your child is ready for a potty training seat, all you have to do is remove the top piece of the chair, place it on the grown-up toilet seat and it’s ready to go, with the step stool mode still available to help them up. “The detachable seat is simple to remove from the 3-in-1 potty and attaches easily to the toilet,” Rothavy told us, although it’’s worth noting that this seat doesn’t fit elongated toilet seats.

“I think the value of this potty chair [matches] the price,” she shared. “If your child doesn’t automatically want to use it as a potty chair you can still at least use it as a step stool in the meantime. Then also being able to attach it to the toilet is a great feature as well.” It’s no wonder she rated this training potty 10 out of 10 across several categories, including ease of use and value for money.

Type: Potty chair | Stages: 3 | Dimensions: 15.5” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 8” (H) | Weight: 3.5 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“It’s inexpensive and gets the job done with some nice features that work for all different potty training stages. Plus, you can always use it as a step stool once they are done with this phase.”

Buy Now

Overall best potty seat

What We Love
  • Adjustment dial to enable good fit
  • Simple to wipe clean
  • Hanging hook for easy storage
Things To Consider
  • Low splash guard, according to some parents

The best potty training seat designs fit securely on the toilet but are still easy to move and store. This option from BabyBjörn, our Best of The Bump winner for overall best potty seat, checks both of those boxes and then some. The seat weighs in at under 1 pound, so little ones can position it with utmost independence—a good way to instill pride in potty autonomy. Thanks to the top handle, it’s just as easy to remove, making it a great option for bathrooms shared by multiple family members.

But the real highlight of this potty training seat is the fitting system that adapts the seat to the size of your toilet. “The BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat took seconds to set up and is easily adjustable to the toilet seat,” said our product tester Brooke, mom of a 3-year-old. Turning a dial on the back of the seat moves a hidden pair of braces that keep the BabyBjörn seat in place on top of different toilet shapes and styles. Coupled with a non-slip grip, this keeps little ones from going whoopsie-daisy. “The seat itself is comfortable for my daughter and the perfect size for both her and our toilet seat,” said Brooke. It was also “very easy to set up and use at different homes when there was the need,” she added, giving it a 10 out of 10 for ease of use for herself and her daughter. “The BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat really helped my daughter in potty training. She needed a ‘big girl seat’ without the big hole to fall through”—and this fan favorite fit the bill.

Image: Brooke E

If you’re a fan of simplicity, you’ll also appreciate the style of the BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat. This minimalist potty seat can help you teach your toddler to poop and pee in the real potty without affecting your aesthetic, while the realistic color scheme can help little ones feel more confident and grown-up. “Since my daughter is almost fully potty trained, we wanted a potty seat that matched our toilet, and therefore there was no need or desire for fun characters or colors,” Brooke shared. Thankfully, this option features a simple white plastic design—no bright primary colors here. “It’s the perfect size for [my daughter] but looks and feels like a regular toilet seat,” Brooke noted. Earning 10 out of 10 scores for effectiveness, style and design, this potty training seat is ideal for helping little ones get used to the grown-up potty.

Type: Training seat | Stages: 1 | Dimensions: 11.5" (L) x 14" (W) x 3.5" (H) | Weight: 14 oz.

Our product tester says:
“The adjustable attachment on the back of the seat is a great anti-slip feature. I would recommend this training toilet seat because it is very well made and worth the money.”

Our community says:

“I liked the ease of use, portability, style and ease of cleaning.” -Julia*, mom and The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best toilet potty

Nuby My Real Potty Training Toilet
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Realistic style
  • Flushing sounds
  • Built-in wipe compartment
Things To Consider
  • Low splash guard, according to some parents

This toddler toilet from Nuby, a Best of The Bump winner for best toilet potty, is particularly special because of its uncanny resemblance to the classic porcelain toilets grown-ups use to do their business. And what little one doesn’t want to emulate the adults in their house? This was an important factor for our product tester Imari, mom of a 2-year-old. “When choosing a seat for potty training, I knew I wanted something realistic,” she told us. “Something that was his size so he’d feel comfortable and included. It’s helped him know what to use when he needs to go.”

Image: Imari S

Imari’s toddler was a big fan of the Nuby’s realistic style; it made him feel comfortable with the new potty chair from the get-go. “My child was very excited to use this potty. He immediately knew what it was. He quickly sat on it, fully clothed in excitement,” she shared. If that’s not all, this training toilet even comes with a handle kids can flush for realistic sound effects and a built-in compartment for wipes, both of which Imari’s son loved.. And when your child’s finished going, you’ll find this training potty super straightforward to sanitize. In Imari’s words: “It’s easy to keep clean, especially with boys learning how to go standing up. [] I was able to clean it thoroughly in about two minutes.”

While it’s lightweight enough to move when needed, the Nuby My Real Potty Training Toilet is also sturdy, according to Imari, thanks to the anti-skid rubber base. In fact, Imari had only praise to share after her son began using this potty chair. She went so far as to call it “perfect” and “fun”—and if this can make potty training a fun process, that’s a major win!

Type: Potty chair | Stages: 1 | Dimensions: 12" (L) x 18" (W) x 10" (H) | Weight: 3.8 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“I wanted my son to have his own toilet and this is just perfect. He lit up when he heard the flushing sound!”

Buy Now

Best potty chair for boys

Contours Bravo 3 Stage Potty
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Extra-wide and high splash guard for boys
  • Splash guard foldable for girls
  • Transitional 3-in-1 design
  • Easy to dump waste
Things To Consider
  • Some parents say not easiest to clean

It’s no secret that potty-training toddler boys comes with a different set of challenges. Whether you’re teaching your little one to stand or sit when they go number one, an effective splash guard is key. Thankfully, you and your kiddo can count on the Contours Bravo 3 Stage Potty to prevent accidental spills and leaks. Compared to other potty training toilets, this option has an extra-wide and high splash guard attachment for boys (but is soft and flexible, so it can be adjusted to accommodate girls). Our product tester Chelsea found the splashguard prevented pee spraying over the sides, adding, “I loved the splash guard and we had no issues with it.”

The impressive splash guard isn’t its only selling point. Chelsea had high praises for the versatility of its three-stage design. “I love that the base of the potty is the step stool because we will be using that long after the stage 1 potty,” she told us. At first, she said she was skeptical about the size of the potty chair’s bowl, but this quickly became one of her favorite aspects. “I loved how deep it was, and the smaller size of the bowl made it easier to dump waste,” she shared, adding that it would be great to travel with. While it took Chelsea a few extra minutes to convert the potty chair into a training seat, she told us it sat nicely on the grown-up toilet.

Image: Chelsea Calantoni

Thanks to a neutral color scheme, this modern potty training toilet won’t draw too much attention to itself, whether it’s set up in your bathroom or elsewhere in your home. And while it may look simple, it’s also super sturdy. “The height and size were perfect for him. [] My son was very comfortable on the potty, and we had no issues with it moving or slipping,” Chelsea said. After testing it, she gave this Best of The Bump winner for potty chair for boys top marks across several categories, including ease of use, cleaning, effectiveness, style and value for money. It’s safe to say that this potty training toilet was a big hit in her household!

Type: Potty chair | Stages: 3 | Dimensions: 13.3” (L) x 12” (W) x 13.3” (H) | Weight: 4.2 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“The splash guard was very effective for my son. He never made a mess when he was using the potty. I love the size of the bowl and splash guard.”

Buy Now

Best potty chair for reluctant toddlers

Kolcraft Sesame Street Elmo Hooray! 3-in-1 Potty
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Fun Elmo phrases and flushing sounds reduce stress
  • Child-friendly gender-neutral theme
  • Transitional 3-in-1 design
Things To Consider
  • Style may not appeal to all

Not every toddler is psyched to sit on the potty—but the friendly face of Elmo on this Sesame Street-themed potty chair can help put those more reluctant potty trainers instantly at ease. Not only that, but the Kolcraft Sesame Street Elmo Hooray! 3-in-1 Potty also offers a pretend flusher that plays encouraging phrases with Elmo’s distinct voice (with adjustable volume settings). So if your child is a Sesame Street fan, this is sure to be a hit. “My child would dance every time she flushed the toilet,’” our product tester Rhea reported. These fun interactive features aren’t just for show—they help little ones feel more engaged and relaxed around the potty. “My toddler has fun just playing with it!” Rhea gushed. Small wonder it won a Best of The Bump award for best potty chair for reluctant toddlers.

Image: Rhea S

If your child becomes quite attached to this training toilet (and who could blame them?), don’t worry: Rhea confirms the potty is light enough for a toddler to tote from room to room on their own, and it even fits in a stroller storage basket for afternoon outings! Of course, you’ll still have to empty the waste cup between uses, but luckily Rhea reported no problems in this department. “I pour the contents into the adult potty and then rinse with hot water and soap in the sink,” she shared, giving the Kolcraft 10 out of 10 for ease of cleaning. “It’s very streamlined and very easy to use and clean.” Parents will also love that this 3-in-1 potty chair functions as a step stool when the lid is closed, as well as a potty seat with handles that sits atop a regular toilet.

For children who prefer Cookie Monster—and look, that’s fair, he's delightful—there’s also an alternative version with his smiling blue face. But no matter which character you choose, “the price is definitely fair for the product, since you don't have to buy a step stool or an attachment for an adult potty,” Rhea said, giving it a 10 out of 10 score for value for money. “This is the only toddler potty you will need, since it can do everything. Such a great product.”

Type: Potty chair | Stages: 3 | Dimensions: 13.5" (L) x 13.3" (W) x 17.5" (H) | Weight: 3.4 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“The bright colors definitely grabbed my child's attention! The big sticker of Elmo is a plus, along with the sound when you flush. [] Did my toddler like it and find it appealing? 1,000 percent yes she did!”

Buy Now

Best potty chair for reluctant poopers

What We Love
  • Footrest helps ease pushing
  • Realistic style with buttons
  • Lightweight; easy to store
Things To Consider
  • Tester thought it slid easily
  • Cleaning could be simpler

While some toddlers are hesitant to use the toilet in general, others are anxious about one thing in particular: pooping. If you’re potty-training a reluctant pooper, this top-rated potty chair is sure to make the process more comfortable for both you and your child. Right away, you’ll notice that this realistic training potty looks like a mini version of the real thing. Our product tester Jamie and her 2-year-old both appreciated the grown-up style. “This chair helped my child feel like a big kid while using a little potty, since it looked so similar to our real toilet. He felt very natural and comfortable sitting on it,” she shared.

Image: Jamie H

But one of the best parts about this potty chair is the included footrest. Amin tells us it's important to provide potty-training children with a footrest like a stool or steps, not only for safety and comfort, but to stabilize their feet and bring their knees up while they do their business. Similar to a Squatty Potty for adults, the stool on the First Years Super Pooper allows little ones to get into a more comfortable, relaxed position by raising their knees above their hips, which can help ease pushing. “I like how it brought his knees higher up and closer to his body because it made going number two easier for him,” Jamie said, echoing the experience of many parents in their Amazon reviews. Moreover, “having a designated place to set his feet helped him stay more focused.”

The realistic design also has buttons for flushing and cheering sound effects when toddlers are finished with their business. Jamie told us: “His favorite part was pushing the buttons to ‘flush’ or get a round of applause!” She added that those buttons were a key incentive to getting her son to sit on the potty in the first place.

Thanks to its lightweight design, setting up and moving this potty training toilet is a piece of cake. When it’s time to clean it, just empty the waste from the bowl into the toilet and then use hot, soapy water to wipe it down. One drawback Jamie mentioned was that you have to disconnect the seat to get the bowl, which she wasn’t a fan of. That said, the bowl can actually be detached from the chair and placed on top of the regular toilet to help transition kids from their training potty to the real thing.

Our product tester said she would definitely recommend it to other parents and awarded it top scores across categories like ease of use and effectiveness. The bottom line: If you have an anxious pooper in your household, this realistic (and Best of The Bump-winning) potty chair can help ease their worries!

Type: Potty chair | Stages: 2 | Dimensions: 18” (L) x 14.5” (W) x 11” (H) | Weight: 1.7 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“I would recommend this potty because it made my son eager to use it. One of the biggest challenges when potty training is getting your child to want to sit on the potty. The extra incentive of getting to press the buttons [after going] did the trick.”

Buy Now

Best built-in toilet-training seat

Jool Baby Quick Flip Toilet Seat with Built-In Potty Training Seat
Image: Amazon
What We Love
  • Soft close
  • Magnet holds up seat
  • Easy to clean
  • Very secure, according to our product tester
Things To Consider
  • Not portable
  • Installation takes longer

Some parents want to avoid the hassle of emptying a standalone toilet or transferring a training seat on and off their home’s primary toilet every time their kid has to go—and who can blame them? If this sounds like you, consider installing the Jool Baby Quick Flip, our Best of The Bump winner for best built-in potty seat. The clever design has two seats under one lid: A normal-sized ring for grown-ups and a smaller ring for kids. “I like that we don’t have to worry about taking the seat off [and] hanging it up,” our product tester Brittany told us.

Image: Brittany V

To ensure a secure fit, the Jool Baby Quick Flip Toilet Seat comes in two sizes: elongated and round. As a built-in option, installing this training seat takes a bit more time and effort than easy-on easy-off styles. But that setup (which is comparable to installing any other toilet seat) is a one-time effort for long-term convenience, which Brittany appreciated. “Once we had switched out the seats, this one fit well on the toilet and looked nice. It worked really well,” she told us. Moreover, it was straightforward for her 3-year-old and the rest of her family to use; Brittany told us all of her kiddos found the Jool Baby seat easy to sit on. “Since it’s an actual seat and doesn’t come off, they don’t have to worry about putting it on the toilet or removing it,” Brittany said.

The design is subtle, easy to clean (similar to a regular toilet seat) and, most importantly, safe. A clever magnetic ring holds the training seat up when a big kid or adult is using the toilet, and when it’s time for your little one to do their business, it can be lowered again in seconds. “My younger kids can easily pull that part down and have the toilet training seat ready for them,” said Brittany. And the soft-close lid means no accidental finger pinches. “The kids can’t slam it, which is great,” Brittany added.

Type: Training seat | Stages: 1 | Dimensions: 15.4” (L) x 15.5” (W) x 3.2” (H) | Weight: 4.2 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“Overall, I think this toilet seat is really great, and I would recommend it to others. [] The kids like it and it works really well for them, so we’ll keep using it and it will help our next son with potty training too.”

Buy Now

Best portable potty

What We Love
  • Lightweight, compact and folds flat for storage
  • Comes with a travel bag
  • Hybrid potty chair and seat design
  • Plastic bag liners for easy disposal on-the-go
Things To Consider
  • Need to buy plastic bag liner refills

As potty-training parents know best, when a kid’s gotta go, they’ve really gotta go. That’s why the OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty, a Best of The Bump-winning portable potty that’s designed for use anywhere, earned top marks from our tester across multiple categories. The collapsible, easy-open potty has legs that can be locked at a 90-degree angle for use as a standalone potty chair or folded out flat for use as a standard potty seat—so no matter if you’re close to a restroom or nowhere near one, you can rest easy knowing you have a reliable potty option.

Image: Michelle K

Michelle, our product tester and mom of a 2-year-old and 4-year-old, was a big fan of this hybrid design and loved how it could be used in multiple ways. “When going into potty training, it sometimes takes a bit to figure out what works best for the child, so it’s nice to not have to buy two different seats. It’s also really easy to switch it to be used either way,” she told us. She also shared that it was a great confidence boost for her youngest. “I love that it can just go on top of a regular toilet seat for kids like mine that have older siblings and want to be cool like them and use the real potty,” she told us.

Measuring 11 inches long and weighing just above 1 pound, this portable potty chair is simple to take on the go. The legs fold flat and the entire seat slips into a travel bag for compact storage, and it can easily fit in the bottom of a stroller or large diaper bag. And no matter where you are, cleaning will be a breeze, thanks to disposable bags with absorbent liners that serve as the toilet bowl. No basin-scrubbing is required after your child finishes their business—simply close up the bag and toss it. “I love [that it] comes with little plastic bag liners for easy clean up!” Michelle said.

While Michelle used this portable potty chair to train her 2-year-old, she deemed it so sturdy that she kept it in her car for her 4-year-old to use in case of emergencies. “It’s really stable and good quality, not just cheap flimsy plastic,” she told us. She also appreciated the chair’s non-slip bottom, because let's face it—potty training is tough enough without the risk of slipping and sliding. All in all, this clever potty chair is sure to come in handy on the go!

Type: Travel potty and seat | Stages: 2 | Dimensions: 11" (L) x 11" (W) x 2.5" (H) | Weight: 1.2 lbs.

Our product tester says:
“So easy to bring on the go since it’s able to fold down flat. It’s perfect to use at home, public restrooms, the car, literally anywhere!”

Our community says:

“Very affordable, easy to travel with and comes with a travel bag. [It’s] great if you don't want to install something.” -Alexandra, mom and The Bump survey respondent

Buy Now

Best foldable toilet seat

Pokanic Foldable Toilet Seat
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon|$9.99
What We Love
  • Easy to set up
  • Suction cups for stability
  • Cheerful style helps reluctant potty-trainers
  • Comes with a travel bag
Things To Consider
  • Back may take extra time to clean

Although most parents will tell you that nothing about potty training is particularly convenient, the Pokanic Foldable Toilet Seat just might be the exception. This take-along seat (our Best of The Bump winner for best foldable toilet seat) folds compactly into a convenient travel bag that can be tossed into a diaper bag or even purse. Setting it up is just as simple as carrying it. “This foldable toilet seat was super easy to use. It easily unfolded and suctioned to our toilet seat with very little pressure needed,” our product tester Amber told us.

With a bit of assistance, her toddler was even able to set it up! “She knows how to unfold the seat and put it on the toilet but needed a little help with pressing it down to get a good and even suction,” Amber shared. Thanks to its four non-slip pads and eight suction cups, this clever design will securely attach to almost any toilet seat—whether you’re at home, out to dinner, at the airport or anywhere in between. “This toilet seat was very easy for my daughter to use. It was the perfect size for her and was very stable and secure,” Amber added.

Image: Amber S

Even washing this foldable potty training seat is straightforward. “The toilet seat is super easy to clean! Since it’s plastic, I just wipe it down with a cleaning wipe after every use,” Amber said. She mentioned that the back had some tighter nooks and crannies, but these just took slightly longer to clean. Even so, Amber raved about this seat’s quality. “We personally own a different brand’s product and it cost us more but is of the same quality [as] this seat. It has definitely exceeded my expectations for the price,” she raved.

Another highlight of this seat is the fun, cheerful design with an adorable duck face, which can help win over anxious potty-training tots. “We have our own backyard flock of chickens, so my toddler was very excited about this seat. She calls it her ‘chicken potty’ and loves to use it!” Amber said. This seat is also available in blue, pink and green options, so you’re sure to find the best fit for your little one.

All in all, it’s no surprise that this foldable potty training seat scored 10 out of 10 across several categories, including ease of use, effectiveness, style and value for money. While you may not have heard of the brand Pokanic before, we’re here to tell you that the hundreds of positive Amazon reviews are true!

Type: Training seat | Stages: 1 | Dimensions: 14” (L) x 10” (W) | Weight: 10.2 oz.

Our product tester says:
“This seat is a great addition to our potty training journey. I love that it folds up and stores nicely to take on the go! The seat was the perfect size for my toddler and made using the bathroom very comfortable for her.”

Buy Now

*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

Potty Training Seats vs. Potty Training Chairs

Typical toilet seats are too high and large for teeny tushies, so you’ll want to jump-start potty training with one of two tools: A training potty chair or a potty training seat.

There’s no wrong way to start the potty-training process, but for kids under 3, a potty chair can often prove ideal. This toddler-sized toilet sits on the floor, making it easy for your little one to use it independently. Most will have an inner basin that you can easily remove and empty. It may also include a splash guard in the front to block any rogue streams from reaching your bathroom floor. While cute and easily accessible, potty chairs have one obvious downside: Because they don’t flush like regular toilets, they require manual cleaning after every use.

You can avoid that icky step when you opt for a potty training seat, as this option sits directly on top of your toilet. There is, however, one drawback: The littlest of potty trainers will likely need a step stool to get onto the toilet.

You’ll also want to consider your child’s preferences when deciding on a type of training potty. While some tots find the small design of potty chairs less intimidating, others may prefer a potty training seat because they want to be like a grown-up, says Amin. “Ultimately, when deciding between a potty training chair or seat, it comes down to what works best for you and your child,” she adds.

What to Look for in a Potty Training Seat or Chair

Not sure where to start when it comes to picking out the best potty seat or chair for your tot? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Below, find features to look for, plus expert-backed tips to streamline your decision-making process.

  • Accessibility. When using a potty chair, be sure your child can confidently sit down and get up from the seat by themselves. Portable options can be placed wherever is most convenient for your tot—some little ones may even like to keep theirs in the living room or playroom for easy access when nature calls, says Amin. On the other hand, if your toddler is using a potty training seat, Amin advises parents to provide a stool or steps for them. “This is key for safety and comfort to stabilize their feet and bring their knees up,” she adds.

  • Sturdiness. The best toddler toilets have rubber bases to prevent slipping during use, says Amin. Look for a potty training chair or seat with an anti-slip stand to keep your kiddo secure.

  • Easy-to-clean features. You’ll want to make sure that the potty chair or training seat you choose is easy to clean. Amin recommends picking an option with a smooth plastic surface. Likewise, a splash guard is an important feature to prevent spills and messes.

  • Preference. The best potty training toilet isn’t going to work if your child refuses to sit on it. Consider what might win them over. Will they enjoy a potty that looks just like a regular adult toilet, complete with a flushing sound? Would they love a potty decked out with their favorite characters? Inviting your potty trainer to pick out their own potty chair or seat can help foster a sense of ownership that promotes interest in potty use, according to the AAP.

About the writer:

Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor at The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. She has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. As a digital media professional, 0’Regan-Reidy aims to create engaging, helpful articles that guide new and seasoned parents alike.

Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Mona Amin, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician based in Florida. She’s also the host of the PedsDocTalk podcast. She received her medical degree from ATSU School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, and completed her pediatric residency at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital in Albany, New York.

Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Comparison of straining during defecation in three positions: results and implications for human health, July 2003

Healthy Children (AAP), Choosing a Potty, November 2009

The Bump May 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of 300 parents from The Bump community, and asked what type of potty training toilets they used.

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