As a mom in the midst of potty training my second son, I can tell you a few truths. First, they will learn to use the toilet one day no matter how hopeless it might seem. And second, the potty training toilet seat matters.
My first son was all about his Elmo training potty. He did all his business in it while he watched TV and happily flushed everything into the big potty. My second son wants nothing to do with the little potty. It’s the big toilet or nothing. And if using the regular toilet gets him out of diapers, then let’s go!
If your child only wants the regular toilet, then a potty-training toilet seat may be the way to go. These fit over the toilet bowl to create a comfortable, more appropriately sized fit for your toddler. Our list of the best potty-training toilet seats features a variety of styles geared to your little one’s success.
- When to Potty Train
- Potty Training Toilet Seats Pros and Cons
- Our Picks for the Best Potty Training Toilet Seats
- BabyBJorn Toilet Trainer
- TopSeat TinyHiney Potty Seat
- Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder
- Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat
- Orzbow Potty Training Toilet Seat
- 3-in-1 Potty Training Toilet
- FAQ
When to Potty Train
According to experts, there’s no “right” time to potty train your child. However, they don’t suggest starting before age 2 because new toddlers lack certain developmental skills needed for potty training. Between 18 and 24 months, toddlers gain these important developmental skills.
Each child shows signs of readiness in their own way. These signs include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Following you to the bathroom or asking about the toilet
- The ability to pull clothes off and on
- Communication skills, like saying “yes” and “no”
- Telling you when they need a diaper change
There are many different potty training methods to choose from when your child is ready.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Comfort using the big toilet
Easier to clean than potty seats
Compact for bathroom storage
No need to dump contents—just wipe, flush, and go
Toddlers can use them independently
Cons
Toilet height can be intimidating
May need to purchase a stepstool if toilet is too high
Children's feet should rest on something while using the toilet
Our Picks for the Best Potty Training Toilet Seats
Best Ergonomic Potty Seat
BabyBJorn Toilet Trainer
This potty seat easily sits on top of a standard toilet. It doesn’t snap in like some other types, but you can adjust it to fit your toilet. The rounded edges provide comfort and encourage your child to sit on the toilet correctly. Plus, like its potty chair counterpart, this potty seat comes with a splash guard on the front to keep messes contained.
Best Adult and Training Potty Seat
TopSeat TinyHiney Potty Seat
This potty training seat is actually an adult size seat with a toddler seat clipped in. You just flip the toddler seat down to use it and put it back up when you’re done. The seat stays in the toilet seat lid, so no taking it off and on, hanging it, or finding somewhere to store it. It’s perfect for bathrooms without much space for a chair that sits on the floor, and your guests probably won’t even notice it’s there. It comes with bumpers on the toddler seat to prevent pinching and also boasts a 3-year warranty.
Best Potty Seat with Stool
Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder
This potty training seat comes with its own stepstool ladder, so no need to buy a separate one. The ladder not only helps your child reach the potty seat on top of the toilet, but it also provides a firm, slip-proof place for their feet to rest. You can adjust the height to fit most standard toilets and can fold it up for storage when not using it. Plus, it can hold up to 165 pounds, so it’s great for kids of all ages and sizes who are learning to use the restroom.
Best Potty Seat for Travel
Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat
The Jool Baby Folding Travel Potty Seat does just what it says—it folds for ease of travel. This small, lightweight potty seat comes with a convenient travel bag for outings with your little one. Engineered to fit most standard and public toilets, this travel potty seat also includes eight suction cups to securely fasten it while in use.
Best Potty Seat with Handles
Orzbow Potty Training Toilet Seat
The high backrest and spashback of the Orzbow Potty Training Toilet Seat create an ergonomic design to protect your child's spine. This design also keeps toddlers comfortable while keep spills to a minimum. With a universal fit, anti-slip silicone bottom, your child's safety is taken care of. And so is their peace of mind—the seat has handles to give them security using the toilet. The Orzbow Potty Training Toilet Seat also comes with a removeable and replaceable PVC cushion to keep your child warm and dry.
Best Potty for Long-term Use
3 IN 1 Potty Training Toilet
The 3-in-1 design of the TuckInn potty seat means it can grow with your child. Use it as a potty chair until they graduate to the big toilet. Then remove the seat and use it as a toilet collar. In it's third stage, the TuckInn potty training toilet becomes a stool for your little one to reach the sink more easily. The potty chair is engineered for stability with a thicker, wider design and a non-slip rubber strip. The toilet collar is compatible with most seats and features a splash guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to potty train with a chair or a toilet seat?
The decision is ultimately up to you and your child. Use whichever one they are more comfortable with and gets them excited to go on the potty.
