Rachel Nelson has studied sewing for over 20 years and has been working as an in-home professional seamstress for 10, sewing and tailoring clothing for clients around the world. She has had clients from France, Belgium, Australia, Canada, S... more
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If you are planning to potty train your child, we have compiled a list of the best potty training seats and chairs for toddlers. These specialized chairs help your child learn to use toilets and are useful when trying to help them transition from diapers. They are comfortable and provide adequate support to encourage your child. However, choosing the right seats and chairs may be tricky with multiple options available. So, explore our list to find one that suits your child’s needs.
This potty seat by the trusted brand, Fisher-Price, mimics the original toilet seat and has a flush-like knob that makes a flushing sound every time it is pressed. The flushing sound and action help the toddler get habituated to flushing after using the toilet. The built-in handles on the potty seat ring allow the toddler to grip the handles and adjust themselves on the seat. Here’s a video showcasing a tester’s experience of the product.
Summer Infant brings you this lightweight travel potty chair with a two-piece design that is easy to dismantle and carry during long-distance travel. The contoured shape of the potty ring makes it comfortable for the toddler to sit. This baby-friendly potty seat also comes with a travel bag and five disposable liners to place within the potty bowl.
Material: Potty Chair is made of polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) | Color: Powder Pink/White | Product Dimensions: 14.21 x 14.13 x 12.4 inches | Item Weight: 1.98 pounds
Pros
Compact and ultra-lightweight design
Portable to carry and place anywhere in the house
Detachable single-piece potty bowl
Features a splash guard to prevent accidental spillage
Summer Infant brings you this lightweight travel potty chair with a two-piece design that is easy to dismantle and carry during long-distance travel. The contoured shape of the potty ring makes it comfortable for the toddler to sit. It also comes with a travel bag and five disposable liners to place within the potty bowl.
Item Weight: 8 ounces | Product Dimensions: 8 x 4.75 x 7.75 inches
Pros
Disposable liners made of absorbent materials
Use of liners helps save water
Disposable liners can be purchased separately
Convenient and hygienic
Cons
May be slightly small in size
Edges might be slightly thin
Quick fact
Boys tend to start toilet training later than girls and take longer to learn how to use the potty (2).
This potty training chair comes with a realistic flush knob, which, when turned, makes a flushing sound. It also comes with musical notes to keep the toddler interested. The tried-and-tested chair has a built-in splash guard in the potty bowl, and the bowl is removable from the main seat for easy cleaning.
This comfortable potty seat has a compact single-piece design and is best suited for younger toddlers. It can quickly become dad-and-mom-approved as it has no detachable parts, making cleaning easy and straightforward. This potty chair with backrest also has anti-skid material at the bottom to prevent slippage, making it a safe and effective option.
Product Dimensions: 10.63"L x 9.06"W | Shape: Oval | Color: Green | Item Weight: 9.5 ounces
This potty chair by Fisher-Price has a built-in sensor that detects if the toddler has answered the nature call and rewards them with fun sounds and melodies. It’s a musical step-stool potty seat with three functions, viz. a potty chair, a potty seat for adult toilets, and a standing stool for toddlers. Once the toddler is done, they can close the lid and stand on it to reach the sink for washing hands. Check out this detailed review video to learn more about the product via a tester’s experience.
Removable toilet seat ring to fit a standard toilet seat
Splash guard to prevent spillage
Handles on the side of the potty seat ring for convenience
Detachable for easy washing
Cons
May not be easy to clean
May not be great for little boys
Point to consider
Encourage children to practice sitting on the potty chair. Begin with sitting on the potty with their clothes on, then their diaper, and finally bare-bottomed.
This versatile chair by Primo works as a potty chair, home potty seat, step stool, and travel potty seat. When it is not used for potty training, it can also be used as a sitting stool for the toddler. The potty seats with armrests on either side provide enhanced support when the child is sitting on it.
Shape: Oval | Material: Polypropylene | Color: White | Item Weight: 3.74 pounds | Product Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 8 inches
Pros
Detachable potty seat fits adult toilets
Cover the lid, and the potty converts into a sitting stool
Includes built-in sensor and splash guard
Reward stickers that can be useful during potty training
This two-in-one potty seat by Oxo can be used as a travel potty seat or as a toddler potty seat ring for use with adult toilets. When using it as a travel potty, you can open the foldable legs and place the potty seat on it. It includes disposable absorbent potty bags, and you can also use standard plastic bags. To use it as a toddler seat converter for adult toilets, place the legs in a horizontal position and latch the toilet ring.
Shape: Oval | Material: Plastic | Color: Tot Navy | Item Weight: 1.5 pounds | Product Dimensions: 3.45 x 10.4 x 12 inches
Pros
Socket on the two legs holds the plastic bag open and prevents movement even if the toddler moves
Foldable legs can be moved with the push of a button
Button accessible on the lower side prevents accidental leg folding
This potty seat by Primo has a collapsible ring that folds into a single piece for convenient carrying and storage. It is compact enough to fit into most travel bags and diaper bags. The hinges fold the toilet seat such that the gap between the two folds does not pinch the toddler’s skin.
Shape: Round | Color: White | Item Weight: 9.6 ounces | Product Dimensions: 14 x 12 x 0.25 inches
Pros
Rubber grip at the bottom to prevent sliding
Lightweight at just 12oz
Two grab handles allow the toddler to sit confidently
Can support toddlers above the age of two years
Maximum weight capacity is 40lb
Cons
May be slightly small
Does not include a splash guard
Quick tip
Use words like “pee,” “poop,” and “potty” to express the act of using the toilet and help your child learn to recognize the urge to pee and poop.
Potty training is made easy and convenient for your toddler with this laddered potty training seat by OxGord. It is colorful, and the ladders make it extremely easy for the toddler to reach the toilet seat. This baby-friendly potty seat with step stool folds compactly, enabling you to store it away when not in use. While it fits all standard toilet seats, you can adjust the foldable potty seat’s height as the ladder slides.
Material: Plastic | Color: Blue, Orange, Green | Item Weight: 3.74 pounds | Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 20.25 x 14.5 inches
Pros
Contoured design for a secure fit and safe seating
Contoured splash guard to keep the seat germ-free and clean
Wide, non-slip floor pads
Non-slip and easy-to-grip handles
Cons
May not be very sturdy
Can be hard to assemble
Pro Tip
The ladder can be used as a step stool to help the child rest their feet and push during a bowel movement (3).
Are you looking for a toilet seat that fits smoothly to a standard toilet seat? Bring home the Munchkin potty seat. This contoured potty seat can be trusted by moms and dads as it includes side handles for supporting the toddler. The potty chair with handles also makes placing and removing easy for the parent.
Shape: Oval | Color: Blue | Item Weight: 12 ounces | Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 15 x 3.38 inches
Pros
Non-skid edges prevent the seat from shifting
Sturdy yet lightweight potty seat
Integrated splash guard
Space saving storage with feet at the bottom of the seat
Make toilet training a fun task for your child with the Disney Mickey Mouse Deluxe Potty Seat. It features a built-in speaker and can appeal to children fascinated by Mickey Mouse. The potty chair with music plays three playful songs to ensure your child stays engaged during potty training. Besides, the seat is easy to clean with mild soap and water, and you can air dry it.
If you’re looking for a cute and functional toilet training seat for your little one, the Prince Lionheart potty training seat is the one for you. It is designed to reduce the toilet hole to offer added safety for smaller children. The splash guard ensures no splashbacks, and the squishy, cushiony seat offers optimal comfort and support. This portable potty seat requires no installation and is easy to use.
Material: Foam | Color: Glacier | Item Weight: 1.06 pounds | Product Dimensions: 12.75 x 3.75 x 13.5 inches
Pros
Secures with suction cup
Flat back for easy storage
Easy to wipe clean
Available in three colors
Cons
May not have a smooth texture
May not be suitable for children allergic to rubber
This training seat by Bumbo is contoured to make the toddler sit securely without any discomfort. The one-piece design makes it easy to clean and store after use. It includes a large, integrated splash guard that the baby can also use as a grabbing point for support.
Shape: Oval | Material: Foam | Color: Aqua | Item Weight: 14.1 ounces | Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 4.53 x 11.42 inches
Pros
Made of soft foam instead of hard plastic
Squishy and provides a snug fit
Waterproof coating all around so that the foam does not absorb any liquids
Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
May not be compatible with all other standard toilet seats
Let your little one enjoy music during potty sessions. This toddler toilet seat by Nickelodeon has two handles that feature a speaker that play three funny songs. These handles with rubber grips provide support to the toddler while also making it easy for the parent to place and remove the potty seat. The removable backrest ensures easy storage, and it has a built-in splash guard at the front to prevent spillage.
Bright colors and attractive illustrations make the potty seat quite appealing
Rubber grips on four corners at the bottom prevent slippage
Detachable top seat ring makes it easy to clean
Made from durable, non-toxic plastic
Cons
Sound may not work effectively after a few uses
May not be easy to clean
What Are The Different Types Of Potty Training Products?
There are two types of potty training products, viz chairs and seats.
A potty chair is a stand-alone, miniature plastic toilet that resembles an adult toilet. It is specially designed for toddlers and is available in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Several of them have integrated features like music and a flushing sound to make potty training interesting to the toddler. Some potty chairs come with a detachable potty seat that can be used on an adult toilet.
Potty seats for toddlers look like a smaller version of the toilet seat that you find on an adult toilet. These little seats fit right over the adult toilet seat and reduce the circumference of the toilet seat ring. These seats prevent the child from slipping into the toilet and help the toddler feel confident on an adult toilet. Potty seats could contain integrated features like splash guards and grab handles.
A potty seat is what you need when you want your kid to get used to using the real toilet.
Potty Seat Pros
Potty Seat Cons
Fits on almost any adult toilet seat including those in public restrooms
Limited sizes. Smaller toddlers may still find potty seat uncomfortable
Compact size, thus easy to carry. Also, no cleaning or dumping needed like a potty chair.
The toddler needs to climb the adult toilet. So investment in stool or ladder required.
Habituates toddler about adult toilet and allows faster transition
Occupies the adult toilet, which could be problematic in single toilet households and restrooms.
Remember, both seats and chairs are tools that help a toddler learn to use the toilet instead of a diaper. So, pick one that has the features that you are looking for.
How To Choose The Right Potty Training Seat And Chair?
Look for the following features while shopping for your toddler’s potty chair and seat.
Designed for your toddler: Check the recommended age and weight for the potty seat/chair as mentioned by the manufacturer. Some potty seats and chairs are designed for a range of toddler age groups.
Adequate support and balance: A potty seat should fit on an adult toilet seat securely without any undulations. Potty chairs should have a firm balance and remain firmly on the ground even when the toddler adjusts himself. Toilet seats with armrest and back support make the child feel secure and prevent fear of falling (1). Prefer non-slip potty seats with anti-skid materials that prevent slippage.
Comfortable and secure seat material: Your toddler will refuse to use the seat unless it is comfortable to sit on. Look for soft-touch materials and smooth plastics that are gentle on the toddler’s skin and do not cause strain during extended duration of potty training.
Easy to clean: It should take only a few steps to dump and clean a potty chair. The design should be free of crevices or complex bends where excrement can get trapped and harbor bacteria. Soft potty seats should be resistant to absorption of liquids.
Rachel Nelson, a professional nanny, seamstress, entrepreneur, and mom, says, “When choosing a potty seat, determine how easy or hard it is to clean. Models that have multiple removable pieces may get dirty in between the nooks and crannies.
Simple non-complex design: Select potty seats that clamp and come off easily from an adult toilet. Some potty seats have feet at the bottom for convenient storage, which can be an added benefit.
Extra features: Some bonus features like footrest, handles, and backrest provide an added advantage. When buying potty seats for boys, you can give preference to those with a splash-guard to prevent a mess when the young man pees.
Potty chairs and seats help your toddler when used the right way. So it is important to keep in mind some points while using these potty training aids.
Points To Remember When Using Toddler Potty Seats And Chairs
Follow these measures to ensure a safe potty training experience for your toddler (1) (2).
Do not leave the toddler alone: Your toddler may be all set to sit on the toilet, but it is not safe to leave him alone on it. When seated on an adult toilet, the toddler may playfully try to squeeze himself through the potty seat, which can result in him getting stuck. With potty chairs, the risk is less, but the little one may place his hands in the potty bowl. Therefore, for safety and hygiene reasons, always stand with your toddler to supervise him during potty training. Also, remember not to flush the toilet while your child is sitting on it. Children don’t realize their body is larger than the drain hole and might get scared of falling into it.
Let the tot adjust but not play: Some soft potty seats may seem so squishy that the toddler may feel like bouncing on them. While it may look cute, remember that the potty seat/chair is not a toy. Playing around with it may result in the chair tipping over and causing injury.
Clean immediately and set it for drying: Once your toddler is done, clean the potty chair/seat immediately and leave it to dry. Potty seats come in direct contact with the toddler’s skin and hands. Germs can easily transmit from hands to mouth, causing infections. Maintain good hygiene by immediately disposing of excrement and cleaning the seat/chair with a disinfectant liquid.
Inspect regularly for any stress or damage: Toddlers grow quickly, and within months he may be putting extra weight on the chair or seat. Periodically look for any signs of damage like cracks or loose hinges. It can mitigate accidental breakage.
Do not stretch beyond intended use: Some potty seats extend their value by doubling as sitting or stepping stools. However, unless the potty chair is designed for such a purpose, do not use it for anything else than potty training.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, the author of this article, writes about baby products. She has compiled this list of the best potty training seats and chairs after evaluating the quality, features, and safety parameters. Vibha has scoured through online reviews and looked closely at the material while creating this list of the best options available in the market. To make the shopping experience seamless for you and help you make the right choice based on your requirement and preference, she has listed down the features of each product in detail and added a buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is potty training safe for children?
Yes, it is safe as long as your child shows signs of readiness. Potty training helps your little one understand the difference between pee and poop. It also makes them go diaper-free (2).
2. When should I introduce a potty chair to my child?
Children are generally ready to use potty chairs between 18 and 24 months. However, some children may take more time to get accustomed to using potty chairs. Children also show other readiness cues for potty training such as regular bowel movements, not wetting their diaper during naps, talking about using the potty, or showing an interest in wearing grown-up underpants (1).
3. Do potty chairs come with cushioned seating?
Yes, some potty seats are designed with cushioned seating to keep the new learner comfortable.
Ensuring your child is potty trained is nothing less than a milestone. Purchasing the best potty training seats can easily help your child transition smoothly from diapers to a toilet seat. Choosing between a seat or a chair depends on how quickly the child learns how to use an actual toilet. So, checking if it is well-contoured for smooth usage is essential. You can also check if it has adequate seat balance, is easy to clean, has a convenient design, and has an anti-skid build to suit your little one’s age and weight. Further, they come in attractive colors, designs, and shapes, so pick one based on personal preferences.
References:
MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
Rachel Nelson has studied sewing for over 20 years and has been working as an in-home professional seamstress for 10, sewing and tailoring clothing for clients around the world. She has had clients from France, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, in addition to the various US states. Rachel spent three years working as an in-home nanny for several families of...more
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University. Also, he holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland and loves to expand his knowledge through certifications in various...more
Wedetso Chirhah holds a masters degree in English Literature from Mangalore University and has over 13 years of experience in content. He has written content for more than 15 B2B websites and edited school books before joining MomJunction as an editor. Wedetso ensures the articles meet the highest editorial standards. He enjoys making content understandable and relatable to readers, and...more
Vibha is a coder turned content writer. She holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications from Osmania University, Hyderabad and a certificate in 'Introduction To Child Psychology'. Her passion for writing fresh and informative content made her a full-time writer in 2019. Holding certifications in content writing and creative writing, she writes on electronics, baby and health products for MomJunction....more
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Pro Tip
