Which potty-training seat is best?
There’s no perfect solution or formula for potty-training success, but potty-training seats definitely make the process simpler. Potty-training seats transform regular toilets into seats that are easier for your toddler to sit on. There are a number of different potties out there with different sizes, features and types. The BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer is a first-class potty for your little one to use during the potty-training process.
What to know before you buy a potty-training seat
Benefits
Potty-training seats have several benefits. For example, they reduce and eliminate the need to clean a separate toilet bowl since you just need to wipe and flush. Many toddlers like the idea of using a regular-sized toilet like their parents, and they’re much simpler to store than full-sized potty chairs.
Types of potty-training seats
There are multiple different kinds of potty seats out there, including traditional potty-training seats, padded potty-training seats, travel fold-up or convertible potty-training seats and hinged potty-training seats.
Find the right fit
Toilet bowls come in a wide range of sizes, so it’s important to select a potty-training seat that matches your toilet’s dimensions. Several potty-training seats are also available that provide an adjustable fit for various toilet sizes.
What to look for in a quality potty-training seat
Splash guard
A splash guard is a necessary feature for many children. Splash guards are positioned in the front center of the potty-training seat and work to keep splashes of urine from going on you or your bathroom floor. Some splash guards are permanent, while others are removable for customizable comfort and cleaning convenience.
Handles
Side handles are helpful for children who need some additional security. Having side handles to hold onto can offer little kids a sense of stability and give them something to grip and bear down on when needed.
Colors and prints
Buying a potty with a friendly print or bright color can spark some interest in potty training for your toddler. You can choose a seat in your child’s favorite color or select one with their favorite cartoon characters.
How much you can expect to spend on a potty-training seat
Potty-training seats range in price from about $10 to $50, based on the features, the quality and the style of the seat. The most basic and budget-friendly models cost about $10-$15, while midrange potties go for $15-$25 and high-end potties are about $25-$50.
Potty-training seat FAQ
Can you use a potty-training seat right away, or should you start the potty-training process for your child with a potty-training chair?
A. It’s definitely not required to start the potty-training process for your child with a potty-training chair, but many parents and guardians prefer starting out with one. If your toddler doesn’t mind the noise and size of the toilet and wants to try using a potty-training seat immediately, you can certainly try it.
Getting your child used to using the real toilet from the beginning will save you from needing to do so in the future. It will also make it much easier for you when visiting family and friends.
How do you clean a padded potty-training seat?
A. How you clean the seat depends on the padding. Many nonremovable padded potty-training seats are very hard to clean since liquid can get into the tiny crevices and cracks. But if you have a seat with removable padding, you can just disassemble it and wipe the seat and the padding down.
What’s the best potty-training seat to buy?
Top potty-training seat
BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer
What you need to know: This ergonomically designed potty-training seat from BabyBjorn fits comfortably.
What you’ll love: This BabyBjorn potty seat offers a built-in handle for simple handling and storage, as well as a built-in splash guard to help reduce and prevent spills. The gentle contours of the potty seat promote proper positioning and boost comfort.
What you should consider: This seat doesn’t come with any side handles for your child to hold onto.
Top potty-training seat for the money
Munchkin Sturdy Potty Training Seat
What you need to know: This potty-training seat from Munchkin offers plenty of features and functionality at an affordable price.
What you’ll love: This inexpensive Munchkin potty-training seat features side grips for extra security and hygienic handling and a nonskid edge to help keep the potty in place on most modern toilet seats.
What you should consider: This potty-training seat might be slightly too large for smaller or older toilet seats.
Worth checking out
OXO Two-in-One Go Potty for Travel
What you need to know: This seat from OXO is perfect for travel and can be used as a stand-alone potty with disposable bags or as a seat on a regular toilet.
What you’ll love: It’s simple to clean and comes with three bonus disposable bags and a drawstring carrier bag for easy portability. It also unfolds and folds with a simple press of the button.
What you should consider: This potty-training seat might slightly tilt when your child leans forward on it while it’s attached to the toilet.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.