It's time to graduate from the diapers - congratulations! You're officially off the hook from expensing $100 (at least) per month on disposable diapers! Money aside, gone also are the days where you have to do around-the-clock diaper changes which to be honest, is probably one of the most exhausting task parenthood has to offer.
However, we'd be lying if we tell you the next phase - potty training - will be easy. For the lucky ones, a few days will do the trick (you're REALLY lucky, by the way!) but for those not so lucky ones, this trying process may take up to several months, or even longer.
Either case, you will need the right gear to ease (and hopefully speed up) baby into potty training so that this trying phase can be as smooth and comfortable a progress as possible for both baby and you.
1. Potty Seat vs. Potty Chair
For first-time parents, this may be confusing to you - is a potty seat different from a potty chair?
The answer is - yes, they are as different as they can be, albeit both being a tremendous aid in baby's potty training process in their own right.
Potty Chair
- Freestanding on its own
- Portable from room-to-room
- Easy for baby to access independently
- Need to dump the contents and clean after every use
- Takes up space especially in a small bathroom
Potty Seat
- Clips onto a regular toilet seat
- Reduces the toilet hole so baby can sit easily without having to balance or worry about falling in
- Don't need to clean after every use
- Need a stepstool to get access to it
So if you think about it, potty chair and potty seat has each their own pros and cons. Our advice? A potty chair can be the best potty for training when your kid is still very little, after which you can move to a toddler toilet seat when baby grows bigger. This way, you can enjoy the best potty training toilets of both worlds!
2. Best Potty Training Chairs
There are many that claim to be the best potty training chairs, but for the BabyBjorn Potty Chair, we can truly claim it as one of the best among the best. No surprises there, considering baby bjorn potty is one of the bestseller in its category!
This classic potty training toilet has an ergonomic design with soft lines that has a sturdy construction to make sure it is steady and safe for baby to sit on. Rubber edging along the bottom ensures the potty chair sits firmly on the floor without sliding about, a concern many parents have had about potty chairs.
The high backrest and comfy armrests ensure baby sits comfortably. This is especially important when baby needs to sit for longer, and the smooth and rounded edges of both the potty chair and inner potty will not pinch baby's skin.
A splashguard is included to prevent spills and the inner potty seat can be lifted out easily by its handle for emptying and cleaning. You can either wipe it clean or rinse under running water and the smooth plastic and clean design with no corners or grooves will prevent dirt from building up.
Overall, if you are looking for a baby potty chair, we'd highly recommend the BabyBjorn Potty Chair. This toilet potty chair is sturdy and durable enough to be passed down from sibling to sibling, you will definitely not regret getting one!
The realistic looking Summer Infant My Size Potty is another hugely popular kids potty chair that is well loved by toddlers and parents overall.
Featuring the look and feel of an adult toilet, this potty chair helps to ensure a comfortable and confident transition to the real thing. A toilet handle that gives out a flushing sound functions as an interactive encouragement to reward your little one of a job well done, and the built in wipe dispenser keep flushable wipes within reach so your little one can develop proper hygiene habit since young.
This is perhaps one of the best potty for boys because it comes with a clip-on splashguard that proves to be helpful for boys, and the realistic flip-up lid design helps your little boy learn how to go standing up. And when all businesses is done, the removable pot makes cleanup a breeze.
While the colour white is unisex, if you prefer a truly girl potty chair, we're pleased to inform you that the My Size Potty comes in a baby pink colour too, perfect for the princesses!
As many of us know, children love to imitate their parents so the realistic design of the Summer Infant My Size Potty that looks and feels like the real adult thing will certainly be a boost in your potty training progress. No wonder it is regarded as one of the best potty training gear by many parents!
If your little boy needs a little extra motivation or encouragement in his potty training progress, we suggest getting The First Years Training Wheels Racer Potty System - a boys potty chair that is shaped like a toy car.
This 2-in-1 potty system offers a removable trainer seat that fits on the family toilet, which means you get the best of both worlds in one item!
You can start using the system as a standalone potty when baby boy is still relatively small (the non-skid feet will ensure it stays in place) after which you can make the transition to a detachable seat that you can place on your family toilet. Handles are built in at both sides for baby boy to hold onto for security. Don't worry, the trainer seat is easy to clean with the high pee shield (less mess!) and the pot can be lifted out for easy emptying and cleaning.
If you're at your wits end trying to potty train your little boy, try giving The First Years Training Wheels Racer Potty System a go. Out of the many ways to potty train a boy, having a potty chair that simulates cars - a common favourite among boys - has been found to be one of the easiest way to potty train a boy. Try it, it may help achieve the fast potty training progress you've ever dreamed of!
For parents potty training 3 year old boy, we have found the best potty training urinal for you - the Foryee Cute Frog Potty Training Urinal for Boys.
In fact, not just for 3 year olds, this urinal is perfect for toilet training boys between the ages of 1 to 6 years. The height of this froggy shape urinal is adjustable so it can grow with your little boy.
A water wheel is built in to keep your child focus (in a fun way) throughout the toilet training process and the super suction cups behind both 'eyes' allow the urinal to be attached firmly to any tile bathroom wall or surfaces.
If that is not secured enough, rest assured there is a portable hook hardware that allows you to hook it onto your wall. As with all good potty training chairs, there is a removable bowl insert for your easy cleaning and hygiene maintenance.
If you want to train your boy standing up from the start, or if your little man aspires to be like Daddy, the best training potty for boy is no doubt the Foryee Cute Frog Potty Training Urinal. It comes in two other colours too, if green is not your cup of tea!
Enough with the boys', we need to cater for the little princesses too, right? The Summer Infant Step by Step Potty - Girl version comes in a pretty pink colour that will surely tickle the fancy of your little girl, in turn making your job of potty training toddler girl an easier journey .
This is a 3-stage complete potty training system - as a standalone potty chair for the younger years, before transitioning to a toilet topper training seat, and then to a step stool to reach any height around the house.
Doing all these are very easy too. Simply snap off the toilet topper from the potty and place it securely onto your family toilet. The white base can then function as a step stool for baby to reach the toilet topper independently, aside from using it to reach the sink, or anywhere around the house.
Like any other potty chair by Summer Infant, this 3 in 1 potty Step by Step comes with a built-in lid (as a compartment for disposable wipes) and a toilet paper holder to allow parents teach and encourage their little girl important hygiene habits since young.
Be it you are potty training girls age 2 or older, the Summer Infant Step by Step Potty - Girl is certainly one of the best toddler potty to potty train your little princess, easily and comfortably at each step.
Another girls potty seat that we'd highly recommend is the Fisher-Price Custom Comfort Potty Training Seat. Yep, you guess it right - it comes in a pretty shade of pink, too!
Don't be confused by its name, it is not a toilet training seat but a portable potty chair that offers two adjustable chair heights for you to create a custom fit for your little girl at different stage. What this potty chair emphasizes in successful potty trainings is the key to get little ones feel comfortable, secure and relaxed during the whole process. This is why it allows two adjustable heights so that it is never too small or too tall for your little one. Further, two arm rests are provided for holding (and ease of getting up as well) and the comfortable high seat back with custom comfort potty helps your kid to confidently get on and off the potty.
This is one easy-to-clean potty chair with its one-piece removable bucket. The all smooth surface design ensures nothing is trapped in any nook or cranny so you can be sure each cleanup is thorough and done in a breeze.
Because of this, you can pass the Fisher-Price Custom Comfort Potty Training Seat down from sibling to sibling. Even if your next child happens to be a boy, don't worry, there is a built-in splash guard for boys to help prevent potty training mess and stress. And who says pink is limited to boys only, right?
3. Best Potty Seat
We love the BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer Seat as much as we love the brand's potty chair - relatively cheap and durable, it is hands down one of the best toilet seat to potty train your child with.
This toilet trainer is lightweight and easy to put on and take off, even your child can do it on his/her own without assistance. All you need to do is adjust it once during its first use by using the adjustable dial feature to find the most secure fit. Once adjusted, it will safely rest on the toilet seat each time. If it happens you need to bring it to another place, say grandma's house, you can easily adjust it to fit another toilet without hassle. Don't worry, the adjustable dial feature will provide a secure fit on most toilets.
Older children can easily sit down on this toilet trainer unaided thanks to its clever ergonomic design that helps him/her sit correctly, and securely. The inbuilt, inward facing splashguard will prevent spills, which in turn increase your child's confidence and minimize your cleaning after each use.
Do note that this toilet trainer does require a stepstool for most children to reach, though you should always help your little one climb up and down from the seat until it is safe for him/her to do so on their own. For other family members who do not require the toilet trainer, there is a convenient, built-in handle on the back for you to hang it up.
Many parents dub the BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer as one of the best toddler toilet seat because it is just so easy to use and clean afterwards. The soft edges are easy to clean with a wipe or by running under hot water. Best of all, it is made of BPA-free material that meet plastic safety standards in both Europe and the USA.
Fisher-Price's The Perfect Potty Ring is another popular choice among parents looking for the best potty training seat.
Like BabyBjorn's, it is quick and easy to adjust a custom fit to most unpadded toilet seats by pushing down the 'perfect fit' handle and the seat will sit securely without any slipping or sliding on the adult toilet. The contoured shape and easy-to-hold handles make it comfortable and secure for toddlers to sit on, and an integrated splashguard helps prevent mess and makes clean up easy.
It also includes a hook for you to hang the ring seat on the side of the toilet (as pictured left) for convenience and space-saving storage so that adults can use the toilet easily too when baby is not in need of it.
Likewise, this toilet ring requires a stepstool for young children to reach themselves, otherwise, you will have to carry him/her up and down the seat each time. Nonetheless, the Fisher-Price The Perfect Potty Ring is one best toilet training seat that you will not regret buying for an easy potty training journey.
In terms of best value for money, nothing beats the Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat. This munchkin potty seat is by far the cheapest kids potty seat that does not compromise on quality.
Fit most standard toilets, this toddler potty seat is contoured to hold your child securely in place. The easy-grip handles add stability so baby doesn't feel scared falling into the big toilet. Further, the edges are non-skid so the seat is prevented from moving around, thus giving your little one more confidence.
As we've said, the Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat does not compromise quality with its price. It includes a built-in pee guard and 'feet' at the base of the seat for easy stand-up storage just like any expensive child potty seat. And oh, it includes a compartment for you to snap in a deodorizing disc to neutralize odors naturally!
For those that are having trouble finding a portable potty seat that fits their toilet bowl, you know, when your adult toilet is not standard whereby most other potty training seats do not fit, this baby potty seat from Cozy Greens should do the trick!
This travel potty seat is ergonomically designed to fit most elongated (oval) and round bowls with an adapter so you get a better chance of finding a perfect fit for your non-standard toilet. Children will feel safe with the added stability of the trademarked GrippySafe Anti Slip Ring, a feature that eliminates the fear of falling in by preventing the seat from moving around. Trust us, no handles or grips are needed with this one! It is also compact enough to pack for use on toilets during travel or in cars, it is the car potty choice many parents go for.
As opposed to potty training chairs, the soft Cozy Greens training seat comes with a suction cup and hook screw for convenient storage on the wall or the side of your toilet tank, allowing the trainer to be an adornment to your bathroom instead of a disruption. Pair with the brand's matching Step Stool, you get the perfect set that will not become an eyesore at your bathroom.
We love how the seat is coated with a layer of soft rubber to protect and provide increased comfort for little bums, and how the inbuilt low splashguard helps prevent accidental splashes in addition to being safe for your child to slide on and off the toilet ring without harm. It goes without saying that the cleaning part is equally easy - simply put it under running water and use regular detergent (if needed, it can also be lightly scrubbed with a microfibre cloth or sponge).
What's really thoughtful of Cozy Greens is that it includes a free potty training chart with stickers and an illustrated eBook on potty training with tips to get your toddler trained in no time. So confident that you'll like its Potty Training Seat, the brand offers lifetime full factory warranty - for any problems experienced, it will refund every penny of your purchase AND ship you a new seat free of charge. Now, what are you waiting for?
Now, all the portable toddler seat for toddlers reviewed above require a separate stepstool for toddlers to reach the seat themselves. If you think that is too cumbersome, or have limited bathroom space, getting a potty chair with steps is the best way to go. Out of all, we like the Mommy's Helper Contoured Cushie Step Up best.
This potty seat with step fits standard and most elongated toilet seats so finding the perfect fit for your toilet bowl shouldn't be a problem. Safety wise, you have nothing to worry about - your child can climb onto the ribbed step holding onto the non-slip handles safely before sitting on the soft padded contoured seat. For added security, extra wide non-slip floor pads are installed for increased sturdiness. There is even a built-in deflector for the little boys so parents do not have to worry about messy spills.
Assembly wise, it is tool free with all parts snapping together so anyone should be able to install it with ease. When the Step Up is not it use, just lift at the handles and the seat transforms into a slim piece for easy storage.
For parents that want a one-step (no pun intended) toilet seat without the need of a separate stool, we highly recommend getting the Mommy's Helper Contoured Cushie Step Up, the best potty training toilet seat that's both convenient and hassle-free.
What about when you go travelling, staying at a hotel or even just out and about in a shopping mall and your little one suddenly needs to go? Do you disrupt your potty training progress by going back to the diapers for those trips? Of course not! We introduce the Gimars Upgrade Toilet Potty Training Seat Covers, the best travel potty seat ever!
This toilet training seat is designed to help your children learn how to use the toilet bowl with confidence anytime, anywhere. Unlike many of its competitors, this one comes in a pack of 6 (3 times more than the usual practice) and is larger than most other silicone pads so that the contact area of friction between the toilet cover and potty training seat is increased, thus keeping babies from falling off the toilet effectively.
We love this design because it enhances the tightness of joint more firmly, therefore there is no gap to pinch baby's bottom. It also fits most standard toilet, including round, elongated and even the squarish ones.
This folding travel potty seat that is the Gimars Upgrade Toilet Potty Training Seat Covers is a well replacement for potty chair during travel. It covers any public toilet seat so your little one can avoid coming in direct contact with public toilets which effectively help to prevent the spread of germs. Comes with a nice plastic zip waterproof storage/carry bag, it is the best travel potty for any child 3 years or older!
