How to Choose the Right Potty Seat for Your Child

It’s that time – time to potty train! You have been seeing the signs, and now you are pretty sure your little one is ready. You’re going to need a potty seat or potty chair – but which one? How do you know which is the right one to buy? Here are some things to consider when for choosing the right potty seat for your child.

1. How Early in the Game Is It?

At
the very beginning, it’s usually best to go with a small, low, free-standing potty chair. This caters to a toddler’s natural tendency to squat, and they are low enough that he or she can sit on them easily. You can also take these chairs with you to hotels or other places where you will need a familiar, small toilet for your child.

2. Simple Plastic Models

The most basic type of potty chair is a plastic seat with a bowl that fits down in it. You empty this bowl into the regular toilet and flush the waste. Then you rinse out the bowl. It’s very simple and straightforward, and usually inexpensive. These simple models are pretty mobile, too.

3. Musical Potty Chairs

Yes, there are potty chairs that play music, and they are supposed to act as a sort of reward or entertainment for your toddler. The music plays when they sit on the chair, encouraging them to do so. Some of these musical chairs are pretty fancy, with fun shapes like thrones or miniature flush toilets. If your toddler likes that sort of thing, then this type of potty chair may be just the thing. Generally, though, these kinds of potty chairs aren’t as mobile as the simpler types, and they are more expensive.

4. Dual-Purpose Models

Some potty chairs are designed to grow with your toddler. They start out as pretty much a basic chair, but when your toddler gets bigger and is able to get onto the big toilet, the potty chair comes apart. One part fits into the toilet seat to make it smaller, and the other part converts into a step-stool. This may be a good option if you just want to make one purchase, although these types are pricier in general.

5. The Potty Seat Insert

These seats fit into the opening of the adult toilet, making the hole smaller. Your toddler will need a step-stool to climb up to the big toilet, but it is the least expensive option available (unless you have to buy a step-stool, too). The insert can travel with you anywhere, bringing a familiar toilet seat wherever you go. But if your toddler has to go right now, it’s more involved and cumbersome than a sit-down model. Also, toddlers’ feet dangle from the big toilet, which can make bowel movements more difficult.