Oh potty training… how I love and hate thee.
But one thing is for sure, I’ve figured out which potty seats we like and which ones were wastes of money. I’m going to focus on the good right now…
I’m all for encouraging the use of the big potty as long as it’s not overwhelming or scary for the child. My first son didn’t want anything to do with the small floor potty seats and demanded he have his own seat on the toilet. My second son was a little intimidated by the giant porcelain throne (he is a tiny little bugger) so we eased him into the idea with the small potty seats.
Here are five potty seats that we have had much experience with and think you might like them, too.
We (I mean my son) used this one for the first time today while shopping at Ollie and Me. The owner has a full set up for parents in her restroom– changing table, diapers, wipes, potty seat and step stool. I was very impressed with this seat and like how it has the ring on the back to hang it when not in use. The built-in splash guard is just high enough for boys and it’s all one piece so it’s super easy to clean. I might replace our current toilet trainer seats with this one…
This is the seat that helped ease my 2nd son into the idea of potty training. It’s simple and small but not restrictive for a toddler’s frame. The splash guard is high and it’s all one piece so it’s easier to clean. I like this one over the larger ones with the removable “potty dump pans” because I’ve found that messes can (and do) still find a way into the cracks so you might as well buy one that’s one piece since you’ll be cleaning the entire seat anyway. It’s small enough so it’s not difficult to quickly clean in the tub (or sink).
I’m still on the hunt for the perfect travel potty but we do have this one for long car trips and emergencies. It comes with a cheap waterproof carry bag that barely covers the entire potty but if used right, it shouldn’t be a big issue. My biggest suggestion? Attach one of the liners (it’s basically a glamorous paper bag with a pad attached) before you set out on your travels. The liner is difficult to attach and you will probably only use this potty when your kid “has to go now!” so you don’t want to be stuck trying to attach the liner at the last minute. Once the liner is attached, you can fold the legs and place it in the bag… just double-check it before your kid does his thing.
Summer Infant All-In-One Potty & Step Stool
I know I mentioned that I prefer a one-piece potty seat but this potty is all you need to get you through the potty training stage and I love simplicity! The flip-up seat detaches and can be placed on a regular toilet and it turns into a step stool.
This one doesn’t get that great of reviews but we kinda like it. It serves its purpose. The one thing I really like about it are the handles. They provide my son a place to rest his hands and grab tightly when he does his business. I also really like that the seat is soft and padded. It kinda reminds me of my grandma’s toilet seat– you know, the squishy ones. The thing I don’t care for are the plastic pieces that hold the seat on the potty (under the padded seat). They seem to attract pee in the little cracks and crevices. It’s more work to wipe clean but again.. not the end of the world. Potty training is certainly not glamorous an clean. The biggest complaint (from others) is the splash guard and that it’s not high enough for a boy. I’m sorry but I’m teaching my son the whole “pee pee down” thing and he hasn’t sprayed the floor, stool, or me, ever.
I’ve been called “maternal” since the day I could hold a baby doll. I’ve become a pregnancy, baby and parenting resource since having my first child almost 10 years ago. This is my blog and where I share my journey through parenthood with you.
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