What are the Best Potty Training Toilets? Tips from the Expert

Potty training is an exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes, downright hilarious milestone.

Every parent has a potty training story, often involving a lot of patience and, let’s face it, a fair share of mess too.

But with a solid plan in place and the best potty training toilet, this journey can be a whole lot smoother for you and your kiddo.

So here’s all you need to know about potty training toilets — which ones are best, how to use them, clean them, and when to stop.

In this article: 📝

What type of potty is best for potty training?

When it comes to potty training, not all potties are created equal.

There are a few main types, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Here’s a quick rundown of each type:

1. Standalone potty chairs

These are the classic mini-toilets designed just for toddlers.

They come in various designs, from simple and functional to flashy and fun with music and lights.

Some are a classic white, while others are super colorful with your child’s favorite characters, and they have a few advantages.

First, they’re the perfect size for a small child to be able to use them without assistance, which also makes them less intimidating than a full-size toilet.

Another great feature is their portability, so you get the freedom to put them wherever you want throughout the house, or even keep one within arms’ reach to catch as many ‘successes’ as possible.

But they do need emptying and cleaning after each use, which can get pretty time-consuming.

They can also take up space throughout your house and can add an extra step to the potty training process when your child outgrows the small potty and needs to transition to the regular toilet.

Pros:

• Toddler-friendly size
• Often more stable for smaller kids
• Less intimidating than a full-size toilet
• Can be put anywhere

Cons:

• Needs to be emptied and cleaned after each use
• Can be bulky
• Requires an eventual transition from potty to toilet

2. Potty seats for regular toilets

Sometimes called seat inserts or potty rings, these are smaller seats that fit directly onto your regular toilet.

They can feel more grown-up and can make the transition to using the big toilet easier.

Some come with handles for extra security, and many are padded for comfort.

If your child has already had exposure to or practice with using the toilet, you may wish to forgo the small potty chair altogether.

Let’s face it, they won’t have small potties everywhere you go, so teaching your child how to use the toilet straight away can make it easier for your child to use the potty places other than home.

Just keep in mind the importance of using a step stool with this option.

Not only for your child to be able to climb up and sit on the toilet themselves, but also to provide much needed foot support.

Dangling legs aren’t ideal for toileting posture, and using a stool for foot support can help them focus on the task at hand.

There are even potty seats with a built-in ladder attachment, like a combo potty training seat and step stool.

Pros:

• No need to empty and clean bowls
• Quicker transition to regular toilet
• Saves space

Cons:

• Can be intimidating for some toddlers
• Requires a step stool for easy access and foot support

3. Portable travel potties

Perfect for on-the-go, these potties are lightweight and can be folded up.

They often come with disposable liners, making them easy to clean.

They’re a lifesaver during trips or outings where a regular toilet isn’t available.

Just pop one into your diaper bag for easy pottying while you’re out and about.

Pros:

• Portable and convenient
• Disposable liners for easy cleaning
• Great for travel and outdoor use

Cons:

• Not always as stable as potty training chairs
• Ongoing cost of disposable liners

4. Multi-functional potties

Some potty chairs transform into step stools or have a detachable potty seat that can be used on the regular toilet.

These multi-use designs grow with your child, providing long-term value.

Pros:

• Versatile and cost-effective
• Grows with your child
• Saves space

Cons:

• May not be the “best” in any one function
• Can be more expensive upfront

🚽 Is your child ready? Find out When to Start Potty Training

What’s the best potty training potty?

Choosing the best potty training potty really depends on your child’s needs and your lifestyle.

Here are a few top picks that have won over many parents:

1. Summer Infant My Size Potty

Designed to look like a mini version of an adult toilet, this is my number one recommendation for potty-shopping parents.

This potty has a realistic flush handle that actually makes a flushing sound, which can help your kid get used to flush mechanisms, which some can find scary.

It also a built-in wipe compartment and is very easy to clean and assemble.

It makes the transition from potty to toilet easier when the time comes because it so closely resembles the actual toilet.

2. BabyBjörn Potty Chair

Simplicity at its best, the BabyBjörn Potty Chair is ergonomic, stable, and comfortable.

It has a high backrest for added stability and support, and its minimalist design makes it easy to clean.

As an added bonus, it comes in a variety of stylish colors that will be aesthetically pleasing with most decors.

3. Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty

This multi-functional potty can be used as a potty chair, a removable trainer seat, and a sturdy step stool all in one.

To true Arm & Hammer style, it includes a built-in deodorizing disk and it’s easy to clean, making it a practical choice for many parents.

It can seamlessly transition with your child through all phases of potty learning.

4. Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty

If you didn’t think the word “cute” could be used to describe a toilet, then you’ve never seen this adorable potty from Fisher Price.

This potty chair is not only functional but also fun!

It features a flush handle that makes realistic flushing sounds and cheerful music to encourage your child and get them excited about the process.

How to clean potty training toilets

Cleaning a potty training toilet is crucial for good hygiene (and also odor control — pee, eew!).

So here’s your step-by-step guide to keep things fresh and clean:

1. Empty the contents straightaway: After each use, empty the contents into the regular toilet. This prevents odors from setting in and keeps the potty ready for the next round. Have your child help with this part of the process so they see nothing scary happens when pee or poop goes into the toilet!
2. Rinse with warm water: Rinse the bowl with warm water to remove any residue. This is a quick way to keep it relatively clean between thorough cleanings.
3. Disinfect regularly: Use a mild disinfectant or a mixture of water and white vinegar to clean the potty thoroughly, especially after poops. Avoid harsh chemicals that could be harmful to your child. If your child has sensitive skin, you can go over the potty with the wipes that you use to remove any irritating residue.
4. Dry completely: Make sure the potty is completely dry before reassembling. This prevents mold and mildew from developing.
5. Wash removable parts: If your potty has removable parts, such as a bowl or splash guard, wash these separately with soap and water.
6. Wipe down external surfaces: Don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the potty occasionally too! Little hands can leave germs on all surfaces.

For potty seats used on regular toilets, remember to clean both the potty seat as well as the toilet seat and under the toilet seat.

Sometimes pee can sneak between the layers which you might not notice right away.

A bonus tip to help poop come out of the potty more easily: add a small amount of water to the bowl of the potty first or line the potty with a couple squares of toilet paper.

This will make the clean up process much easier!

👉 Get the full breakdown: Potty Training: Your Complete Guide

Is it better to potty train on a toilet or potty?

Deciding between a standalone potty and a regular toilet with a training seat is a common dilemma many parents face.

As an expert, let me reassure you that there really is no right or wrong choice!

It ultimately comes down to what works best for your child and your family.

But here are some things to consider:

Using a potty chair

Pros:

• Less intimidating for toddlers
• Can be used anywhere in the house
• Often has engaging features to encourage use

Cons:

• Requires more cleaning
• Another transition to the regular toilet needed later

Using a regular toilet with a potty seat:

Pros:

• No need to transition later
• Less cleaning involved
• Familiarizes child with the regular toilet environment

Cons:

• Can be intimidating due to size and height
• Requires a step stool for accessibility and foot support

Some kids might prefer the independence of a potty chair, while others may want to imitate their parents and older siblings by using the regular toilet.

As a potty training expert, I actually recommend using a combination of both when you’re just getting started which will allow you to take advantage of the benefits of each option.

Incorporate the convenience of the small potty to set your child up for as many successes as possible, while also giving them some practice with and exposure to the regular toilet.

📚 Get your toddler involved: 15 Best Potty Training Books Chosen By Real Moms

Can you potty train on a regular toilet?

Absolutely! Many parents choose to potty train on a regular toilet using a potty seat.

Here’s how to make that process smoother:

1. Use a potty seat: Invest in a comfortable potty seat that fits securely on your toilet to reduce the size of the opening and therefore a lot of the fear factor. Look for ones with handles to help your child feel secure.
2. Get a step stool: A step stool is essential for your child to reach the toilet, feel stable while sitting, and to be in the proper toileting posture. Make sure it’s sturdy and has non-slip features.
3. Create a routine: Establishing a consistent routine helps your child understand when it’s time to use the toilet. Start by choosing one or two times each day that your child can sit on the toilet for practice. Before bath-time or after removing their overnight diaper are usually practical times.
4. Encourage and praise: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, with praise and encouragement!
5. Be patient: Potty training on a regular toilet might take longer for some kids. Be patient and supportive, and avoid pressuring your child too much.

Potty training is a significant milestone in your child’s development.

With the right tools and a lot of patience, you can make this journey an amazing experience for both you and your little one.

Whether you opt for a standalone potty chair, a potty seat for the regular toilet, or a combination of both, the most important thing is to stay consistent and bring positivity and normalcy to the potty training process.

Also keep in mind that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another.

Keep the atmosphere light, fun, and stress-free, and before you know it, your child will be a potty training pro!

You’ve got this, mama. 💪