a selection of the best potty training seats and potty training chairs

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

No matter how much you adore your kids — and no matter how ready you are to stop forking over the big bucks for diapers — not many parents look forward to the potty training process.

It’s a daunting task. Pee and poop end up in places they shouldn’t (like, really shouldn’t), the laundry is endless, the carpet will never be the same, and everyone’s patience will be pushed to the limit.

“toilet training is a big deal for any toddler, and it is worth the effort you are putting in. One mom told me that my son wouldn’t go to college in diapers.”

Having the right equipment can make a big difference in how the potty training process goes. Just imagine approaching a toilet that is higher than your belly button, and you may be able to sympathize with how your toddler feels about grown-up toilets.

There are loud noises and the sight of things being whisked away. Does that thing swallow kids or just toilet paper? They are not sure yet.

A potty seat or chair that is just for your toddler can give them a big confidence boost as they tackle the process of getting rid of diapers.

We are here to help you with this. Take a deep breath and read on for our top recommendations of toddler potty chairs and seats.

“A toddler potty seat or chair is a great investment, even if we prefer to minimize our baby gear. It’s not hard to scare your toddler away from the throne if you accidentally fall into the toilet. Who can blame them?”

A toddler-proportioned potty can help with ergonomics of the go, as well as making your child feel more secure. Your child will be able to move their bowels more easily if they have their legs at a 90-degree angle, with feet flat on the floor or a footstool.

“It isn’t comfortable to sit up high with legs dangling and hanging on for dear life for a new person.”

While children don’t have bowel and bladder control until after 18 months, you can begin exposing them to their potty at any age. Depending on your potty training approach, it may help some children get familiar with their own potty seat or chair.

When your child starts showing signs of toilet training readiness, you can start incorporating “sitting on the potty” into their daily routine. Equipped with lots of patience, some books, and cups of their favorite beverage, you’ll see them start to understand the sensation of going in the potty.

Many toddlers feel a sense of pride in having their own potty or love sitting on the big potty and copying their parents.

One of the first things you will notice when shopping for a potty seat is the different types of seats. There are differences to keep in mind.

“A toddler toilet seat is a good option if you have a regular toilet seat. It is small for a toddler’s body and may have features such as handles or a splash guard to provide added security.”

This kind of seat is easy to clean up. You can flush away waste in a bowl, unlike potty chairs, which need to be wiped out.

A potty chair is similar to a bowl or a tiny toilet. This option is less intimidating for your child than climbing a step stool to sit on a full-size toilet.

The rule of thumb is that toddlers under 2 1/2 years old prefer potty chairs, while toddlers 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years old prefer the grown-up potty.

Every child is ready to train at a different age, so they may have their own preference for a seat or chair.

Kid appeal, safety, and security are the most important features. If your child feels safe using the toilet, you have already won half the battle.

It is possible to take your toddler with you to pick out their potty special. They might feel proud of using their toilet seat, which will make your job easier.

If you have a toddler who wants to be like you or older siblings, you may want to use a toilet seat with a step stool. It is a decision based on your bathroom setup, your child and your preferences.

We tested some products with our own kids and found that they were good for toddler toilets.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$30
  • $$$ = over $30

Best overall potty seat

Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat

Price: $$

The simple seat is the best for ease of use, toddler comfort, and affordability. How many baby gear items can you find for less than 15 dollars?

The seat has a hook that can be used to hang it on the side of the toilet, a nonskid base, handles for your child to hold on to, and a splash guard. The toddlers liked putting this on the potty.

Some parents say that the seat may still move around on certain toilet shapes.

Pros

  • “It’s easy to use and affordable.”
  • It works on nearly all toilet seats.
  • It is convenient for travel.

Cons

  • Not a great option for children who are not ready for a big potty.
  • “Doesn’t come with a splash guard.”
  • “It doesn’t work for toilet seats that are long.”
Shop now at Target

Best overall potty chair

Summer My Size Potty

Price: $$$

The little toilet has a handle and sound effects that look like the real thing. It is easy to clean and easy for little people to climb on and off independently, which is why parents appreciate it.

It has a compartment in the toilet tank for extra underwear or wipes, a seat with a splash guard, and a bowl that can be removed. The only complaint we got was that the splash guard falls off easily if bumped.

Pros

  • It looks like a real potty.
  • “It’s easy for little ones to maneuver.”
  • It makes a sound that encourages potty training success.

Cons

  • Reviewers say the seat is too small for bigger kids.
  • Reviewers complain that it is hard to clean.
  • Not portable.
Shop now at Amazon

Best potty seat/chair for travel

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty

Price: $$

Healthline Parenthood editor and mom of three Saralyn gave this OXO potty rave reviews. The potty is easy to transport with its quick-fold legs, wipeable surfaces, disposable bags, and sanitary travel storage bag.

Many parents prefer this seat as their only potty training seat because it is well suited for use on-the-go. You can use it as a seat on a toilet, or you can attach a waste bag to a freestanding chair that can be used anywhere.

The convenience of this toilet is unparalleled.

Pros

  • “It’s convenient for on-the-go occasions.”
  • It was easy to put away.
  • The toilet seat can be used to facilitate the transition.

Cons

  • refill bags are purchased separately
  • Not as strong as competitors.
Shop now at Amazon

Best nonslip potty seat

Gimars Nonslip Portable Training Potty Seat for Travel

Price: $$

The Gimars potty seat is a great choice for travel. It folds up to a small 7 inches by 6 inches and has a colorful owl design that appeals to kids.

“The low cost and convenience of a foldable seat that can be stashed in your diaper bag is something adults can’t argue with.”

Pros

  • Kid-friendly design is appealing to most toddlers.
  • There are clips to keep your child stable.
  • It is easy to set up and store.

Cons

  • “The nonslip features don’t work for travel.”
  • Reviewers complain that the paint rubs off on their child.
Shop now at Amazon

Best full-size toddler potty chair

Nuby My Real Potty Training Toilet

Price: $$

The potty chair is a hit with toddlers, it is realistic. It looks like a grown up toilet with a nonskid base, bowl and splash guard. If you have boys, you might appreciate the larger splash guard.

It has a compartment for wipes and a handle with sounds. The potty has a full lid so you can close it. Some parents think the various pieces make it harder to clean than other options, but overall it is very highly rated.

Pros

  • It looks like a big potty.
  • The rubber base helps prevent slips and slides.
  • features an integrated splash guard

Cons

  • The toilet bowl can be difficult to clean.
Shop now at Amazon

Best potty training seat for boys

Foryee Training Urinal

Price: $$

Some parents of boys use a urinal to teach their little man to stand up, while others prefer to teach their little man to urinate sitting down.

The urinal is worth it for the entertainment value. It hangs on the wall via a hook or strip, so you can choose the right height, although some parents said they ended up using a Command hook, as the included glue was not strong enough.

The urinal walls help contain the splash and the interior bowl removes for easy clean up. Many parents felt that the most valuable feature was the spinning target in the middle which helps motivate your toddler to aim in the right spot.

Pros

  • The urinal design is convenient.
  • It is right to the wall.
  • The interior bowl has to be removed for easy cleaning.

Cons

  • Some reviewers think the back spin can be a problem.
  • Some reviewers think the urinal requires more glue to stick.
Shop now at Amazon

Best potty training seat for girls

Babyloo Bambino Potty 3-in-1

Price: $$$

This potty can be used as a stand-alone potty chair, a toilet seat, and a toddler step stool. If you want to purchase one piece of gear that will carry you through the potty training process, this is helpful.

We like the design of the pink and purple one. We chose this potty because girls move through the training process a little faster than boys, so this potty will grow with them no matter how quickly they graduate.

The seat of the potty was the subject of a lot of negative comments from parents of boys. The multi-use potty was liked by the parents of the girls and converts to a stool by the end.

Pros

  • It can be used as a stand-alone potty chair, a toilet seat plus step stool, and as a toddler step stool.
  • No assembly is required.
  • There are nonskid floor grips and nonslip grip handles.

Cons

  • The potty training seat is on the expensive side.
  • Some parents think it has too many compartments.
  • potty training boys may be more messy.
Shop now at Amazon

Best adjustable potty seat

Fisher-Price Custom Comfort Potty

Price: $$

The potty is not as sleek as some of the potty chairs we reviewed, but it is great if you have an extra tall toddler or start potty training early.

The seat has a supportive back and a height that may make it more comfortable for your child to sit in during their time learning how to take care of business. The affordable price and easy- clean design make this a great choice for potty training.

Pros

  • Two height adjustments are convenient for tall toddlers.
  • A built-in splash guard is included.
  • The toilet bowl has to be removed for easy cleaning.

Cons

  • The chair looks more like a seat than a seat.
Shop now at Walmart

Best adult-and-child seat

Mayfair Toilet Seat with Built-In Potty Training Seat

Price: $$$

The combo seat from Mayfair has a regular adult toilet seat and a toddler-sized potty seat. The parents think the bathroom is easy to use.

The option is available in a round and long-necked shape and is available in three colors to match your existing toilet.

This could be a great solution for your family if you are interested in a project. You may still want a portable potty seat when you are out and about.

Pros

  • No additional room in your bathroom.
  • The seat goes down quietly.
  • It is easy to install and remove.
  • Comes in both round and round shaped shapes.
Shop now at Amazon

Best dual-purpose potty seat

Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Trainer Seat

Price: $$

The travel potty seat is very popular with parents. It comes in eight different colors and is great for small toddlers. It can be used as a seat or a stand alone chair.

The non-slip bottoms will stay still while your child attempts to sit and get up. The shape is designed for children up to 50 pounds.

The seat comes with all the accessories you need, including a carrying bag and absorbent liners.

Pros

  • It was made from durable materials so you can use it for a long time.
  • You would normally have to purchase separate accessories.
  • It is portable so you can take it with you on trips.

Cons

  • Reviewers say the seat size is small for a toddler.
  • Reviewers feel that the seat is best for girls since it is so low to the ground.
Shop now at Amazon

Best potty seat with foot rest

Super Pooper Plus Potty

Price: $$$

“If your child is ready for the potty and you can’t find a seat that looks like a child seat, then you should look for something that looks like the real thing. That is what parents like most about this seat.”

It looks like the toilet in your bathroom, but it also has buttons that sound like a real flush. It has cheering sounds to encourage your child when they are successful with going potty.

The trainer seat can be added to the real toilet to help smooth the transition once your child gets used to using this mini seat.

The foot lift that helps your child master the proper squat is perhaps the most appealing feature.

Pros

  • helps with the transition to a big potty.
  • Sounds, such as a flush button, as well as rewarding sounds, are features.
  • The JPMA 2020 innovation award was won by a person.

Cons

  • “It’s more expensive than most potty training seats.”
  • Not a great option for small bathroom.
Shop now at Tomy

Product name Price Type Travel-friendly Key features
Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat $$ seat yes – fits on most toilet seats
– convenient for travel
– nonskid base prevents slips
Summer My Size Potty $$$ chair no – looks like the real thing
– makes flushing sounds
– features removable splash guard
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty $$ both yes – quick-fold legs make for easy setup
– surface wipes clean easily
– comes with a sanitary travel storage bag
Gimars Nonslip Portable Training Potty Seat for Travel $$ seat yes – budget-friendly
– folds up to a compact 6 in. by 7 in.
– features nonslip grips
Nuby My Real Potty Training Toilet $$ chair no – realistic looking
– features built-in splash guard
– makes flushing sounds
Foryee Training Urinal $$ urinal no – affordable
– convenient for potty training
– features spinning target to help with aim
Babyloo Bambino Potty 3-in-1 $$$ seat no – doubles as a step stool
– grows with your child
– doesn’t require assembly
Fisher-Price Custom Comfort Potty $$ chair no – features adjustable height and armrests
– great option for extra-tall toddlers
– easy to clean
Mayfair Toilet Seat with Built-In Potty Training Seat $$$ seat no – comes in elongated and round shapes and different shades
– fits on top of your actual toilet
Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Trainer Seat $$ seat yes – made from durable materials
– comes with accessories you’d typically purchase separately
– has a portable design for on-the-go use
Super Pooper Plus Potty $$$ chair no – looks just like the real thing
– makes flush and reward sounds
– has a foot lift that helps with proper squatting

You will be happy to have a seat to clean once you are done diaper changing. You will do the following for most potty training seats.

  1. Dump the waste into the toilet.
  2. The inner potty bowl needs to be washed with soap and hot water. You can dump it into your toilet.
  3. Next, you should use a spray to kill the germs and clean the seat or chair.
  4. The seat should be washed and ready for use.

Which potty seat is best for a 2-year-old?

Dr. Gary Kirkilas, a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson, recommends looking for potty seats that include features that limit slipping and increase stability, such as rubber stoppers on the underside and side handles for gripping.

For boys, Kirkilas finds that a splash guard is helpful for preventing messes. “Some potty seats include a step stool, which can be helpful for parents who are physically unable to lift the toddler onto the seat as well as providing support to the child’s feet as they bear down for a bowel movement,” he adds.

Kirkilas suggests looking for potty seats that are the same shape as your toilet.

Is it better to potty train on a potty seat or separate potty chair?

The seats and chairs are useful in facilitating the potty training process. He has found that potty chairs may be easier for a child to get used to.

The chair allows their feet to touch the ground, which may make them feel more secure and can be placed in convenient locations outside of the bathroom, such as play areas, as easy access is critical to success when they are getting started.

If your child is used to using the separate potty chair, over-the-toilet potty seats are a good way to help them transition to the toilet. It is easier to clean the potty seats.

How do you start potty training?

Children typically show signs of readiness, including dry diapers, an interest in the potty itself, running to a private area to poop, and predictable bowel movements, between the ages of 18 months to 36 months, according to Dr. Dylan Hes, medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics.

“Some parents like to wait for the warm weather and just take away the diaper for 3 days straight and keep running to the toilet with their kids to train them, while others train their kids gradually,” she says.

She recommends that you let your child sit on the potty seat or chair with the diaper on for a while so as to not be scared.

She says that you can allow your child to flush the stool down the toilet if you take it from the diaper. I like to teach boys to stand up for urine and throw a few colored cereals in the toilet to get them to aim.

potty training can make parenting seem more complicated. There are a lot of options for toddler potties that will make the process easier.

This could be fun. How many times will you need to buy a miniature toilet?