9 Best Potty Seats & Chairs for Toddlers

Potty training can be challenging, but – oh boy – does it produce a joyous reward… no more poopie diapers!

There will be days when potty training seems like an uphill battle, however, a well-designed and fun-to-use potty seat or chair will make the whole journey far more enjoyable for both of you.

Here is our (very) carefully curated list of the best potty seats and chairs you can buy today.

How to pick the best potty training seat or chair

Luckily, buying a potty seat is probably going to be one of the easiest parts of potty training. Let’s go over a few things, though, to be sure you are starting off on the right foot.

Potty seat vs. chair

Like most parents, you are probably more familiar with the potty chair than the potty seat. Potty chairs are just that; small chairs that your toddler can get on and off when they need to do their business. They are perfect for little bodies, just remember to clean them out after every use. Plus, while a potty chair is perfect for jump-starting the journey, they can’t be used forever. Eventually, your toddler will need to learn how to use that large porcelain ‘throne’ in your bathroom.

For this transition, and if you’re looking for something that requires less daily maintenance, you might find a potty seat a worthwhile purchase. Potty seats fit over the regular one on your toilet, making it easy for your little one to sit down comfortably and safely while doing their business. They are securely fastened to the seat, and sometimes feature handles that help kids stabilize while getting on and off the potty. The use of a step-stool with potty seats is often needed, especially for smaller children, while some picks include built-in stairs.

When to use

Many children can find the “big person” toilet overwhelming and a little scary, while some are less fazed. If you have a toddler with the latter’s attitude, you might be able to start using a potty seat right away, skipping the potty chair altogether. Some parents, however, prefer to wait until their toddler is older, preferring to ease them slowly into using the adult toilet.

There’s no “right” age to introduce potty training. Each child is different – some can begin at 18 months, while others aren’t ready till around 3 years. Boys generally show signs of readiness later than girls. For either gender, these signs include:

• Hiding to use their diaper
• Pulling at or trying to remove soiled diapers
• Being curious about or attempting to mimic parental or sibling bathroom behavior
• Keeping their diaper dry for extended periods of time
• Sleeping through a full nap with a dry diaper
• Telling you they’re about to use or have used their diaper

We suggest you use a step stool (or ladder) for your toddler until their feet can reach the ground. It will provide security, traction, and stabilization, while also allowing your child more independence while getting on and off the toilet.

Some features you should look for in a step stool include:

• Steps with a non-slip pad, preventing accidents caused by slippery socks against slick plastic
• A wide, secure, non-slip base that keeps the step stool in place while they’re climbing
• Optional railings, helping to make their climb onto the step stool even easier and more secure

Fit and comfort

It goes without saying that you want a potty seat that your child will enjoy sitting on. You also want to be sure you can adjust the fit, so it rests securely against the existing toilet seat. If it wiggles too much, it will probably turn your child off the whole idea of sitting on that porcelain “throne,” making them feel unstable and uncomfortable, while creating anxiety that makes it hard to focus on potty training.

Look for dials to adjust the fit or a potty seat that has a rubber bottom that provides natural traction. When it comes to achieving the best comfort level and fit for your child, while also minimizing safety risks, make sure to know (and observe!) age and weight requirements for potty chairs and seats.

Splash guards

Your little man will take a while before getting his aim just right. Splash guards are great additions to training potties, preventing unwanted mess. They’re a piece of plastic that covers the front portion of a potty seat or chair’s rim, preventing splash-back and mess. This is especially helpful when toilet training boys, but is good for mess prevention in general, especially while at their first learning stage.

Handles

This feature can help your little one mount and dismount the potty easier, as well as provide a source of stability should they feel nervous being up so high. Handles are particularly useful with potty seats, though unnecessary with chairs, which are lower to the ground. A step stool that offers railings can also be helpful.

Size

Along with the bathtub, a potty seat is another item of baby gear that will live in the bathroom. Because space here is usually at a premium, bear this in mind, as some potty chairs for toddlers can prove fairly bulky (as if the world needed more plastic!) 

One that stands alone as a space saver is the potty chair that converts to a seat. Not only is it economical, but saves you the trouble of storing yet more baby gear in your already cramped bathroom.

Best practices for potty training

To make things easier for you and your little potty trainer, here is some tried and tested parental wisdom to bear in mind while beginning the process with your toddler:

• Don’t rush. Though it can seem frustrating at times, teaching toddlers to use the potty should ideally be a calm, positive experience. Learning can usually take up to six months, each child learning at a different rate.
• Don’t force. Making your toddler sit on their potty chair against their will can create negative feelings toward the process, leading to setbacks and uncooperative behavior.
• Create a routine. Toddlers are most comfortable with simple routines that include their participation, so establish some basic guidelines. A trip to the potty chair after waking up dry and again about 30-45 minutes after meals is wise.
• Recognize when your toddler needs to go to the bathroom, and encourage them to use their potty.
• Choose garments they can remove easily, as ungainly snaps and buttons can make it difficult for toddlers to undress themselves.
• Positive encouragement only, and for all attempts. Remember that accidents and failed attempts are unintentional. NEVER associate punishments with learning to use the toilet!
• Brief family members, babysitters, and preschool teachers on your toddler’s routine and progress, as it’s important to use the same words and procedures in order to avoid confusing the little one.

Our final pro-tips

• For your own peace of mind, look for picks that are easy to sanitize with high splash guards that help prevent mess, especially if teaching a boy
• It’s essential to always choose a potty chair with stable, non-slip bases to prevent tilting, sliding, messes and accidents; potty seats should be firmly secured to the toilet for safety and comfort as well

• A comfortable experience goes a long way toward fostering positive feelings toward learning to use the toilet, so features like high seat backs and padded seats can help keep kids comfortable while they’re learning
• Don’t overlook the value of picks that can convert from a potty chair to a seat – not only will you save money, they’re also space and waste efficient and can make the transition less confusing for your toddler.

Our top pick

Seeing your toddler use the toilet by themselves is certainly a milestone, comparable to buying them their first walking shoes. You may, however, struggle to keep your toilet floor puddle free! You are sure to have days when you pause and wonder just how bad it would be to send your kid off to his high school graduation still in diapers. The right “tools” go far in getting the job done, however, and we love the Prince Lionheart Weepod Seat; the sturdy side handles help toddlers feel stable while using it, the high splash guard helps avoid mess, while the antimicrobial coating guarantees cleanliness.