We Potty Trained Our Kids Using These Seats & They Were a Hit With Our Toddlers (2024)

Potty training a toddler can be intimidating for everyone involved, but having the proper tools on hand can help. Toddlers often feel overwhelmed by the large size of a regular toilet seat, so using a potty chair or a training seat on the toilet (or a combination of both) is the best way to start transitioning them away from diapers.

As a mom of two toddlers, I have successfully potty trained one (in less than a week!) and am just beginning the process with my second. In my experience, the best potty training seat is comfortable and simple enough that your child can easily acclimate to using it independently. Many kids—mine included—are more likely to participate in an activity when they feel in control of the process. For your own sake, pick a potty training seat that is easy to clean. I found that fun features, like music or a flushing sound, also make the process more enticing, especially for more hesitant potty trainers like my second daughter.

We put 20 of the top potty training seats to the test, sending them home with real parents to use with their potty training toddlers. After introducing them to their kids, our testers observed things like their kiddos’ reactions, seat stability, which design features were most helpful, and how simple they were to clean. Our top picks include a wide variety of styles, so you can find the one that will make your kiddo want to go.

Our Favorite Potty Training Seats

• Best Overall 3-in-1: Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multistage 3-in-1 Potty Seat
• Another 3-in-1 We Like: Frida Baby 3-in-1 Grow-With-Me Potty
• Best Overall Potty Chair: BabyBjorn Smart Potty
• Cutest Potty Chair: Infantino Potty Pals Potty Seat
• Best Built-In Potty Seat: Jool Quick Flip Toilet Seat With Built-in Potty & Splash Guard
• Best Removable Seat: BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer
• Best With Steps: Skyroku Potty Training Seat
• Best Travel Seat: Frida Baby Fold-and-Go Potty Training Seat
• Best 2-in-1 Travel Seat: Summer Infant My Travel Potty

Is Your Toddler Ready for Potty Training?

Generally, potty training begins between 2 and 3 years old. Still, some kids may be ready at 18 months old, while others are closer to 3.5 years old, explains Mona Amin, DO, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician. Dr. Amin encourages parents to look for signs of readiness rather than focus on age when assessing whether their toddler is ready for potty training.

The biggest indicator that a kid is ready to potty train is that they’re asking to use the toilet, says Christine Brown, a child behavior coach. Other signs include bladder maturity, meaning their diaper stays dry for longer periods during the day, more predictable bladder movements, a dry diaper in the morning, verbal cues (like telling you they have to go or that they just went in their diaper), and non-verbal cues (grunting to poop or pulling at their diaper), and trying to get to the toilet and pulling their clothing down as they do.

All kids hit milestones at different times, and trying to force the process can backfire. “[Forcing it] can create an all-out refusal to use the potty and it will prolong the process,” Brown says.

Types of Potty Training Seats

There are four basic types of potty training seats. Both Dr. Amin and Brown recommend having one potty chair and one child-sized toilet seat cover to give your child options.

• Stand-alone potty chair: This small chair is designed to look like a toilet. It’s low to the ground and less intimidating for small children to use, and it’s also portable, so it can be moved around as needed. As Dr. Amin notes, transitioning to a full-size toilet will be required at some point. However, a potty chair is closer to the floor, which makes it easier for toddlers to pass bowel movements, says Michelle Swaney, a potty training consultant.
• Toilet seat (aka seat reducer): This child-sized toilet seat sits on top of your toilet bowl. Some are adjustable, some are removable, and some come as an integrated seat, where you can just lift the training seat to reveal the adult seat. While these can be intimidating for some children, they also allow toddlers to adjust to a regular-sized toilet immediately.
• 3-in-1 potty chair: These often look just like stand-alone potty chairs, but they’re a bit more versatile and will grow with your child through the process. They are potty chairs that have a removable seat reducer for your toilet bowl when your child is ready to make that leap. They can also become a step stool your child can use to get onto a regular toilet on their own.
• Portable seat: An on-the-go portable seat is a great option to have in your car or even in your diaper bag, especially for toddlers just starting to potty train. These can be found in two versions: foldable seat reducers for use in public restrooms or potty chairs, which are very small seats with legs or stands that fold up into a compact size and have disposable bags that go over the seat for waste collection.

3-in-1 Potty Training Chairs

Best Overall 3-in-1: Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multistage 3-in-1 Potty Seat

Why We Like It

With its innovative design, this bestselling potty seat was our favorite 3-in-1 among all the potty chairs we tested. It’s a potty chair, toilet seat, and step stool all in one relatively compact package, so it’s meant to stay with you through all the stages of potty training. A built-in splash guard keeps mess to a minimum, and one toddler who tested it loved that the seat has a cover they can open and close, just like a real toilet.

The removable seat can be placed on the toilet bowl when your kiddo is ready, and we appreciate that the sides come up a little so they can be used like handles for extra security. It’s simple to use, with a removable bowl for easier cleaning. It also comes with an odor-fighting deodorizing disc placed on the inside, keeping things smelling fresh. Due to its versatility and reasonable price point, we found this to be an excellent value.

But Take Note

While the odor-fighting disc is nice, it might be unnecessary, especially if you’re cleaning the toilet after each use (which, let’s be real, you likely will be). On top of that, replacing the disc means separately purchasing new ones, which adds to the overall cost over time.

The Details:

• Type: 3-in-1 potty chair
• Dimensions: 15.55 x 13.58 inches
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Special features: Multi-use design, odor-fighting deodorizing disc, handles, splash guard
  

Another 3-in-1 We Love: Frida Baby 3-in-1 Grow-With-Me Potty

Why We Like It

We love the multi-use design of this potty, which we found intuitive to use, even for little ones. Its proximity to the ground makes it easy for kids to get on and off and offers extra support, especially for younger toddlers just starting out. Our tester felt it was very stable and easily supported her younger kids. The bowl is removable to make cleaning a lot easier, and we loved that there were no hidden nooks and crannies to get to. It also comes with potty liners that can be thrown away after use, which cuts down on cleaning a bit.

The cushioned seat is comfy for kids and detaches easily. Our tester also found it to be flexible and said it worked well on their elongated toilet bowl seat. We also found this to be a compact and portable option that disassembles easily as needed and can be taken on trips or moved around the house. The sleek design in light colors is a bonus, as it blends in with any bathroom aesthetic.

But Take Note

We found the foam seat difficult to clean. Our tester was able to wipe it down with Clorox wipes, but any stains that got on it didn’t come out (one of the toddlers spilled marinara sauce on it, and the seat never went back to being completely white). And while we appreciate the convenience of the liners, the seat only comes with two, and you’ll need to purchase additional ones if you want to keep using them, which adds to the overall cost.

The Details:

• Type: 3-in-1 potty chair
• Dimensions: 13.74 x 14.13 x 14.13 inches
• Weight: 4.55 lbs
• Special features: 3-in-1 design, foam seat, comes with potty liners, splash guard, handles

Stand-Alone Potty Training Chairs

Best Overall Potty Chair: Baby Bjorn Smart Potty

Why We Like It

Thisreliable, no-frills potty gets the job done and is easy enough for kids to use themselves. It’s a great option to get your toddler started on their potty training journey, and we love howlightweightit is, at only 1 pound. We also found it to be very stable, thanks to the anti-slip material on the bottom. Even when we actively tried to push it with our foot, it didn’t budge, which made us feel good about our toddlers squirming around on it.

It has a pretty high splash guard, which keeps everything in the bowl, and is very low to the ground, making it a breeze for tiny humans to squat down on it. The bowl is removable for easy cleaning, and the whole thing is compact, so you can easily stow it away. But you won’t mind having it out since the design is simple and it’s available in neutral shades. Overall, we found it to be a durable and solid option for a lower price point.

But Take Note

We wish this one had a few more features: there are no handles for kids to hold onto, the backrest isn’t very high, and it’s so small that it’s clear they’ll grow out of it pretty quickly.

The Details:

• Type: Standalone potty chair
• Dimensions: 12.64 x 10.04 x 6.81 inches
• Weight: 1 lb
• Special features: Removable bowl for easy cleaning
  

Cutest Potty Chair: Infantino Potty Pals Potty Seat

Why We Like It

This potty chair is easy to use and has a fun design that may get kids excited about going. We found it to be very stable, with slip-resistant feet to keep it firmly in place. Our tester loved that this one sits so low to the ground, making it easier for her toddler to get on and off and also ensuring the toddler’s feet were flat on the floor every time.

It has a higher back than many other options, making it more comfortable to sit on. There’s a splash guard to contain the mess, and the lid makes it feel like a real toilet while also keeping dust from building up inside when not in use. We also found this one easy to clean, with a removable bowl and no hidden spots where debris could hide.

But Take Note

Our tester said this potty was a little bulky and there’s no way of folding or collapsing it for easier storage. We also didn’t love how the legs needed to be attached during assembly: The process was frustrating, and our tester felt like they might break the legs while trying to get them on. Lastly, it’s a little on the small side, so it may not be ideal for older toddlers.

The Details:

• Type: Standalone potty chair
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 10.5 x 11 inches
• Weight: 2.55 lbs
• Special features: High back, cute design, splash guard, lid
  

Potty Training Seats

Best Built-In Potty Seat: Jool Quick Flip Toilet Seat With Built-In Potty & Splash Guard

Why We Like It

We love this option because it’s a regular-size toilet seat with a built-in child’s potty seat, so once it’s installed, it’s a permanent fixture. That means both adults and potty training kiddos can use it with the flip of a lid. Heads up: Be sure to purchase either round or elongated depending on the shape of your toilet to ensure a proper fit. Because it’s permanently on your toilet bowl, it’s very sturdy and requires no extra cleanup aside from wiping down the seat.

Our tester said their child was able to sit on the seat comfortably with no pinching or wiggling around. Another thing they really loved was that both seats have a slow close, which helps to prevent pinched fingers. The potty seat has a built-in splash guard, which is a great feature to help prevent messes.

But Take Note

This is only a toilet seat and doesn’t come with a stool, which means that you either have to purchase a stool separately or help your child on and off the potty until they’re able to do it on their own.

The Details:

• Type: Toilet seat
• Dimensions: 15.15 x 14.25 inches
• Weight: 3.6 lbs
• Special features: Splash guard, slow close lid
  

Best Removable Seat: BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer

Why We Like It

This is a great option for families who want their kids to adjust to using a regular toilet but don’t want a kids’ potty seat permanently attached. Since you can adjust it to properly fit your toilet shape and size, it feels much more stable than other removable options, and we found that it didn’t wobble around when our kids sat on it. It only has to be adjusted to the toilet seat once for a perfect fit every time, which is ideal if it’s only being used in one bathroom.

We also think the seat has a more ergonomic design than some other options, with an angled back to help keep kids in place and comfortable, and an inward-sloping splash guard to prevent messes without getting in the way (this is especially handy for little boys). Thanks to the handle on the back, it’s easy to pick up and hang on a hook when it’s not in use, making it great for smaller spaces. It’s also very easy to wipe clean, and since everything is going in your toilet bowl, there’s virtually no extra cleanup involved.

But Take Note

We found that this seat has some narrow areas that can be tricky to clean. It also doesn’t have handles for kids to hold onto and will require the use of a step stool, which you’ll need to purchase separately. And since it stays in the last size it was adjusted to, it’s not conducive to moving to different bathrooms unless the toilet seats are the same.

The Details:

• Type: Toilet seat
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 4 inches
• Weight: 14 oz
• Special features: Carry handle, adjustable size
  

Best With Steps: Skyroku Potty Training Seat

Why We Like It

Most potty training seats just come with a child-sized potty seat that sits on top of an existing toilet bowl, meaning you either have to help kids up and down or buy a separate step stool so they can get up on their own. This seat, however, is packed with features that make it stable enough for kids to use by themselves, giving them a sense of independence (and also giving you a little break). It comes with a built-in step for kids to climb onto the toilet and prop their feet on while going to the bathroom. Handles give them something to hold onto, and a high back offers extra stability and comfort.As a bonus, it has cute cute bear ears on the back, which one tester’s daughter adored.

We appreciate the high splash guard, which makes clean-up minimal. We also love the soft cushion on the seat that avoids that unpleasant cold toilet feeling and makes it more comfortable for kids to use. All in all, it feels like a very comfortable seat for toddlers.

But Take Note

This isn’t compact or portable. It will need to be removed each time an adult has to use the toilet, and if it’s not on when the child has to go potty, someone has to put it on for them (and kids don’t leave a lot of wiggle room for things like that once they have to go). It does fold closed but is still on the larger side, so it’s not ideal for small bathrooms. It’s best for a kid’s bathroom where it can always remain in place.

The Details:

• Type: Toilet seat
• Dimensions: 25.59 x 14.57 inches
• Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Special features: Built-in step and handles, splash guard, foldable

Travel Potty Seats

Best Travel Seat: Frida Baby Fold-And-Go Potty Seat

Why We Like It

This foldable and removable toilet seat is our favorite travel option because it’s so sturdy and well-made. The entire seat has a non-slip bottom, which helps it sit firmly on whatever toilet you place it on. Our tester said they tried it on a variety of toilets and never had an issue with fit or slipping. In fact, she said their child seemed more supported using this thanks to the coverage it offers.

This fold-and-go potty seat is meant to make a regular toilet bowl feel less intimidating and also to help kids feel more comfortable on a toilet seat, and that’s exactly what this did during testing. And the portability is great: It folds into thirds and comes with a carry bag, which can fit in most diaper bags or even handbags. It’s also easy to wipe clean as needed.

But Take Note

We wish this seat had better handles. Our tester didn’t think the handles offered much in the way of support to a smaller child while using the toilet. Ultimately, we felt that it’s better as a travel seat than everyday use since there’s no splash guard or step stool.

The Details:

• Type: Travel toilet seat
• Dimensions: 8.74 x 7.13 x 2.24 inches
• Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Special features: Foldable, carry bag
  

Best 2-in-1 Travel Seat: Summer Infant My Travel Potty

Why We Like It

While some of the more lightweight potty chairs can double as travel potties, it can be more convenient to have a designated travel potty that is always in your car or diaper bag. This is an excellent, versatile option: it’s both a travel potty chair and a toilet seat. When you unfold the small legs, it becomes a very short, flat potty chair; when the legs are folded up, it can be placed on top of a regular toilet bowl and the legs become handles your child can hold onto. That means you can use it in the car or on the go when needed or in a public restroom.

Using this one is less messy than it sounds: fold a disposable bag over the entire seat and they go in the bag, which makes cleanup a breeze. We found that lifting the bag was simple and fast, and we liked that you don’t have to use the bags it comes with; you can use any disposable plastic bag that fits over it. We were also impressed with how stable this is as a chair. The legs click into place so you know it’s ready to go, and we didn’t have an issue with it wobbling around during use. When folded (and even when open) it’s compact enough to stash in your car.

But Take Note

We found that this seat didn’t feel very stable when placed on top of a toilet, and felt it would require adult supervision to use that way. It’s good in a pinch on a toilet seat but works better as a compact chair.

The Details:

• Type: Travel potty chair
• Dimensions: 11.93 x 9.84 inches
• Weight: 1.48 pounds
• Special features: Foldable, 2-in-1 use, comes with disposable bags

Other Notable Potty Training Seats

• Mayfair NextStep2 Toilet Seat With Built-in Potty Training Seat: Since it’s permanently attached to the toilet bowl, this is an easy-to-clean space-saver with a comfortable size that makes regular toilet bowls less intimidating, and installation is simple. However, it doesn’t offer any other features like handles or a stool and the lip is very small, so this is better for more experienced potty trained kids rather than beginners.
• Nuby Potty Training Seat: We found this chair super sturdy, with a grippy bottom that keeps it firmly in place no matter what. It’s very easy to clean, with a removable bowl and wipeable surface, and we like the gray color. However, it doesn't have handles, and our tester also wished it had a carry handle that would make it easier to move from room to room as needed. Overall, our tester felt it was very basic.
• ity by Ingenuity Ready Set Go Potty: The removable bowl on this seat easily lifts instead of snapping off, which our tester noted led to fewer spills. It’s very lightweight, and while the base felt sturdy, we found that it slipped a bit on different surfaces. It is also low to the ground, and our tester noted that it’s not ideal for older or taller toddlers. It also seemed like it could have been more durable and better made.
• Nuby Folding Travel Potty Seat: We like the portability of this travel seat, which folds up to a compact size that can easily be stowed in a diaper bag. The suction cup bottom seemed fairly sturdy, although not all of the cups adhere to every size toilet seat, and our tester called removing the suction cups “a bit of a headache.” You have to put your fingers under each suction cup, meaning you’re touching a lot of public toilet seats.

Our Testing Process

To find the best potty training seats, we selected the 20 best products on the market, including potty chairs, toilet seats, and on-the-go options. We sent them home with parents to test the seats with their toddlers, who are either currently potty training or were recently potty trained, to test these attributes:

• Stability: We noted whether the seat moves around when a child sits on it or stays put. We observed whether each seat has handles for kids to hold onto and if it comes with a step stool to help toddlers get onto the toilet. We also looked at whether it was adjustable for growing kids.
• Ease of cleaning: Testers were instructed to clean the potty chairs and seats regularly according to manufacturer instructions. We paid attention to how effectively the splash guards work, when applicable, noting if there’s easy access to clean each nook and cranny or if it’s inconvenient. For potties that use disposable bags, we looked at how easy the bags are to remove and if they leaked. We also noted how long it took to thoroughly clean them.
• Design: We checked out any features the potty had, such as a flushing sound, music, or handles. We considered how comfortable the kids seemed when using it and if a seat design catered to different toilet shapes and sizes. We also considered how portable it was, if it had any convenient hanging hooks, or if it folded easily into a compact size.
• Child’s reaction: We asked testers to note how their child felt about the seat in real-life scenarios, like how they reacted when they first saw or used it and whether they were excited to continue using it, making potty training easier for all involved.
• Overall value: Finally, we considered all of these factors and weighed them against the potty’s price to determine whether the seat was a worthwhile purchase.

Our Experts

On top of the testing process, we spoke to experts to get their input on what to consider when buying a potty training seat and to hear some of their best potty training tips. We consulted:

• Mona Amin, DO, FAAP, board-certified pediatrician, developmental expert, and founder of Peds Doc Talk.
• Christine Brown, child behavior coach, sleep consultant, and founder of Bella Luna Family.
• Michelle Swaney, potty training consultant, speaker, teacher, and CEO of The Potty School.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Potty Training Seat

Here’s what to keep in mind when looking for the right potty training seat for your little one.

• Ease of Cleaning: Potty training can be a messy experience for everyone involved, and your seat shouldn’t make that worse. Look for a potty training seat that is easy to clean, since you’ll be doing that often. For parents who want a low-maintenance option, potty chairs aren’t as ideal: the bowl will need to be emptied into the toilet after each use, which can be messy (especially if your little one wants to help), or the bags will need to be replaced after each use. In comparison, a toilet seat reducer requires very little cleaning, since everything already goes into the bowl and can be flushed.
• Stability and Design: Kids are naturally squirmy, and you don’t want to risk a wiggly seat sending your toddler slip-sliding into the toilet bowl. “A seat reducer shouldn’t be able to slide at all,” Swaney says. “If you’re looking for quality and longevity, I’d suggest investing in a built-in seat reducer.” She also recommends finding a model with an anti-slip grip to steady it. Adjustable seats are a good way to prevent slips and falls, and seats that come with a step stool are ideal. “It’s important to use a stool or steps for them to climb up,” Dr. Amin says. “The steps allow them to stabilize their feet and bring their knees up to a more natural position.” Handles, backrests, and armrests provide safety and comfort as well.
• Kid Appeal: Anything that makes your toddler want to use the potty can be to your advantage. Features like a flushing sound or a cute cartoon design aren’t necessary for the process, but they can be fun for kids and make things more exciting. If kiddos love something about their little potty chair or toilet seat, they’ll actually want to use it. In some cases, paying extra for these kid-friendly features can be worth it.

How to Make Potty Training Seats Work

Potty training seats are extremely useful but won’t do all the work for you. Here are some potty training tips to help guide you through the process.

• Avoid putting pressure on your kid. Before starting potty training, ensure your toddler is ready for it. “It doesn’t matter which seat you choose or how much gear you buy, if they aren’t ready for potty training, it can result in a true power struggle, drawing the process out,” Brown says. Don’t pressure them into using the potty because it will backfire.
• Give them choices. Both Brown and Dr. Amin suggest offering at least two different kinds of potty seats. This gives kids a sense of control, and they may prefer one over the other.
• Add a stool into the mix. This is especially key if using a toilet seat. “A stool or steps are really important to help with safety, independence, and proper body mechanics,” Dr. Amin says.
• Use wipes instead of toilet paper. Brown suggests starting with wipes instead of toilet paper since that’s the feeling toddlers are accustomed to. “When big changes are happening, it can be helpful to keep as much the same as you can,” Brown says. “It helps little ones to feel more comfortable.”
• Keep the seat comfortable. If your child is uncomfortable, they won’t want to use the potty. Choose an ergonomic model, and inspect the seat you pick before introducing it to your child. “Be mindful of sharp plastic edges,” Swaney warns. “It happens from time to time with manufacturing.” She recommends running your finger over all of the edges and smoothing any rough plastic edges with sandpaper.

Who We Are

Jessica Booth is a freelance writer who covers parenting, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and wedding content. She has been freelance writing since 2017 and, before that, worked as an editor at an online publication for seven years. She has written for sites such as Brides, People, Insider, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, The Daily Beast, Reviewed, She Knows, Scary Mommy, The Knot, and What to Expect. She also has two young daughters.