The 5 Best Toddler Potties

When it comes to parenting, everyone will have input whether you asked for it or not. It's no different for potty training, either. Here's the thing though: all you really need is a child who is ready to begin training, a potty that fits your needs, and lots of patience, love, and patience. Did we say patience? Potty training is more of a marathon as opposed to a sprint...it just takes time. Eventually, your little one will get the hang of it. If you're thinking that your youngster is ready to begin exploring potty training, you're going to want to figure out the best toddler potty for the job. There are two basic styles available: the stand-alone potty, and the toilet topper. Both have their pros and cons. Often, it's nice to get one of each just to see which your child prefers (and as a bonus, it's always nice to have a toilet topper in the car with you for travel purposes). Here, the 5 best toddler potties for a simple and convenient start to potty training.

Summer Infant My Size Potty

The Real Deal

If your youngster is obsessed with the toilet but not quite confident to sit on an adult-sized one, this is a fan favorite.

Best Overall

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I’ll admit, when I first saw these life-life training toilets, I did an internal eye-roll. Is it really actually necessary to have a realistic-looking potty? Well, no. It’s not totally necessary. But here’s the thing: when my daughter was first beginning to potty train, we went to a friend’s house. Her friend had this exact model, and they used the potty in front of her. My super shy daughter, who was very hesitant to use the potty, was absolutely enthralled with this little mini toilet. I mean, it even has its own flush sound with a handle that actually works. She was obsessed.

For little kids, having something that looks exactly like the real thing, but in their own size, is especially exciting. Often, that excitement can be translated to encouragement and confidence…especially when it comes to potty training. Getting your child used to sitting on a toilet (but in a size that works for them) means it just might be easier to transition down the road. And anything that makes potty training easier is a win in my book.

Pros:

Easy to clean.
Built-in wipe compartment for promoting proper hygiene.

Cons:

Only works for children up to 50 pounds.

Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat

Simple and Convenient

Excellent for space-saving, this toilet topper style trainer is an easy solution to potty training on the big-kid toilet.

Best Potty Seat

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If you’re looking for an easy, simple solution to a potty training seat, perhaps a toilet topper style trainer is best for you and your family. If you do go this route, you’ll want a sturdy potty, one that securely fits in place, and one that has built-in handles for both added security for your toddler as well as easy on-and-off. This Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat fits the bill, with some added extras in there as well. With non-skid edges, attached pee guard, and built-in feet that allow the toilet to stand for easy storage, this remains a top choice for a potty seat.

If your child becomes attached to one particular style of a toddler potty, a toilet topper is an easy solution because you can take it with you anywhere. Consequently, this provides extra comfort in new places. This is a definite bonus when you’re potty training.

Pros:

Great solution for tiny bathrooms or small spaces.
Can be used as a travel potty.

Cons:

If you’re using as a travel potty, there is no way to attach anything underneath the seat. You’ll still have to use it in public restrooms, etc.

Spuddies Potty with Ladder

All-in-One Ladder and Toilet Topper

With an attached ladder, this is a fantastic option for a toilet topper style training potty.

Best Step-Ladder Style Seat

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When it comes to potty training, figuring out the style that works best for your kiddo, you, and your bathroom space is key. If you’ve decided upon a toilet topper style trainer, you’re also going to need a step stool for easy access to the toilet. This Spuddies Potty is the perfect solution: it has a built in ladder.

Suitable from 18 months and up, and up to 50 pounds, this ladder is light enough for your child to move to the toilet themselves. It has a non-skid base, and the toilet topper fits most toilet seats. This makes independent use of the potty a breeze.

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to carry.
Folds for compact storage.
Steps can be used for a foot rest when toddler is using the potty.

Cons:

You’ll need to move it every time you want to use the toilet, which is the case with any toilet topper.

Summer Infant Step by Step 3-in-1 Potty

3-in-1 Potty Training Solution

A step ladder, stand-alone potty, and toilet topper trainer makes this an idea solution for a kiddo who is learning to use the toilet.

Best Multi-Functional

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This little toddler potty has it all. First, it’s a stand-alone potty for toddlers that prefer to have their own little toilet. Next, it converts into a toilet topper training seat that attaches to the regular toilet. While in this mode, it also turns into a steps tool in order to better reach the toilet. And that’s not all. There’s even a flushable wipes holder on the back of the seat (and the seat is soft with a splashguard, too), and there’s also a toilet paper dispenser for your toddler’s very own roll of toilet paper attached right to the seat. Additionally, there’s a built-in lid attached to the seat as well.

If you’re not sure which way to go–a stand-alone potty or a toilet topper trainer–this is the ideal pot seat for you to go with.

Pros:

With toilet paper and wipes right there, this potty makes teaching proper hygiene incredibly easy.
Non-slip rubber feet.
Two bright, fun color choices.

Cons:

To use the stool, you’ll have to take apart the potty.

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel

When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go.

Potty training can be a drag when you've got travel planned (or even just daily errands to take care of still...). This potty training travel seat is the ideal solution for on-the-go potty training.

Best for Travel

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Because potty training doesn’t just stop because you’re traveling, you’re going to want to have a potty specifically for traveling. This OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel is a quick and easy solution for on-the-go potty training. The legs fold in for easy and compact storage (seriously. It’ll fit in cars or you’re stroller…even some diaper bags!), and there are disposable bags that attach under the seat for containing any elimination. The legs lock open so there’s no worry that the seat will collapse under your child, no matter what type of environment you find yourself in.

Pros:

Comes with its own travel bag for clean and convenient storage.
Super lightweight yet sturdy design

Cons:

The included bags are large…a bit unnecessary for toddler-sized elimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average age for potty training?

As with anything that’s child-development related, there’s no such thing as a strict timeline. Children develop at their own pace. And of course, it’s the same when it comes to potty training. However, there is a average age for potty training. It is a wide range—between 18 months and 3 years, with the average falling somewhere around 27 months. Boys tend to potty train a bit later, and second or subsequent children might potty train earlier than a first child. Additionally, children in cloth diapers tend to potty train easier and earlier than children in disposable diapers.

How do I know my child is ready for potty training?

Children will begin communicating their potty training readiness before they even have the language for it–typically, by pulling at or fussing with a wet or soiled diaper. You might also notice that they hide when they are eliminating, and letting you know when they have finished. They might begin holding for longer periods of time, as well as going at certain times. These are all signs that your child is ready for potty training.

What’s the best way to potty train my child?

This depends on your child as well as you. However, the most important potty training technique to remember is the same for everyone: do not stress. If you’re stressed, your child will be stressed, and it ends up in an unhappy, prolonged experience for everyone (sometimes, maddeningly, by many months). Approaching potty training with an open, relaxed mind allows your child to feel empowered and confident. Whichever method you use, accidents can and do happen. It’s best to not scold or shame. Have your child help with the clean-up as much as possible. As a result, they’ll take ownership in their bodily functions, and potty training will quickly become a place of building confidence and independence.

So whether you use a reward system, treats, or a simple acknowledgement, finding a potty training method that feels right for your entire family is important. There are plenty of books, videos, and parenting blogs with advice on the ‘correct’ way to potty train. Talk with your pediatrician or trusted seasoned parent-friend, and find what works for you and your child. There really is no correct way, just the correct way for your kiddo.