Toddlers Everyday Care Potty Training The Best Potty Chairs for Little Ones Who Are Ready to Ditch the Diaper The BabyBjörn Potty Chair is a simple, minimalist option that gets the job done By Julie Evans Julie Evans LinkedIn Julie Ryan Evans is a writer and editor who has worked with Microsoft, USA Today, Realtor.com, Brit + Co, CafeMom, SheKnows, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 29, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Sabrina Jiang If you’re beginning the potty training journey, good luck! One item that can be helpful, especially for younger kids who may not fit or reach an adult-size toilet, is a kid-size potty seat. Most of these are mini toilets that will familiarize kids with the right place to go. Reviewed & Approved The BabyBjörn Potty Chair is equipped with a built-in splash guard to protect from messes and a high backrest for comfortable seating. If you prefer a toilet insert, we like the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer. To help motivate your child to use the potty, let them have input on their potty seat. “This is a nice and easy way to engage your child in the process of taking over care of their own poop and pee to achieve ‘toilet mastery,’ ” explains Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. Some families find it helpful to keep the seat in the bathroom, next to the toilet, to help toddlers feel prepared. Parents should be aware: Most of these potty seats need to be emptied, so they will require extra cleaning or the use of liners each time they are used. Before heading to purchase a potty seat, ensure your toddler is showing signs of readiness. Also, consider extra features like flushing sounds and toilet paper holders to encourage them to want to use the potty seat. Based on our research, here are the best potty seats for your little one. Our Top Picks Best Overall: BabyBjörn Potty Chair at Amazon Jump to Review Best Real-Life: Summer Infant My Size Potty at Amazon Jump to Review Best Toilet Insert: BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Multipurpose: Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty at Walmart Jump to Review Best Features: Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty at Amazon Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Summer Step-by-Step Potty at Amazon Jump to Review Best Folding: SKYROKU Potty Training Seat at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Travel: Jool Baby Products Folding Travel Potty Seat at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: BabyBjörn Potty Chair 4.9 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom Pros Sturdy design Easy to clean Built-in splash guard Cons Small for taller toddlers Does not convert to potty ring or step stool Inner potty may stick to bottoms The Baby Björn Potty Chair earned the top spot on our list because of its simple design, easy-to-clean material, and built-in splashguard to protect from messes. It has a high backrest, armrests for little arms and a splash guard, which can definitely come in handy while potty training boys. The whole thing is made of plastic, with no crevices, so wiping it down and disinfecting it is simple. It’s great for kids of any gender, so you can hand it down for siblings and friends later. It’s also a much less obvious addition to a bathroom than some brighter, louder chairs, making it perfect for minimalists, those who like a simple, no-fuss aesthetic, and kids who may be intimidated by chairs that have a lot going on. Product Weight: 1.98 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No What Our Editors Say "Even before you are ready to potty train, this chair is great to leave out and have your kids get familiar with it and how to sit in it. This option is easy to clean (though adding a liner is even easier) and it is not too much of an eye sore." — Dwyer Frame, VP of Commerce Best Real-Life: Summer Infant My Size Potty Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Realistic design Built-in wipes compartment Clip-on splashguard Cons Requires batteries Larger footprint Wipe compartment is small Just like the grown-ups! This pint-size potty looks just like the real deal and paves the way for transitioning from potty training to full-on potty use. It features a handle that makes a realistic flushing noise when pushed and a seat that flips up and down. If you’ve got a little boy in training, there’s a clip-on splash guard to keep things neat. There's also a built-in compartment for wipes, so they’re accessible when it comes to time to clean up. The bowl comes out for cleaning, and two AAA batteries are included, so you can get to work right away. It comes in white or pink. Product Weight: 1 pound | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: 2 AAA (included) Best Toilet Insert: BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom Pros Adjustable dial for secure fit Easy to clean Hanging feature for easy storage Cons Costly No step/handles Not recommended for children under 2 years old This potty seat is super simple for parents and caregivers to set up and for children to use. The seat features an adjustable dial to provide a secure and safe fit for most toilets. It’s lightweight, so children can put it on or take it off the toilet without any help, thanks to the seat’s built-in handle. To prevent any spills, there is an inward-facing splash guard designed in the BPA-free seat. It can be cleaned with a wipe or hot water. Product Weight: 1 pound | Type: On toilet | Batteries Required: No Best Multipurpose: Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty Courtesy of Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Versatile 3-in-1 seat Includes one odor fighting disc Bowl is removeable Cons Lower to the ground than other options Requires purchasing additional discs Splash guard is short This is a potty seat that you’ll likely use for years because it can be converted into three different tools as your child grows. It starts as a traditional potty chair with a removable bowl. It also features a special Nursery Fresh deodorizing disc from Arm & Hammer that uses baking soda to keep things smelling fresh. (Refills are sold separately). When they’re ready to move on to the big potty, there’s a removable seat that you can place on a full-size toilet. The chair also converts into a step stool to make reaching the sink and washing hands easier. This award-winning potty chair works well for all genders, and parents give it props for its versatility and ease of use. Product Weight: 3.5 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No Best Features: Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Removable potty ring fits on full-sized toilets Built-in splash guard Fun features (lights, sounds, etc.) Cons Batteries required for lights and noises to work No rubber base on base Splash guard is too short for some boys If it’s bells and whistles you want, this is the potty seat for you (and your kid), with its music, lights, water sounds, and more. When kids pee, they'll hear cheering and encouragement. This chair is all about making potty training fun, with details like a flushing lever and a bright smiley face on the backrest. The bowl is easy to remove for cleaning, and there are handles on each side to help kids feel safe. There’s also a splash guard for little guys. The potty ring is removable too, so it can be used on a full-size toilet when they’re ready to move on. Three AA batteries (included) are required to fuel all the fun. Product Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: 3 AA (included) The 9 Best Potty Training Pants of 2022 Most Comfortable: Summer Step-by-Step Potty Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Soft, cushy seat Built-in toilet paper and wipe holders Can also be used as a step stool Cons Wipe holder is small Difficult to clean Slides easily on tile/hardwood floors This potty chair is designed with comfort in mind. Unlike many potty chairs that are made of hard plastic, this one has a cushy, soft seat. It also features a built-in toilet paper holder, which holds a standard roll of toilet paper, to make wiping a breeze. There’s a built-in wipe holder as well. You child can also use this as a step stool, and you can place the cushioned seat atop a traditional toilet as well. It's available in bright green-and-white or pink. Product Weight: 2.8 pounds | Type: On toilet | Batteries Required: No The 10 Best Potty Training Books Best Folding: SKYROKU Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Foldable design Built-in step and handles Has anti-slip pads Cons Splash guard may not work for all children Difficult assembly for some Step itself is not adjustable This potty training seat is ideal when it comes to storage and design. It fits most standard-sized and elongated toilet seats, so you don’t have to buy a separate potty chair for your child. Its foldable design is perfect for parents and caregivers who want to put away the seat when guests come over. There’s also a step and handles for children to climb up to the seat safely. With the seat’s anti-slip design for the handle, base, and step, there’s no need to worry about the seat slipping or your little ones falling. Product Weight: 3.2 pounds | Type: On toilet | Batteries Required: No The 8 Best Step Stools for Kids of 2022 Best for Travel: Jool Baby Products Folding Travel Potty Seat Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Folded design Budget-friendly Eight suction cups for secure fit Cons No step/handles Suction cups can be hard to remove No splash guard Potty training while traveling doesn’t have to be hard thanks to this folding travel potty seat that fits most standard and public toilets. The seat features eight suction cups to keep it secure on any toilet. Cleaning this seat is extremely easy, since all it needs is a quick wipe and you're good to go. It even comes with a travel bag. Product Weight: .61 pounds | Type: On toilet | Batteries Required: No Final Verdict For a potty chair that's simple and easy to clean, check out the BabyBjörn Potty Chair. There aren’t any bells or whistles, but it has a high backrest, armrests, and a splash guard. There's also the SKYROKU Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder, which is ideal for storage and has a great design for little ones. It fits most standard and elongated toilet seats, is foldable, and features a step and handles for safety. How We Selected the Best Potty Chairs We chose the best potty chairs by researching reviews from customers and competitors, as we studied the features of more than a dozen products on the market. We considered price, design, features, ease of cleaning, and material when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio for guidance on toilet training for both kiddos and parents/caregivers. What to Look for When Buying a Potty Chair Readiness Determining when your child is ready to start potty training can be tricky. At 18 months, children are usually physiologically ready because their bladder and digestive systems have matured. However, they are typically not cognitively ready at this age, meaning their minds aren’t quite mature enough to remember to use the potty and ignore any distractions to finish their business. Dr. Lavin tells Verywell Family that we're giving our kids a big job when we ask them to stop using diapers. “In nations such as [the United States], where children are asked to become continent (use a toilet instead of a diaper after age 18 months), parents should know that their healthy children are aware of what a toilet is and their bodies are already fully able to be continent,” Dr Lavin says. “As a result, when it comes to asking our 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds to use a toilet without a diaper during the day, we are really talking about turning over responsibility from parents to the child. It is far more accurate to call this process ‘toilet mastery’ rather than ‘toilet training.’” As for cognitive, or physiological, readiness, that typically happens around age 2. Parents and caregivers should also keep in mind the motor skills needed for potty training, like children knowing how to pull their pants up and down. Moreover, there are also emotional and social readiness cues to be on the lookout for, such as gaining more independence and the awareness of others using a toilet. It always helps to explain out loud how the toilet works to your toddler to help them with any uneasiness they may have. Lifestyle Before potty training begins, think about how much space you have for an extra toilet. While not very large, potty training toilets do take up some space, but there are also other space-saving options on the market, like toilet training seats that go over a standard toilet. Or, if your family travels often, it may be best to purchase a travel-friendly seat for full-time use. Extra Features When you decide it’s time to purchase a potty, have your child help you decide which one to buy. Some training toilets have extra features, like flushing sounds and a toilet paper holder. These extra features give children a sense of ownership of their potty, since it looks and sounds just like the toilet their older sibling or caregiver uses. If your child has an older sibling, they may do well with a potty that has an extra feature like a step stool because they want to behave just like their big brother or sister. Frequently Asked Questions How do I use a potty chair? A standalone potty chair is often used instead of an adult-size toilet. They should be placed in an area that is both convenient for your child and easy for you to empty. Your child can practice sitting on the chair and using it when they feel the urge to go to the bathroom. “A potty chair is a nice form of a toilet for toddlers; it is fun for them to use and easy to reach,” says Dr. Lavin. How should we transition from potty chair to toilet? One of the easiest ways to transition your child to the toilet is by letting them run the show, Dr. Lavin recommends. “When you wonder if they are ready, simply ask them, ‘How about using the regular toilet?’ Once they say ‘yes’ and give it a go and it works, the transition is done!’”Dr. Lavin also suggests simply telling your child what is happening. “When you as a parent feel ready to turn over the care of your child’s poop and pee to your child, you simply have a chat with them and let them know they are now old enough to take care of themselves,” he explains. “Let them know you will help them do that by getting some training pants. Tell them they will no longer be put in diapers, and that they are expected to put their poop and pee in the toilet and then clean themselves.”To ease your child from the potty chair to the toilet, use a toddler-size ring that fits top of the full-sized toilet seat. This will help make your child feel more secure and eliminates the risk of falling in the toilet. To help your kiddo comfortably reach the seat, you may need to add a step stool (or use a potty seat that converts to a step stool). Why Trust Verywell Family Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year old daughter. After successfully potty training three kids, Maya much prefers potty rings that go over the toilet seat more than potty chairs. She finds once her kids get used to sitting on the full-size toilet, it’s much cleaner, easier, and faster for them to go there than on a potty chair. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 2 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Johns Hopkins All Children Hospital. Potty training tips: knowing when your toddler is ready. Cleveland Clinic. The best potty training tips: And everything else you need to know to successfully potty train.