At what age should a child be potty trained?

For a successful potty training experience, children should be able to sense when they need to go potty, understand what the urge to go means, and then tell you when they need help going to the potty. When you wait for these skills to develop, you can expect a much easier potty training experience for everyone in your household. While every child is different, children typically begin potty training anywhere from 18 months up to three years old. Remember—one of the most important things you can do during potty training is to stay consistent.

What are the different types of potty chairs?

There are two general types of potty chairs/seats: a stand-alone potty or a toilet insert, also called a "toilet trainer" or "toilet seat" A standalone potty chair is often used instead of an adult-sized toilet. 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. A toilet insert/trainer sits directly on a full-sized toilet and is usually a great transition for kiddos going in the “big” potty.

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 on top of the full-sized toilet seat. That will help make your child feel more secure and eliminates the risk of falling into 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, like the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty ).

The 12 Best Potty Chairs of 2023

Before you say goodbye to diapers forever, equip your little one with a solid potty chair or seat for the journey ahead. Some kids may begin potty training as early as 18 months, but readiness is critical for a successful journey. Whether you prefer a stand-alone potty, a toilet insert, or a combination of both, we put 22 of them through multiple tests to find the best potty chairs and seats for your child.

To help motivate your child to use the potty, let them participate in the selection of 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. In addition to your child’s readiness, consider your family’s lifestyle when looking for a potty chair or seat. If your family spends much time traveling, you’ll want a portable option to take with you. Also, consider extra features like flushing sounds, music, and lights to encourage kids to use the potty seat.

When testing potty chairs, we evaluated their stability, design, ease of cleaning, and overall value, while also weighing the pros and cons to narrow down the list to the best options for families. Based on our testing, these are the best potty chairs and seats for your little one.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

BabyBjörn Smart Potty at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Multi-Use:

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Travel:

Summer Infant Travel Potty Deluxe at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Travel Runner-Up:

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Small Spaces:

Bemis NextStep2 Children's Potty Training Toilet Seat at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Comfort:

Beaba Ergonomic Training Potty at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Toilet Seat:

BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Fun:

The First Years Minnie Mouse Imaginaction Potty & Trainer Seat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Potty Training Toilet at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Sounds:

Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Anti-slip material
Fits tiny bums comfortably
Easy to clean

Cons

Not entirely travel-friendly

The BabyBjörn Smart Potty knocked every testing category out of the park, which is why it earned our top spot. The durable BPA-free plastic felt solid and sturdy to our tester, who loved the anti-slip material on the bottom to keep it from sliding. “Even when I tried to push it out of the way myself, it didn’t move,” our tester said, scoring the potty’s stability 5 out of 5 stars.

The smart potty earned another high score for its functional design. The modern-looking potty is available in many neutral color options to fit your home decor. According to our tester, the potty sits low to the ground and fits tiny tushies well—all thanks to smooth, rounded edges on the potty and removable inner potty to prevent pinching and provide a comfortable potty experience. A splash guard helps avoid splash-black or accidents during potty training. While our tester appreciated its small size for saving space, it’s not a potty they would take with them for an afternoon. Whether you take the potty on the go or not, there’s a handle on the back for easy portability from room to room.

Testing Notes: “It's not overly expensive and can stand up to a toddler. We ‘played’ with it for a while to get used to talking about going to the potty, and it held up well with being taken apart and put back together.”

Cleaning the potty chair was a breeze (5 out of 5 stars) thanks to the removable inner potty. Simply lift it out, empty it, and wipe or rinse clean. The overall value of the BabyBjörn Smart Potty earned another ideal score because it isn’t too costly for families on a budget, and you don’t have to sacrifice its small size, sturdy stability, and adorable bear design.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1 pound | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No}

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Versatile design
Easy to clean
Has a seat cover

Cons

Freshener discs are additional cost

While the BabyBjörn Smart Potty earned our top spot, the Munchkin Arm & Hammer 3-in-1 Potty was close behind with its high performance in all testing categories. It not only functions as a potty chair, but also features a removable trainer seat to place on a full-size toilet. And once potty training has been mastered, it doubles as a sturdy step stool to reach the big toilet seat or make washing hands easier. Despite no anti-slip material on the bottom of the potty, our tester said they had zero issues with stability thanks to the potty chair’s wide base and easy-to-grip handle.

The potty chair's versatile design earned another perfect score. Its seat cover made our little tester feel like a grown-up. Plus, the textured seat cover provides security when it doubles as the step stool's surface. Built-in splash guards help prevent splatter, while the freshener disc neutralizes unwanted odors. According to our tester, the freshener disc was a nice touch, but “it's not entirely necessary, as we always clean the potty out straight away, so the scent never lingers.”

Testing Notes: “Love how versatile this one is. It functions as a potty, a removable trainer seat that you can put atop any toilet, as well as a step stool. My son loves that it has a seat cover—he loves to put it up and down just like our adult toilet.”

Our tester loved the removable bowl for easy cleaning, scoring the potty chair 5 out of 5 stars. The contoured design of the bowl prevents any dirt or other germs from hiding in unwanted places, and once you’ve washed it with soap and water, liquid simply pours out of the side spout for mess-free cleaning. Our tester scored the potty chair’s overall value another 5 out of 5 stars because of its useful design that works for both potty training beginners and advanced kiddos.

Price at time of publication: $36

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.5 pounds | Type: Stand alone, insert, and step stool | Batteries Required: No}

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

4/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Disposable bags make cleanup easy
Two modes of use
Takes up little space

Cons

Less stable as potty ring

The Summer Infant My Travel Potty Deluxe works in two ways: Potty chair and potty ring (a.k.a. insert or trainer). According to our tester, the potty is stable when used on a flat surface as a potty chair but less so when used as a potty insert. “The legs of the potty extend out and snap into place, so you know it's ready to go. It is less stable when placed on top of an existing toilet seat. I'd be wary of using it for that purpose without adult supervision,” our tester noted, scoring the potty’s stability 4 out of 5 stars.

Aside from that detail, the potty’s design, ease of cleaning, and overall value were home runs. Our tester loved how the potty folded down for easy portability and the included storage pouch. “We keep ours in our car trunk, and it takes up very little room,” our tester noted. The legs of the potty chair securely lock when extended, while soft, flexible tabs keep leak-proof disposable bags (12 bags included) in place for kiddos to do their business. Phe bags make cleanup a breeze, and integrated handles provide extra stability. “The bag extends over the top of the toilet seat, so when you remove the bag, it captures everything, and there's little need to clean anything else,” said our tester.

Testing Notes: “It's versatile, easy to use, and involves little to no effort as far as cleaning goes, thanks to the plastic bags that cover the entire seat.”

If you find yourself potty training on the go, this affordable potty adapts to your growing child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.

Price at time of publication: $23

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: Less than 1 pound | Type: Stand alone and insert | Batteries Required: No}

4.5

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

3/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

2-in-1 design
Regular plastic bags are OK
Potty’s legs open easily for emergencies

Cons

Supervision required when used as insert

The design of this OXO Tot potty resembles the Summer Infant My Travel Potty and it also hit a roadblock during the stability test. The potty features a 2-in-1 design, so it’s safe to use as a potty chair or potty insert. The legs lock securely and open quickly for convenient potty training (or bathroom emergencies). Our tester said they had no issues with it as a stand-alone potty but recommended supervision when using it as an insert on a full-size toilet. “Your child definitely needs to be supervised, since it doesn't attach to anything (just sits on top of the potty), and then the kid needs help getting on and off the toilet,” according to our tester, who scored the potty’s stability 3 out of 5 stars.

The unique, versatile design of the potty easily earned it 5 out of 5 stars. Disposable bags with absorbent pads are included, but regular plastic bags (like the dozens of grocery store bags under your kitchen sink) also fit. “Nothing to really clean, because they either go in the toilet or they go in a disposable bag,” our tester said. Plus, it folds easily and comes with an included storage bag for convenient portability.

“It is a well-thought-out piece of gear,” according to our tester. You technically get two potties for the price of one, thanks to the 2-in-1 design, and it’s super portable for families who are always on the go.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.2 pounds | Type: Stand alone and insert | Batteries Required: No}

4.8

Walmart

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Same seat for kids and adults
Potty seat is removable
Requires little cleaning and maintenance

Cons

Best for advanced potty users

Think of this potty seat as an upgrade from a potty insert. The seat attaches directly to the toilet, features grip bumpers for extra security, and is removable, thanks to a magnetic attachment instead of screws. Once you no longer need the smaller potty seat, simply remove it and keep the adult seat as-is. Our tester loved the versatility and ranked the potty seat’s stability 5 out of 5 stars. However, our tester made one important note regarding the potty’s stability: “Depending on the age range of the child, not being able to have their feet flat on the ground or handlebars to brace can make them feel unstable.”

Because the children’s potty seat is attached to a regular adult toilet seat, there’s no extra work when it comes to cleaning, which is why it scored 5 out of 5 stars for its ease of cleaning. Simply flush like usual, and freshen up the seat on your family’s cleaning day (or when necessary). The compact design of the potty seat earned it another perfect score in our design category. “It saves space in your bathroom,” said our tester, adding you don’t have to store it when guests come over. Plus, the toilet lid doesn’t slam loudly, thanks to a unique feature that closes it slowly.

Testing Notes: “Love the fact that this ‘potty’ is built right into the toilet that everyone else can use but doesn't have to be bothered with taking on or off. It feels more inclusive for all guests with different bottom sizes.”

The overall value of the NextStep2 toilet seat earned 4 out of 5 stars from our tester, because it isn’t beginner-friendly. “Adults would need to be there to assist littles at all times—getting up and down from the potty, offering support to make sure they do not fall off the toilet, and help setting down the smaller seat,” our tester said. The seat is ideal for advanced potty users and may require a step stool to help the kiddos reach the toilet seat and provide support under their feet.

Price at time of publication: $67

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 7.35 pounds | Type: Seat | Batteries Required: No}

4.5

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Ergonomic design is comfortable
Potty center is removable
Stylish design

Cons

Best for beginners

If you’re looking for an option for beginners, the Beaba training potty is a great place to start. It passed with flying colors in the stability and ease-of-cleaning tests. According to our tester, the potty sat flush with the ground and felt stable thanks to anti-slip material on the bottom. “It is lightweight, so you can move it around easily if you want to, but it stays in place otherwise,” she said. The ergonomic design of the potty provides a comfy spot for tiny behinds to sit down on, while rounded corners and edges make cleanup simple. The center of the potty is removable, so it's easy to clean without carrying the entire potty to the sink or toilet.

According to our tester, the potty chair is small enough to stow away in the corner of the bathroom and works well in small spaces. While the design is pleasing to the eye, it earned 4 out of 5 stars from our tester, because it may confuse children who already use a traditional potty or potty train at daycare. “The potty that my son's daycare uses looks more like an adult potty, so he was confused at first with this one, because it does not look like a traditional toilet. That is something to keep in mind if you are trying to create consistency in training between home and school,” noted our tester.

The potty chair doesn’t have a lid or flush handle like an adult toilet, which can be a con for families in the advanced stages of potty training. However, it does feature a carrying handle on the back of the seat for easy portability. This potty chair comes in at $25, so it’s a good value if you’re looking for a small, beginner potty that isn’t an eyesore.

Price at time of publication: $25

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1.35 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No}

4.4

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

4/5
Design

4/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Adjustable dial for secure fit
Sleek design
Inward-facing splash guard

Cons

Must be removed for adults
No handles

This potty seat is super-simple for parents and caregivers to set up and for children to use without feeling unstable. The seat features an adjustable dial and rubber edging to provide a secure and safe fit for most toilets. According to our testers, the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer didn’t slide or move when attached to the toilet seat and scored 5 out of 5 stars for stability. “I had no concerns that it would break, slide, or otherwise show wear over time. I'm pretty confident we could use this potty for a long time (maybe even future kids) without ever worrying it was showing its age,” said one tester.

The toilet insert is lightweight, so children can put it on or take it off the toilet without any help, thanks to the seat’s built-in handle that doubles as a storage hook. One of our testers appreciated the potty’s sleek, white design that blends well with bathroom decor. According to a tester, the toilet insert needed removal for an adult to use the toilet, which can be a bit of an inconvenience. Otherwise, the toilet trainer felt comfortable for our tiny testers to sit on.

The inward-facing splash guard prevents spills outside the toilet, which is handy for potty-training boys. “The lip [splash guard] also isn't as invasive as other potty seats we've tried, which either get in the way or cause my son to have to spread his legs too far apart to sit comfortably,” said one tester. The overall design of the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer earned 4 out of 5 stars.

Our testers said the toilet trainer lost one point for its ease of cleaning. It’s easy to clean (just wipe it down), but there are some narrow spots to reach, and you also have to clean the adult toilet seat separately. “I was able to confidently clean it without issues or worrying about mold growing,” said one tester.

The BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer is one of the more costly potty seats on our list, which is why it earned 4 out of 5 stars in the value category. However, it’s well-made, durable, stable, and easy to store in a pinch.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 14 ounces | Type: Seat | Batteries Required: No}

4.9

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

4.5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Fun design
Reward system
Stable without anti-slip material

Cons

No handles

Little ones can be official Mickey Mouse Clubhouse members with this adorable Disney-themed potty chair. Our tester said that while the toilet seat shifted a little bit when her kiddo was getting comfortable, the overall stability was sturdy, scoring 5 out of 5 stars. Cleaning the seat was simple, too, thanks in large part to the removable rounded inner potty and separate toilet seat.

The design of this potty chair had our tiny tester excited from the moment she saw it. “I want to use the pink potty!” our small tester exclaimed. Aside from its kid-friendly theme, the potty chair featured a built-in splash guard to prevent messes and came with a reward system our tester loved. When littles go potty, add Disney character stickers to the included chart, or scan with the free ‘Share the Smiles’ app to get a congratulatory message from a Disney friend. You can even add a large (included) Disney sticker to the potty’s tank for encouragement and fun. Buttons on the potty congratulate children when finished and provide a realistic flushing sound. “The biggest win is the reward buttons. You can hit a button that says, ‘Yay!’ when you're done, and it has a flush button. She loves that feature. She'll clap with it when it says ‘Yay!’ It's super-sweet,” our tester said. The adorable potty chair would have earned 5 out of 5 stars for its design, but the lack of handles on the side for extra stability was a downside for our tester.

Despite a tiny hiccup in design, our tester loved this potty chair so much for their little girl they bought several to keep in bathrooms around their home. While this is the second-highest-priced potty chair on our list, it’s an incredible value for the fun and sturdy design.

Price at time of publication: $37

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.3 pounds | Type: Chair | Batteries Required: 2 AAA (included)}

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

3/5
Design

5/5
Value

4/5

Pros

Small, lightweight design
Disposable bag holder underneath
Stand alone or toilet trainer
Pieces come apart for thorough cleaning

Cons

Bags sold separately
Cleaning is a bit more challenging

For a budget-friendly potty that doesn’t sacrifice functionality and convenience, the Skip Hop Multi-Stage Potty Seat is an ideal choice. According to our tester, the potty earned 5 out of 5 stars for stability, because its low-profile design allows little ones to sit unassisted without tipping over. The small, lightweight potty chair is great for travel or as a space-saving option at home, mainly thanks to the nesting design for ultimate portability (5 out of 5 stars). According to our tester, the potty worked well with the disposable potty bags (sold separately) stored underneath the seat in a special bag holder, or you can also use regular plastic bags. “It has come with us to the playground every weekend,” our tester said.

While the potty seat was easy to clean, it required additional steps, like cleaning the bowl. According to our tester, cleaning both pieces was difficult with a potty full of pee, and the button to release the seat wasn’t easy to press.

The Skip Hop potty hit a few bumps in the road, but its overall price is worth it. Between its versatile and travel-friendly design, the convenience of the potty makes it an excellent option for busy families.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Stand alone, toilet trainer | Batteries Required: No}

4.2

Target

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

4/5
Design

4/5
Value

3/5

Pros

Versatile design
Fun lights, sounds, music
Handles on potty seat

Cons

Not ideal for long-term use

The Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty has all the bells and whistles you (and your kiddo) want, like music, lights, real sounds, and more. While there is no anti-slip material on the bottom of the potty, our tester said it felt nothing but stable during testing and scored the potty’s stability 5 out of 5 stars. Depending on your family’s style, the design of the potty chair can be a pro or con. “This is definitely not the chicest design for minimalist families, but my child was immediately interested in the fun design, which encouraged him to want to use it!” our tester noted. The potty chair doubles as a toilet trainer as kids progress. Plus, when kids pee, they'll hear cheering and encouragement, with details like a flushing lever and a bright smiley face on the backrest to make potty training a fun learning experience. We also appreciate the handles on each side to help kids feel safe, and a splash guard to help keep urine in the potty.

The bowl is easy to remove for cleaning but may be too big to wash in traditional bathroom sinks, which is why it lost a point in the cleaning category. Three AA batteries (included) are required. However, our tester said that the potty chair likely isn’t ideal for long-term use and scored its overall value 3 out 5 stars.

Price at time of publication: $35

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: Not listed | Type: Stand alone and toilet trainer | Batteries required: 3 AA batteries (included)}

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Stability

5/5
Ease of Cleaning

4/5
Design

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Very stable
Neutral colors fit in with decor
High backrest provides support

Cons

Bigger design takes up more space

With nearly impeccable scores during testing, the BabyBjörn Potty Chair impressed in every category. Despite not attaching to anything, like a full-size toilet, the potty chair didn’t rock or move during the stability test and earned 5 out of 5 stars. “It is both heavy enough not to move when my kid sits in it but light enough that I can also easily move it between rooms and clean it,” said our tester. Cleaning the potty wasn’t difficult either, as contents in the removable inner potty dumped straight into the full-size toilet.

According to our tester, the potty’s design was a hit with their child. The potty chair is also available in a variety of neutral colors and features the beloved BabyBjörn bear logo. “Having a nice color (the pink is a dusty blush, so it's also ‘chic’ when displayed in our home or bathroom) and an animal detail was enough to make it stand out in her [child’s] mind,” said the tester. It has a high backrest for additional security, armrests for comfort, and a splash guard to protect from messes.

This potty isn’t the most expensive option on our list, but because BabyBjörn is a luxury brand, it will cost a bit more upfront.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1.98 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No}

Skyroku

Our Ratings

Stability

4.5/5
Ease of Cleaning

5/5
Design

5/5
Value

5/5

Pros

Unique potty seat/step stool design
Kid-sized grippy handles
Cushioned seat

Cons

Not portable
Must be removed for adults

The Skyroku Potty Training Seat features a unique potty seat and step stool design our tester and their kiddo loved. “Considering my child has to climb up and sit on an actual toilet to use it, this is pretty stable,” said our tester, who scored the stability of the potty 4.5 out of 5 stars. The potty seat has a built-in adjustable step stool to make getting on the potty easier for little bums, while kid-sized grippy handles helped our small tester get on and off the toilet without feeling unstable. “There's also a little back at the edge of the seat to give her extra back support when she's sitting on the potty. This all helps her feel safe and secure when using it,” our tester added.

One of the best things about this potty seat’s design is the resemblance to BabyBjörn. It’s available in vibrant or neutral colors and features an adorable bear on the backrest (ears included). “My toddler just loves animals, and this makes the potty more appealing for her to use,” our tester said. We also love the potty’s cushioned seat for additional comfort during potty training, which is one of the many reasons it earned 5 out of 5 stars for its design. It was easy to clean, too, because the seat goes directly on the full-sized toilet. The Skyroku training seat didn’t earn a perfect score due to the lack of portability and because it needs to be taken off each time an adult needs to use the bathroom. According to our tester, they would stand the seat against the wall for the time being but didn’t mind sacrificing that small detail for the ease of cleaning.

Testing Notes: “This was our daughter's favorite potty to use, since it made her feel grown up, and she got to flush the toilet after.”

The Skyroku Potty Training Seat is the highest-priced potty seat on our list and even requires some additional setup. However, having your child go directly into the toilet makes cleanup easy and teaches littles how to go in the “big” potty, which is priceless).

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.2 pounds | Type: On toilet | Batteries Required: No}

How We Rated the Best Potty Chairs

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best potty chairs we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These potty chairs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great potty chairs, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These potty chairs are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend potty chairs with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested

Summer Infant My Size Potty: While this potty resembles a real toilet, it slid on tile flooring easily, and the realistic flusher was a distraction for our tester.
OXO Tot Potty Chair: This potty was stable (and affordable) but required emptying the bucket’s contents instead of going directly into the potty and needed a little more festivity in the design.
Joovy Loo Potty Chair: The base of this potty was sturdy and stable; however, the lack of a backrest was a big downside for our tester.

How We Tested the Best Potty Chairs

Eleven testers and their kiddos evaluated 22 potty chairs and seats in the comfort of their home, assessing each on several attributes, such as stability, ease of cleaning, design, and overall value. We also consulted with Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio, for guidance on toilet training for both kiddos and parents/caregivers.

Testers took time setting up the potty chairs following the manufacturer’s directions. We asked them to be aware of the potty chair/seat size, describing whether it took up too much space or was small enough to fit in a corner. While some potty chairs and seats didn’t take up much space, others had to be placed against a wall when not in use, like the Skyroku Potty Training Seat.

For stability and design testing, our testers introduced their littles to the potty chairs and seats to determine their initial reactions. We wanted to know if the product was immediately appealing and if the chair or seat provided a comfortable fit for kiddos. We asked testers to be aware of the stability of the chair/seat and if the material slid around on specific flooring. Testers also noted any “bells and whistles” and whether they were appealing to the child or functional for potty training and future use.

Testers cleaned the potty chair/seat once their child used it. They also made notes on the effectiveness of the splash guards and whether the potty/seat was easy to empty and clean. For potty chairs and seats that required disposable bags, we asked testers to see if the bag was easy to remove without making a mess. Lastly, we wanted to know if the potty seat or chair could be easily wiped down or washed without being damaged.

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 bladders 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 two-, three- and four-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 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 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 (chair or seat) 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, such as the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer. Or, if your family travels often, it may be best to purchase a travel-friendly seat for full-time use, like the Summer Infant My Travel Potty Deluxe or OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty.

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, like the Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty, have extra features, like flushing sounds and music or lights. These extra features give children a sense of ownership of their potty, since it looks and sounds like the toilet their older sibling or caregiver uses.

If your child has an older sibling, they may do well with a potty with an extra feature like a step stool, because they want to behave just like their big brother or sister.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should a child be potty trained?

For a successful potty training experience, children should be able to sense when they need to go potty, understand what the urge to go means, and then tell you when they need help going to the potty. When you wait for these skills to develop, you can expect a much easier potty training experience for everyone in your household. While every child is different, children typically begin potty training anywhere from 18 months up to three years old. Remember—one of the most important things you can do during potty training is to stay consistent.
What are the different types of potty chairs?

There are two general types of potty chairs/seats: a stand-alone potty or a toilet insert, also called a "toilet trainer" or "toilet seat" A standalone potty chair is often used instead of an adult-sized toilet. 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. A toilet insert/trainer sits directly on a full-sized toilet and is usually a great transition for kiddos going in the “big” potty.
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 on top of the full-sized toilet seat. That will help make your child feel more secure and eliminates the risk of falling into 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, like the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty).

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. She potty trained her toddler son using a combination of a potty chair at the beginning and a toilet trainer as he became more advanced.

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an eleven-year-old son, a seven-year-old son, and a three-year old daughter. After successfully potty training three kids, Maya much prefers potty rings that go on the toilet seat over potty chairs. She found that once her kids got used to sitting on the full-sized toilet, was much cleaner, easier, and faster for them to go there than on a potty chair.