Once the diapers come off, as a parent, you’ll be stepping into a whole new world. The nightmare of changing diapers quickly becomes the nightmare of potty training, and it’s no easy task for any parent. While your child may no longer need a diaper, you’ll notice that your little one may not be big enough to use the toilet on their own. For boys, it’s a matter of reaching the seat and learning to aim, and for girls the toilet seat can be too large to sit on. This can leave you both confused and worried, but you can always be prepared.
So, if you’re at this point, you’ll be needing a potty chair or potty seat to get the job done. If you don’t know much about them, don’t panic, because we’ll be showing you everything you need to know. We have compiled a list of the 10 best potty chairs and seats on the market, and we’ve done all the research for you. Read on to get started, and get ready to make potty training a breeze.
- Features to Consider in Good Potty Chairs and Seats
- Top 10 Best Potty Chairs and Seats 2023
- 1. Best Overall Pick: Summer My Size Potty
- 2. Best Portable Potty Seat: Gimars Portable Potty Seat
- 3. The Best Budget Potty Seat: Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat
- 4. Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring
- 5. The Best Premium Pick: BabyBjorn Potty Trainer
- 6. Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty
- 7. Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat
- 8. The Training Wheels Racer Potty System
- 9. The Best Portable Potty Chair: Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty
- 10. Spuddies Potty With Ladder
- Guide to Buying the Best Potty Chairs and Seats
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Features to Consider in Good Potty Chairs and Seats
There are some things to look out for. These include the types of potty chairs and seats you’ll come across, and some features to keep an eye on. Let’s take a look at the basics.
The Types of Potty Chairs and Seats
The Potty Seat
A potty seat is a lot more simple than a potty chair. These seats rest directly on the toilet bowl. Some potty seats may have ladders included, which can make them viable for very young children. A potty seat is also portable, easier to clean, and much smaller. We recommend considering potty seats for children that are a little older because it does involve them using the actual toilet.
The Potty Chair
A potty chair acts as a standalone separate toilet. Potty chairs usually have a compartment that catches waste, and they’re generally small enough for your toddler to climb upon. This eliminates the need for additional ladders or tools to get them up to the toilet. A potty chair works very well for children who are just starting to learn or are very small, as there is no risk of them falling into the toilet.
Weight Limit
Weight is important to consider when you shop for a potty chair or seat, because if you exceed the weight rating it won’t perform well. The weight rating usually won’t be too much of an issue, but it’s definitely worth considering. For example, if your child is 20 pounds heavier than the maximum rating, the plastic or fabric can wear down quickly. So, before you buy, make sure the weight rating is what you need.
One thing to keep in mind is that weight is more important with potty chairs, because they’re a separate unit from the toilet itself. If your child is too heavy for a potty chair, the unit can break and this might lead to injuries. It may sound dangerous, but as long as you’re proactive you shouldn’t have any issues.
Age
The age of your child is also something that’s going to impact their needs. Most potty chairs and seats will have ages listed. For example, if your child is only 12 or 18 months, they’re going to have a very hard time climbing on a full-size toilet to use a potty seat.
Once your child is old enough, and tall enough, you’ll want to start having them use the adult toilet. This is where potty seats come into play because they’ll make sure that your child fits right on the seat, as a small child will have a tough time sitting or standing up with an adult toilet.
Top 10 Best Potty Chairs and Seats 2023
1. Best Overall Pick: Summer My Size Potty
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Potty chair
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Ages: 18 Months
The Summer My Size Potty looks and feels like an actual toilet. The potty comes with a clip-on splash guard and a clip-on lid that can be open and shut, which helps it feel authentic and get children used to the real thing. These two features also make it ideal for both boys and girls because it will teach a young boy how to go to the bathroom standing up, and it doesn’t add discomfort to girls that need to sit down. The seat itself is comfortable, and the splash guard doesn’t add any discomfort. If you want your child to learn how to use a real toilet, starting them off with the next best thing is a great idea.
The Summer My Size Potty is our best overall pick because it’s essentially a miniature toilet. The handle actually works and makes a flushing sound when your child presses it. This is paired with a built-in wipe dispenser, and the top compartment has some additional storage built-in as well. The lid is also similar to an actual toilet bowl, and your child can learn to open and close it. The design of this potty chair is ideal for potty training because it functions the same as an actual toilet does, and we all know how much infants and toddlers like to mirror their parents.
Pros
- The top compartment provides additional storage for wipes and other bathroom aids
- The design prepares your child to get familiar with an adult toilet
- The splash guard can be removed for added comfort when sitting down
- The hinged lid helps boys properly work the potty chair
Cons
- It doesn't have any fun or exciting features, which means it may take some extra effort to start the potty training process
2. Best Portable Potty Seat: Gimars Portable Potty Seat
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Potty Seat
Weight limit: 60 Pounds
Ages: 3 Years+
The Gimars Portable Potty Seat is made for both young boys and girls, and it features a soft non-slip material that makes sure your little one stays firmly on the toilet. The Gimars Portable Potty Seat also fits securely to most toilets, and it’s made with a silicone pad that’s very easy to clean. Then, once clean, the Gimars Portable Potty Seat can be stored away in a compact waterproof bag. The bag is very small, and can actually hang on your toilet to make things very simple. To accomplish this, the Grimars Portable Potty Seat uses a foldable design to help with storage.
What makes the Grimars Portable Potty Seat special is the clever design. It keeps your hands off of public toilets and can be used on a plane, at home, or any public restroom. This works by using spacers between the actual toilet seat and the potty seat, this way you don’t need to touch any of those gross toilet bowl rims. Another great design feature is that you can fold and unfold this potty seat with only one hand. So, if you’re on the go, you can hold your little one and set the potty seat down all in one fluid motion. It’s a bit larger than other potty seats, which is what helps it conform to most toilets.
The Grimars Portable Potty Seat is a great choice for busy parents, and this is why we consider it the best portable potty seat. If you find yourself on the go or out and about a lot, it can help to have the proper potty seat with you. We all know how disgusting those public toilet seats can be, so even if you just want a buffer for your toddler, the Grimars Portable Potty Seat is a great option. We know that being a busy parent can be hard, but this potty seat makes it a little easier.
Price
The Grimars Portable Potty Seat is about average, and it’s a good fit for most budgets.
Pros
- The design keeps it away from contact with public toilets
- Made with polypropylene material and silicone pads that are both safe and effective
- Once it's on a level surface, it won't unfold on its own
- The happy owl design will definitely draw children in, and it comes with a lot of color options for boys and girls
Cons
- Only suitable for older children due to the larger size
3. The Best Budget Potty Seat: Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Potty Seat
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Ages: 24 Months
The Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat is great for safe and easy potty training, and it even comes with a non-slip grip. The Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat fits most modern toilets and ensures that your child feels both safe and comfortable. While it may be comfortable, it’s also practical as well. There are two grips on each side for your child to hold onto if they don’t feel safe, and the non-skid edge makes sure that the potty seat never moves around once it’s properly fitted to your toilet.
The potty seat itself is made with a material that’s very easy to clean; all you need to do is simply rinse it off in a tub or shower, or scrub with a damp cloth. One of the best qualities about the Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat is that it brings you everything you need at a very low price. This is a great fit for any budget, and while it may be inexpensive, the quality is definitely there. Also, if you have a little boy, the splash guard will make sure that urine remains in the toilet.
The Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat should always be considered if you want a top performing potty seat at a good price. While it may lack advanced features, not every parent needs or wants things that can complicate the experience. This is definitely something you should think about, and with the Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat, simple is better.
Pros
- One of the most affordable potty seats on the market
- Comes with feet that are great for storage
- Compatible with a lot of other Munchkin accessories
Cons
- The splash guard can be a bit uncomfortable when sitting down
4. Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Potty Seat
Weight limit: 60 Pounds
Ages: 18 Months+
The Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring is extremely easy to use thanks to the handle located on the back of the potty seat. The handle allows you to fit this potty seat to most toilets with a snug and sturdy fit, and the handle can also be used as a storage tool as well. The Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring also comes with handles on both sides to make your child feel more secure, and pairs well with the contoured seat for additional comfort. With the Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring, your child will show no fear of the big bad adult toilet.
The Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring includes a contoured design to make sure that your child is comfortable when they’re sitting down, and this is paired with an integrated splash guard. So, if you’re concerned about either comfort or splashing, there is no need to worry. The plastic that this potty seat is made with is also easy to clean, which can be a blessing when you’re in a hurry. Finally, it’s also very competitively priced.
Pros
- The handle is friendly to use for both you and your child
- It can fit most adult toilets, including ones with elongated bowls
- The handle applies pressure to make sure that it doesn't move
Cons
- The splash guard is a bit steep, which can be uncomfortable for some children
Editor’s Rating:
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Ages: 18 Months+
The BabyBjorn Potty Trainer is made with high-quality plastic. The plastic design is derived from BPA-free plastics, which makes it one of the safest potty seats you can get for your child. BPA-free means that it lacks the chemical bisphenol A, which is considered unsafe for young children if found in containers with food or water. While it may not be the best idea to have your child eat off their potty seat, it’s great to know that the plastics used are as safe as possible.
Safety aside, the BabyBjorn Potty Trainer is also very practical. It comes with a splash guard to prevent any urine from getting out of the toilet, and the handle on the back is excellent for storage purposes. You also don’t need to worry about the type of toilet you have, because the dial located on the back makes sure that you can adjust it to fit most toilets.
The BabyBjorn Potty Trainer is also friendly for both you and your child. A lot of potty seats will require you to set them up for your child, but with the BabyBjorn Potty Trainer your child can do this all on their own. This is made possible by the handle on the back of the potty seat. Then, when it’s time to clean it, there is little to no hassle. All you need to do is remove the potty seat, and run it under hot water. The BabyBjorn is an easy choice and premium model in every aspect, and you can even take it on the go.
The BabyBjorn Potty Trainer is a little bit more expensive than other potty seats on the market. The justification for this price is the high-quality plastic that’s BPA-free, so if that’s something you’re concerned about, the price is definitely fair.
Pros
- Made with USA and Europe approved safe plastics and fabrics
- The contoured design makes it very comfortable, even with the splash guard
- Older children can operate this potty seat with no additional help
Cons
- The only downside is the price tag
6. Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty
Editor’s Rating:
Type: potty chair
Weight limit: 50 pounds
Ages: 12 months+
The Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty is a great way to introduce potty training in a fun and safe way. This is a potty chair that’s designed to be exciting for your little ones, and features like the twirling water sound upon tapping the handle reflect that. The Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty comes with plenty of sounds, music, and lights to make the potty training experience a blast for the entire family. When you pair this with the goofy smile and bright colors, it really makes going to the bathroom fun.
The Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty is, however, still very practical. The potty chair itself is made with premium plastic, and all of the fun features are designed to teach your child about potty training through the use of sound-based rewards. Once your child is finished, you’ll have a very easy time cleaning the potty chair. There is a splash guard to make sure everything stays in the bowl, and the bowl itself can be removed and cleaned.
Not every child or parent will like a potty chair that has an extensive amount of features like the Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty, but it works really well for kids that are having a tough time learning. The sound system and lights will draw your child in for you and make potty time less intimidating, so that your child discovers going to the bathroom is easy and can eventually do it all by themselves.
The features do come at a price though, and it is a little more expensive.
Pros
- A combination of sounds, lights, and music makes it very rewarding for potty training
- Potty ring can be removed and used as a potty seat for older children
- The bowl comes right out to make cleaning very easy
Cons
- Sounds and music may go off on their own if left on
- Batteries are not included
7. Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat
Editor’s Rating:
Type: potty seat
Weight limit: 60 Pounds
Ages: 18 Months+
The Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat adds a hint of simplicity to potty training. The company was founded by a father of 3 on a mission. His mission was to make sure that parents and kids could enjoy a simple and effective potty training experience. Well, this is exactly what the Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat brings you. We think that he definitely succeeded in his mission with the Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat. Jool Baby Products is all about family, saving space, and creating easy to use products. That’s something we can definitely respect.
The Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat comes with a non-slip grip that makes sure the potty seat securely rests on the toilet bowl. This can give your child the extra confidence they need, and even if things do get messy, the splash guard prevents any urine from escaping the bowl. The last thing to mention is that cleaning is a breeze. The plastic design is a great one because all you need to do is simply wipe the seat down. The Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat is definitely designed for the minimalist, and you’ll hardly even notice it’s there thanks to its sleek design.
The price of the Jool Baby Products Potty Training Seat also reflects its minimalist goals, and you’ll find that it’s very inexpensive.
Pros
- It comes with a hook that allows you to safely store the potty seat on the side of your toilet
- The aqua color matches most bathroom decors, and it's friendly for both boys and girls
- You'll barely even notice that it's in your bathroom
Cons
- The splash guard can be uncomfortable for girls sit on because the contoured design in that area is a bit flawed
8. The Training Wheels Racer Potty System
Editor’s Rating:
Type: potty chair
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Ages: 18 Months+
The Training Wheels Racer Potty System is definitely a unique product, and the design is like no other. It resembles a sports car: 4 wheels, a comfortable looking seat, and a bumper with a grill and headlights. So, if you want to potty train your child the fun way, the Training Wheels Racer Potty System is a great choice. Plus, not only does it look nice, but it performs very well.
The Potty Racer Potty System comes with a splash guard that makes sure there is no mess, and a lift-out pot to make cleaning very simple. The potty seat itself comes with sturdy handles to make your child feel more secure, and the splash guard doesn’t add any discomfort. The seat is removable for when they’ve grown up a little too. If you have a son, using the Potty Racer Potty System is a great way to have them enjoy potty training.
If you have a child that has a race car bed, or has taken an interest to cars in general, this potty chair is definitely a great choice. Remember, when it comes to potty training, half the battle is getting your child involved. So, if you have a little boy or girl who likes their cars, the Potty Racer System is worth a look.
You get the beautiful race car design and functionality for a bargain, and it’s actually more affordable than most standard potty chairs on the market.
Pros
- Visually appealing potty system that works particularly well for boys
- Has a removable potty seat that can be placed on a toilet for toddlers
- It has a compact design that makes it easy to store in your bathroom
Cons
- It’s probable that girls won’t take to this potty seat
9. The Best Portable Potty Chair: Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Potty Chair
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Ages: 15 Months+
The Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty will definitely make your life easier when it comes to travel. Whether you’re in the car, in a hotel, or even in your own home, the Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty gets the job done well. The potty chair itself can be folded up, which means it can fit in any nursery bag you may have. Then, when it comes time to use it, just simply fold the legs back out to provide your child with a sturdy potty chair.
The Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty features 3 disposable liners that you can toss away like a diaper, and each one is able to hold up to 5 ounces of liquid. When you’re on the go, having these liners will definitely be a lifesaver. Plus, once your child is ready to start using an adult toilet, you can use the Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty as a potty seat. If you need a potty chair for your RV, travels, or even the car, the Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty is one of the best options.
Pros
- Contoured and comfortable seat
- Disposable liners are scented, which will mask the odor
- Comes with a drawstring carrying bag
Cons
- This is travel potty which means it lacks some at-home features
10. Spuddies Potty With Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Type: Potty Seat
Weight limit: 50 Pounds
Ages: 18 Months+
The Spuddies Potty With Ladder is a great potty seat for kids of all ages thanks to the attached ladder. Usually it’s a good idea to start an 18-month-old out with a potty chair, but the ladder makes this potty seat great for multiple age groups. While you may be nervous to send your child up a ladder on their own, you’ll be pleased to hear that the ladder is secured by a non-skid base to make sure they don’t fall. We definitely recommend showing them the ropes a few times, but other than that, this potty seat will take care of the rest.
The Spuddies Potty With Ladder fits most toilets, and the ladder is at a good height. One thing that really sets the Spuddies Potty With Ladder apart from the rest is that it can be easily stored. It comes with a foldable feature that allows you to store it away from the toilet entirely. As for the seat, it’s made with high-quality plastic, and it can be cleaned with a simple wipe down. The design of the potty seat itself is contoured, which means that it comes with some added comfort.
The Spuddies Potty With Ladder is made for parents that want to take a hands-off approach. While it may work with younger children, it’s always best to start an older child with a ladder. So, if you really want to let your child work the adult toilet on their own, the Spuddies Potty with Ladder is a great choice. Some parents are fans of the idea of a ladder to help their child climb on their own and give them more independence, so we’ve included that option here.
The price, however, is a little high when compared to other potty seats on the market, but you have to consider what you’re getting. Instead of just a potty seat, you get a ladder and seat that will last your child years.
Pros
- Features a sturdy ladder that young children can climb up and down all by themselves
- Offers a hands-off approach to potty training on big toilets
- Its foldable design makes it good at home or on the go, and storage is easy
Cons
- The ladder is fixed, and can't be adjusted to the size of a different toilet
Guide to Buying the Best Potty Chairs and Seats
Now that you’ve seen the 10 best potty chairs and seats, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed. With so many great options and features, it can seem like a challenge to figure out the needs of your child. Luckily, we have some great ways for you to narrow the options down.
So, before you buy, make sure you make a mental checklist of these guidelines. If you’re not comfortable with potty training yet or what the process is, you can find out more about it here.
The Age of Your Child
The first thing you’ll want to consider is how old your child is, and what they’re able to do. Younger children do a lot better with potty chairs because it can be hard for them to climb onto the toilet without your help. So, if your child is between the ages of 12 and 18 months, we definitely recommend starting them off with a potty chair. For young children, the Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty and Summer My Size Potty are great options to start with. The only exception to this rule is if you choose a product like the Spuddies Potty With Ladder because the ladder allows them to scale the toilet seat themselves.
Once your child gets a bit older, you’ll want to start considering potty seats. The needs depend on what your child is comfortable with, so be sure to observe what your child can do on their own. Ask yourself, can they climb up on the toilet themselves? If the answer is yes, it’s certainly time for a potty seat. A great budget potty seat to start with that works with all ages is the Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat.
Boys Versus Girls
The gender of your child is also going to have a lot of influence on the potty chairs and seats that you buy. Boys and girls use the bathroom much differently, and this mainly applies to peeing. Boys are trained to stand up, while girls need to learn sitting down. So, for boys, if you don’t have a splash guard potty training can be a nightmare. Luckily, most potty chairs and seats come with splash guards to reduce this problem. This applies to both potty chairs and seats, but if you have a girl, that does open up your options a little bit.
For boys, you also might want to consider some additional options as well during the potty chair phase. It can be helpful to mirror the functions of an actual toilet to the best of your abilities. So, for boys, you should definitely consider potty chairs and seats with hinged lids, splash guards, and interactive handles. A great potty chair for this is the Summer My Size Potty.
Portability
One thing a lot of parents forget to consider is how portable their potty chair or seat is. While this may be the case, this is actually a very important thing to look at before you buy it. Not only will your kid need some help in the house, but what about at the park? If you have a younger child (12-18 months), this isn’t as much of an issue, but older children should always feel comfortable going to the bathroom on their own.
If you have a young child, and you plan on traveling a lot, the Kalencom Potette Plus 2-in-1 Travel Potty is a great option. It can be set up like a potty chair in most locations, and once they’re old enough, it can become a portable potty seat as well. On the other hand, if you have an older child, products like the Grimars Portable Potty Seat and Spuddies Potty With Ladder are both great options.
Storage
Storage is very important because you don’t want to have a potty chair or potty seat sitting around the bathroom all day. If your bladder is about to burst, do you really want an added step before you go? So, when looking into a potty chair or potty seat, make sure it can be stored very easily.
Potty chairs can usually be placed off to the side, and storage is not as important, but potty seats will need to be removed from the toilet seat itself in order to be stored. Some potty seats have rings that attach to the toilet, while others may fold away. This is all about your storage preferences, but we definitely recommend a product like the Grimars Portable Potty Seat if storage is a priority. It’s foldable design and storage bag means it’s easy to store and versatile.
Style
Once you have considered everything else, the last thing for you to focus on is the style of potty chairs and seats. Potty chairs and seats come with a lot of different features, and some of the best potty chairs and seats have great designs to make potty training very simple and fun. So, for styles, think about the additional features that you want.
Potty chairs tend to have more features than potty seats, and these can be the appearance or even sounds that they make. If you want to take the fun route, consider a potty chair like the Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty or the Training Wheels Racer Potty System. These two potty chairs have fun designs that are great for luring children into the world of potty training in an engaging way.
If it’s potty seats that you’re after, the style also plays an important role as well. You need to consider whether or not portability is a priority, and how easy it is to remove the potty seat from your toilet. Some great products that make it very easy for both you and your child to use at home or on the go include the BabyBjorn Potty Trainer and Fisher-Price Perfect Fit Potty Ring.
FAQ
What Age Should I Start Potty Training?
Potty training will depend a lot on guidance from you and action from your child. Every child will vary, but normally between 18 and 24 months is a good time to start trying. In some cases, you might have to wait 3 years.
Should I Start With a Potty Chair or Potty Seat?
What you start with also depends a bit on the age of your child. For younger children (under 24 months) a potty chair is often your best bet. For children, over 24 months, or around 3 years old, a potty seat will be the quickest way to familiarize them with an adult toilet.
How Can I Get My Child to Use the Potty Chair or Seat?
Getting your child to use a potty chair or seat is going to be hard work. To do so, you’ll need to make sure that you encourage your child in the first instance and help them. This will take time and patience, but this video can help.
Final Thoughts
Potty training may seem like a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. If you use the best potty chairs and seats, you’ll have no problem getting your child to go to the bathroom safely. A little nudge on your part, and a great potty chair, will go a long way.
Keep in mind that kids of different ages have different needs. A potty chair may be great for very young children, but you should always consider going with a potty seat once they start to get older. Also, if you really want a potty chair or seat to last you the life of the potty training cycle, you might want to consider going with a potty chair that has a detachable potty seat. Hopefully this list has given you the options you need to make the best decision for you.