Let’s face it-child potty training is not among the most exciting things about parenting. It will test your patience and bring out a side of your child you’ve never seen before. But if you have the right toilet training seat for toddlers, things can get just a little more bearable.
According to Dr. Carrie M. Brown, kids will begin to show interest in what goes on in the adult bathroom around the age of 18 to 24 months. This is a good time to shop around and brace for one of the most testing developmental periods of your child. Because we want to ease this period for you, we have gone ahead and tested many potty training seats for toddlers and settled for these seven.
Table of Contents
Best Toilet Training Seats for Toddlers Reviewed
1. Best Overall: Summer Infant My Size Potty
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Realistic design | The splash guard tends to fall off often |
| Easy to use and clean | |
| Makes a flush sound to entertain the child | |
| Comes with a splash guard for boys | |
| Built-in wipe dispenser to promote hygiene |
The overall best choice became very clear when testing some of the most recommended toilet training potties & seats. This Summer Infant My Size Potty is not just a toddler toilet seat; it’s the best real-life potty training toilet that looks and feels just like an adult toilet. The mere fact that your toddler has their own realistic toilet will make everything easier, including nighttime potty training.
What we loved most about this toddler toilet is that it has a flip-up lid and a removable, easy-clean bowl that you can empty and clean. There is also a splash guard made specifically to make it the best potty for boys and a built-in wipes compartment to promote hygiene. Since it’s a realistic toilet, it also comes with a flash handle that triggers a realistic flush sound.
This is one of the best things we ever got for our 3-year-old, and it is super comfortable- they can spend a whole 30 minutes there. If you have a child who is resisting potty training, try this Summer Infant My Size Potty because it works wonders.
2. Best Budget: Munchkin 16143 Sturdy Potty Seat
| Pros |
|---|
| Portable toddler toilet seat |
| Non-skid edge to ensure the seat doesn’t move |
| Contoured to hold the child in place |
| Comes with built-in handles for extra security |
| It has feet for easy stand up when not in use |
Among the most challenging things about potty training is the child’s fear of the toilet. That fear can dissipate quickly if the training is done right, unless the potty training seat has issues. The Munchkin 16143 Sturdy Potty Seat is designed to ensure that doesn’t happen.
It has a non-skid edge that keeps the seat firmly in place and handles on the sides so your baby can hold on to feel more secure. What’s more, the seat has a contoured shape to hold your baby’s body in place and make them feel like they are sitting on a chair. It has built-in feet, so you can set it up on the floor, but you can also buy Munchins hooked potty ring to hang the seat on the side of the toilet.
The only issue, if you can call it that, is that adults have to remove the potty seat to use the toilet. This however also means you can take this seat with you anywhere, so it’s a minor inconvenience at a very affordable price.
3. Best Runners-Up: BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat
| Lightweight, making it easy for toddlers to put on and remove |
| It has an adjustment module for that perfect fit |
| Ergonomic design for comfortable and secure seating |
| It has an inward sloping splashguard |
| Easy to clean |
Where the best potty chairs and seats go, this BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat is always on top. The sleek seat has an adjustment module underneath, allowing you to tighten it on any toilet. The top of the seat has an ergonomic design that helps toddlers sit on the toilet safely and securely.
This BabyBjorn seat has a minimalistic design without the bright colors and side handles, but it thrives on one aspect-stability. However, it comes with a built-in hook so you can hang it on the side of the toilet and an inward sloping splash guard to prevent messes. What we love most about it however is that even with the custom adjustment, the seat is still light enough that your toddler can place it on the toilet and take it off without help.
BabyBjörn toilet trainer is great for traveling, easy to clean and cute to look at. The only problem is that it does not fit all toilet seats. Some customers also say the splash guard is useless, but that is not anything new if you have used toilet training seats before.
4. Best Under $20: Summer Infant 2-in-1 Toilet Trainer
| Pros |
|---|
| A 2-in-1 toilet seat that accommodates both adults and kids |
| Easy to install and comes with all installation hardware |
| It’s a permanent fixture, so you don’t have to remove it |
| Very affordable |
| Easy to use and clean |
The Summer Infant 11530 2-in-1 Toilet Training Seat is one of the most reviewed seats on Amazon, and for good reasons. It is a 2-in-1 toilet seat that you attach permanently to your toilet, so you don’t have to remove it every time. The seat has a lid on top that reveals the baby seat and then an adult seat underneath.
Toddlers love it because it makes them feel like adults. It’s also pretty convenient for adults because you don’t need to take it down, and it’s easy to clean. We love that they didn’t even try to add a splash guard because it never works.
Now, the only reason why this seat is not 5-star rated is because it’s made of cheap, flimsy plastic that feels like it will break anytime. The plastic bolts, in particular, will break off in the first week. But as one customer suggested in the reviews, you can replace the bolts, and the seat will last until your child is completely toilet trained.
5. Best for Travel: OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty
| Pros |
|---|
| It’s a complete toddler toilet with a bag |
| Fairly affordable |
| Fits all toilets |
| Legs lock securely on the toilet |
| Opens quickly and easily for emergencies |
We have tested many toilet training seats for toddlers, but this is the only one that actually fits every toilet, no matter the shape or size. It’s also one of the most affordable toilet seats out there. But that’s not the best thing about the OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty chair, though.
Our favorite thing is that it becomes a complete stand-alone toilet when you are on the go. Simply attach a plastic bag on it and tuck the ends into the plastic flaps to hold the bag in place. Once the child does their thing, remove the plastic bag and dispose of it, which means no clean-ups.
The legs of this 2-in-1 potty seat spread all the way out, and they have non-slip grips to keep the seat stable on any toilet. Unfortunately, the seat does slide around a bit, which can be scary for a child who is just learning how to use the toilet. It is a much better option when used on its own, but the legs are too short for older kids.
6. Best Overall Alternative: MAYFAIR 88SLOW NextStep2 Toilet Seat
| Pros |
|---|
| 2-in-1 seat for both adult and child |
| Slow and quiet closing |
| STA-TITE fastening system to keep the seat firm and stable |
| The kids seat can be removed when you finish potty training |
| It’s made of durable enameled wood to resist chipping and scratching |
But if you ask us, it’s the fact that it’s so stable, you won’t even know there is a seat installed. This is all thanks to the STA-TITE fastening system that keeps the seat firmly in place throughout its use and guarantees no movement.
7. Best Premium Alternative: TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Toilet Seat
| Pros |
|---|
| 2-in-1 toilet seat for both baby and adults |
| Flawless high-gloss finish |
| Sturdy molded wood |
| Solid metal chromed hinge |
| The toddler seat has bumpers to prevent finger pinches |
| Easy to install |
This TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Toilet Seat was hands down our favorite for several reasons. First, it is a 2-in-1 toilet seat with an adult and a kid’s seat attached permanently. The baby seat is on top, so when adults need to use the bathroom, they simply lift it up.
Secondly, unlike many other toilet training seats we have tested, this one is made of wood. Yes people, wood. It is well-sanded wood with a beautiful high-gloss finish, so you can’t even tell. As if that wasn’t enough, the hinge on this seat is metal, so everything about it is made to last.
But the best thing about this TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Toilet Seat is that it’s heavy so it does not move or slide. Your child will feel safe and they will enjoy every moment in the toilet. The cherry on top is that it’s not even expensive and you will get a 3-year warranty even if you don’t need it.
8. Best Potty Seat for Small Bathrooms: The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty Seat
| Non-skid bottom to ensure seat stays in place |
| It has a step stool to ensure a comfortable squatting position |
| High splash guard to prevent messes |
| It comes with a flush button that makes a realistic flashing noise |
| Easy to use and clean |
As a parent starting the toilet training journey, you are very familiar with the mess kids leave on the toilet seat after use. Well, The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty Seat is designed to prevent that and make toilet training a breeze.
What to Check While buying the Best Toilet Training Seat for Toddlers
When purchasing a child’s toilet seat, it’s important to consider how it will affect everyone else who uses the bathroom. This is why the best option is a 2-in-1 seat where adults can just lift the kid’s seat like a lid and use the toilet. If you choose a portable/removable toddler toilet seat, make sure it’s easy to take off and put back on and also easy to clean.
Other than that, here are a few other things you should consider;
1. Comfort and Stability
Going to a real toilet is as exciting as it is scary for toddlers. You want to reinforce the exciting part and remove the scary one by using a seat that is both comfortable and stable. The seat shouldn’t move at all when your child is using it because this will scare them.
Choose a seat with an ergonomic shape for more comfortable seating and if possible, get a footstool to raise your child’s feet. Sometimes, side handles are also good just to make the toddler feel safe.
2. Aesthetics
How does the toilet seat look, both from the child’s point of view and the adult’s? If you choose a permanent toddler toilet seat, make sure it looks like the real toilet since adults will be using the same toilet. However, you have some leeway to choose different colors, even cartoons if you go with a removable toilet seat.
3. Durability
Sadly, many toilet seats in the market are made of flimsy plastic material that easily breaks after several uses. You may need to invest just a little bit more to get a quality, durable toilet seat that will last a long time. Where possible, go for a wooden seat with metallic bolts or fasteners that won’t break in a week. For example, customers have repeatedly said that their TOPSEAT TinyHiney Potty Seat lasted through their child’s toilet training stage unscathed, so they still used it on the next child.
Best Toilet Training Seats For Toddlers FAQ
1. What type of seat is best for toilet training?
The best type of seat for toilet training is a matter of preference and convenience. But whether you choose a removable seat or a permanent one, the secret is to ensure it’s stable, comfortable and safe. If the toilet seat slides around or doesn’t feel comfortable to your child, they may not fully embrace the toilet training experience.
2. At what age should you start to potty train your toddler?
Typically, children show interest in potty training between 18 and 24 months. You will notice they are not so enthusiastic about peeing on their diaper, and they start following you to the toilet. However, some children might not be ready until they are three years old, so you have to be patient.
3. What can hinder toilet training in a toddler?
According to developmental pediatrician Dr. Barbra Howard, several reasons can hinder toilet training in toddlers. For one, the child could be afraid of the toilet because of the big hole and the scary sound it makes when you flash. Other reasons include power struggles with the parent and constipation.
4. Do toddlers need a footstool during potty training?
A footstool makes it easy for the child to climb on the toilet by themselves. It is also a nice place to set their feet, especially if they are too short and their feet can’t touch the floor. However, it is not a must-have, and you can still toilet-train without one.
