Best Of: Potty Seat Options That Work For Your Family

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If potty training is in your future, you may be wondering what kind of potty chair to buy! We’re here to help you with that decision as we take a look at some of the best potty seats on the market. Before looking at specific products, though, we want to encourage you to think about what type of potty makes the most sense for your family and your home. By thinking ahead and making an intentional purchase, you’ll avoid wasting money on trying multiple options. You also want your child to be as comfortable as possible for a smooth potty training experience!

To start your decision making process, here are a few questions to consider:

Which bathroom(s) would you like your child to use regularly? How many potties do you need?

If your child will be regularly using multiple bathrooms, it will be much easier for you if you have enough potty chairs for all of them. You could try a couple different options, and then keep their favorite in the most used bathroom. Also consider whether you will want a travel option to store in your car (keep reading for portable travel potty options).

Some parents prefer to use a portable potty chair while training their child, so they can bring it to the same room as the child. Think through whether this is something you will want to try in your potty training approach.

Standalone potty or adapter for regular toilet?

Consider the size and climbing ability of your child when they start potty training. Younger toddlers (18 months – two years) will probably be more comfortable with a standalone potty or a version with a ladder and seat adapter to climb onto the adult toilet. If you are potty training an older toddler (closer to age three or beyond), he or she might be comfortable climbing onto the regular toilet. Don’t overthink it and purchase a bunch of gear if you don’t need to! If your child is somewhere in the middle, he/she could probably use any of the potty chair options comfortably.

Another consideration is whether your child is a boy or girl. For little boys, you’ll want to look for a sufficient splash guard. It may also be a little more challenging for them to balance on a big toilet while avoiding a mess.

Amount of bathroom space?

If a stand-alone potty chair makes sense for your child’s comfort, how much space do you have in your bathroom for it? Do you need to look for a compact option, like a low profile potty, folding potty seat, or a regular toilet seat adaptor? Where will you store the potty when it’s not in use?

New or used?

Some parents might be slightly disgusted by thinking about purchasing a used potty, others would have no problem cleaning and sanitizing it to save money. If you are in the latter camp, check out your local kids’ consignment store or sales, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or garage sales. Good Buy Gear is a nice middle ground option (goodbuygear.com). They typically have a variety of open box potties, so you get the discount without having to worry about cleaning it.

If you are trying to save money, you could also ask friends with older children if you can borrow or use their potty chairs.

Now…

Based on how you answered the questions above, take a look at the following categories and decide what makes sense for your family.

Option #1: A Standalone Small Potty Chair

Here are a few top picks we like if you decide on freestanding potty chairs:

This Summer Infant option would be a great option for a wide range of ages, and it would transition your child more easily to a regular toilet. The seat detaches to fit on the toilet when your child is big enough. The main downside is the amount of space it takes up in the bathroom.

https://amzn.to/3T8ue4s (affiliate link)

If you’re looking for a potty for the youngest toddlers, this one takes up very little space and is easy to carry around. Great for potty independence from a young age! It might become less comfortable as your child grows.

https://amzn.to/3IsgKLY (affiliate link)

Baby Bjorn makes a simple, popular potty in a variety of colors. It features a sturdy design with a backrest and a rubber strip underneath, and it’s easy to clean. The price seems a little high for what you get.

https://amzn.to/3TuhE0X (affiliate link)

The “Smart Potty” version doesn’t have a backrest, making it smaller if space is a concern. It’s also slightly cheaper.

https://amzn.to/3PdqWMg (aff link)

This basic option has a closing lid and converts to a stepstool, saving you space by not having to store a separate stool.

https://amzn.to/3TtAd5g (affiliate link)

Option #2: Toilet Seat Adapter

This adapter seat is a compact option that your child can easily set on standard toilets. The best part about a potty ring like this is the clean up: no need to empty a potty chair! You will likely have to help your child get onto it, though, so it is not the best choice for potty independence.

https://amzn.to/43bG6XW (affiliate link)

Option #3: Toilet Seat Adapter with Ladder

Worried about how your child will climb onto the regular toilet? Try a seat adapter with built-in ladder. It folds up for storage when not in use, but you may not have room for it in a small bathroom. A stepstool would serve a similar purpose and could be moved over to the sink for handwashing.

https://amzn.to/3VcWOEE (affiliate link)

Option #4: New Toilet Seat with Built-In Potty Training Seat

Consider installing something like this on your toilet, especially if you will have multiple children using the potty over the next several years! Just make sure to check it will fit your toilet – round or elongated)!

https://amzn.to/3IqKM2R (affiliate link)

Looking for the best travel potty seat?

Nothing worse than realizing your child needs to use the bathroom now, but you are far away from a toilet! Luckily, there are some great portable potty seat options!

If you are looking for something to make public restrooms more comfortable for small bums, check out this foldable potty seat from Frida. It includes a travel plastic drawstring bag and can be easily stored in your diaper bag for on-the-go situations. Before spending money, though, you may want to try holding your toddler on the seat yourself. Depending on their size, they may be perfectly comfortable with that set-up, saving you both money and space in the diaper bag.

https://amzn.to/3TbRkqL (affiliate link)

This portable toilet seat from Oxo Tot would be great for storing in the car. Just attach an absorbent, leak-proof plastic bag to it, and it’s ready for use anywhere (even the side of the road). This would be a helpful back-up to have for long road trips. Also, the legs can be folded up, so that it can be used as a sanitary toilet ring that fits most standard toilet seats. 

2-in-1 Go Potty: https://amzn.to/3Pdm9uj (affiliate link)

Disposable Liners: https://amzn.to/3TuhXJ9 (affiliate link)

The Kalencom Potette Plus is a similar option to the Oxo travel potty. In addition to disposable waste bags, they also make reusable liners, so that this potty could be easily used as a standalone option at home. It features a built-in pee guard for boys, and it comes with its own carry bag.

Potette Plus Premium 2-in-1: https://amzn.to/49XMNj1 (affiliate link)

Reusable Liners: https://amzn.to/3VjoqI5 (affiliate link)

Disposable Liners: https://amzn.to/3x0xWWE (affiliate link)

Decision Time!

After considering your home and family, which of these options will be the best potty seat for your child? Wishing you a smooth potty training journey!