Choosing the best potty chair for your child is an important step in their toilet training journey. A well-designed potty chair can make the process smoother and more comfortable for both parents and kids. This guide will highlight top options, considering factors like comfort, functionality, and ease of cleaning. Discover how the right potty chair can encourage independence and confidence in your little one. Get ready to find the perfect fit for your child’s needs.

As my daughter prepares to start preschool, I find myself facing one of the most significant challenges of motherhood (second only to the teenage years): potty training. A crucial element of this journey, alongside big girl underwear, is selecting the right potty chair. In my search for the ideal potty chair, I focused on three key aspects: safety, size, and ease of use.

I ultimately chose the BabyBjorn potty chair because it is low to the ground and designed for my daughter to use independently. One standout feature of the BabyBjorn is its sleek design, which seamlessly fits into my bathroom’s aesthetic. With a variety of seven colors available, it complements any decor beautifully. Additionally, its lightweight and portable nature makes it an excellent option for travel.

The potty’s smooth, rounded shape includes a high back and generous dimensions, ensuring my daughter sits comfortably. The soft contours provide plenty of legroom, enhancing her experience. Thanks to the rubber strip at the base, I can rest assured that it won’t slide around on my tile floor.

Most importantly, this potty effectively manages messes: the removable insert allows for quick and easy clean-up, with no hidden crevices for bacteria to accumulate. My daughter often helps me empty her potty, making it a shared responsibility. The one-piece base is simple to wipe down, and the materials used are free from BPA, phthalates, lead, and other harmful substances, ensuring safety. Plus, when my daughter outgrows it, the potty can be recycled, making it an eco-friendly choice.

When potty training a boy, you’ll be pleased to discover that the BabyBjorn potty chair features a splash guard, which significantly reduces the mess during clean-up by keeping the urine contained.

Having successfully trained two children and currently guiding my third through the process, I don’t claim to be an expert. I’ve allowed her to observe me in the bathroom, and I’ve employed incentives like sticker books and chocolate. I’ve also assured her that she won’t be training alone; we’re also helping her Cabbage Patch doll, Sophia, learn. We’ve had countless discussions about using the potty, emphasizing that big girls use it, and we’ve enjoyed reading potty-themed books together.

Through this experience, I’ve gained valuable insights into potty training that I’d like to share. It’s important to recognize that urinating in the potty is a completely different skill from having a bowel movement. Additionally, remembering to use the potty while going commando presents a unique challenge compared to doing so while wearing pants, pull-ups, or underwear. Interestingly, some children may develop a fear of pooping in the potty.

What do the experts say?

BABYBJÖRN has put together a list of top potty training tips from Dr. Robyn Strosaker, a pediatrician at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital that might just help you.

Potty training: Tips

When should you begin potty training your child?

Typically, children are ready to start potty training between 18 and 24 months. It’s often easier to train them before they reach 24 months, as some may become more resistant afterwards. It’s essential that both the child and the family are prepared for this transition. Take the time to recognize the signs of readiness and collaborate with your partner to create a plan. If your child struggles with the process, consider pausing for 2 to 4 weeks before trying again. Choose a time during the week when you can be present to support your child, with summer vacations or holidays being ideal opportunities.

How can you make potty training effective?

Using sticker charts can be a fun and motivating way to encourage your child. Set a goal for a specific number of stickers, which can lead to a non-food reward. If your child prefers to use their diaper, consider removing it. Wearing underwear can help them feel uncomfortable when wet, reinforcing the idea of staying dry. If you’re worried about messes, you can have them wear underwear under their diaper initially. For children who resist wearing underwear, encourage short periods of use and offer rewards for keeping them clean and dry.

It’s important to note that there is no significant developmental difference between pull-ups and diapers; training tends to progress more quickly with underwear.

Where should potty training take place?

If your child has a favourite spot in the house for potty time, consider getting a portable potty for them to use there. Placing the portable potty in a room where they frequently play can help them become accustomed to the idea.

Other important factors to consider:

Most children won’t be ready to stay dry at night until they consistently wake up dry from naps and some mornings. To assist with nighttime dryness, limit liquids 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, depending on when your child goes to sleep. When travelling, bring along a portable potty or potty seat, but be prepared to use pull-ups for longer car rides or flights.

Why not let us know which potty you are using? What is your least favorite thing about potty training? Do you have any tips?