Potty Seat Vs. Potty Chair

Welcome back to the Potty-Training Toddlers Newsletter brought to you by Potty-Training Toddlers - Real Tips from Real Parents popular Facebook Group.

Choosing the right potty-training gear can make a big difference in how successful your child’s journey will be. The transition from diapers to the toilet is a significant milestone, and the tools you provide can either ease or complicate the process. This week, we'll compare the two types of potty seats/chairs to help you decide which option is best for your child's needs. We'll delve into the specific features of each, considering factors like comfort, stability, ease of cleaning, and how they contribute to a child's sense of independence. Understanding the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each type will empower you to make an informed decision, ultimately fostering a positive and stress-free potty-training experience for both you and your little one. We will also touch on how to best introduce each type of potty to your child, and how to encourage consistent use

There are Two Types of Potty Training Seats/Chairs

There isn’t a single 'best' potty training seat that will magically work for every child. Each child is unique, with their own preferences and developmental pace. While the type of seat does play a role, its ultimate success often hinges on whether it captures and maintains YOUR child's interest. A seat that sparks curiosity and encourages interaction is far more effective than one chosen solely for its features. To make the most informed decision alongside your toddler, it's crucial to understand the key differences between a standalone potty chair and a toilet adapter seat.

Standalone Potty - These are just small chairs with a hole and removable pot for cleaning. Standalone potties come in different sizes and colors, come to look like actual toilets and some with characters:

EXAMPLE 1 / EXAMPLE 2

Pros:

• Portability: Can be placed anywhere in the house, making it accessible for young toddlers. It can travel to other homes with you as well, a relative or a friend.

• Smaller Size and Durable: Less intimidating for small children compared to a full-sized toilet. No climbing necessary.

• Pride: Since the potty will only belong to that child, they will feel a sense of pride in their potty chair.  

Cons:

• This potty has to be emptied and cleaned after every use.

• Children will eventually need to transition to the regular toilet. 

• There will be no understanding of the large potty when using a public restroom.

Adaptable Potty - this type goes on to the regular toilet.

Pros: 

• The transition to the big toilet will be easier.

• The waste is flushed away after each use.

• There are several types of adaptable potties available.

  Check out each version to decide which is best for your child:

  ⭐️ Padded Potty Seat OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

  ⭐️ Step Stool Version OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

  ⭐️ Seats with Handles OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

  ⭐️ Flip-up potty OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

  ⭐️ Portable Potty OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

  ⭐️ Character Potty OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

Optional Urinal Option for training boys: OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

Con: 

• Due to their height and integration with the adult toilet, toilet adapter seats may present more challenges for children in the early stages of potty training. They often require the use of a step stool to bridge the gap and ensure safe, comfortable access, which can initially feel overwhelming for younger toddlers still developing their coordination.

Which Should You Choose? 

The choice between a potty seat and a potty chair rests entirely on your child's individual needs. If they express a keen interest in the bathroom, eager to imitate family members, a toilet adapter seat is likely ideal. Allowing them to select a seat with a favorite character or color can further motivate them. Conversely, if your child displays readiness but also shows apprehension towards the bathroom, a standalone potty chair offers a less intimidating and more comfortable introduction to potty training

Tip of the Week:Turn potty gear selection into a fun outing! Let your child help pick out their potty chair or seat. Choosing something bright and colorful, perhaps featuring a favorite character, can transform a potentially daunting task into an exciting adventure. This hands-on approach builds enthusiasm and reinforces the idea that potty training is a positive step.

We want to thank you for reading our Potty-Training newsletter! We hope this information is helping you gain confidence and knowledge while working with your littles. Stay tuned for our next newsletter.

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