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All about Potty Seats

By Kelly D. Burgess

It’s all about independence. That’s the word on potty seats from family practitioner and parenting expert Dr. Jody McVittie.

“Parents need to take a pretty casual attitude toward using the toilet so the children take it for granted as well,” says Dr. McVittie. “That means providing them with something they can use by themselves, whether it attaches to the toilet or is a small chair that stands alone, showing them how to use it, then letting them use it without interfering too much.”

Dr. McVittie notes that when her three children were toddlers, chairs for potty training were pretty limited. Nowadays there are plenty of choices for parents and kids ready to embark on the potty training adventure.

Types of Potty Seats

In general, potty seats can be divided into two categories:

• Stand alone: These are just small chairs with a hole and a removable pot for cleaning. They are particularly good for children just starting out with potty training because they’re extremely stable, easy to use and don’t require any climbing or flushing. They’re very portable and can be moved between bathrooms or even taken to a relative’s house when visiting. On the negative side, they do have to be emptied and cleaned. Choices within this category include:

-Chairs that play a tune.

-Chairs featuring cartoon characters.

-Folding travel chairs with handles.

-Extra stable chairs, some with seatbelts, for special needs children.

• Toilet adapters: Also known as toilet seat reducers, these fit over the big toilet and make the seat smaller. These adapters help children transition to the big toilet, and waste can be flushed away immediately. They may be more difficult for children to use in the early stages of potty training and usually require a step stool to make the potty more accessible. Some interesting choices in this category include:

-Padded potty seats.

-Potty seats with handles for extra security.

-Flip-up seats that stay on the toilet.

-Seats with built-in steps.

In Dr. McVittie’s opinion, as both a mom and a potty seat expert, it doesn’t really matter what type of seat you choose as long as it interests your child.

“Eventually children have to make the transition to the big toilet,” says Dr. McVittie. “That may be easier if they start out there with some type of adapter. But regardless of what method you choose, your child will eventually make that transition. They’re not going to be going off to college with their potty chair.”

Choosing a Seat for Your Child

A child should have some input into what type of potty chair he or she uses, but, cautions Narmin Parpia, founder of Potty Training Concepts, a parent first has to decide what works in their home and then can give a child options to find out what’s right for the child.

“A parent needs to analyze how the family works, how the potty seat will work in the family bathroom and where this is going to be located,” says Parpia. “From there, a parent can pick several types and give the child a choice from within that range.”

For example, Parpia says, if you have several small children, a flip-up potty seat that stays attached to the toilet between the lid and seat is probably a good choice. This keeps the child (or Mom) from having to put the seat on the toilet every time it’s time to go. Or, if you have only one bathroom, you may be better off with a portable potty chair that can be used in an alternative location if the bathroom is being used by someone else.

Also, don’t be afraid to change potty seats if it isn’t working out. Memory Mason*, of Atlanta, Ga., used one potty seat for her son, who is now 8, but has purchased a different model entirely for her 2-year-old daughter.

“My 8-year-old felt unstable on the toilet adapter potty chair he used, so I now have one that’s lower to the ground and, as a bonus, is small enough to be portable,” says Mason.

Stability is one of the top tips cited by both Dr. McVittie and Parpia, particularly when a child is transitioning to the big toilet. A stool is a great thing to have around for this transition. It helps with climbing up, supports little feet when they’re sitting on the potty and can help them reach the sink when they’re done. Stools designed specifically for potty training are available.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to show your child how to go to the bathroom alone so you don’t have to drop everything every time he or she announces: “I have to go!” The easier the potty chair/seat is to use, the more quickly that goal will be reached.

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