Choosing a Potty: Equipment for Toilet Training

Before you start potty training, you need the right equipment. The good news? You don't need much, and expensive doesn't mean better. The right potty is the one your child will actually use—and that varies from kid to kid.

This guide helps you navigate the options and set up for success.

Potty Chair vs. Toilet Seat Insert

The first decision: standalone potty chair or an insert for your regular toilet? AAP

Potty Chair Pros:

• Child can get on/off independently
• Feet touch the floor (important for pushing)
• Less scary for many kids
• Can place anywhere
• Portable for travel

Potty Chair Cons:

• Have to empty and clean it
• Eventual transition to big toilet needed
• Takes up bathroom space
• Multiple might be needed for different areas

Toilet Seat Insert Pros:

• No emptying—flushes like normal
• No transition needed later
• Uses regular bathroom
• Easy to clean

Toilet Seat Insert Cons:

• Child needs help getting up
• Feet dangle (less stable)
• May feel scary to some kids
• Need a step stool

Many families use both:

• Potty chair at first
• Transition to seat insert
• Or insert at home, portable potty for travel

Choosing a Potty Chair

If you opt for a potty chair, consider: AAP

Basic features to look for:

• Stable (won't tip)
• Comfortable seat
• Splash guard (especially for boys)
• Easy to clean
• Right size for your child

Nice-to-haves:

• Removable bowl for easy emptying
• Handles for security
• Smooth edges (no pinching)
• Non-slip base

Skip the gimmicks:

• Musical potties (can create dependencies)
• Character potties (novelty wears off, distraction)
• Overly complicated designs
• Potties with too many features

Good basic options:

• Simple, sturdy, easy-to-clean models
• BabyBjörn, Summer Infant, Fisher-Price basics
• Don't overthink it—simple is fine

Let your child help choose:

• If they pick it out, they may be more invested
• Simple options with favorite color
• Avoid anything they might find scary

Choosing a Toilet Seat Insert

For seat inserts, consider: AAP

Key features:

• Fits securely on your toilet
• Comfortable for child's size
• Easy to put on and remove
• Has handles for stability

Types:

• Basic cushioned seats
• Contoured seats
• Seats with handles
• Ladder-style seats with built-in step

Practical considerations:

• How will it store when not in use?
• Will you leave it on the toilet?
• If family toilet, consider one that attaches on top for adults

Step stool is essential with inserts:

• Feet should be supported
• Pushing requires foot leverage
• Independence for getting on/off

Step Stools

A good step stool is essential: AAP

Purpose:

• Getting on toilet or to sink
• Foot support for pushing (very important!)
• Building independence
• Reaching for handwashing

What to look for:

• Very stable/non-slip
• Right height for your toilet
• Wide enough for steady standing
• Easy to clean

Two stools may be ideal:

• One at toilet (for feet while sitting)
• One at sink (for handwashing)

Safety first:

• Non-slip top and bottom
• Stable when stepped on
• Appropriate weight capacity
• No sharp edges

Training Pants and Underwear

What does your child wear during training? AAP

Options:

• Regular underwear
• Training pants (thicker underwear)
• Pull-up diapers
• Cloth training pants

Regular underwear:

• Child feels wetness immediately
• Motivating for some kids
• Requires lots of laundry
• More accidents on floors/furniture

Training pants (cloth):

• Some absorbency
• Still feel wetness
• Easier cleanup than regular underwear
• Variety of thicknesses

Pull-ups (disposable):

• Convenient
• Child doesn't feel as wet
• Some parents use at night only
• Controversial (some say delays training)

A balanced approach:

• Underwear or training pants during day
• Pull-ups at night until reliably dry
• Adjust based on your child's needs

Clothing During Training

Practical clothing choices help: AAP

Make it easy:

• Elastic waistbands (no buttons/snaps)
• Easy to pull down quickly
• Loose-fitting pants
• Dresses/skirts for girls (optional)

Avoid:

• Onesies
• Overalls
• Belts
• Buttons and zippers (at first)
• Tight pants

At home:

• Some families skip bottoms entirely
• Others find underwear-only works
• Whatever helps them get there fast

Accessories and Extras

Some helpful (not essential) items: AAP

Potentially useful:

• Portable/travel potty
• Foldable toilet seat insert
• Car seat protector
• Mattress protector
• Potty training books

Probably skip:

• Reward charts (unless you know they work for your kid)
• Potty-training dolls
• Elaborate reward systems
• Multiple specialty potties

Travel considerations:

• Foldable toilet seat insert
• Portable potty with bags
• Plastic bags for wet clothes
• Change of clothes always

Setting Up Your Bathroom

Create a toilet-training-friendly space: AAP

Accessibility:

• Step stool in place
• Potty chair or insert easily accessible
• Light they can reach (or nightlight)
• Door they can manage

Comfort:

• Books or toys for entertainment
• Nothing scary nearby
• Comfortable temperature
• Privacy if wanted

Hygiene setup:

• Soap they can reach
• Towel at their height
• Toilet paper accessible
• Possibly flushable wipes

Safety:

• Secure toilet locks if needed for younger siblings
• Non-slip surfaces
• Cleaning supplies out of reach
• Supervision as needed

When to Upgrade or Change

Sometimes equipment needs to change: AAP

Signs potty chair isn't working:

• Child is too big
• Child refuses to use it
• Transition to big toilet is needed
• Cleaning is becoming problematic

Signs toilet insert isn't working:

• Child seems scared
• Not stable enough
• Fit isn't right
• Child can't get up independently

Don't hesitate to try something different:

• What works for one child may not work for another
• It's okay to switch approaches
• Your child's preference matters

The Bottom Line

Equipment for toilet training is simple: AAP

Essentials:

• Potty chair OR toilet seat insert
• Step stool
• Training pants or underwear
• Easy-on/easy-off clothes

Nice to have:

• Portable potty for travel
• Foldable seat insert
• Mattress protector

Philosophy:

• Simple is better than complicated
• Your child's preference matters
• Don't overspend on gimmicks
• Adjust as needed

The right equipment supports success, but remember—it's not magic. Patience, consistency, and readiness matter more than any piece of equipment.

Clara can help you troubleshoot your potty training setup—just ask!