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What potty training equipment do I need to get ready?

So, you’re ready to start potty training your child. What do you need to get started? 
The materials you’ll need vary slightly depending on which approach you choose to take with your child. Some basics that parents may find helpful:
  • Children’s book about potty training
  • Potty training seat or toilet with removable bin or toilet seat insert
  • Stool (if using regular toilet) so your child can independently get on and off the toilet seat
  • Reward/success chart to keep track of their success
  • Potty training underwear
  • Pull-ups (for naps, overnight, car rides)
  • Travel potty trainer with disposable liners (optional for on-the-go)

After deciding which method to use, parents can make the decision to use a potty training toilet or potty training seat. There are pros and cons to each and the best choice is what works best for your family and lifestyle! We’ve outlined some pros and cons below to help as you make this decision.

Potty Training Toilet: A potty training toilet is a child-sized, portable plastic chair with a removable insert that can take the place of an ”adult” toilet. The alternative to a potty training toilet is a potty training seat, that fits on top a regular size toilet allowing the child to sit comfortably and securely. 

Pros:

  • Proper positioning. A small potty training toilet allows a toddler’s small body to feel stable while sitting. It is ideal for your child’s feet to touch the floor when sitting on their potty training toilet.

  • Less intimidating than a big toilet. A lot of toilet training is just getting your little one used to the act of using a “big” toilet! It can seem intimidating to a child, so a smaller, child-sized version can be a good way to get them used to the toilet before graduating to a real one. 

  • “Fear free” (no perceived risk of falling in). Another common fear is that they will fall into the toilet. With a potty training toilet, the seat is designed to fit their little bum and is not as deep as a regular toilet so their feet can be planted firmly on the ground instead of dangling. This also makes it easier for your child to get on and off the toilet with ease. 

  • Potty training toilets are portable. This is a big pro for many families, especially those who travel or send their children to daycare or camp. Knowing that a potty training toilet is available whenever they need to go can help children feel more comfortable with the potty training process. Potty training toilets can be pulled out on car trips, while running errands, or at other peoples’ houses.

Cons:

  • Not as easy or mess-free. There is some cleanup required with potty training toilets, as they do need to be emptied after use, rather than the easy flush of a regular toilet. Finding somewhere to empty and clean the potty training toilet can be tricky when on-the-go. 

  • Many potty training toilets are not portable enough to take on a plane or train, or to stow beneath a stroller. Though potty training toilets are designed to be portable, many of them are not small or collapsible enough to be taken on trips that require plane or train travel, or on long walks in the stroller. 

  • Some kids need to be trained to use a regular toilet seat. While the potty training toilet can be a great intro to toilet use, some children need to be re-trained to use an adult toilet after learning on a potty training toilet. The difference in size, height, and function can take some getting used to as your little one transitions from potty training toilet to real toilet.

 

This article has been reviewed by our team of experts.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment you should consult with your pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider.