Top 10 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Potty

Your child is likely inching closer to the 2 year old mark and is starting to show some level of interest in the toilet.

Maybe your child is curiously following you into the bathroom.. starting to tug at the toilet paper or is trying desperately to reach the flush buttons and watch the water spin around in complete wonder. 

Or perhaps your kiddo is communicating with you in same way that they feel discomforted by a dirty diaper (the good ole' diaper pull off!) or begins to express to you that they have just passed a bowel movement or have peed in their diaper.

If this sounds like your child, it's an excellent sign they are getting ready for potty training.. and is also a sign its time to invest in one of the most important products to ensure their success... And that of course is a potty. 

A potty is a plastic chair that acts like a miniature toilet for toddlers. Its size appropriate for kids this age, meaning its less intimidating than an adult-sized toilet and means they can easily get on and off the potty independently. It can also be moved from room to room and even out of the house, which is particularly convenient in those first few days and weeks of potty training. 

Purchasing the right potty is important. It can absolutely impact how quickly your child is able to learn how to use it and can also contribute to anxieties and other issues that make potty training much longer and more challenging than it needs to be. 

With so many different potty seats on the market, it can also be quite the overwhelming process. Thats why I've put together my Top 10 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Potty... so you know exactly what to look out for when you make this important purchase.

Top 10 Tips To Help You Choose The Right Potty

Tip #1: Ensure its stable

The potty needs to be stable enough to hold the weight of your child without bending or slipping. What you're really aiming for is for your child to be able to sit down on it comfortably and feel secure and stable. If the potty isn't stable, it may mean your child will need to clench their inner thighs and tighten their pelvic floor muscles, making it difficult to release. Most potties are made of plastic, so just be sure that the plastic is strong and durable (and not thin!) so it's not wobbly. Non-slip feet will also ensure its secure on the floor.

Tip #2: Make sure its comfortable

Potties can come in a range of sizes, so just make sure that it's not too big or too small for your child. You're aiming for the toilet seat part to fit snugly around your child's bottom, so they can sit comfortably without being too far forward or too far back.

Tip #3: Choose a potty with a removable bowel so its easy to clean

Some potties come with a removable inner pot which makes cleaning a whole lot easier! A removable inner means you can easily tip the pot out into the toilet without having to clean the whole potty. Some potties also come with multiple parts - so try looking for a potty with just two parts (an inner pot and outer seat) to keep cleaning minimal.

Tip #4: Make sure it promotes good posture 

What you're looking for when your child sits is a seat that is snug around their bottom, with their feet flat on the ground for stability and with their knees slightly above their hips. This is the most optimal posture for pain-free and efficient bowel movements. If a potty is too big or too small, it may not promote the right posture.

Tip #5 Forget the bells and whistles 

Many potties these days come with fun variations with lights and sounds. And although these can be enticing for your child, it can at times can distract your child and forget what they should be doing. You can always encourage your child to decorate their potty with stickers to make it more enticing and also write their name on it to make it feel like their very own chair!

Tip #6: Consider one with back support 

Selecting a potty with a back can make it more supportive and comfortable for your child.

Tip #7: Let your child have a say 

A potty is an unknown object to your child and can be intimidating at first, but if you involve your child in choosing a potty, they will likely be more inclined to use it. Getting your child involved gives them a sense of ownership and control and will help to self-motivate them to start using it. You can always give your child the choice from a selection of potties to help them feel in control, whilst ensuring the potty ticks all the other features!

Tip #8: A urinal is not a necessary 

In the beginning, you want to start with the basics and keep messaging clear that pee and poop belong in the potty. If you start your child standing first to pee, it may be difficult to get them to sit for a bowel movement... so focus on starting your boy seated on a potty first. 

Tip #9: Consider one with a splashguard - with caution

In the beginning your child has little control over flow and aim, so an inbuilt splash guard can be helpful to prevent a messy floor. If you have a boy, just make sure there is enough space for your child to be able to get on and off without the possibility of getting their genitals stuck (and yes, this is a real possibility!)

 Tip #10: If buying a toilet seat insert, look for one with handles 

A toilet seat insert retrofits your normal sized toilet at home to keep your child secure and comfortable on the toilet. One with handles makes it much easier for your child to independently get onto and off the toilet and hold on for stability, particularly if your child is on the more petite side. You also want to ensure a toilet is supported by a step stool, so your child's feet are flat on a surface for stability.

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