Best Potty Training Seats for Toddlers: Honest Reviews for 2025

Choosing the Right Potty Seat Makes a Difference

Walk into any baby store and the range of potty training seats on offer is genuinely overwhelming. Standalone potties. Toilet seat inserts. 3-in-1 training systems. Musical versions. Character-branded versions. Travel versions. It is easy to spend a lot of money on the wrong thing.

I have used a lot of potty seats over the years — with my own children and through the experiences of the thousands of parents I have connected with through this blog. Here is my honest assessment of the best options in each category, and how to choose the right one for your child.

The right potty seat depends on your child's age, temperament, and stage of training.

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Category 1: Standalone Potty Chairs

A standalone potty chair is the most common starting point for children aged 18 months to 3 years. It sits on the floor, looks less intimidating than a full toilet, and gives small children a sense of ownership over their own dedicated seat.

BabyBjörn Smart Potty — Best Overall

The BabyBjörn Smart Potty remains our top pick for standalone potties. The seamless inner bowl is genuinely the easiest to clean of any potty we have tested — no corners, no crevices, just a smooth curve you can rinse in 30 seconds. The low, wide base is stable on all floor types and the high splash guard is effective for boys. Available in white, yellow, blue and red. Read our full BabyBjörn review.

Best for: Parents who prioritise ease of cleaning and simple, reliable design.
Price: $20–25

Summer Infant My Size Potty — Best for Motivation

The Summer Infant My Size Potty looks like a miniature real toilet complete with a flushing sound, lid, and toilet paper holder. For children who need extra motivation to use the potty, the familiar design and interactive features genuinely help. Slightly more to clean than the BabyBjörn but excellent for the right child. Read our full Summer Infant review.

Best for: Hesitant children who respond to novelty and familiar toilet design.
Price: $25–35

IKEA LOCKIG Potty — Best Budget

If budget is tight, the IKEA LOCKIG is the best value standalone potty available. Simple design, smooth inner bowl, stable base, available in soft colours. At under $10 it outperforms most mid-range potties. The one thing it lacks is a high splash guard — keep that in mind if you are training a boy.

Best for: Budget-conscious families who want a functional, no-frills option.
Price: Under $10

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Category 2: Toilet Seat Inserts

A toilet seat insert reduces the opening of your adult toilet to a child-appropriate size. Most children transition to the toilet between ages 2 and 4, and a seat insert makes this transition much more comfortable and less frightening than simply removing the potty and hoping for the best.

A toilet seat insert gives children the confidence to use the full-size toilet safely.

BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat — Best Overall Insert

The BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat fits most standard toilet seats without installation hardware, has a handle for easy transport to public toilets, and is designed for children aged 2 to 6. The non-slip surface keeps it secure and the simple click-on design means your child can eventually manage it independently. Our top pick in this category.

Best for: The transition from potty to toilet, including public toilets.
Price: $25–30

Potette Plus 2-in-1 — Best for Travel

The Potette Plus works as both a standalone portable potty and a toilet seat insert, making it the most versatile option for families on the go. Fold it flat for the changing bag, open it as a potty in the car park, or clip it onto a public toilet seat. Disposable liners are available for clean hygiene on the road. A genuine travel essential.

Best for: Travel, outings, and families who need one product that does both jobs.
Price: $25–30

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Category 3: 3-in-1 Training Seats

3-in-1 training seats combine a standalone potty, a toilet seat insert, and a step stool in a single product that adapts as your child grows. They are more expensive than standalone options but eliminate the need to buy separate products at each stage.

Summer Infant Step-by-Step Potty

A well-designed 3-in-1 that separates into a standalone potty, a toilet seat reducer, and a step stool. The step stool is a genuine differentiator here — having your child's feet supported on a step when sitting on the toilet makes it significantly easier for them to relax the muscles needed for a bowel movement. Good quality for the price.

Best for: Families who want a single product that covers all three training stages.
Price: $30–40

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The Step Stool — The Most Overlooked Item

Whichever toilet seat insert you choose, pair it with a step stool. When a child's feet dangle in the air while sitting on the toilet, it is physically harder to relax the muscles needed for a bowel movement. A step stool with their feet flat and slightly elevated changes this immediately — and explains why children who have mastered wees in the potty sometimes still struggle with poos on the toilet.

Any stable step stool works. The IKEA BOLMEN step stool is under $10 and does the job perfectly.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Type	Best Age	Price	Best For
BabyBjörn Smart Potty	Standalone	18m–3yr	$20–25	Easy cleaning, reliability
Summer Infant My Size	Standalone	18m–3yr	$25–35	Motivation, hesitant children
IKEA LOCKIG	Standalone	18m–3yr	Under $10	Budget
BabyBjörn Toilet Seat	Insert	2–6yr	$25–30	Toilet transition
Potette Plus 2-in-1	Insert + portable	18m–4yr	$25–30	Travel & outings
Summer Infant Step-by-Step	3-in-1	18m–5yr	$30–40	All-in-one system

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Quick Summary: How to Choose

• Starting training with an 18–24 month old: BabyBjörn Smart Potty or Summer Infant My Size
• Budget is tight: IKEA LOCKIG standalone + any cheap toilet insert later
• Child is ready for the toilet: BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat + step stool
• Travel a lot: Potette Plus 2-in-1
• Want one product for all stages: Summer Infant Step-by-Step 3-in-1

Have a potty seat recommendation that is not on this list? Leave a comment below.

More posts that might help:

• BabyBjörn Potty Chair Review: Is It Really Worth Buying?
• Summer Infant My Size Potty Review
• Best Potty Training Methods & Gear: A Complete Parent's Guide

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Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — real potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Potty Training While Travelling: How to Handle It Without the Stress

The Trip You Were Dreading Is Actually Manageable

The moment you realise you have a holiday or trip planned right in the middle of potty training, that sinking feeling is familiar to every parent. You have just started making progress. Your child is getting it. And now you have to pack everything up, disrupt the routine, and spend hours in the car, on a plane, or in unfamiliar accommodation where you have no idea where the nearest toilet is.

I have been there. Multiple times. And while I will not pretend that travelling during potty training is completely seamless, I can tell you that it is absolutely manageable when you prepare properly.

Here is everything I have learned about potty training on the road.

With the right preparation, travelling during potty training is completely manageable.

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Before You Leave: The Preparation That Prevents Most Problems

Decide Whether to Continue or Pause Training

The first decision is whether to continue active potty training during the trip or temporarily pause it. There is no shame in pausing — and for some trips it is genuinely the right call.

Continue training if:

• Your child has been training for 2+ weeks and is making solid progress
• The trip is short (1–3 days) and mostly to familiar places
• You have enough support and flexibility to handle accidents without major disruption

Consider pausing if:

• Training started less than a week ago
• The trip involves long flights, formal events, or situations where accidents would be very difficult to manage
• Your child is already anxious about the trip itself

If you pause, use pull-ups without comment or explanation. When you return home, resume exactly where you left off. Most children pick up from where they paused within 1–2 days.

Pack the Travel Potty Kit

This is the most important preparation you can do. Your travel potty kit should include:

• A portable potty or foldable toilet seat insert — the single most important item. A foldable toilet seat insert is more compact for travel; a portable standalone potty is better for car journeys and outdoor settings where toilets are not accessible.
• Disposable potty liners — line the portable potty for quick, hygienic disposal away from home
• 5+ spare pairs of training pants — more than you think you need
• 3+ complete spare outfits — top, bottoms, socks, shoes if possible
• Enzyme cleaner wipes — for accidents on car seats, hotel furniture, and anywhere else
• Waterproof changing mat or pad — to create a clean surface anywhere
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes — for when handwashing facilities are not immediately available
• Small reward stickers — keep the reward system going even away from home

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In the Car

Long car journeys are one of the trickiest potty training scenarios because the combination of excitement, distraction, and the inability to stop immediately creates the perfect conditions for accidents.

Before Getting In

Always take your child to the potty immediately before getting in the car. Not 20 minutes before — right before. Make this a non-negotiable part of the departure routine for the entire trip.

During the Journey

• Plan toilet stops every 45–60 minutes for children in early training, regardless of whether they say they need to go. "We are stopping at the services — let's try the toilet before we get back in the car."
• Keep the portable potty accessible in the boot for motorway emergencies where the next services is 20 minutes away and your child cannot wait
• Dress your child in easy clothing — elasticated waist, no fiddly buttons. You may be pulling over on a verge in the rain and you need this to be quick.
• Avoid excessive drinks in the car but do not restrict fluids completely — dehydration causes concentrated urine which actually increases urgency

If an Accident Happens in the Car Seat

Stay calm. Pull over safely. Change your child matter-of-factly — "Let's get you clean and dry, then we can carry on." Most car seat covers are washable. The enzyme cleaner wipe deals with any smell on the seat itself. This is not a disaster — it is a Tuesday.

Keeping the handwashing routine consistent — even away from home — helps maintain familiarity.

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On a Plane

Plane toilets present a unique challenge: they are small, loud, unfamiliar, and sometimes scary. The flush is extremely loud and the space is cramped. Many children who are confidently using the toilet at home will freeze up in a plane toilet.

Before the Flight

• Use a pull-up for the flight itself if your child is in early training — the combination of seat belts, altitude, excitement, and a frightening toilet is not the moment to insist on training pants
• If your child is further along in training, talk about the plane toilet in advance: "The toilet on the plane looks different and makes a loud noise, but it works the same way. We will go together."
• Request an aisle seat so you can get to the toilet quickly

During the Flight

• Take your child to the plane toilet when the seatbelt sign is off, whether they say they need to go or not
• Warn them before flushing — the noise is startling for small children. "The flush is very loud — are you ready? Block your ears!"
• Bring your foldable toilet seat insert — plane toilet seats are adult-sized and children feel much more secure with something that fits them

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At the Destination

Establish the Routine Immediately

As soon as you arrive at your accommodation, locate the bathroom and take your child there. "This is where we use the potty here." Making the bathroom familiar from the first hour prevents a lot of hesitation later.

If you have brought a portable potty, set it up in the bathroom rather than using the full-size toilet for the first day or two — this familiar object bridges the gap between home and the unfamiliar environment.

Maintain Your Language and Rewards

Whatever words you use at home for the potty, keep using them. Whatever reward system you have — stickers, praise, specific language — keep it consistent. Consistency of language is one of the most underrated factors in travelling during potty training. Your child's brain has associated specific words and routines with the toileting process. Keeping those consistent in an unfamiliar environment maintains the habit when everything else is new.

Sightseeing and Outings

• Locate toilets on arrival at any new venue before you need them urgently. "Let's find the toilet so we know where it is" — make this a fun part of exploration rather than an emergency mission
• Potty before every outing — before getting in the car, before entering the beach, before the museum. Non-negotiable.
• Do not be embarrassed to ask — in restaurants, shops, and attractions, just ask staff where the nearest toilet is. People are universally understanding about small children and toilets.
• Outdoor accidents happen — find a quiet corner. Nobody minds. You minded as a parent far more than anyone around you does.

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When You Get Home: Expect a Brief Wobble

Many parents notice a small regression in the first 2–3 days after returning from a trip. This is completely normal. The disruption to routine, the excitement, and the return to a different environment all affect a toddler's focus and control.

Go back to basics briefly — reinstate the timer prompts for a day or two, give extra praise for successes, and do not react to accidents with frustration. Most children are back to their pre-trip level within 3–5 days.

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Quick Summary: Travel Potty Training Checklist

• ☐ Portable potty or foldable toilet seat insert packed
• ☐ Disposable potty liners in the kit
• ☐ 5+ spare training pants
• ☐ 3+ complete spare outfits
• ☐ Enzyme cleaner wipes
• ☐ Reward stickers
• ☐ Potty before every car/plane journey and outing
• ☐ Locate bathroom on arrival at every new venue
• ☐ Keep language and rewards consistent with home
• ☐ Plan for a brief wobble on return home

Travelling with a potty training toddler is not the disaster it feels like in advance. With the right kit and the right mindset, it is just another day of parenting — one that happens to involve more spare clothes than usual.

More posts that might help:

• Potty Training Regression: Why It Happens and How to Handle It
• Best Potty Training Methods & Gear: A Complete Parent's Guide
• Night-Time Potty Training: How to Achieve Dry Nights
• BabyBjörn Potty Chair Review: Is It Really Worth Buying?

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Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — sharing real-world potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Best Potty Training Pants for Toddlers: Cloth vs Disposable — Which Is Better?

The Training Pants Question Every Parent Asks

Once you decide to start potty training, the question of training pants comes up almost immediately. Should you use cloth training pants? Disposable pull-ups? Regular underwear? And what is actually the difference between a training pant and a pull-up — because the packaging can make this very confusing.

I have used all of these options at different stages and with different children. Here is my honest, practical breakdown of everything you need to know before you buy.

The right training pants help toddlers feel the difference between wet and dry — and build independence.

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First: The Important Distinction

Before comparing cloth and disposable, it helps to understand the difference between two types of product that often get confused:

• Pull-ups (disposable training pants) — like Pampers Easy-Ups or Huggies Pull-Ups. These feel similar to nappies and absorb accidents almost as well as a nappy. Your child may not notice when they are wet.
• Training pants (cloth or lightly padded) — thicker than regular underwear but much thinner than a pull-up. Your child feels wet when they have an accident, which provides the natural feedback that drives learning.

This distinction matters because the feeling of being wet is one of the most powerful teachers in potty training. A product that absorbs accidents too well removes the natural consequence and slows the learning process.

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Cloth Training Pants

What they are

Cloth training pants are usually made from cotton with extra padding in the gusset area — enough to hold a small accident without immediate soaking through to clothes, but thin enough that your child feels the wetness. They look and feel like real underwear, which most children find motivating.

Popular options include Gerber Training Pants, Potty Scotty, and various bamboo cotton options.

Pros of cloth training pants

• Child feels wet immediately — the most important factor in teaching bladder awareness
• Looks like real underwear — many children find this motivating and grown-up
• More economical long-term — washable and reusable, a set of 10 pairs typically lasts the entire training period
• Environmentally friendlier — no disposable waste
• Better for readiness-led training — works with your child's natural learning process rather than against it

Cons of cloth training pants

• Accidents soak through to clothes — you will be doing more laundry, especially in the first week
• Not suitable for outings in the early days — the leak protection is limited
• Require washing — you need enough pairs to cover a full day of accidents
• Some children resist them — if they have always worn nappies, the thinner feel can take adjustment

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Disposable Pull-Ups

What they are

Disposable pull-ups like Huggies Pull-Ups or Pampers Easy-Ups are designed to pull up and down like underwear while providing nappy-level absorbency. Some brands include a "Cool Alert" feature that creates a cool sensation when wet to simulate the feeling of a wet training pant.

Pros of pull-ups

• Excellent for outings — accident protection means less laundry away from home
• Good for night use — during the night training phase before reliable dryness is established
• Convenient for nursery and childminders — easier to manage in a group setting
• Good transition product — if your child is not quite ready for full underwear independence
• Less laundry — simply dispose of accidents

Cons of pull-ups

• Child may not feel wet — the absorbency that makes them convenient is the same thing that slows learning
• Expensive long-term — ongoing cost adds up quickly if training takes weeks or months
• Can confuse the child — feels too similar to a nappy, which can blur the boundary between trained and not trained
• Environmental impact — disposable product generating ongoing waste

Building independence in the bathroom is the ultimate goal — the right pants support rather than slow that process.

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Cloth Training Pants	Disposable Pull-Ups
Teaches wetness awareness	Excellent	Poor to moderate
Accident containment at home	Moderate	Excellent
Accident containment out	Limited	Excellent
Long-term cost	Low (reusable)	High (ongoing)
Training speed	Generally faster	Generally slower
Laundry	More	Less
Night use	Not ideal	Good
Environment	Eco-friendly	Ongoing waste

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My Recommendation: Use Both — But for Different Things

The most effective approach I have found — and the one that most experienced potty training parents settle on — is to use each product for what it does best:

• Cloth training pants at home during the day. This is where learning happens. Your child needs to feel wet to understand the connection between the urge and the outcome.
• Disposable pull-ups for outings in the early weeks, while accident frequency is still high. The practical protection prevents disasters on the bus or at the supermarket without significantly slowing learning if you are consistent at home.
• Disposable pull-ups at night until reliable night dryness is established — which may be weeks or months after daytime training is complete.
• Real underwear as soon as your child is reliably self-initiating during the day. Moving to real pants is itself a motivational milestone for many children.

The parents who struggle most are those who use pull-ups full-time during the day at home. The absorbency removes the feedback loop that drives learning. If you are going to use pull-ups, reserve them for specific situations where the protection genuinely matters.

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What to Look For in Cloth Training Pants

Not all cloth training pants are equal. Here is what matters when choosing:

• Enough padding to hold a small accident — but not so much that wetness is not felt. 2–3 layers in the gusset is about right.
• Easy to pull up and down independently — your child needs to be able to manage them alone. Avoid elasticated waistbands that are too tight or too loose.
• Machine washable at 40°C or higher — for proper hygiene.
• Sized correctly — training pants that are too big will leak at the legs; too small and your child cannot pull them down in time.
• At least 10 pairs — you will need enough for a full day of accidents plus a day's buffer for washing.

Every child trains at their own pace — the right pants make the process a little easier for everyone.

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What About Waterproof Training Pants?

Waterproof training pants have a waterproof outer layer that contains leaks while still allowing the child to feel wet inside. They offer a middle ground between cloth and pull-ups — wetness feedback with better leak containment. They are particularly useful for:

• Children who have accidents frequently and unpredictably in the early days
• Families with carpets or upholstered furniture they want to protect
• Use at nursery where staff need more containment than a standard cloth training pant provides

Waterproof training pants are worth having a few pairs of alongside standard cloth training pants, especially for the first 1–2 weeks when accidents are most frequent.

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Quick Summary

• For daytime training at home: Cloth training pants — wetness feedback is essential for learning
• For outings in early weeks: Disposable pull-ups — practical accident protection
• For night use: Disposable pull-ups until reliable dryness is established
• How many to buy: 10+ cloth training pants; pull-ups by the pack for outings and nights
• When to move to real underwear: As soon as daytime self-initiation is reliable

Have a question about training pants that I haven't covered? Leave a comment below — I read every one.

More posts that might help:

• When to Start Potty Training: Signs Your Child Is Ready
• Potty Training Chart: How to Use One to Motivate Your Toddler
• The 3-Day Potty Training Method: A Real Parent's Guide
• BabyBjörn Potty Chair Review: Is It Really Worth Buying?

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Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — sharing real-world potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Best Potty Training Methods & Gear: A Complete Parent's Guide

So Many Methods, So Much Conflicting Advice

If you have spent any time looking into potty training, you have probably noticed that there is no shortage of opinions about how it should be done. The 3-day method. Child-led training. The Oh Crap method. Elimination communication. Scheduled sits. Reward charts. Each one has passionate advocates and parents who swear it was the only thing that worked for their child.

The truth is that no single method works for every child — because every child is different. What this guide gives you is an honest overview of the main approaches, the gear worth buying, and enough information to choose the combination that fits your child's temperament and your family's lifestyle.

The best potty training method is the one that works for your specific child — not the one everyone else is using.

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The Main Potty Training Methods Compared

1. The 3-Day Method

What it is: An intensive training approach where you clear your schedule for three days, remove the nappy completely, and stay home to catch and reinforce every potty trip. The goal is to establish the habit quickly through concentrated repetition and consistent reward.

Best for: Children who are fully ready (showing all 5 readiness signs), cooperative temperaments, and parents who can dedicate three uninterrupted days.

What to expect: Day 1 is messy. Day 2 is better. Day 3 you start to see real progress. Most children are not fully trained in 3 days — the method establishes the foundation, and consolidation continues over the following 2–4 weeks.

Verdict: Works well when the timing is right and the child is genuinely ready. Does not work if you try it too early.

Read our full guide: The 3-Day Potty Training Method: A Real Parent's Guide

2. Child-Led Training

What it is: You introduce the potty, keep it accessible, talk about it positively, and let your child lead the pace. No pressure, no scheduled sits, no intensive launch phase. Training happens gradually as the child shows readiness and interest.

Best for: Sensitive children, strong-willed toddlers who resist pressure, children with developmental differences, and families who prefer a low-stress approach.

What to expect: Training typically takes longer — weeks to months rather than days. But the process tends to be lower in conflict and regression is less common.

Verdict: Excellent for the right child. Less effective for children who need external structure and motivation to make progress.

3. The Hybrid Approach (What Most Parents End Up Doing)

What it is: A combination of the structured launch of the 3-day method with the relaxed, child-following philosophy of child-led training. You have an intensive first 3 days to establish the routine, then back off and follow the child's lead while maintaining consistency.

Best for: Most children and most families. Provides enough structure to get started without the pressure that creates resistance.

Verdict: This is the approach most experienced parents end up using, and the approach behind most of the advice on this blog.

4. The Oh Crap Method

What it is: Developed by Jamie Glowacki, the Oh Crap method involves an intensive nappy-free period followed by a structured transition through "commando" (no pants), then loose pants, then regular clothing. Strong emphasis on reading the child's signals and responding consistently.

Best for: Children aged 20–30 months, and parents who want a clear, step-by-step system with a strong philosophical framework.

Verdict: Well-researched and effective. The book is worth reading if you want the full methodology.

5. Elimination Communication (EC)

What it is: Starting from birth or very early infancy, parents learn to read their baby's cues and "catch" eliminations by holding them over a potty or toilet. The goal is to maintain the natural awareness babies are born with before nappies suppress it.

Best for: Parents who want to start very early (birth to 6 months), families with strong commitment and flexibility in their daily routine.

Verdict: Can be effective but requires significant dedication. Most families in Western cultures use it partially rather than exclusively.

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Method Comparison at a Glance

Method	Best Age	Time to Train	Effort Level	Best For
3-Day Method	22–36 months	3 days + 2–4 weeks	High (intensive launch)	Ready, cooperative children
Child-Led	Any	Weeks to months	Low (ongoing)	Sensitive/strong-willed children
Hybrid	22–36 months	1–3 weeks	Medium	Most children & families
Oh Crap	20–30 months	1–2 weeks	High (structured)	Parents wanting clear system
Elimination Communication	Birth+	Ongoing from birth	Very high	Early-start families

Whatever method you choose, consistency and patience matter more than the specific approach.

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The Best Potty Training Gear

The method you choose matters. The gear matters less — but the right equipment makes every method easier. Here is what is genuinely worth buying.

Potty Chairs

BabyBjörn Smart Potty — our top pick. Minimal design, seamless inner bowl that is extremely easy to clean, excellent splash guard, and stable low base. Available in white, yellow, blue, and red. Read our full review.

Summer Infant My Size Potty — best for motivation. Looks like a real toilet with a flushing sound and toilet paper holder. Children who need extra motivation love this one. Slightly more to clean but excellent design. Read our full review.

Toilet Seat Inserts

For the transition from potty to full toilet, a toilet seat insert that reduces the opening is essential. The BabyBjörn Toilet Training Seat is the best we have used — fits most standard toilet seats, portable handle for public toilets, no installation required.

Always pair with a step stool so your child's feet are flat on a surface — dangling feet make it harder to relax the muscles needed for a bowel movement.

Training Pants

Use cloth training pants at home — your child needs to feel wet to learn. Pull-ups for outings and night use. Gerber Training Pants are reliable, affordable, and easy to find. Buy at least 10 pairs. Read our full training pants guide.

Reward System

A simple sticker chart placed in the bathroom at your child's eye level. One sticker per successful trip. When the chart is full, a small milestone reward. Simple, immediate, and highly effective for most children aged 2–3. Read our potty training chart guide.

Cleaning Supplies

An enzyme-based cleaner for accidents on carpet and fabric is non-negotiable. Regular cleaning products mask smell; enzyme cleaners eliminate it completely, which prevents your child being drawn back to the same spot. Worth buying before you start.

Potty Training Books for Children

Reading about the potty in the weeks before you start builds positive associations and pre-motivates children for training. Our recommendations: Potty by Leslie Patricelli (ages 1–2), Once Upon a Potty (ages 2–3), and My Big Girl/Boy Potty by Joanna Cole.

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Gear to Skip

Not everything marketed for potty training is worth buying. Save your money on:

• Potty training apps — real-world feedback works better than screen prompts
• Musical potties — the novelty distracts from the task and fades within days
• Pull-ups for daytime home use — too absorbent to teach wetness awareness
• Character-branded potties with lots of features — harder to clean and the novelty wears off fast

The right gear supports the process — but your patience and consistency matter most.

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Quick Summary: How to Choose Your Approach

• Child is ready and you have 3 clear days: Try the 3-day or hybrid method
• Child is sensitive or resistant: Child-led or hybrid with minimal pressure
• Child is strong-willed: Reduce pressure, increase autonomy, try the Oh Crap approach
• You want a clear system: Oh Crap method or the 4-week plan in our Complete Potty Training Guide

Have a question about which method might work for your child? Leave a comment below — I read and reply to every one.

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Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — sharing real-world potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Mickey Mouse 3-in-1 Potty Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to potty train your little one? If so, you might want to check out the Mickey Mouse 3 in 1 Potty! This amazing product is not only a potty, but also a step stool and a trainer seat that fits most standard toilets. It features a cute Mickey Mouse design that will make your child excited to use it. Plus, it has some awesome features that will make potty training a breeze. Here are some of the benefits of the Mickey Mouse 3 in 1 Potty:

 

- It has a soft and comfortable seat that is removable and easy to clean.

- It has a lift-out pot that is also removable and easy to empty and clean.

- It has a built-in sensor that detects when your child has successfully used the potty and plays a rewarding sound.

- It has a handle that activates a flushing sound and a cheerful Mickey Mouse phrase.

- It has a non-skid base that prevents it from sliding or tipping over.

- It has a storage compartment in the back that can hold wipes or other essentials.

- It has a detachable lid that can be used as a step stool or as a trainer seat on the toilet.

 

The Mickey Mouse 3 in 1 Potty is a great way to make potty training fun and easy for your child. It will help them transition from diapers to the toilet with confidence and independence. It will also encourage them to develop good hygiene habits and self-care skills. And best of all, it will make them feel like they are part of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

 

If you want to get your hands on this amazing product, you can order it online or find it at your local retailer. The Mickey Mouse 3 in 1 Potty is suitable for children aged 18 months and up, and it requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Don't miss this opportunity to make potty training a magical experience for your child with the Mickey Mouse 3 in 1 Potty!

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Top 5 Baby Diaper Brands: Honest Review for New Parents

If you are a new parent or expecting a baby soon, you might be wondering which diaper brand is the best for your little one. There are so many options available in the market, and each one claims to be the best. How do you choose?-

 

To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top 5 baby diaper brands based on customer reviews, quality, comfort, and eco-friendliness. Here they are:-

 

1. Pampers: Pampers is one of the most popular and trusted diaper brands in the world. They offer a wide range of diapers for different stages and needs, such as Swaddlers for newborns, Cruisers for active babies, and Pure for sensitive skin. Pampers diapers are soft, absorbent, and leak-proof. They also have a wetness indicator that changes color when the diaper is wet, so you know when to change it. Pampers also has a rewards program that lets you earn points for every purchase and redeem them for gifts and coupons.-

 

2. Huggies: Huggies is another well-known and reliable diaper brand that has been around for decades. They also have a variety of diapers for different ages and preferences, such as Little Snugglers for gentle protection, Little Movers for on-the-go babies, and Special Delivery for premium comfort. Huggies diapers are designed to fit snugly and comfortably, and prevent leaks and blowouts. They also have a wetness indicator and a pocketed waistband that helps keep the mess inside. Huggies also has a rewards program that lets you earn points for every purchase and redeem them for prizes and discounts.-

 

3. Bambo Nature: Bambo Nature is a premium diaper brand that focuses on eco-friendliness and sustainability. Their diapers are made from natural and organic materials that are biodegradable and compostable. They are also free of harmful chemicals, perfumes, and dyes that can irritate your baby's skin. Bambo Nature diapers are soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. They also have a wetness indicator and a flexible fit that adapts to your baby's movements. Bambo Nature also has a certification from the Nordic Swan Ecolabel that guarantees their environmental and social responsibility.-

 

4. Honest: Honest is a diaper brand that was founded by actress Jessica Alba with the mission of creating safe and effective products for babies and families. Their diapers are made from plant-based materials that are gentle on your baby's skin and the planet. They are also free of chlorine, latex, fragrances, and lotions that can cause allergies or rashes. Honest diapers are super absorbent and comfortable, and come in adorable prints and patterns that you can mix and match. Honest also has a subscription service that lets you save money and time by delivering diapers and wipes to your door every month.-

 

5. Seventh Generation: Seventh Generation is a diaper brand that has been making eco-friendly products for over 30 years. Their diapers are made from renewable resources that reduce their environmental impact. They are also free of chlorine, fragrances, petroleum-based lotions, and optical brighteners that can harm your baby's health or the environment. Seventh Generation diapers are soft, quilted, and snug-fitting. They also have a wetness indicator and a stretchy waistband that ensures a secure fit. Seventh Generation also has a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance that supports forest conservation and community development.-

 

These are the top 5 baby diaper brands that we recommend for your precious bundle of joy. We hope this list helps you make an informed decision and find the best diaper for your baby's needs and comfort.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

5 Signs Your Child Is Ready for Potty Training

How Do You Know When to Start?

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is: "How do I know if my child is ready to potty train?" It is a great question, because starting too early is one of the biggest mistakes in potty training — it leads to months of resistance, frustration, and accidents that could have been avoided by simply waiting a few more weeks.

The good news is that children give clear signals when they are ready. You do not need to follow a calendar or wait for a specific birthday. You just need to know what to look for.

Here are the 5 most important signs of potty training readiness — and what to do when you see them.

Readiness signs appear gradually — watch for them rather than waiting for a specific age.

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Sign 1: Staying Dry for Longer Periods

The most fundamental sign of physical readiness is bladder control. If your child's nappy is dry when you check it after 1.5 to 2 hours, it means they are beginning to hold urine rather than releasing it continuously. This is the physiological foundation that potty training is built on — without it, even the best training approach will not work.

What to do: Start checking nappies at regular intervals. Keep a simple mental note of how often the nappy is wet. When you are seeing dry periods of 90 minutes or more consistently, this sign is present.

Important: A child who is still consistently wet every 30–45 minutes does not yet have sufficient bladder control for active training to succeed. Wait and check again in 3–4 weeks.

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Sign 2: Showing Awareness of Being Wet or Soiled

Watch for your child showing discomfort, pulling at their nappy, hiding to do a poo, or telling you — even after the fact — that they are wet or have soiled themselves. This awareness means the neurological connection between the physical sensation and the conscious recognition of it is developing.

You might hear: "Wet." "Poo-poo." "Yucky." Or they might simply look uncomfortable and come to find you. Any form of communication about their bodily state is a positive sign.

What to do: Respond matter-of-factly and positively when your child tells you they are wet: "Thank you for telling me! Let's get you clean." This reinforces the behaviour and builds the communication habit you will need during training.

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Sign 3: Showing Interest in the Toilet

Does your child follow you to the bathroom? Ask what you are doing? Want to flush the toilet? Try to sit on the toilet seat? This curiosity is a powerful readiness indicator. Children who are interested in the toilet are pre-motivated for potty training — they already want to do what grown-ups do.

Some children become fascinated by the toilet and ask endless questions about it. Others show a quieter, observational interest. Both are positive signs.

What to do: Encourage this interest. Let your child watch you use the toilet (if you are comfortable with this). Read a potty training book together. Introduce the potty chair as an exciting new object — let them sit on it fully clothed to get used to it before active training begins.

Good potty training books for this stage include Potty by Leslie Patricelli and Once Upon a Potty — both simple, positive, and effective at building excitement about the process.

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Sign 4: Being Able to Pull Pants Up and Down

This is a practical readiness sign that parents sometimes overlook. Potty training requires your child to pull their trousers and pants down independently when they feel the urge to go — and to pull them back up afterwards. If they cannot manage this on their own, they will need adult assistance for every single trip, which significantly slows the development of independence.

Test this by putting your child in elasticated-waist trousers or leggings (no buttons, no zips, no belts) and watching whether they can manage the waistband alone.

What to do: If they cannot yet manage it, practise as a game. "Let's see if you can pull your trousers down!" Make it fun and non-pressured. Most children master this skill with a few days of practice once the motor control is there.

During potty training, dress your child in the easiest possible clothing — elasticated waists only. Buttons, dungarees, and tight leggings add precious seconds that a toddler with an urgent bladder does not have.

Physical independence — including managing clothing — is a key readiness milestone.

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Sign 5: Being Able to Follow Simple Instructions

Potty training involves a sequence of steps: recognise the urge, stop what you are doing, walk to the bathroom, pull down pants, sit on the potty, do a wee or poo, wipe, pull pants up, flush, wash hands. That is a lot of steps for a toddler.

Your child does not need to manage all of these independently from day one — that is what training is for. But they do need to be able to understand and follow simple two-step instructions reliably: "Go to the bathroom and sit on the potty."

If your child cannot yet follow basic verbal instructions, or is in a phase of strongly refusing everything you ask, potty training will be significantly harder. It does not mean you cannot start — but set your expectations accordingly.

What to do: In the weeks before you plan to start training, practise following instructions as a game. "Can you go and get your shoes?" "Can you put this in the bin?" Building the habit of listening and following through makes potty training much smoother.

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Bonus Signs Worth Watching For

Beyond the core five, these additional signs suggest your child is ready or nearly ready:

• Regular, predictable bowel movements — if you know roughly when your child tends to poo, you can use this to time potty sits for early successes
• Ability to sit still for 2–3 minutes — enough to give a potty sit a genuine chance
• Wanting privacy when doing a poo — hiding behind the sofa or going quiet is a classic readiness sign
• Expressing a desire to be "like a big boy/girl" — this developmental motivation is powerful fuel for training
• Resistance to nappy changes — some children start pulling their nappy off or resisting changes as they develop awareness

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What Age Should You Expect These Signs?

Most children begin showing readiness signs between 18 months and 3 years. The average age to begin training successfully is around 27 months for girls and 31 months for boys — but these are averages across a very wide range.

Some children are ready at 20 months. Some are not ready until 3.5. Both are completely normal. The research consistently shows that children who start later — when they are truly ready — complete training faster and with fewer setbacks than children who start early.

If your child is showing 4 or more of the 5 signs above, they are likely ready to begin. If they are showing fewer than 3, wait 4–6 weeks and reassess.

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When NOT to Start (Even If the Signs Are There)

Even if your child is showing all 5 readiness signs, there are times when it is better to wait:

• A new sibling is arriving or has just arrived — major family change disrupts the consistency potty training needs
• You are moving house — the disruption to routine makes success much harder
• Your child has just started nursery — let them settle in for 4–6 weeks first
• Your child is unwell — illness, ear infections, and teething can cause accidents even in trained children
• You do not have 3 clear days — the intensive launch phase works best when you can be at home and fully focused

Timing matters — starting when both you and your child are ready makes everything easier.

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Quick Summary: The 5 Signs of Potty Training Readiness

1. Staying dry for 1.5–2 hours at a time — physical bladder control is developing
2. Showing awareness of being wet or soiled — the neurological connection is forming
3. Showing interest in the toilet — natural motivation is present
4. Being able to pull pants up and down — practical independence is possible
5. Being able to follow simple instructions — cognitive readiness is there

Is your child showing these signs? Then it might be time to start. Read my step-by-step guide to get the first week right:

• The 3-Day Potty Training Method: A Real Parent's Guide
• Potty Training Chart: How to Use One to Motivate Your Toddler
• BabyBjörn Potty Chair Review: Is It Really Worth Buying?
• Potty Training Boys: 7 Tips That Actually Work

Have a question about readiness? Leave it in the comments below — I answer every one.

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Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — sharing real-world potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Summer Infant My Size Potty Review: Honest Parent Assessment

The Potty That Looks Like a Real Toilet — Does It Actually Help?

When I was browsing for potty chairs, the Summer Infant My Size Potty stopped me in my tracks. Unlike the small, brightly coloured plastic potties lined up next to it, this one looks almost exactly like a miniature version of an adult toilet — complete with a lid, a tank, a flushing handle, and even a little roll of toilet paper on the side.

My first thought was: that is either genius or completely unnecessary. My second thought was: my toddler is going to love it.

I bought it, used it extensively, and I am here to tell you what I actually think — including the parts the marketing does not mention.

Familiar design can help toddlers feel more confident about the transition to the toilet.

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What Is the Summer Infant My Size Potty?

The Summer Infant My Size Potty is a standalone toddler potty chair designed to look and feel like a scaled-down version of a real toilet. It features a hinged lid that opens and closes, a decorative tank at the back, a removable inner bowl for easy emptying, a flushing handle that makes a flushing sound, and a small toilet paper holder with a pretend roll included.

It is designed for toddlers from approximately 18 months to 3 years, and the idea behind the realistic design is straightforward: if the potty looks like the toilet your child sees you using every day, the transition from potty to full-size toilet should feel more natural and less intimidating.

The My Size Potty retails at around $25 to $35 USD and is one of the most popular potty chairs on the market. It is available in white and grey colourways.

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What I Liked About It

The Familiar Design Genuinely Helps

I was sceptical about whether a potty that looks like a toilet would actually make a difference. It does. My toddler took to this potty with noticeably less resistance than she had shown to the basic potty we had tried first. She wanted to use it because it looked like what we used. She lifted the lid, she closed it, she “flushed” it — all of these little rituals helped build the habit of using the toilet in a way that a plain plastic bowl simply did not.

The lid in particular is more useful than it sounds. Toddlers who are not yet using the potty cannot access it unsupervised when the lid is closed, which adds a small but genuine safety and hygiene benefit.

The Flushing Sound

The flushing handle makes a realistic flushing sound when pressed. I know this sounds trivial, but it was one of the most effective motivational tools in our potty training arsenal. My daughter pressed it after every successful use and it became a celebration ritual in itself. The first time she used the potty independently and then pressed the flush handle, I nearly cried. Small victories in potty training feel enormous.

The Removable Inner Bowl

The inner bowl lifts out cleanly for emptying and rinsing. It is smooth-sided with no sharp corners or crevices, which makes cleaning straightforward. It does not achieve quite the same seamless simplicity as the BabyBjörn’s bowl, but it is genuinely easy to keep clean with a quick rinse and a wipe.

The Toilet Paper Holder

A small detail that matters more than you would expect. Having a toilet paper holder right next to the potty teaches children to reach for paper as part of the potty routine from the very beginning. It builds the habit naturally without needing a separate prompt every time. The included pretend roll is obviously for decoration, but you can attach a small real roll to the holder for practical use.

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What I Did Not Like

It Is Larger Than Expected

The My Size Potty is noticeably bigger than a standard small potty. This is fine if you have space in the bathroom, but if your bathroom is small or you want to move the potty between rooms during the training period, the size can be inconvenient. It is not a potty you will easily tuck into a corner or slip under a sink.

The Flushing Sound Gets Old

I said the flushing sound was motivating — and it is. For the first two weeks. After that, when your child is pressing it fifteen times in a row not because they have used the potty but because they find the sound entertaining, it starts to wear on you. A small thing, but worth knowing before you buy.

The Decorative Parts Need Cleaning Too

The tank, the lid, the toilet paper holder, the flushing handle — all of these decorative elements need wiping down regularly. Compared to a simple flat-surface potty, there are more surfaces to clean. None of it is difficult, but it adds a minute or two to the cleaning routine compared to a minimalist design like the BabyBjörn.

Not Portable

Like most standalone potty chairs, this one is for home use only. It does not fold or compress for travel. If you need a portable option for outings, you will need a separate folding toilet seat insert — the Summer Infant toilet trainer seat is a good companion product for the transition to full-size toilets.

Building the full routine — potty, wipe, flush, wash hands — from day one sets lasting habits.

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Summer Infant My Size Potty vs BabyBjörn Smart Potty

These are the two most recommended potty chairs and they represent two genuinely different design philosophies. Here is how they compare:

Feature	Summer Infant My Size Potty	BabyBjörn Smart Potty
Design	Realistic toilet look with lid, tank & flush	Minimal, clean & simple
Ease of cleaning	Good — more surfaces to wipe	Excellent — seamless bowl
Fun features	Flushing sound, toilet paper holder, lid	None
Size	Larger — takes up more space	Compact
Motivational design	High — familiar toilet look encourages use	Low — purely functional
Price	$25–$35	$20–$25

Which should you choose? If your child is resistant to the potty and needs extra motivation, the Summer Infant’s realistic design and flushing sound give it an edge. If you prioritise ease of cleaning and simplicity, the BabyBjörn wins. Both are excellent products — the right choice depends on your child's temperament.

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Who Is the Summer Infant My Size Potty Best For?

• Children who are hesitant about the potty — the familiar toilet design reduces anxiety about the transition
• Children motivated by novelty and interactive features — the flushing sound is a genuine engagement tool
• Families with more bathroom space — it is a larger product and benefits from dedicated placement
• Parents who want to build the full toilet routine from day one — lid, flush, paper holder all mirror the adult toilet experience

Who Should Consider Something Else?

• Parents who prioritise cleaning speed — the BabyBjörn is simpler to sanitise quickly
• Small bathroom situations — the larger footprint may not work in tight spaces
• Parents who find sound-making toys irritating — the flushing sound will feature heavily in your daily life for several months

The right potty makes training feel like a positive experience for your child.

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Quick Summary

• Best for: Hesitant toddlers who need extra motivation from a familiar-looking design
• Best age: 18 months to 3 years
• Worth buying if: Your child is motivated by the flushing sound and realistic toilet features
• Skip it if: You want the simplest, easiest-to-clean option — see the BabyBjörn instead
• My rating: 4 out of 5 — excellent design, slightly penalised for the extra cleaning surfaces and size

Have you used the Summer Infant My Size Potty? Leave a comment below — I would love to hear whether the flushing sound was a hit or a source of mild insanity in your household.

More posts that might help:

• BabyBjörn Potty Chair Review: Is It Really Worth Buying?
• Best Potty Training Methods & Gear: A Complete Parent's Guide
• When to Start Potty Training: Signs Your Child Is Ready
• Potty Training Boys: 7 Tips That Actually Work

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Written by Baby Potty Training Mommy — sharing real-world potty training advice since 2010. Read more about me here.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in.

Stop guessing — follow a plan

The Complete Potty Training Guide

The 4-week day-by-day plan, boys' & girls' guides, the Regression Rescue Plan, and two printable bonuses — everything in this post, taken all the way to dry nights.

$29  $17  ·  Instant PDF  ·  30-day money-back guarantee

See what's inside →

Can You Potty Train a Duck? What Owners Need to Know

Potty Training A Duck

In this article we are going to review five major steps to follow for successful potty training a duck.

Step 1:

Come up with a list of the ducks behaviours and the conditions behind these behaviours. There may be different lists for different ducks after all not all the ducks are the same. As soon as you make the list, confine your duck’s diet to keep it hungry for some time without causing malnourishment. Hunger is one of the motivators to make the duck seek rewards that come in form of food and therefore the duck will be willing to change its behaviours in order to be rewarded.

Step 2:

Select those behaviors from the list likely to bring the duck closer to the eventually intended one, such as taking a step toward the toilet. Then either cause the conditions likely to encourage that action and reward it or simply reward its spontaneous occurrence. Rewarding the behavior without providing a condition to induce it will require some intuition to time the reward correctly. Giving the reward even a second too late may teach the duck to associate an utterly different behavior to the reward or may leave it with no association at all. However, the duck may also simplify the behavior and this may lead to impulsive correct behaviors.

Step 3:

Give the duck larger incentives for reaching the base of the toilet and change its reward schedule from individual rewards for each step to a large reward for going to this location. According to many behaviorists, you can change from one pattern of reward to the other without transition, but the duck may temporarily stop performing the desired behavior before coming to understand the new system. From this point, begin giving the duck small rewards for behaviors likely to place the duck on top of the toilet and in the correct position to defecate or urinate.

Step 4:

Give the duck large rewards for positioning itself over the opening of the toilet seat and again change its reward schedule from a succession of individual rewards for each individual step toward that position to a larger, single reward for being there. Now wait for the duck to defecate or urinate into the toilet and then reward each event of that behavior and substitute the rewards for placing itself on the opening of the toilet with one for using it.

Step 5:

Last but not least, make your rewards for the completed behavior less frequent and ultimately, more random. A constant reward does build behavior faster than any other system, but casual rewards will set a behavior more deeply. This randomness will therefore spare you from having to reward the behavior during pressing tasks or in your absence. By the end of this process, you will have trained your duck.

hope that you will enjoy the videos below.