Potty Training Seats

A potty training seat can be just as effective in training your child as are free standing potties. In the standard run of things, they are only supposed to come after your child is used to the free-standing potty for a while. But a lot of the parents I speak to tell me that their kid wanted to go straight to the 'big' potty.

There is nothing wrong if you both decide to skip the intermediate stage and go straight for the family toilet (in fact, I secretly feel that saves you a few headaches :)…

Potty training seats are seats that are fitted on top of your normal toilet seat. They make the opening a lot smaller to prevent little booties from falling in. A big toilet opening can be quite scary for a little child – so by narrowing the opening, you allow them to feel grown-up and to just copy you in going to the loo.

You get a great variety of seats to buy, and the prices can vary between $6 and $40, but price should really not be on the top of your considerations (although it no doubt has its importance). It's important to buy the right potty for your child, because it can make the difference between smooth sailing, and a rough ride…

Here are the things you should look for before making your choice.

## *Things To Consider Before Choosing*

### Padded vs Non-padded?

Consider the ease of cleaning for both versions. A plain plastic seat is similar to our standard seats and it is so much easier to clean on top and bottom. Some even come with a handle that is useful not only to put the seat on and take it off again, but you can use the handle to hang the seat nearby for easy access.

A padded seat on the other hand, will be difficult to clean, and in time it may develop cracks in the fabric, at which point you get leaks into it… not so pleasant. The padded type may be more comfortable, but it isn't close to the 'real thing :)

### Adjustable vs Non-adjustable?

This one should be obvious. You may pay a little extra for the adjustability feature, but it will mean that it will fit on any toilet you want to fit it on. You can even take it along on a family holiday, and you don't have to worry about whether it will fit or not. In my opinion adjustable is definitely the way to go – but of course you should decide for yourself.

### Quality of Materials.

Don't be tempted to cut corners on this one, it will save you a lot of complications. There's nothing worse than a child being put off potty training, because the seat he has or the toilet has cracked and keeps pinching him every time he gets up from it.

Also, if the seat is not secure and sturdy on the loo, your child may refuse to use it or find it scary.

Of course, I'm in no way implying that an expensive seat will be of good quality, just make sure it is well built.

### Does it Suit Boys & Girls?

Make sure it is suitable for your child. While you're at it, you would also want to see if the seat has a built in splash guard – this one is really useful for very obvious reasons, so I wanted to mention it just in case.

### Safety

This goes without saying. Check that the seat is robust enough. That the edges are protected to prevent pinching of fingers and cheeks ;). Also, it's worth checking that the seat is non-slip and easy to put on and off. A handle is a really useful feature to have.

Click here for the full reviews of different potty seats on the market today.