The style of the potty training product that parents choose should largely reflect the needs of the home, preferences of the parents, and most especially, the personality of the child. There are two basic styles of potty learning seats available on the market- potty seats and potty chairs. Each style addresses different needs.
Potty Seats
Potty seats, also called toilet rings or trainer seats, snap onto the adult-sized toilet. This product accommodates the regular-sized toilet for the smallest of bums. Many parents prefer potty seats over stand-alone potty chairs because it simplifies clean up. All waste goes directly into the adult toilet, no cleaning of catch basins required. This no-hassle tool only needs an occasional wipe-down of the ring. Another advantage to this style is that some children are fascinated by adult toilets and will be more motivated to use a "big person" toilet rather than the babyish potty chair.
There are a few downsides to potty seats, however. They lack portability. Potty chairs can be taken on the long road trips to ease the burden of finding the right pit stop. That is not so easy when all the family has is a ring without a place to sit.
Also, stand alone potty chairs can be used in any room in the house. This can be convenient for large homes or homes that have two stories and limited bathrooms. Further, some children are afraid of larger toilets. Parents may need to realize that potty seats leave no support for dangling feet, depending on the style, often nothing to hold onto for balance.
Potty Chairs
People tend to be more familiar with potty chairs as they have been around much longer than toilet rings. Potty chairs stand alone and may feature a seat base, catch basin, and supportive back rest. The pros and cons of these seats are pretty much the opposite of what is stated above. Children may appreciate the sense of stability offered by the tinier chair, it can be easily taken into any room, and used while traveling. However, disposing and cleaning the basin after use is not too pleasant - though admittedly better than changing a diaper. Some potty chairs provide the best of both worlds as the top part of the chair detaches and can be used as a ring seat as well.
Consider Safety and Comfort
When the family is ready to choose a seat, it is very wise to take into consideration safety concerns as well as address the comfort level of the child. Avoid products that have seams, crevices which can also be a nightmare to clean, or parts that may shift and pinch the skin. If using a potty ring, parents should run their hand along the inner ring and be sure that the edges do not feel at all sharp.
To address the child's comfort, parents should considering taking him toilet seat shopping. Allow him to try sitting on the seats. Look for products that enhance stability and have a wide base. Products that have handles may also increase a sense of security.
With many toilet training products on the market, parents need not be overwhelmed when selecting a potty learning tool for their family. Choosing a potty chair or seat can be a fairly simple task, provided parents take into consideration their lifestyle and their child's needs.
Additional Reading:
Unique Potty Chairs: Recommendations for Motivating Toilet Training Seats
Best Training Underpants for Children: JCPenney's Wee Essentials Padded Training Pants
