Tips To Choose The Right Potty For Your Child And Ace The Potty Training Challenge

Working mother Janaki has been trying to potty-train two-year-old son Rohan for weeks, but without much success. Rohan is resistant and unwilling to be toilet-trained. Then one day, at a supermarket, the little boy spots a turtle-shaped potty seat and says he wants it. Janaki is initially not too keen but buys it at Rohan's insistence. She is pleased that the little boy is happy to sit on his new potty seat. And to her relief, he is soon toilet-trained, all thanks to his new turtle potty!

Like Rohan, many young children cooperate with potty training when comfortable with a potty seat or chair.

This transition is a huge deal for all parents. It signals that the child is not a baby anymore, but a toddler ready to be trained in a new skill. For some children, toilet training can be effortless, for others, the transition can take weeks or months.

Ideally, potty training should start when your child is around 18 months of age. However, there are no hard and fast rules here, and every child should be allowed to learn at their own pace. Parents know their child best, so start when you think your child is ready to switch from diapers to a potty.

How to choose the right potty?

"My potty seat preference was very specific. I needed one to look as much like a real commode as possible, not flashy but with child-like elements, sturdy, yet cost-effective. So, it was difficult for me to find a suitable one, since most potties are designed to look like animals or cartoon characters. Some are even shaped like vehicles. Finally, I found a potty seat with a toilet seat cover. It has Donald Duck on the flap and is white with sky blue. Also, it was well within my budget and super sturdy. It comes with a removable bowl, so I don't need to carry or clean the whole unit every time," says S Sindhu, mother to a two-year-old. My potty seat preference was very specific. I needed one to look as much like a real commode as possible, not flashy but with child-like elements, sturdy, yet cost-effective. So, it was difficult for me to find a suitable one, since most potty seats are designed to look like animals or cartoon characters. Before you start potty-training, involve your child in selecting the right potty. Doing so may encourage them to try it out and start potty training. These days, the market is full of colorful, friendly-looking potty seats in interesting shapes, sizes, and patterns inspired by animals and cartoon characters. Your child may be attracted to fancy potty seats. But focus on functionality rather than looks. Choose a simple, easy-to-use one with a comfortable seat, and affordable too. Also, ensure that the potty is not flimsy or has rough edges that may tear at your little ones' tender skin.

There are two types of potty chairs: standalone ones and those with an insert for the regular toilet.

1. Standalone potty: When you are starting toilet training, it's better to opt for the standalone potty. This is designed for a toddler who may not be ready to use a regular toilet. This potty chair is convenient for a young child as they can easily sit on it with their feet placed securely on the floor. Make sure the height is right so they don't have to clamber onto it. You also get portable variants that can be carried anywhere and are especially useful while traveling.

2. Potty seat with insert: This can be used when your child is capable of using a regular toilet but needs a smaller seat. If your child is willing to use the commode at home, but you worry that they are too small or may slip off, use these child-friendly inserts that allow for secure seating. Some inserts have cushioned seating for comfort and handles on both sides for a better grip. Inserts can also be used when you are traveling and you do not want your child to use a public toilet.

Today, you also get fancy potties that have recorded music. What's more, some even come with instructions for your child to do the job! These are interesting and fun variations, but remember that your child should not get too distracted and forget what he is supposed to be doing. More importantly, do not ever force your child to use the potty seat. Remember, this is a process that requires a lot of patience on the part of the parents and repeated attempts on the part of the child.