The 12 Best Potty Chairs of 2024, Tested and Proven to Help Toddlers Ditch Diapers

We tested 22 different potty chairs—these are the only ones we recommend

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a variety of potty chairs side-by-side on a bathroom floor

Verywell Family / Joy Kim

Before you say goodbye to diapers forever, equip your little one with a solid potty chair or seat for the journey ahead. Some kids may begin potty training as early as 18 months, but readiness is critical for a successful journey. Whether you prefer a stand-alone potty, a toilet insert, or a combination of both, we put 22 of them through multiple tests to find the best potty chairs and seats for your child.

To help motivate your child to use the potty, let them participate in the selection of their potty seat. “This is a nice and easy way to engage your child in the process of taking over care of their own poop and pee to achieve ‘toilet mastery,’” explains Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio. In addition to your child’s readiness, the two most important things to consider is the type of potty training chair you need and how easy it is to clean. If your family spends much time traveling, you’ll want a portable option to take with you. Also, consider extra features like flushing sounds, music, and lights to encourage kids to use the potty seat.

When testing potty chairs, we evaluated their stability, design, ease of cleaning, and overall value, while also weighing the pros and cons to narrow down the list to the best options for families. A physician double board-certified in pediatrics and neonatology from our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity surrounding what to look for in potty chairs, the different types of models, and at what age a child should be potty trained.

Best Overall

BabyBjörn Smart Potty

BabyBjörn Smart Potty

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Anti-slip material

  • Fits tiny bums comfortably

  • Easy to clean

Cons
  • Not entirely travel-friendly

The BabyBjörn Smart Potty knocked every testing category out of the park, which is why it earned our top spot. We like that the durable BPA-free plastic felt solid and sturdy, and that it has anti-slip material on the bottom to keep it from sliding.

The smart potty earned another high score for its functional design. The modern-looking potty is available in many neutral color options to fit your home decor. We like that the potty sits low to the ground and fits tiny tushies well—all thanks to smooth, rounded edges on the potty and removable inner potty to prevent pinching and provide a comfortable potty experience. A splash guard helps avoid splash-black or accidents during potty training. While we appreciate its small size for saving space, it’s not a potty we think you'll take around with you when you're out and about. Whether you take the potty on the go or not, there’s a handle on the back for easy portability from room to room.

Cleaning the potty chair was a breeze thanks to the removable inner potty. Simply lift it out, empty it, and wipe or rinse clean. The overall value of the BabyBjörn Smart Potty earned another ideal score because it isn’t too costly for families on a budget, and you don’t have to sacrifice its small size, sturdy stability, and adorable bear design. Above all, it holds up well to daily use by a toddler and is a solid choice for toddlers transitioning to potty training pants and learning how to use a potty chair.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1 pound | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No

Best Multi-Use

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multistage 3-in-1 Potty

Munchkin Arm & Hammer Multi-Stage 3-in-1 Potty

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Versatile design

  • Easy to clean

  • Has a seat cover

Cons
  • Freshener discs are additional cost

  • No anti-slip grips on the base of the potty chair

While the BabyBjörn Smart Potty earned our top spot, the Munchkin Arm & Hammer 3-in-1 Potty was close behind with its high performance in all testing categories. It not only functions as a potty chair, but also features a removable trainer seat to place on a full-size toilet. Plus, it doubles as a sturdy step stool to reach the big toilet seat or make washing hands easier. Despite not having anti-slip material on the bottom of the potty, we had zero issues with stability thanks to the potty chair’s wide base and easy-to-grip handle. 

The potty chair's versatile design is a big reason we rate it so highly. Its seat cover made our little tester feel like a grown-up closing their very own toilet lid. Plus, the textured seat cover provides security when it doubles as the step stool's surface. Built-in splash guards help prevent splatter, while the freshener disc neutralizes unwanted odors. It's a nice touch, even if it's not completely necessary. While we always cleaned the potty immediately after use, the freshening disc made sure no odors lingered about.

We like that the removable bowl makes for easy cleaning, and the contoured design of the bowl prevents any dirt or other germs from hiding in unwanted places. Once you’ve washed it with soap and water, liquid simply pours out of the side spout for mess-free cleaning. Not only is this a versatile potty chair by its own design, but we also think it's versatile for both potty training beginners and advanced kiddos. 

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.5 pounds | Type: Stand alone, insert, and step stool | Batteries Required: No

Best Travel

Summer Infant Travel Potty Deluxe

Summer Infant Travel Potty Deluxe

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    4/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Disposable bags make cleanup easy

  • Two modes of use

  • Takes up little space

Cons
  • Less stable as potty ring

The Summer Infant My Travel Potty Deluxe works in two ways: Potty chair and potty ring (a.k.a. toilet insert or trainer). We find the the potty is stable when used on a flat surface as a potty chair. The legs of the potty extend out and snap into place, so you know it's ready to go, but It is less stable when placed on top of an existing toilet seat. We'd be wary of using it for that purpose without careful adult supervision.

Aside from that detail, the potty’s design, ease of cleaning, and overall value were home runs. We loved how the potty folded down for easy portability and the included storage pouch made a difference as well. Throughout testing, we found this potty chair great for keeping in the trunk of a car, since it's designed for potty training on-the-go and takes up very little room.

The legs of the potty chair securely lock when extended, while soft, flexible tabs keep leak-proof disposable bags (12 bags included) in place for kiddos to do their business. The bags make cleanup a breeze, and integrated handles provide extra stability. We like that the bag extends over the top of the toilet seat, so when you remove the bag, it captures everything, and there's little need to clean anything else.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: Less than 1 pound | Type: Stand alone and insert | Batteries Required: No

Best Travel Runner-Up

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty

OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    3/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • 2-in-1 design

  • Regular plastic bags are OK

  • Potty’s legs open easily for emergencies

Cons
  • Supervision required when used as insert

The OXO Tot potty features a 2-in-1 design, so it’s safe to use as a potty chair or potty insert, but since it resembles the Summer Infant My Travel Potty, it faced a similar roadblock in our stability tests. The legs lock securely and open quickly for convenient potty training (or bathroom emergencies). We had no issues with it as a stand-alone potty but recommended supervision when using it as an insert on a full-size toilet. We found that kids needed help getting on and off the full-size toilet since this one just sits on top of the existing toilet—rather than securing into it like some others (like the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer).

The unique, versatile design of the potty is a big reason we liked it so much during testing. Disposable bags with absorbent pads are included, but regular plastic bags (like the dozens of grocery store bags under your kitchen sink) also fit. That means there's not much clean up needed since everything goes right into the disposable bag. And it takes up little space since it comes with an included storage bag for convenient portability.

All in all it is a well-thought-out piece of gear. You technically get two potties for the price of one, thanks to the 2-in-1 design, and it’s super portable for families who are always on the go.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.2 pounds | Type: Stand alone and insert | Batteries Required: No

Best for Small Spaces

Bemis NextStep2 Children's Potty Training Toilet Seat

Bemis NextStep2 Children's Potty Training Toilet Seat

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Same seat for kids and adults

  • Potty seat is removable

  • Requires little cleaning and maintenance

Cons
  • You'll want to invest in a step stool for smaller toddlers

  • More expensive than other picks

Think of this potty seat as an upgrade from a potty insert. The seat attaches directly to the toilet, features grip bumpers for extra security, and is removable, thanks to a magnetic attachment instead of screws. Once you no longer need the smaller potty seat, simply remove it and keep the adult seat as-is. The versatility and the way it blends into your existing toilet are a huge selling point.

Because the children’s potty seat is attached to a regular adult toilet seat, there’s no extra work when it comes to cleaning, which is a huge plus. Simply flush like usual, and freshen up the seat on your family’s cleaning day (or when necessary). We love that it saves space in your bathroom and that you don’t have to store it when guests come over. Plus, the toilet lid doesn’t slam loudly, thanks to a unique feature that closes it slowly. The only downside to this built-into-the-toilet-seat design is that smaller kiddos will need a step stool in order to get up to it and have their feet touch the "ground" for proper potty posture.

Since it doesn't have any extras like a step ladder or handle bars on the side for stability, it's important to always have an adult there when your child is using this seat. Unless you also get a step stool, they'll definitely need help getting up and down from the potty and may want you to offer support to make sure they do not fall off the toilet. our tester said. We think this seat is best for larger potty users who aren't quite ready for the standard toilet seat.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 7.35 pounds | Type: Seat | Batteries Required: No

Best Comfort

Béaba Ergonomic Training Potty

Beaba Ergonomic Training Potty

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Ergonomic design is comfortable

  • Potty center is removable

  • Stylish design

Cons
  • Best for beginners

If you’re looking for an option for beginners, the Beaba training potty is a great place to start. It passed with flying colors in the stability and ease-of-cleaning tests. We like that the potty sits flush with the ground and feels stable thanks to anti-slip material on the bottom. It's also lightweight, so you can move it around easily if you want to, but it stays in place otherwise. The ergonomic design of the potty provides a comfy spot for tiny behinds to sit down on, while rounded corners and edges make cleanup simple. The center of the potty is removable, so it's easy to clean without carrying the entire potty to the sink or toilet. 

The potty chair is small enough to stow away in the corner of the bathroom and works well in small spaces. While the design is pleasing to the eye, we had a small hiccup with one little tester who already uses a traditional potty or potty train at daycare. “The potty that my son's daycare uses looks more like an adult potty, so he was confused at first with this one, because it does not look like a traditional toilet," our editor said. While not a dealbreaker, this is something to keep in mind if you are trying to create consistency in training between home and school. It's a good idea to check with your daycare or school about what potty training seats they plan to use.

The potty chair doesn’t have a lid or flush handle like an adult toilet, which can be a con for families in the advanced stages of potty training. However, it does feature a carrying handle on the back of the seat for easy portability. This potty chair comes in at $25, so it’s a good value if you’re looking for a small, beginner potty that isn’t an eyesore. 

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1.35 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No

Best Toilet Seat

BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer

BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Adjustable dial for secure fit

  • Sleek design

  • Inward-facing splash guard

Cons
  • Must be removed for adults

  • No handles

This potty seat is super-simple for parents and caregivers to set up and for children to use without feeling unstable. The seat features an adjustable dial and rubber edging to provide a secure and safe fit for most toilets. Throughout our tests its stability was immediately apparent—the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer didn’t slide or move when attached to the toilet seat. We had no concerns that it would break, slide, or otherwise show wear over time. We're pretty confident we could use this potty for a long time (maybe even with future kids) without ever worrying it was showing its age.

The toilet insert is lightweight, so children can put it on or take it off the toilet without any help, thanks to the seat’s built-in handle that doubles as a storage hook. Another design plus? The sleek, white insert blends well with bathroom decor. You (or your potty training toddler) needs to remember to remove the toilet insert for an adult to use the toilet, which can be a bit of an inconvenience. Otherwise, the toilet trainer felt comfortable for our tiny testers to sit on.

The inward-facing splash guard prevents spills outside the toilet, which is handy for potty-training boys. The lip [splash guard] also isn't as invasive as other potty seats we've tried, which either get in the way or cause my son to have to spread his legs too far apart to sit comfortably.

While it’s easy to clean (just wipe it down), we did notice some narrow spots that could get tricky, and you also have to clean the adult toilet seat separately. The BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer may cost a few dollars more than some of our other recommendations, but we think that's worth it for such a it’s well-made, durable, stable, and easy to store toilet insert.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 14 ounces | Type: Seat | Batteries Required: No

Best Fun

The First Years Minnie Mouse ImaginAction Potty and Trainer Seat

The First Years Minnie Mouse ImaginAction Potty & Trainer Seat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Fun design

  • Includes a fun reward system to encourage potty training success

  • Stable without anti-slip material

Cons
  • No handles

Little ones can be official Mickey Mouse Clubhouse members with this adorable Disney-themed potty chair. While the toilet seat shifts a little bit when kiddos were getting comfortable, the overall stability was sturdy. Cleaning the seat is simple, too, thanks in large part to the removable rounded inner potty and separate toilet seat. The design of this potty chair had our tiny tester excited from the moment she saw it. “I want to use the pink potty!” she exclaimed.

Aside from its kid-friendly theme, the potty chair features a built-in splash guard to prevent messes and came with a reward system that was a real hit in our test. When littles go potty, add Disney character stickers to the included chart, or scan with the free ‘Share the Smiles’ app to get a congratulatory message from a Disney friend. You can even add a large (included) Disney sticker to the potty’s tank for encouragement and fun. Buttons on the potty congratulate children when finished and provide a realistic flushing sound. All of these added features were nice, but the biggest win is the reward button. You can hit a button that says, ‘Yay!’ when you're done, and it has a flush button. Our little testers loved this feature. She'll clap with it when it says ‘Yay!’ It's super-sweet,” our tester said.

Despite a tiny hiccup in design (we wish it had handles on the side for extra stability), we loved this potty chair so much for one of our editors bought several to keep in bathrooms around their home. While this is the second-highest-priced potty chair on our list, it’s an incredible value for the fun and rewarding design. 

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.3 pounds | Type: Chair | Batteries Required: 2 AAA (included)

Best With Step Stool

SKYROKU Potty Training Seat

SKYROKU Potty Training Seat with Step Stool Ladder

Skyroku

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Unique potty seat/step stool design

  • Kid-sized grippy handles

  • Cushioned seat

Cons
  • Not portable

  • Must be removed for adults

The Skyroku Potty Training Seat features a unique potty seat and adjustable-height step stool design that really set it apart in our test. It aced our stability test, to put it mildly. Since kiddos have to use a step stool (or get a hoist) in order to use most toilet inserts, this product combines the two and has handles on the side for added balance help. We also like that there is a little back at the edge of the seat to give kids some extra back support when they're sitting on the potty.

One of the best things about this potty seat’s design is the resemblance to our best overall pick, the BabyBjörn. It’s available in vibrant or neutral colors and features an adorable bear on the backrest (ears included). Parents of animal loving tiny testers said this little detail made this toilet seat even more appealing to use. Plus, the potty’s seat is cushioned for additional comfort during potty training. Perhaps most importantly, this seat was a clear favorite by the kids using it since it made them feel grown up—especially since they got to flush the big toilet after going.

In addition to the great design that won over both kids and parents, it's easy to clean since the seat goes directly on the full-sized toilet (however, that does mean it needs to be taken off the toilet and stored somewhere when adults need to use the bathroom).

The Skyroku Potty Training Seat is pricier than some on our list and even requires some additional setup. However, having your child go directly into the toilet makes cleanup easy and teaches littles how to go in the “big” potty, which is priceless).  

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 3.2 pounds | Type: On toilet | Batteries Required: No

Best Budget

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Potty Training Toilet

Skip Hop 3-in-1 Potty Training Toilet

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    3/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Pros
  • Small, lightweight design

  • Disposable bag holder underneath

  • Stand alone or toilet trainer

  • Pieces come apart for thorough cleaning

Cons
  • Bags sold separately

  • Cleaning is a bit more challenging

For a budget-friendly potty that doesn’t sacrifice functionality and convenience, the Skip Hop Multi-Stage Potty Seat is an ideal choice. Throughout testing, we like how Its low-profile design allows little ones to sit unassisted without tipping over. The small, lightweight potty chair is great for travel or as a space-saving option at home, mainly thanks to the nesting design for ultimate portability.

While some travel potty chairs require you to buy disposable potty bags, we like that this one has that option (they're sold separately), but also works with regular bags. And we like that you can store extra bags under the seat. We took it to the playground every weekend while testing and it made potty breaks seamless when editors weren't in the comfort of their own home.

While the potty seat was easy to clean, it required additional steps, like cleaning the bowl. According to our tester, cleaning both pieces was difficult with a potty full of pee, and the button to release the seat wasn’t easy to press. 

Despite its few flaws, we think the SkipHop 3-in-1 Potty Training Seat is worth it. Between its versatile and travel-friendly design, the convenience of the potty makes it an excellent option for busy families. 

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Stand alone, toilet trainer | Batteries Required: No

Best With Sounds

Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty

Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty

Target

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Value
    3/5
Pros
  • Versatile design

  • Fun lights, sounds, music

  • Handles on potty seat

Cons
  • Adults may not love the brightly colored design

The Fisher-Price Learn-to-Flush Potty has all the bells and whistles you (and your kiddo) want — with music, lights, and real sounds like other toys for toddlers, plus more. While there is no anti-slip material on the bottom of the potty, it still felt stable during testing. While the bright colors and cartoon face on the potty chair may not blend in with your decor, the kids who used it were immediately drawn to it.

The potty chair doubles as a toilet trainer as kids progress. Plus, when kids pee, the seat cheers with messages of encouragement and details like a flushing lever and a bright smiley face on the backrest to make potty training a fun learning experience. We also appreciate the handles on each side to help kids feel safe, and a splash guard to help keep urine in the potty. And when it comes to cleaning, the bowl is easy to remove from the base but may be too big to wash in traditional bathroom sinks.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: Not listed | Type: Stand alone and toilet trainer | Batteries required: 3 AA batteries (included)

Best Design

BabyBjörn Potty Chair

BabyBjorn Potty Chair

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Stability
    5/5
  • Ease of Cleaning
    4/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Pros
  • Very stable

  • Neutral colors fit in with decor

  • High backrest provides support

Cons
  • Bigger design takes up more space

The BabyBjörn Potty Chair impressed us in every category of our test. Thanks to a rubberized strip along the base of the chair, it didn't rock or move at all while kiddos were sitting on top of it learning how to go. And while it's bigger and bulkier than other lower-profile chairs on our list, we still found it lightweight enough to easily move between rooms. Cleaning wasn't an issue either since the inner potty is removable and easy to dump the contents into a bigger toilet and wipe clean or hand wash in a sink.

The potty's design was also a hit with our tiny testers. Both parents and kids liked that it's available in a variety of neutral (and kid-friendly) colors and features the adorable and beloved BabyBjörn bear logo. The high backrest for additional security, armrests for comfort, and a splash guard to protect from messes are also pluses. 

Due to its larger size, it's slightly more expensive than our best overall (also from BabyBjörn), but isn't near the top of the price range for these products.

Key Specs:
Product Weight: 1.98 pounds | Type: Stand alone | Batteries Required: No

How We Rated the Best Potty Chairs

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best potty chairs we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These potty chairs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great potty chairs, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These potty chairs are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend potty chairs with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

We Also Tested 

  • Summer Infant My Size Potty: While this potty resembles a real toilet, it slid on tile flooring easily, and the realistic flusher was a distraction for our tester. 
  • OXO Tot Potty Chair: This potty was stable (and affordable) but required emptying the bucket’s contents instead of going directly into the potty and needed a little more festivity in the design. 
  • Joovy Loo Potty Chair: The base of this potty was sturdy and stable; however, the lack of a backrest was a big downside for our tester.

How We Tested the Best Potty Training Chairs

Our editors and their kiddos tested 22 potty chairs and seats in the comfort of their home, assessing each on several attributes, such as stability, ease of cleaning, design, and overall value. We also consulted with Arthur Lavin, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician at Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio, for guidance on toilet training for both kiddos and parents/caregivers.

We took time setting up the potty chairs following the manufacturer’s directions. While testing each potty training chair, we paid attention to the potty chair/seat size, describing whether it took up too much space or was small enough to fit in a corner. While some potty chairs and seats didn’t take up much space, others had to be placed against a wall when not in use, like the Skyroku Potty Training Seat

When it comes to stability and design, we introduced our littles to the potty chairs and seats and recorded their initial reactions. We wanted to know if they were immediately interested in their chair or seat and if the chair or seat provided a comfortable fit for the kiddos. We focused on the stability of the chair/seat and if the material slid around on specific flooring. We also noted any “bells and whistles” and whether they were appealing to the child or functional for potty training and future use. 

You can't test a potty chair without also documenting how easy it is to clean, so that's exactly what we did after our kids used the potty chairs and seats. We also made notes on the effectiveness of the splash guards and whether the potty seat was easy to empty and clean. For potty chairs and seats that required disposable bags, we paid attention to whether it was easy to remove without making a mess. Potty training can be messy business so, naturally, chairs and seats that were easy and uncomplicated to clean naturally scored higher than those that weren't.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant women, and kids of all ages. She potty trained her toddler son using a combination of a potty chair at the beginning and a toilet trainer as he became more advanced. 

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an eleven-year-old son, a seven-year-old son, and a three-year old daughter. After successfully potty training three kids, Maya much prefers potty rings that go on the toilet seat over potty chairs. She found that once her kids got used to sitting on the full-sized toilet, was much cleaner, easier, and faster for them to go there than on a potty chair.

1 Source
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  1. Cognitive and verbal skills needed for toilet training. HealthyChildren.org.