Learning how to use the toilet is a major milestone for toddlers and it can be a big step for you, too.
Toilet-training can be messy, frustrating and time consuming, and it requires a bucket load of patience, encouragement and commitment.
But you’ll have more chance of success if you prepare ahead and pick the right time for your toddler as well as you, so you’re not too busy or stressed.
There’s a great one-month countdown to the big day when you can say goodbye to nappies here so you can approach the task armed with lots of good advice, helpful know-how and plenty of clean-up cloths!
WATCH: Renowned toddler expert Pinky McKay talks toilet training in the video playing above
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Prepare ahead if you want to toilet train your toddler successfully. (Image: Getty Images)
The best toilet training equipment: Potty or toilet seat?
Decide whether you will use a potty or a seat that can be placed over the toilet. A potty is fun and is mobile, but needs to be rinsed out each time it’s used. A seat over the toilet is convenient as you don’t need to deal with any solids or liquids afterwards, but your child can be reluctant to use the big toilet.
“There are advantages and disadvantages to both,” Sally-Anne says. “A potty is less daunting than a toilet as it is smaller and mobile but, if you do decide to use one, you will have to eventually move your child onto the toilet anyway.”
READ MORE: Mum’s catchy potty training song goes viral
Stick with one or the other, as switching between them may confuse your little one. Leave the potty around and the toilet training seat in the bathroom so your child becomes familiar with it, let him sit on it and start talking about what it is going to be used for.
If you think that a toilet training seat is the way to go for your child, scroll down to find our pick of the 10 best toilet training seats below.
WATCH: Signs your child is ready for toilet training
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10 best toilet training seats
The toilet training system that grows with your toddler
Ubbi 3-in-1 Potty
The Ubbi 3-in-1 potty combines functionality and design providing parents with the convenience of a single product throughout all the phases of potty training and beyond. This clever design goes from potty to toilet training seat to step stool making is super useful.
We like: The built-in splashguard and deep inner bowl that is easy to clean and remove.
Ubbi 3-in-1 Potty
The musical toilet seat
Fisher-Price My Potty Friend
This toilet trainer is great if your child’s not too sure about sitting on the big loo just yet. It looks like a regular adult toilet in that it has a lid, toilet seat and toilet roll holder too but the real magic comes with its wetness sensor which gives a musical reward every time there’s a success!
We like: The two full songs and encouraging noises it makes to help your child along.
Fisher-Price My Potty Friend
The colourful ladder toilet seat
Bambino Step Toilet Trainer
This toilet trainer seat has a handy height-adjustable step stool which means as your toddler grows, they’ll still be able to use this to go to the bathroom. It’s durable, comfortable and satisfies what most toddlers love to do – climb!
We like: The fact it can be folded away so your bathroom’s not cluttered. Useful if you’re going to visit the grandparents too.
Bambino Step Toilet Trainer
The Sesame Street padded seat
Sesame Street Soft Training Seat
Fans of the show will love this comfy Sesame Street toilet trainer. Its bright colours will appeal to little ones and it’s warm to the touch so baby bottoms don’t get a shock when they sit down.
We like: The carry handles and the easy-to-clean surface.
Sesame Street Soft Training Seat
The most comfy toilet training seat
Bumbo Toilet Trainer
Everyone’s favourite baby chair helps you out when it comes to toilet training your little one with this ergonomic seat. Manufactured from a smooth, comfy foam that moulds carefully around your toddler while they sit down making certain that they feel supported and secure while they learn how to make use of the toilet.
We like: Lime green, shocking pink, bright blue and on-trend grey – we can’t get past the fabulous colours!
Bumbo Toilet Trainer
The trusted brand toilet seat
BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer
This stable and ergonomic seat is comfortable for your child to sit on and has rubber edging and an adjustable dial underneath to keep it firmly in place, and safe for your child to use.
We like: It’s light enough for your toddler to put on and take off the toilet with ease.
BabyBjorn Toilet Trainer
The pretty-in-pink toilet training seat
Summer Infant Step-by-Step Toilet Trainer
This complete toilet training system has a built-in lid and toilet tissue holder and can be used as a stand alone potty, a toilet training seat and a step stool.
We like: The flushable wipes holder and toilet tissue dispenser to help promote good hygiene habit.
Summer Infant Step-by-Step Toilet Trainer
The best for budget training seat
Padded Toilet Training Seat
At less than $10, this design still packs a powerful punch when it comes to its features. A padded seat, carry handles and a shield stop unwanted puddles on the bathroom floor.
We like: Its price!
Padded Toilet Training Seat
The best travel toilet training seat
Baby U Cushie Traveller
This unique padded folding toilet seat is ideal for toddlers on the go. Its soft cushioned seat fits regular toilet seats too and helps to keep your child in a routine even when you are on holiday or out and about. The seat folds conveniently into a washable carry bag that is small enough for adults to take anywhere and everywhere.
We like: It folds down so small.
Baby U Cushie Traveller
The best for little boys
Weeman
Make toilet training for boys easy with this clip-on mini urinal that fits to any regular adult-sized loo. Simply clip off and pour the contents into the toilet before flushing.
We like: How boys learn to pee the adult way just like Daddy.
Weeman
