- 1). Compare sizes. You want a seat that your child will be able to climb onto without help when he's in the mood to be independent. The smallest seats are usually a single molded piece of plastic with a splashguard in front for boys and a seat shaped to fit a toddler. The rim of the seat should be low enough for your child to step over easily. An older child may prefer a taller seat that looks more like a chair.
- 2). Consider your child's preferences. Potty chairs come in all colors and shapes. Some are designed to look like animals, such as frogs or monkeys; others are decorated with Disney princesses. A potty chair that matches your child's favorite colors and themes may motivate your child to use it more.
- 3). Look at entertainment features. Some potty chairs flash and light up when the child uses them; others are very simple. Your child may be interested and excited by flashing lights and music, or he may be frightened and set back in his training. Some chairs have holders on the side for books, puzzles and toys, and this may be enough to hold your child's interest while sitting on the chair.
- 4). Compare ease of cleaning. Chairs made of one piece of plastic are the easiest to clean: simply dump and wipe. Most larger chairs have a removable bowl; make sure the bowl is easy to remove and replace.
- 5). Consider long-term use. Many potty seats convert into step stools that help the toddler climb onto the adult potty. For an older or taller toddler, a convertible potty seat may be the right choice. However, smaller toddlers may find a convertible potty too tall to sit on comfortably.
- 6). Decide how much portability you need. If your child loves routine and predictability and tends to become attached to specific things, you may want a travel potty chair that you can take everywhere, even while out of the house. Travel potty chairs fold up and usually use a disposable bag to make cleaning easy. A small, one-piece potty can also be portable and is easy to keep in the car or stroller.
- 7). Compare value and price. You may want to buy more than one potty chair so that your child can have choices, or so that you can keep one in every bathroom.
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