Toilet seat or potty for children and toddlers?

Whether your child prefers to use a toilet seat or a potty on the way to a life without a diaper is purely a matter of taste. For example, many children find a large, unfamiliar toilet intimidating, despite a toilet seat, and stop for that reason. A mishap is inevitable. Other children, on the other hand, want to use the same toilet as mum or dad from the start and refuse to use the potty. In the following we would like to introduce you to some advantages and disadvantages of the two variants, which you should weigh up before purchasing.

Benefits of the toilet seat

• From a parent’s point of view, a toilet seat is often more practical because your child’s “business” ends up in the toilet and the potty does not have to be cleaned several times a day.
• “Cleaning off” is also much easier to handle with a toilet seat than on the potty.
• If your child uses a toilet seat from the beginning, the transition to the large toilet is usually easier than the transition from the potty.
• The similarity between the toilet seat and a normal toilet can also be useful when you are on the move. Children who are used to only using the potty often refuse to go to the large toilet. Since the potty isn’t always with you when you’re out and about, problems can arise. If your child normally uses a toilet seat, these situations may be easier to manage.

Benefits of the potty

• The potty belongs to your child alone. Many children develop a personal relationship with their potty, which can make it easier for them to say goodbye to diapers. For example, you can paint it colorful and design it according to your wishes.
• Despite the toilet seat, children often feel uncomfortable in the adult toilet and are afraid to use it. A potty that can be used in a comfortable place keeps your child safe.
• Your child can take the potty with them everywhere. This makes access easier and your child can use the potty immediately when it feels the need to urinate and does not have to go to the toilet first. This is especially useful at the beginning of the learning phase, when your child is not yet able to control their bladder muscles very well.
• Sitting on a potty will certainly be easier for your child at first than finding support on the toilet seat. Legs often hang in the air on the large toilet, which many children do not like.

Whether toilet seat or potty – both variants have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it is therefore important to simply try out what your child prefers. For example, many parents initially get a toilet seat and potty to see what the child is doing better with, and switch between options as needed.

Switch to the toilet

If you initially decided to use a potty, at some point you will have to switch to the large toilet. Here are a few things to keep in mind to make the transition as easy as possible:

• Make sure the toilet is as comfortable and easy to use as possible for your child. A stool or footstool can make access easier for your child and ensure that they can support themselves while sitting.
• Stay close, at least for the first few tries. It will definitely calm your child down if they can turn to you and get support from you if they have any uncertainties. First let your child sit fully clothed on the large toilet. This way it can get used to the new feeling and gain some security.
• Make the toilet more fun by distracting your child. Try this, for example by blowing bubbles, telling him a story, looking at a book together or playing a game. Child- friendly toilet seats can also help your child to lose their shyness.
• Give your child time and don’t put pressure on them. When your child is ready, the changeover will take place all by itself.