Toilet Training Seat vs Potty: What’s Better for Toddlers?

Susan Z. 29 Mar 2025

Introduction

Why Choosing the Right Toilet Training Tool Matters

Toilet training is a huge leap in your toddler’s journey—and yours too. But before you toss the nappies and declare it “potty time,” there’s one big decision to make: potty chair or toilet training seat? This choice might seem small, but it can make or break your potty training experience.

Each child is different. Some love the idea of a “real” toilet right away, while others prefer their own little throne on the floor. Picking the right tool is all about understanding your child’s needs, comfort, and readiness.

And let’s be honest—your own sanity matters too. Whether it’s cleaning up messes or keeping your bathroom from looking like a daycare showroom, your preferences as a parent should weigh in.

So, let’s dig into the age-old debate: potty training toilet seat vs potty—which one is better, and why?

The Great Debate: Potty Seat vs Toilet Trainer

Ask five parents what worked for them, and you’ll probably get five different answers. That’s because both potty chairs and toilet seats come with their own set of pros and cons.

Some toddlers feel more secure on a ground-level potty chair. It’s smaller, their feet touch the floor, and there’s no intimidating “flush monster.” Others, however, want to do exactly what mum or dad does—and that’s where toilet training seats shine.

We’ll walk through the features of both, compare them side by side, and help you figure out which one suits your little one best—or if the answer is a mix of both.

What is a Potty Chair?

Features and Functionality

A potty chair is a standalone unit that sits directly on the floor. It’s designed for little ones who are just starting their potty journey. Many come in fun shapes and bright colors—think frogs, cars, even miniature versions of real toilets.

They usually include a removable inner bowl for easy dumping and cleaning. Some even have built-in splash guards for boys, or music and lights for added encouragement.

Potty chairs are often the go-to for first-time trainers because they’re toddler-sized, simple to use, and portable.

Pros of Using a Potty Chair

Here’s why many parents and toddlers love potty chairs:

Perfectly Sized: Designed specifically for toddlers, with a low seat height.
Safe and Secure: No risk of falling or slipping—ideal for nervous starters.
Portable: Move it from room to room, or even take it in the car for trips.
Less Intimidating: No loud flushing sounds or high seats to climb.
Customizable Fun: Some come with songs, stickers, or favorite characters to make potty time exciting.

For very young toddlers, especially under two, the potty chair often feels more approachable and easier to control. You can even start with your child in diapers just sitting on the potty to get used to the idea.

Cons of Using a Potty Chair

But it’s not all sunshine and sticker charts. Potty chairs come with their share of drawbacks:

Extra Cleaning: You’ll have to dump and clean the bowl after every use.
Takes Up Floor Space: Not ideal for small bathrooms or apartments.
Doesn’t Mimic Real Toilet: Some kids might struggle with the transition from potty to toilet later on.
Not Public Friendly: Not great for travel or using in public bathrooms.

So, while they’re beginner-friendly, potty chairs can create an extra step in the long potty training game.

What is a Toilet Training Seat?

Features and Design

A toilet training seat (also called a seat reducer) is a toddler-sized seat that fits right on top of your regular toilet. It makes the adult-sized opening smaller and more secure for little bottoms, helping prevent slips or fear of “falling in.”

Some seats are simple, just a molded ring. Others, like the Playkitchen Potty Trainer with Ladder Step-Up, include handles, padding, ladders, and anti-slip features to make the process safe and comfortable.

These seats are especially great for kids who want to feel like “big kids” or copy parents and older siblings.

Pros of Using a Toilet Training Seat

Here’s what makes them a parent favorite:

Encourages Real Toilet Use: No transition period—just straight to the adult toilet.
Hygienic: Waste goes directly into the toilet, no cleanup bowls required.
Space-Saving: No bulky chair taking up floor space.
Portable Options Available: Great for travel with foldable models.
Builds Confidence: Especially if paired with a ladder or handles.

Kids using a training seat on the toilet learn the routine from the get-go—flush, wipe, wash hands—just like the grownups.

Cons of Using a Toilet Training Seat

Even with all those benefits, there are a few drawbacks:

Can Be Intimidating: The height, size, and sound of a real toilet may scare some toddlers.
Requires Climbing: Without a built-in ladder or stool, kids might need help getting up.
Not Always Portable: Unless you have a travel-friendly version, it’s not ideal for on-the-go potty sessions.
Fit May Vary: Some seats don’t fit all toilets securely, leading to wobbles or discomfort.

That’s why choosing a well-designed, secure model like the Playkitchen Step-Up Seat is so important—it addresses safety and comfort at once.

Potty Training Toilet Seat vs Potty: Head-to-Head Comparison

Comfort and Ease of Use

Potty Chair: Wins for toddlers just starting out. It’s low to the ground, has a wide seat, and feels familiar. No big jumps, no cold surfaces.

Toilet Seat: Better for confident toddlers who are ready to tackle the big toilet. Extra features like padding and hand grips help, but might still feel intimidating at first.

Space and Portability

Potty Chair: Takes up more room, but you can move it to any room—even outside. Great for non-bathroom training moments.

Toilet Seat: Compact and doesn’t clutter your bathroom. However, not as portable unless it’s specifically a travel model.

Hygiene and Cleanup

Potty Chair: Requires you to dump and clean the bowl after each use—can get old fast.

Toilet Seat: Mess goes directly into the toilet. Just flush and maybe a quick wipe down. Major win for parents.

Long-Term Transition to Adult Toilets

Potty Chair: Might create a second transition. Once trained on the potty, they’ll still need to learn the big toilet later.

Toilet Seat: One and done. From the start, your child gets used to the real thing.

Best Situations for Using a Potty Chair

For Younger Toddlers or Early Starters

If your child is starting toilet training before age two, a potty chair is often the better option. At this age, toddlers are still developing balance and confidence, so climbing onto a tall toilet seat—even with help—can feel scary. Potty chairs are low to the ground, making them easily accessible and safer for little ones still mastering how to sit and stand independently.

They also give you more control over where and when to start training. Want to start potty training in the living room while your toddler watches cartoons? A potty chair makes that easy. This mobility can help your child warm up to the idea without the pressure of rushing to the bathroom every time.

When Toilets Feel Intimidating

Let’s be honest—some toddlers are downright terrified of the toilet. It’s big, loud, and the water just disappears after you flush it (spooky, right?). Potty chairs eliminate that fear by providing a small, friendly-sized seat that doesn’t make any startling noises or require climbing. This makes potty chairs an excellent choice for toddlers who are anxious or hesitant to get started.

When Portability is Essential

Whether you’re visiting grandparents, staying at a hotel, or just want to keep a potty chair in the car for emergencies, portability matters. Most potty chairs are lightweight and compact enough to take on the go. Some even fold or have built-in carrying handles. You can maintain consistency wherever you are, which is key in the early stages of training.

Best Situations for Using a Toilet Training Seat

For Faster Transition to Real Toilets

If your end goal is to have your child confidently using the regular toilet, why not start there? Toilet training seats help cut out the middle step of potty chairs. Instead of having to re-learn how to balance on the toilet later, your child gets comfortable with it from the beginning.

This method is especially helpful for slightly older toddlers or kids who are eager to imitate older siblings. Using a training seat from the get-go can streamline the entire process.

For Confident and Independent Toddlers

Some kids just want to do everything themselves—climb, flush, wash, repeat. These toddlers often take well to toilet training seats, especially those that come with built-in ladders and handles, like the Playkitchen Step-Up Toilet Trainer.

The added independence builds self-esteem and makes potty time feel less like a chore and more like an achievement. If your child shows excitement around toilets or tries to copy your bathroom routine, this route might be perfect.

For Space-Saving and Hygiene-Conscious Homes

Live in a small space? Don’t want to clean extra equipment every day? A toilet training seat is your best bet. It keeps your bathroom tidy, doesn’t clutter the floor, and flushes waste away instantly—saving you the hassle of frequent cleanups.

This also makes it a better option for families with multiple kids, as the seat can be cleaned quickly and reused without fuss.

Combining Both: A Flexible Approach

Starting with a Potty, Transitioning to Seat

You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many parents find success by starting with a potty chair to build initial confidence, then moving on to a toilet seat as their child gets older and more comfortable.

This gives your toddler a sense of control and mastery at each stage. It’s not about rushing—it's about guiding them through a gradual transition that feels safe and supported.

Using Potty at Home, Seat for Travel

Another great approach? Use both tools depending on the environment. Keep a potty chair at home for routine use, and a foldable toilet seat for when you’re on the go. This ensures your child always has a familiar setup, no matter where they are.

You might even keep one in the bathroom and the other in a car or travel bag. With this flexibility, your child stays consistent with training—even on the move.

Creating a Personalized Training Plan

At the end of the day, toilet training isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every child has their own pace, preferences, and fears. By mixing methods and observing your child’s reactions, you can tailor a plan that works best for them—and for you.

Try both and see what sticks. Use the potty chair in the mornings and the toilet seat in the evenings. It’s all about finding your rhythm and building a positive routine.

What Do Experts and Parents Say?

Pediatrician Recommendations

Most pediatricians agree on a few basics: don’t rush the process, follow your child’s lead, and create a consistent routine. When it comes to choosing between a potty chair and a toilet training seat, the recommendation often comes down to your toddler’s age, readiness, and comfort.

If your child is anxious or very young, start with a potty chair. If they’re confident and interested in adult toilets, a training seat can be a great choice from day one.

The most important thing? Avoid turning it into a power struggle. Gentle encouragement and praise work far better than pressure or punishment.

Real Parent Reviews and Feedback

Thousands of Aussie parents have shared their experiences online—and a common theme appears: there’s no perfect choice. What worked for one child might not work for another.

But when parents talk about major wins, they often mention the Playkitchen Ladder Toilet Seat for combining the best of both worlds. It provides the familiarity and security of a potty chair, with the hygiene and space-saving features of a toilet seat.

Here’s what some had to say:

“We started with a potty chair, but once we got the Playkitchen seat, our daughter never looked back.” – Alicia D., Sydney

“It’s sturdy, easy to clean, and our son loves climbing up on his own.” – Ben T., Adelaide

Common Success Stories

Many families found that starting with a potty chair helped break the ice, especially for hesitant toddlers. Then, once confidence grew, transitioning to a seat like the one from Playkitchen made using the real toilet a breeze.

Others jumped right into toilet seats and never looked back, especially with older toddlers or when following a sibling’s example. It all boils down to your child’s personality and how they respond to each option.

Our Top Recommendation: Playkitchen Toilet Seat with Ladder

Features of the Playkitchen Model

If you’re looking for a toilet training seat that ticks all the boxes—comfort, safety, ease of use, and toddler-approved design—the Playkitchen Potty Trainer Toilet Seat Chair with Ladder Step-Up is the clear winner.

Here’s what it offers:

Adjustable Ladder Height: Allows toddlers to climb up confidently and independently.
Soft Cushioned Seat: Offers comfort during longer potty sessions.
Anti-Slip Feet and Side Handles: Ensure stability and prevent slips or wobbles.
Ergonomic Design: Supports healthy posture with a backrest and foot placement.
Foldable: Makes storage easy, especially in smaller bathrooms.

Whether you're just starting potty training or transitioning from a potty chair, this model is designed to make the process smoother and more enjoyable—for both kids and parents.

Why It’s a Parent Favorite

Parents love the Playkitchen seat for a few big reasons:

It encourages independence. Your toddler can climb, sit, and flush without needing help every time.
It’s durable and long-lasting, built to withstand daily use without wobbling or cracking.
It looks great. Available in toddler-friendly colors and modern designs, it blends into any bathroom setup.
It saves space. Unlike bulky potty chairs, it folds and stores neatly when not in use.

But most importantly? Kids actually want to use it. And when your child is excited about potty training, everything becomes easier.

Where to Buy in Australia

You can purchase the Playkitchen Toilet Trainer Seat with Ladder directly from their official website here:
👉 Playkitchen Potty Trainer Toilet Seat Chair with Ladder Step-Up

You can also explore their full range of toilet training solutions and accessories on the Playkitchen Collection Page.

With quick shipping across Australia and rave reviews from other parents, this is a smart, affordable investment in your child’s development.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Factors to Consider Based on Your Toddler

Still torn between a potty chair and a training seat? Here’s a quick decision guide:

Go for a Potty Chair if:
- Your child is under 2 or just starting out.
- They’re anxious around toilets.
- You want portability and flexibility around the house.
Choose a Toilet Training Seat if:
- Your toddler is confident and eager to use the “big toilet.”
- You want a more hygienic, less messy setup.
- You’re short on bathroom space or want a more permanent option.
Consider Both if:
- You want to ease your child into the process with options.
- You travel often and need flexibility.
- You’re training more than one child with different needs.

Balancing Comfort, Convenience, and Confidence

At the end of the day, the best potty training method is the one that keeps your child comfortable and motivated. Whether you pick a potty, a seat, or both, the goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where your toddler can learn and grow.

And if you want something that brings together all the best features in one, the Playkitchen Toilet Seat with Ladder offers the best of both worlds.

FAQs About Potty Chairs and Toilet Training Seats

Q1: Which is better for a 2-year-old—potty chair or toilet seat?

For 2-year-olds, it depends on confidence level. Potty chairs are great for beginners, but confident toddlers can start directly with a toilet seat like Playkitchen’s.

Q2: Can I use a potty chair and a toilet training seat together?

Absolutely. Many parents start with a potty chair and transition to a seat. It gives flexibility and helps kids adjust at their own pace.

Q3: Are ladder toilet seats safe?

Yes! Models like the Playkitchen Potty Trainer include non-slip steps, grips, and padded seats for safety and comfort.

Q4: How do I know when my child is ready to transition from a potty chair to a toilet seat?

Look for signs of confidence, fewer accidents, or interest in the regular toilet. If your child climbs or imitates your bathroom routine, it’s a good time to switch.

Q5: What if my toddler is afraid of the big toilet?

Start with a potty chair and slowly introduce the toilet seat. Let them flush, sit with clothes on, or use books and songs to ease their fear.