Signs they are ready
Dry for two hours at a time, interested in the bathroom, able to pull trousers down, and able to tell you afterwards that something happened. Age matters less than this list.
Starting during a house move, a new sibling or a nursery change usually costs more time than it saves. Wait for a calm fortnight.
The seven-item kit
One potty or toilet seat the child chooses themselves, a stable step stool, thick training pants, a travel potty for the car, a waterproof mattress protector, a reward chart, and far more floor cleaner than feels reasonable.
Skip the musical potties. They turn the toilet into a toy and slow the transition to a real one.
Potty or toilet seat?
A floor potty is less intimidating and lets a toddler go alone. A toilet seat with a ladder skips the transition stage but needs more confidence at the start.
Many families buy one of each: potty downstairs, seat upstairs. That is cheaper than the arguments about carrying one around.
The first fortnight
Stay home where you can, use loose clothing, and set a gentle two-hourly reminder rather than asking constantly.
Accidents are data, not failure. If you get past two weeks with no progress at all, stop, wait a month, and try again — that usually works better than pushing through.
Summer Infant
BEABA / Summer My Size Potty Training Toilet
Why parents love it: Looks like the real toilet, which is exactly the point when you are convincing a toddler.
- Realistic design
- Removable bowl
- Splash guard
- Wipe-clean
$25–$45typical range
BabyBjörn
BabyBjörn Step Stool
Why parents love it: Non-slip, light enough for a toddler to move themselves, and it wipes clean in a second.
- Non-slip feet
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Holds up to 175lb
$30–$45typical range
Gerber
Gerber Training Pants (Multipack)
Why parents love it: Thick enough for an accident, easy enough for a toddler to pull up alone.
- Absorbent layers
- Pull-on fit
- Cotton blend
- Machine washable
$15–$30typical range
OXO
OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty for Travel
Why parents love it: Folds flat into the boot and turns any petrol-station toilet into a usable one.
- Folds flat
- Doubles as toilet seat
- Disposable bags
- Non-slip feet
$25–$40typical range
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