How to Choose the Best Toilet Trainer for Your Toddler?

Toilet training is a significant milestone in his or her life. For parents, it is indeed tough to choose the right toilet trainer. But they have to make a choice eventually if they really want to develop healthy habits related to health and hygiene in children.

So, let’s start with understanding why toilet training is vital. 

Understanding the importance of toilet training

Well, toilet training is a crucial phase in a child’s life where he or she develops independence and self-esteem. The report of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) reveals that a major population of children gets ready for toilet training when they are between 18 and 24 onths old. However, some exceptions are there in this case.

Another study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics indicates that those who start early and get trained consistently can reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections and constipation.

Types of Toilet Trainers

Toilet trainers are multiple, and each comes with its own pros and cons. However, many of the trainers are typically used. But animatronic toys are storming in this category these days. They are a new entry, but they are gaining traction because of their extraordinary features.

Let’s catch up with different types of toilet trainers below:

1. Animatronic Plush Toys

Pros: These soft toys are mostly made of thermoplastic rubber, which is safe for toddlers. Their voice-responsive features immediately attract kids, who indulge in their interactive toilet training products experience. These toys provide company by talking with and responding to them. Additionally, parents or anyone can use their voice to provide custom instructions regarding toilet and mess clean-ups. These toys can be placed anywhere as they are portable.

Cons: These toys require AAA batteries, which can be an additional cost to bear. They need brushing, but not deep cleaning with water.

2. Potty Chairs

Pros:

These chairs are typically well-known as standalone accessories that can be used easily. Besides, it can be placed without occupying a large space. These chairs are portable and usually the right height for toddlers so that they cannot be threatened by the height. A survey by BabyCenter revealed that 60% of parents start toilet training with this chair.

Cons

These chairs cannot be used without frequent cleaning. And kids won’t be comfortable using it quickly.

3. Toilet seat reducers

Pros

Did you know approximately 35% of parents use these reducers, as per the BabyCenter survey? These are like lids that can be placed on the top of the regular toilet seat. It helps temporarily resize the toilet seat so that a toddler can use it comfortably. Also, a regular toilet seat does not need replacement for this training. It is used as-is with a toilet seat reducer.

Cons

However, these reducers are placed on the top of the seat. But the kid cannot reach there. He or she needs an additional step stool to sit on it.

4. Step Stool Combinations

Pros

Step stool combinations eliminate the downside of the toilet seat reducer. These tools come with a step stool and handles so that the child can easily reach the top of the seat. While reaching out, he or she remains stable. Because of these advantages, 20% of parents are fond of using step stool combinations, according to the National Parenting Survey. 

Cons

Handling it cannot be easy. They can be heavy and occupy space in the toilet.

Key features to consider

There are hundreds of things that come to mind when you think of selecting a toilet trainer. These thoughts are mainly associated with the following features: 

1. Comfort and safety

• Soft Seat: Toddlers’ skin is sensitive. They need padded support to experience comfort. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) focuses on comfort so that the kid can develop a habit of using a toilet trainer consistently.
• Non-Slip Base: A slippery surface can make it hard to adapt to the trainer. So, ensure that the toilet seat reducer is stably placed to avoid accidents. A study by Consumer Reports highlights that 30% of injuries in the toilet are caused by slippery surfaces.

2. Ease of Cleaning

• Removable Bowl: Considering that cleanliness is next to godliness, potty chairs should be removable so that they can be cleaned and managed regularly.
• Smooth Surfaces: Do not use a trainer that has a lot of crevices. These spaces can accommodate germs. So avoid such trainers.

3. Portability and Storage

• Compact Design: This point is related to space, which is a big concern. Parents should opt for a portable and compact potty trainer that can be easily secured.
• Travel-Friendly: Sometimes, parents may have to accompany kids while traveling. The transition requires portable potty trainers to avoid discomfort.

4. Engaging Features

• Fun Designs and Colours: Engagement matters. Kids want an immersive experience, as they find it with animatronic plush toys that are voice-enabled. Investing in these potty training toys can increase a child’s willingness to engage with and use them more often.
• Interactive Elements: Some trainers come with sounds or songs that can reward your child for using the potty, reinforcing positive behaviour.

Choosing the Right Toilet Trainer Based on Your Toddler’s Needs

1. Age and Size: Pick a toilet trainer that your child feels engaged with. So, consider the age and size of the child.
2. Readiness: Measure your toddler’s readiness. You can track it by observing his or her curiosity to use it. Overall, interest in using the toilet is necessary. Also, pick the one that doesn’t have any crevices or slippery surfaces. For instance, animatronic plush toys don’t require any touch. Their voice-based instructions prove helpful and really engaging.
3. Parent and Toddler Preferences: Your toddler is going to use the bathroom trainer eventually. So, involve him or her in the selection process. Let him or her choose the one with complete willingness.

Conclusion

Choosing the best toilet trainer for your toddler involves multiple things to think about. You need to consider the different options available while focusing on their core features, like how comfortable and safe they are going to be.