8 Best Potty Chairs of 2020 – Toilet Training Seats for Toddlers

Potty training is one of those parenting milestones that sounds simple until your toddler decides the bathroom is a suspicious location, the potty is a hat, and diapers are apparently a lifestyle brand. The good news? The right potty chair or toilet training seat can make the whole process feel less like a household negotiation and more like a gentle step toward independence.

This guide to the 8 best potty chairs of 2020 looks at the toddler toilet seats and potty training chairs that stood out for comfort, stability, easy cleaning, portability, and real-life parent sanity. Some are tiny toilets with pretend flushing sounds. Some are minimalist seats that perch on your regular toilet. One is built for travel emergencies because toddlers famously announce they have to go at the least convenient possible moment.

Before choosing a product, remember this: the best potty training seat is not always the fanciest one. It is the one your toddler will actually sit on, the one you can clean without needing emotional support, and the one that fits your bathroom routine.

Potty Chair vs. Toilet Training Seat: Which One Should You Choose?

A potty chair is a small, standalone toilet that sits on the floor. It is often easier for younger toddlers because their feet can touch the ground, they do not need help climbing, and the seat feels less intimidating than the big toilet. The trade-off is cleaning. Every successful potty moment comes with a tiny bowl that needs to be emptied and rinsed. Parenting: glamorous as always.

A toilet training seat, also called a potty seat or toddler toilet seat, fits on top of your regular toilet. It saves space, makes cleanup easier, and helps toddlers get used to the real toilet sooner. However, most toddlers will need a step stool for climbing and foot support. Without stable feet, many kids feel wobbly, and wobbly toddlers are not known for calm decision-making.

For many families, the best setup is actually both: a potty chair for early practice at home and a compact potty seat for the bathroom or travel. If your toddler is nervous, start small. If your toddler wants to do everything “like a big kid,” a toilet training seat may win the popularity contest.

How We Chose the Best Potty Chairs and Seats

For this 2020-style roundup, the strongest picks were selected by comparing trusted parenting product recommendations, pediatric potty training advice, manufacturer details, and practical features parents repeatedly care about. The main criteria included:

• Stability: A potty should not slide around when a toddler sits, wiggles, celebrates, or suddenly changes their mind.
• Ease of cleaning: Removable bowls, smooth surfaces, and splash guards matter more than cute designs after the first accident.
• Comfort: Toddlers may sit for a while, especially when waiting for “something to happen.” A supportive shape helps.
• Independence: Handles, low height, lightweight design, and easy placement can help kids feel in control.
• Storage and portability: Small bathrooms and road trips require different potty solutions.
• Value: A potty does not need to cost a fortune to do its job well.

8 Best Potty Chairs of 2020 for Toddlers

1. Summer Infant My Size Potty – Best Overall Potty Chair

The Summer Infant My Size Potty was one of the most memorable potty chairs of 2020 because it looks like a mini version of a real toilet. For toddlers who love copying adults, that realistic design can be surprisingly motivating. It has a pretend flush handle that makes a flushing sound, a built-in wipe compartment, a removable bowl, and a splash guard.

This is a great choice for kids who are excited by “big kid” routines but still need the security of a floor-level potty. The removable bowl makes cleanup manageable, while the wipe storage encourages bathroom habits beyond just sitting down. Parents who want a potty that feels familiar rather than toy-like may appreciate the design.

Best for: Toddlers who like realistic pretend play and parents who want an all-in-one potty chair.

Keep in mind: It is bulkier than a basic potty chair, so it is not the easiest option for travel or tiny bathrooms.

2. BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer – Best Overall Potty Seat

The BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer is a smart pick for families who want to skip the standalone potty chair and move directly to the regular toilet. Its key strength is adjustability. The seat is designed to fit securely on most toilets, helping reduce the dreaded sliding-seat situation that can make toddlers nervous.

Its lightweight design lets older toddlers place it on the toilet with help or supervision, and the built-in splash guard helps control mess. It also has a practical handle for hanging storage, which is especially helpful in bathrooms where floor space is already occupied by bath toys, laundry piles, and one mysterious missing sock.

Best for: Toddlers who are ready for the regular toilet and families who want less cleanup.

Keep in mind: It does not have side handles, so some toddlers may prefer a seat with grips or a separate step stool for extra confidence.

3. IKEA LOCKIG Children’s Potty – Best Value Potty Chair

The IKEA LOCKIG Children’s Potty proves that a potty chair does not need sound effects, flashing lights, or a college savings account attached to it. It is simple, affordable, stable, and easy to clean. The removable insert makes emptying straightforward, and the anti-slip material on the underside helps keep the potty in place.

The LOCKIG works well for families who want a no-fuss toddler potty chair that can move from bathroom to bedroom to wherever your child suddenly decides the potty must live. Its smooth shape is comfortable for small children, and the splash guard is practical for both boys and girls.

Best for: Budget-conscious families and parents who prefer simple, functional design.

Keep in mind: Color options are limited, and it does not include interactive features. That may be a plus if you are trying to avoid turning potty time into a musical performance.

4. Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat – Best Value Potty Seat

The Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat is a popular toddler toilet training seat because it is affordable, lightweight, and easy to store. It has handles on both sides, giving toddlers something to grip while sitting on the regular toilet. That small detail can make a big difference for kids who feel uneasy sitting higher off the ground.

This potty seat is designed with a smooth, comfortable shape and non-skid edges to help it stay in place. It can be hung or stored upright, which is useful if your bathroom does not have much extra space. For families who want an inexpensive way to test whether their child prefers the real toilet, this is a practical pick.

Best for: Parents who want a low-cost potty seat with handles.

Keep in mind: Since it does not have custom adjustment features, the fit may vary depending on your toilet shape.

5. OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty – Best Travel Potty Seat

The OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty is the product you want when your toddler announces “potty!” in a parking lot, at a park, or five minutes after you left the house. It works as both a standalone travel potty with disposable bags and as a seat placed on top of a regular toilet.

The foldable legs lock into position, and the compact design fits into a travel bag. Disposable liners make cleanup easier on the go, while the smooth surfaces are easy to wipe down. It is not as supportive as a full-size potty chair, but for travel, errands, road trips, and emergency bathroom moments, it is incredibly useful.

Best for: Families on the go, road trips, daycare bags, and public restroom backup.

Keep in mind: As a standalone chair, it sits low and does not have a backrest, so it may not replace a home potty for early training.

6. BabyBjörn Potty Chair – Best Potty Chair for Nervous Toddlers

The BabyBjörn Potty Chair is a comforting option for toddlers who are unsure about toilets. Instead of looking like a tiny toilet, it looks more like a supportive little chair. The high backrest, armrests, and soft contours make it comfortable for longer sits, which can be helpful during the early “let’s try and see” stage.

Parents often appreciate the rubber strip underneath, which helps keep the chair stable on the floor. It also has a removable inner potty and a splash guard for easier cleanup. The design is simple and calm, making it a good fit for children who do not like noisy potty chairs or overly busy designs.

Best for: Nervous toddlers, younger trainees, and kids who need extra physical support.

Keep in mind: It is not the most compact option for travel, and it costs more than some basic potty chairs.

7. Skyroku Potty Training Seat with Ladder – Best Potty Seat with Ladder

The Skyroku Potty Training Seat with Ladder is built for toddlers who want to climb up and use the real toilet but still need support. It combines a toilet training seat, handles, and a step ladder in one folding unit. That means you do not need to buy a separate stool, and your child gets a more independent route to the toilet.

The padded seat adds comfort, and the side handles help toddlers feel secure. When not in use, the unit can fold for storage. This style works especially well for slightly older toddlers who have enough balance to climb carefully and turn around with supervision.

Best for: Toddlers who want independence and families who prefer a toilet-based training setup.

Keep in mind: A ladder-style seat requires balance and supervision. It may not be ideal for very young toddlers or children who rush.

8. The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty – Most Comfortable Potty Chair

The First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty earns attention for its built-in footrest, which helps toddlers sit in a more supported squat-like position. For some children, especially those learning to poop on the potty, foot support can make sitting feel more stable and natural.

This potty also includes a realistic toilet-style design, flushing sounds, a removable bowl, and a detachable seat that can transition to a regular toilet. It is a bigger potty chair, but that size comes with comfort and features that may help toddlers stay seated long enough to succeed.

Best for: Toddlers who need extra comfort and support during bowel movements.

Keep in mind: It is too large for convenient travel, so think of it as a home base potty.

What to Look for in the Best Potty Training Seat

Stable Base or Secure Fit

Whether you choose a floor potty or a toilet insert, stability is non-negotiable. A potty chair should have a non-slip base, and a toilet training seat should sit securely on the adult toilet. If your toddler feels like the seat might move, confidence disappears faster than snacks in a diaper bag.

Easy Cleaning

Look for removable bowls, smooth plastic, minimal crevices, and splash guards. Cute details are fun until you are cleaning around twelve tiny decorative grooves. In potty training, simple usually wins.

Comfortable Sitting Position

A child who feels physically supported is more likely to relax. For potty chairs, backrests and armrests can help. For toilet seats, handles and foot support can make the adult toilet feel less enormous.

Right Size for Your Space

A big potty chair may be comfortable, but it needs floor space. A toilet seat saves space but requires a step stool. A travel potty is compact but may not be comfortable enough for everyday home use. Match the product to your real bathroom, not the fantasy bathroom you saw on a home organization show.

Child Readiness

Even the best toddler potty chair cannot force readiness. Many children begin showing interest somewhere around toddlerhood, but readiness is more about skills than age. Signs include staying dry for longer periods, noticing when they need to go, communicating bathroom needs, pulling pants up and down, and showing interest in the toilet.

Helpful Potty Training Tips for Parents

First, introduce the potty before expecting results. Let your toddler sit on it fully clothed, decorate it with a name sticker, or practice with a stuffed animal. This removes the mystery and makes the potty feel like a normal household object instead of a strange plastic throne.

Second, use calm, simple language. Words like “pee,” “poop,” and “potty” are clear and toddler-friendly. Avoid making accidents sound shameful. Potty training already comes with enough drama; it does not need a villain.

Third, build a routine. Many parents try potty sitting after waking, before bath time, before leaving the house, and before bed. Keep sits short and positive. If nothing happens, that is still practice.

Fourth, dress for success. Elastic waistbands are your friend. Complicated buttons, overalls, and tiny jeans may be adorable, but they are not always potty-training allies.

Finally, expect accidents. They are not failure; they are data. Your child is learning body signals, timing, clothing, balance, wiping, flushing, and handwashing all at once. That is a lot for a person who may still believe crackers taste better after being found under the couch.

Extra Parent Experience: What Real Potty Training Often Feels Like

Here is the truth many product roundups forget to mention: potty training rarely follows a perfect three-day plan. Some toddlers are ready quickly. Others treat the potty like optional furniture. One child may love the mini toilet with flushing sounds, while another may refuse anything that makes noise. The “best” potty chair is often the one that fits your child’s temperament.

For a cautious toddler, a floor potty like the BabyBjörn Potty Chair or IKEA LOCKIG may feel safer because their feet stay planted. That grounded position matters. Toddlers are small people in a very tall world, and the adult toilet can feel like a mountain. A low potty chair gives them control. They can sit, stand, inspect, leave, return, and proudly announce that they “tried” even if nothing happened.

For a toddler who wants independence, a toilet seat with a ladder can be exciting. It turns the bathroom into a big-kid mission. The key is supervision. Ladder seats are helpful, but toddlers can be wiggly climbers. Make sure the seat is fitted correctly and teach your child to climb slowly, turn carefully, and hold the handles.

Travel is another learning curve. Many parents find that potty training at home goes smoothly until the first grocery trip. Public restrooms are loud, strange, and sometimes powered by automatic flushers that roar like tiny bathroom dragons. A travel potty such as the OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty gives parents a backup plan. Keeping it in the car can reduce stress and prevent the classic “we just left the house” emergency.

Cleaning habits also shape the experience. If you know you will hate cleaning a bowl several times a day, choose a toilet training seat sooner. If your toddler is afraid of the big toilet, accept the bowl-cleaning phase as temporary. A potty chair is not a lifelong commitment; it is a bridge.

Rewards can help, but they do not need to be elaborate. Some families use stickers, songs, high-fives, or a special potty book. The best reward is often attention and encouragement. Keep praise specific: “You listened to your body,” “You sat on the potty,” or “You tried.” This helps children understand the behavior you are celebrating.

Regression is normal. A child may do well for a week and then suddenly resist. Changes such as travel, illness, new daycare routines, a new sibling, or constipation can interrupt progress. When that happens, stay calm. Return to routine, offer choices, and avoid turning potty time into a power struggle. Toddlers are tiny, but their commitment to control is Olympic-level.

One practical tip: keep supplies nearby. Wipes, extra underwear, a change of pants, hand soap, cleaning spray, and small trash bags can save your mood. Potty training is easier when you are not sprinting through the house searching for backup pants while your toddler narrates the incident in great detail.

Most importantly, do not compare your child to someone else’s. Some toddlers train early, some later, and some master pee long before poop. The goal is not to win a race. The goal is to help your child build confidence, body awareness, and healthy bathroom habits. Choose a potty chair or toilet training seat that supports that goal, keep the tone positive, and remember: one day, this will be a funny story. Probably.

Conclusion

The best potty chairs of 2020 covered a wide range of toddler personalities and parent priorities. The Summer Infant My Size Potty offered realistic toilet fun, the BabyBjörn Toilet Trainer made the regular toilet more approachable, the IKEA LOCKIG delivered excellent value, and the OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty became a smart travel companion. For nervous toddlers, the BabyBjörn Potty Chair provided comfort and stability, while the Skyroku ladder seat and First Years Super Pooper Plus Potty offered extra support for kids ready for bigger steps.

At the end of the day, potty training is not about buying the most expensive seat. It is about choosing a safe, comfortable, easy-to-clean option that matches your toddler’s stage and your family’s routine. Add patience, humor, spare pants, and maybe coffee for the adults. You have got this.