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10 best potties and toilet training seats to help you crack potty training in 2024
About to brave potty training? Mumsnet salutes you. Here’s our pick of the best potties, potty chairs and potty training seats to make the process that little bit easier.
By Kim Gregory | Last updated Mar 26, 2024
Prices and availability checked and updated by MNHQ on 3 April, 2024.
Choosing the best potty is the first step to helping your toddler ace toilet training. But picking the right product can feel a bit overwhelming. In between the bribery, mess and occasional tears (probably yours rather than your child’s) of potty training, you want a potty or seat that your child is happy to sit on and one that’s easy to clean afterwards. A product that’s well made and also the right one for your lifestyle can make all the difference.
Of course, when it comes to potty training, different potties can be hit and miss with your toddler. So, you might be hesitant to splurge on one single potty. That’s why we’ve done the work for you and spent time researching and reading advice from real parents - including our trusted Mumsnetters - to collate a selection of products what we think are the best potty products currently available to buy in the UK. There’s something for every budget and every home, as well as some options for travel and more. Strength and honour, mums!
For more buying advice, check out our guides to the best baby wipes, the best sippy cups, the best plates and bowls, the best changing mats, the best nappy bins, the best nipple shields and the best nursing chairs, all featuring product recommendations from Mumsnetters.
1. Best potty overall: BabyBjörn Potty Chair
Price on writing: £36 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 14.2L x 14.1W cm | Type: potty chair
What we love
Great size
High quality material
Very low risk spill
What to know
Expensive - but worth it, we think
Bulky, so not great for travelling or storage
What Mumsnet users say
‘BabyBjorn Potty Chair. My son is massive for his age and he fits in it. A normal cheap one there'd be no chance. More expensive but you want them to be comfortable anyway!’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, rh6718
Our verdict
The seat-style BabyBjörn Potty Chair doesn’t come cheap, but Mumsnetters – and parents all over – swear by it. It doesn’t have any bells or whistles, but it's simply designed to do one job well, which we like. It was among the first heavy-duty potties on the market and has been much-copied since – and it’s not hard to see why.
An insert (which has a high front to prevent splashing) lifts out easily to be cleaned and emptied - read: no struggling with potties under taps! The back comes up really high too, and the potty has comfy, softly-curved armrests, for while your child waits for ‘the magic’ to happen. Because it’s a good height and has plenty of legroom, the BabyBjörn is a great choice for bigger toddlers or late-comers. We’re pleased to tell you that it’s hard to tip over too, as the bottom is covered in a rubber strip. Though it’s on the pricey side, it’s excellent quality, a relatively nice design in muted colours, robust and it should see all your kids through potty training - that’s why we’ve chosen it as our best overall.
2. Best budget potty: Boots Baby Potty
Price on writing: £6 | Latest deals from Boots
Key specs
Size: Not stated | Type: Potty
What we love
Great price
High splash guard
Easy for toddler to carry
What to know
Lightweight therefore less sturdy than other potties
Basic colours
What Mumsnet users say
‘We recently bought Boots own one - they do them in blue and pink and I think it was about £8. Our little one is 2.5 but he's not big either!’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, febbabies2023
Our verdict
For a reasonably priced, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin model, the Boots Potty is pretty impressive. Parents have noted the high splash guard, which not all potties have. It also has feet that your toddler can stand on, which prevent the potty coming up with them when they stand.
It’s lightweight, which means it's more likely to take a knock and spill than some of the heavy-duty potties around but, on the plus side, the weight makes it easy for your toddler to fetch the potty themselves (using the handle on the back) as and when they need a wee. It’s also a great chuck-in-the-car-or-under-the-buggy option and, while it's only available in an unimaginative pink or blue, at just over a fiver you could get one of each.
3. Best potty for tall toddlers: Fisher-Price Character Potty
Price on writing: £20 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 36.4L x 28.8W cm | Type: Potty
What we love
Good height for toddlers
Sturdy
Removable bucket makes it easy to clean
What to know
Quite bulky
Our verdict
The Fisher-Price Character Potty is functional and friendly for toddlers. Its generous height means it’s suitable for bigger or slightly older potty-trainers, and it feels really sturdy, which should prevent any unnecessary spillages as potty training gets underway.
A removable insert means it’s easy to clean after use and a built-in splash guard makes it a good choice for little boys still remembering to “point it down!” The easy-to-grasp handles also help toddlers to stand up without taking the potty with them after use. Importantly, who can resist that cute penguin look?
4. Best non-slip potty: BabyBjorn Smart Potty
Price on writing: £30 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 32.1 x 25.5 x 17.3 cm | Type: Potty
What we love
Rubber edging along base
Splash guard
Inner potty for removal and cleaning
What to know
Quite pricey but a reliable, trusted brand
What Mumsnet users say
‘I have the baby bjorn which I like’ - brand recommended by Mumsnet user, user1480880826
Our verdict
BabyBjorn is generally a trusted brand amongst parents and, as you saw, one of their products even won our best overall. This Smart Potty has rubber edging along the base so we reckon it’s pretty non-slip, which is especially useful if you have a little wriggler! It should rest firmly on the firm, helping your child to sit comfortably.
The splash guard helps to prevent spills and there’s an inner potty, which means you’ll be able to take it out to clean easily. Though quite pricey - some Mumsnetters reckon cheaper brands are just as good - it’s simple, reliable and compact.
5. Best potty training seat: IKEA Tossig Toilet Seat
Price on writing: £10 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 14.2L x 11.8W cm | Type: Toilet seat
What we love
Lightweight
Easy to clean
Stores easily
What to know
Small or nervous children might feel precarious on it
What Mumsnet users say
‘We have the IKEA Toilet Seat. My three-and-a-half-year-old isn't small, but she uses it and will do for a long while yet I imagine’ - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, teaandbiscuitsforme
‘I have always used the IKEA ones – they’re brilliant’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Mol1628
Our verdict
IKEA often comes up trumps for simple-but-brilliant baby and child products and this toilet seat is no exception. If you’re a fan of their cheap and cheerful Lockig Potty, you’ll like the Tossig Toilet Seat. It sits securely over your usual toilet seat and the anti-slip material on the underside will help it stay put.
If you’re ready for your child to try this, they’ll be comfy on the seat’s soft curves. You might like to invest in IKEA’s toilet step at the same time to help little ones reach. It’s easy to clean and, after use, it slides easily down the side of the loo or can be hung on the wall, and it’s lightweight enough to go with you on holiday or to friends’ or families’ houses. If you don’t have an IKEA near you, they also deliver.
6. Best 3-in-1 potty: Fisher-Price 3-in-1 potty
Price on writing: £30 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 35 x 34 x 46 cm | Type: Potty, training chair and stool
What we love
From a fave brand
Pretty good value
3 functions in 1
What to know
Will grow with your child
Our verdict
This clever potty from Fisher Price will cover your potty training journey through stages. It works as a potty chair, it has a removal potty ring to put on the toilet, and it can be used as a step stool for when little ones need to reach up to the loo.
It boasts a splash guard and the removal bucket means it’s easy to clean. Plus, the base is non-skid - useful for when using as a potty or a stool. It’s a little pricey but with so many uses that will grow with your child, we think it’s pretty good value.
7. Best for ease: Pourty Easy-to-Pour Potty
Price on writing: £11 | Latest deals from Amazon
Size: 30 x 17 x 24 cm | Type: Potty
What we love
Clever design
No mess
Easy to clean
What to know
You can buy it in a bundle with potty training books
Pourty also do toilet training seats and step up stools
What Mumsnet users say
‘We have a Pourty potty (£10) really easy to empty. It doesn’t have sticky feet which is it’s only downfall as it’s also a good size. I’ve just put it on some non slip rubber mat & it’s been fine’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, ProseccoLimoncello
Our verdict
The uber-clever Pourty Potty turns traditional potty design on its head. Designed by a dad of two, fed up with potties that were awkward to empty and clean, the Pourty has a handle at the front rather than at the back, and an easy-pour spout at the back. Simply pick up the potty and chuck the contents easily down the loo via the spout - spill and dribble-free - with anything yucky going out the back of the potty, rather than over the front edge, which is the bit your child touches most. Very clever!
The base is wide to keep the potty secure on the floor and it has a flat, wide seat too, which is extra comfy and avoids that unattractive potty ring look on their bottom when they’ve been sitting for a while. It also comes in several colours to match any bathroom.
8. Best fun potty: My Carry Potty
Price on writing: £29 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 10.2L x 9.3W cm | Type: Travel potty
What we love
Can be used at home and on the go (folds up like travel bag)
Leak proof - and doesn’t even need to be emptied immediately
Cute designs to choose from
What to know
Not as easy to empty as some
Quite pricey but bag-free so no additional outlay
Not suitable for children under 36 months
What Mumsnet users say
‘My Carry Potty is the best. It just goes in the bottom of the pram. It’s good not faffing with bags/having to clean it immediately because it’s all just sealed away.’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Jujujuly
‘We had a carry potty, which is brilliant. They are expensive but ours has never leaked, it is easy to clean and at a comfortable height for our lo.’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Gertrudetheadelie
Our verdict
You get your child used to their potty. Then, you step out of the house to a different one - and it can be a whooole new board game. A great solution is a portable potty, like this My Carry Potty, designed to be used at home and on the go - which aids routine. It’s sturdy enough to be a main potty thanks to the non-slip feet, splash guard and large, comfortable seat; but it also folds up like a travel bag with a carry handle, so it can be taken to nursery, Grandma’s house or even to the shops with you.
It’s lightweight enough to be hung on the handles of a buggy too. And if your child is caught short somewhere inconvenient, the potty even has a leak-proof seal so you can just close it up and deal with the contents later. Because it doesn't require a bag, there’s no additional outlay once you’ve bought it (and it’s better for the environment as well). We think kids will like the friendly animal designs and might even have fun carrying it around themselves. All in all, we can see why this award-winning potty has fast become a favourite with parents.
Read next: The best travel potties for toilet training on the go
9. Best portable potty: Potette Plus 2-in-1 Convertible Travel Potty
Price on writing: £17 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 18L x 5W cm | Type: Travel potty
What we love
Fits easily into a travel bag
Doesn’t require a loo to empty
Works as a toilet seat as well as a standalone potty
What to know
Need to buy refill bags - not very economical
Quite small - not terrible comfy as child gets bigger
What Mumsnet users say
‘I carried a Potette and liners everywhere I went.’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, TheLovelinessOfDemons
‘Potette! You’re right- not especially eco (but then disposable nappies aren’t either if you’ve been using those). It’s worth having one for emergencies, and also useful as a seat on put on to toilets so that they don’t fall in/ need holding.’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, PatchworkElmer
‘Potette, hands down! They're expensive but so useful.’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Notthissticky
Our verdict
This award-winning, multi-tasking travel potty folds flat. Then, with just a couple of clicks, you can fold the legs out to the sides to turn the potty into a seat (with handles) to put over a toilet. Alternatively, lock the legs into place to turn the Potette Plus into a standalone potty complete with an absorbent biodegradable bag that folds easily over the seat. It means you can use it all over the house as well as out and about, as it will fit in a bag or suitcase, so you needn’t use public toilets if you don’t want to.
When your child has finished, you just tie up the bag and the absorbent liner soaks up any liquid. After use, give the potty a quick clean with an antibacterial wipe and it can go back into your bag for the next outing. Parents tell us they kept the Potette Plus well past the toddler years as it was also perfect for pukes in the back of the car. It’s a genius product that you’ll always be glad to have in your bag or car boot.
10. Best space-saving potty: Family Toilet Seat with Child Seat Built-in
Price on writing: £30 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 29L x 22W cm | Type: Child toilet seat
What we love
Saves on space
Suitable for the whole family
Soft close function
What to know
Can’t be moved around easily
Many different models to choose from
What Mumsnet users say
‘We had a thing called a family toilet seat - it had an extra seat in it, so adults and toddlers could choose the appropriate size. Much more secure than a removable training seat. Highly recommended’ - type recommended by Mumsnet user, RedCatBlueCat
Our verdict
The family toilet seat replaces your entire loo seat, which means that you don’t have to buy and then store a separate potty or trainer seat: hence, space-saving! It’s just like a normal loo seat with lid, but it has an additional small seat that pulls down when your child wants to use the loo. It then goes back up inside the lid when an adult is using it. Voila!
If you’re in this for the long-haul and may have younger children coming out of nappies in the near future, then this is a good purchase that will see you through the whole ordeal. There’s plenty of models available. This one has a soft close function so it’ll close slowly (and importantly, quietly!) preventing any trapped fingers and sudden bangs. Quick release hinges aid removal for cleaning.
11. Best potty training book: Oh Crap! Potty Training by Jamie Glowacki
Price on writing: £9 | Buy now from Amazon
What we love
Great for parents in need of a step-by-step guide to potty training
Easy to follow, funny and knowledge-based
Focuses on children aged 20 to 30 months
What to know
Tell-it-like-it-is approach could be a little hard to swallow at first
What our Mumsnet users say
‘We liked “oh crap potty training” - doesn’t over promise like some of the “done in two days!” type of books but does set out practical steps to go through. You dont need to read it all if you don’t have time - just read the chapter summaries and the full chapters for the practical steps. But its just finding something that works for you. We tried once with another method and we didn't get anywhere, left it a few months, tried with “oh crap” & it worked much better.’ - recommended by Mumsnet user, Lostthetastefordahlias
Our verdict
Yes, this is a book rather than a potty, but we think it’s invaluable for parents in need of a step-by-step guide to potty training. Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right may well be the toilet-training Holy Grail you need.
With resounding praise across the Mumsnet forums and beyond, plus a proven six-step method to quell any potty-training woes, parents love this book for being easy to follow, humorous and, above all, knowledge-based. While Glowacki's tell-it-like-it-is approach could be a little hard to swallow at first, we think any parent struggling with toilet training should give this book a go. Alternatively, if you’re after a fun book to encourage your children with potty training, there are plenty on the market like Tony Ross’s ‘I Want My Potty!’.
Potty buyer's guide
Getting ready to start toilet training requires a bit of kit. And, as well as the potty training charts, many pairs of trainer pants and a generous supply of carpet cleaner, you’ll need something for your toddler to do the deed in. Whether you go for a standalone potty or a potty seat that attaches to the loo (or both) is up to you. Here are a few questions that might help you make the decision.
What’s the best age to potty train?
Potty training age is usually being the ages of two and two-and-a-half, but will depend entirely on your child. Indeed, many parents don’t even think about potty training until nearer their child’s third birthday, while other children are completely dry before age two.
What to look for when choosing a potty
As well as thinking about which type of potty will suit your toddler best (see below), it’s worth considering size and where it’s going to live. If you have a tiny bathroom, for example, something that can be hung on the wall or sit neatly in the corner might be a good idea. Think, too, about how long you want to use it for. If you’re aiming to use the potty as a short step to a toilet training seat, something small and budget-friendly will suffice. But if you think the potty might be a longer-term prospect, or if your toddler is on the taller side, consider a sturdy potty with plenty of height so that their knees aren’t round their ears when using the loo.
Check the quality of the potty you have your eye on before you buy – does it look flimsy or have bits that might snap off easily? Also look for a rubberised base that will stop the potty from sliding around on hard floors; grips or handles to help your child get up from the potty once they're done; and any extra features that might make potty training easier for your child.
What are the different types of potty?
Potty chair – very popular with parents, and usually has arms and a backrest, making it a very comfy option for children who like a good, long sit.
Mini toilet potty – these look like tiny toilets and, while they don't actually flush, they can be very appealing to toddlers. They often have sounds, lights and more to encourage children to potty train.
Travel potty – some fold out and have disposable bags inside that can be tied and binned after use, while others can be carried like a bag, opened up for use and then emptied into a public loo.
Many potties also have inserts, which can be removed for easy emptying, or pour functions that prevent dribbles when emptying contents into the loo.
Toilet training seat - goes over your usual toilet seat, making the hole small enough so that your toddler can comfortably sit over it
When should I buy a potty?
It’s a good idea to have a potty or potty training seat lying around the house a few months in advance so that potty training doesn't seem too new or scary. It also gives your toddler a chance to become familiar with it, and they might even like to have a go on it in a low-key way before you start training properly.
Lots of parents find offering children the chance to sit on the potty before a bath regularly helps to make it a habit and often means they manage to get their first wee on target before potty training fully kicks in, giving them a much-needed confidence boost.
What’s the best potty to buy?
The best potty is ultimately one that your toddler is happy to use, but there are a whole host of potties that come highly recommended by parents.
We think the BabyBjörn Potty Chair is the best all-round potty to suit most families, thanks to its robust construction, handy removable inner and tasteful muted colours.
How we choose our recommendations
Before looking at any reviews, we first went to the experts; real parents who'd bought the products themselves. We trawled the Mumsnet forums for recommendations on potties and toilet seats for all occasions, lifestyles and budgets, also noting any that parents said were a waste of money or a disappointment in any way.
Next we researched the reviews market, looking at what products other websites and print titles had recommended, and consulted consumer sites such as Which?. We also looked at which products had won awards and accolades, and why. We then collated all this information to see which came out on top to create a final roundup.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us to fund more helpful articles like this one.