Ok ladies, hold on to your Pull-Ups…it’s about to get real. In what might be the most glamorous post to-date, we’re talking modern potty chairs. It’s the baby gear you love to hate, the hard-to-clean, primary colored hunk of plastic occupying a prominent place in your kitchen? living room? anywhere but the actual bathroom, because toddlers? If you’re super lucky, it also talks or has a million distracting features that ensure your kid will do anything but her business on it. I’m sure everyone’s seen the potty that incorporates an iPad – if we used that while potty training my oldest, she’d still be sitting there! When we went potty shopping, she picked the pinkalicious princess potty chair. And the Disney character potty seat to use on the big potty. And proceeded to use neither for its intended purpose! (Pro Tip: Potty seats make awesome necklaces for 2 year olds and potty chair bowls are the perfect “crib” for stuffed animals.) Guess what worked for us? A stripped down, standard Baby Bjorn that had one job – no singing or flashing lights required! I didn’t do a ton (or any) research, but it was effective if not especially attractive. In the last couple years, potties have gotten SO MUCH COOLER. Since you’re going to be spending a lot of time looking at it in various rooms of your house for as loooong as it takes, why not get a modern potty seat that looks good, is easy to clean, but fun enough that your kid wants to use it? Break out the M&M’S!
Once Upon A Potty…
Lest you think it’s all business and no fun, bright, happy colors are definitely represented in the lineup! (I thought the very tasteful “stone” colored potty might be pushing it.)
blue potty chair: Intelligent Potty without Recording Device, Menthol – This streamlined potty comes in subtle, gorgeous colors along with a punchy red or hot pink. Also comes with an option to record a personalized “reward” message for your toddler if he’s the independent type that quietly takes care of business while you watch reality TV.
pink potty seat: Prince Lionheart weePOD – Awesome for small spaces, this potty seat just pops onto the regular toilet. Reviewers love the cushiness, easy cleaning one-piece design and high splashguard for boys. It looks kind of like a giant gummy candy which kids will like, also in bright blue or a grown-up gray that’ll go great with the white subway tile in your kitchen. Just saying.
green potty chair: Hoppop Pot Donut – Pot? Donut? Neither of those things I would associate with potty training, but maybe I did it wrong. The futuristic look is so cool and the low profile is great for younger kids. May work better for girls. Friendly, happy design without a lot of parts to clean makes both of you happy.
potty bench: Boon Potty Bench – The modern version of those huge potty play centers, this one has a tasteful toilet paper holder and small bin for storing toddler’s personals. The top of the seat flips down to create a bench which can hold up to 300 lbs, in case your kid is a really late bloomer.
pink potty chair: Soft Seat Pink Tortoise Potty Trainer – I love this clever, fun design that doesn’t scream “HEY, I’M A TURTLE!” Plus it has a cover, so your kid could practice sitting on the potty without the performance anxiety. Also in cute blue/pink and green/orange color combos, and the splashguard looks high enough for all kids.
So. Hopefully that was helpful for some of you, or a fond trip down memory lane for those already on the other side! But why stop there when we’re having so much fun? Check out more modern potty picks including the best travel potty ever, which you can still use after they’re potty trained!
Everybody Poops!
Got any favorites I missed or good tips for moms in the potty training trenches? Hang in there, mamas, may you one day receive this card for Mother’s Day.
-Amanda
