The search for the perfect potty chair should begin as soon as the child has begun to show an interest in the potty training process. It is important to shop early, since there are a bewildering number of potty chairs on the market these days. There are potty chairs designed to sit directly on the floor, as well as special potty training inserts designed to fit over a regular toilet. There are even potty chairs adorned with popular cartoon characters, bright colors or even sound effects.

Insert or Standalone Potty?
The first choice the parent must make is whether to go with a standalone potty chair or a chair that is designed to fit into a regular toilet. Each design has its own advantages and drawbacks, and it is important to consider the relative benefits of each option.

Using an insert type potty chair can make cleanup a lot easier, since all you need do is flush the toilet and perhaps wipe off the seat. Many parents also like the fact that these inserts are portable and easily moved from place to place. One of the big drawbacks, however, is that many children are fearful of the toilet insert at first. On the plus side, these inserts are generally quite inexpensive, so it may be worth a try.

If the insert is not right for you, consider purchasing an inexpensive plastic potty chair that can be placed in the bathroom. When choosing a standalone potty, it is important to be sure it has a stable base to avoid spills and toilet training traumas. It is also important that the potty chair come equipped with a splatter guard for those inevitable misses.

Last but not least, the looks of the potty chair can have a big impact on its effectiveness. For instance, if your child is a big fan of Sponge Bob, Elmo or another such character, a potty chair adorned with these bright figures can greatly enhance the attractiveness of the potty chair. To make the potty chair more attractive, you can either purchase a special potty chair, or simply buy a couple of packets of stickers to decorate the potty on your own. You may even want to enlist the help of your son or daughter, providing a fun introduction to this new element of the bathroom.