As parents, your little one’s milestones excite you the most — you celebrate them and wish for nothing but your child’s healthy growth and development. One of the most important milestones in a toddler’s development is having a potty trainer, which you can start anytime between 12 to 18 months, with no one specific age that suits all children.
Therefore, as every child is different, the process of readying them for potty training requires observation and flexibility. Read on to find out more about when to start potty-training your little one and a list of potty trainer options we recommend!
When to have a potty trainer?
While there are many uncertainties around when to start potty-training your little one, below are some indicators to look out for:
- Your child stays dry for at least 2 hours during the day and is dry after naps.
- They can follow simple instructions, such as requests to walk to the bathroom.
- They are able to recognise when they have soiled themselves — if they cry, fuss or show any obvious signs of discomfort when their diaper is soiled, they might be ready to start the process.
However, as emphasised, the process and time of potty-training a child differs significantly between people.
Additionally, even if your child seems ready to begin potty training, it might be best to avoid potty training during stressful or transitional periods, such as when you’re moving or on vacation.
Children learn best when they are relaxed and used to a regular routine.
How to choose the best potty trainer?
Now that you’re more confident in knowing when and how to start potty-training your little one, here are the most important features to look out for when choosing the perfect potty trainer for them!
- Size: Ensure the potty trainer is the perfect fit for your child’s comfort. Their bottom should rest comfortably and solidly on the seat, with both feet firmly planted on the floor or a stool. Avoid seats that are too big or too small.
- Ease of cleaning: Look for potty trainers with removable basins and splash guards for a more hygienic and convenient cleaning experience.
- Stability: Choose a potty trainer with a sturdy base to prevent tipping over when your child is using it. Non-slip feet can also provide added stability on smooth surfaces.
- Portability: If you plan to travel or move the potty trainer between rooms, consider a lightweight and compact design for easy transport.
- Comfort: Opt for a potty trainer with a comfortable seat and backrest to encourage longer sitting periods. Some models even feature padded seats for extra comfort.
- Design: Select a potty trainer with a fun and appealing design that your child will enjoy using. Many options come in bright colors or feature beloved cartoon characters.
- Versatility: Some potty trainers can be used as standalone units or converted to fit on top of a regular toilet seat, providing flexibility as your child grows.
- Reward features: Certain potty trainers incorporate reward systems, such as sound effects or stickers, to encourage and motivate your child during the training process.
- Easy emptying: Consider a potty trainer with a pour spout or easy-to-remove basin for hassle-free emptying and cleaning.
- Durability: Invest in a well-constructed potty trainer made from high-quality materials to withstand daily use and frequent cleaning.
How to start potty training your toddler?
Once you feel that it is the appropriate time to start potty training your little one, here are some steps you can take:
- Gradually introduce the toilet. You can start by introducing toilet training to your child, such as through children’s books, which can help pique their interest. This step will help raise awareness about the concept of going to the toilet, making them more comfortable with the topic.
- Follow a schedule for potty training. It is important to follow a regular “ritualised” routine so that going to the toilet essentially becomes habitual for your child. You can consider having your child sit on the potty first thing every morning, regardless of whether they have to go.
- Offer praise and rewards. When you’re potty-training, there are bound to be accidents that occur; this may happen even past the ages of 5 or 6, but it’s nothing to fret over. Try not to punish your child for this—they are in the process of learning and, sometimes, may not be able to help it. Instead, when your child uses the potty successfully, offer them gentle praise or even a small reward, encouraging their positive behaviour.
- Teach proper hygiene. With potty training and the usage of toilets comes the importance of hygienic habits. To set children up with good hygiene habits that will last a lifetime, teaching them how to wash their hands and flush the toilet or wipe is crucial.
Best Potty Trainers in Singapore
Now that you’re better equipped with information on when and how to start potty training your little one, here are some recommendations for the best baby toilet trainers in Singapore.
The Skip Hop potty closely resembles a grown-up toilet with a similar look and feel. It even includes a button at the top for a real flush sound to encourage your child to learn how to flush and build up hygienic habits! Furthermore, this potty boasts of pairing comfort and convenience, featuring smooth, wipeable surfaces and a removable basin for easy clean-up. Finally, a back compartment can hold a removable case for wipes. You can even place your child’s favourite books there!
Features:
- Age: Suitable for children 18 months and up.
- Size: 14.5L x 9W x 10H (inches).
- Modern, realistic design.
- Built-in splash guard for toilet training.
- Removable basin for better potty training.
Price: Approximately $76.41
Where to buy: Pupsik
The BabyBjorn potty trainer is known as a “smart” potty due to its amazing ergonomic design combining safety with convenience, with soft lines to provide your child maximum comfort, where the smooth, rounded edges of the toilet trainer will not be harsh or pinch the skin. Furthermore, it allows for lots of legroom, making it easier to stand up and sit down. Additionally, its ergonomic design includes a rubber edging to ensure that the potty will remain and rest firmly on the floor without sliding about.
Features:
- Age: Suitable for children 12 months and up.
- Slide-free for easy toilet training.
- Splash Guard to prevent spills.
- Handle on the back for convenience when moving the potty about.
Price: Approximately $53.10
Where to buy: Pupsik
The Oxy Tot Potty Chair prides itself on being easy to clean and equipped with useful side handles that make it much more convenient to remove the inner bowl for cleaning. It also includes a Splash Guard, which further enhances easy cleaning by minimising mess. Additionally, it has a comfortable and convenient design, with an ergonomic high backrest to help support your little one and a main handle on the seatback for easy handling and transporting.
Features:
- Age: Suitable for children 12 months and up.
- Ergonomic, convenient and comfortable.
- Minimises mess for toilet training.
- Seamless seat design for the child’s maximum comfort.
Price: Approximately $35.92
Where to buy: Shopee
The main focus of the 3-in-1 whale potty trainer is its stylish and fun child-friendly design featuring an adorable whale, encouraging the child’s curiosity as well as independence. It can double up as a step-stool to access the adult sink and toilet, as well as prove to be a convenient, travel-friendly baby toilet. It even consists of ergonomic and practical features such as a backrest and non-slip base for safety purposes, as well as a removable bowl and lid.This means that the inner seat of the potty can be removed easily for cleaning.
Features:
- Age: Suitable for children six months and up.
- Size: 13.2W x 13.6L x 8H (inches).
- 100% safe material.
- Splash guard for toilet training.
- Made with durable, non-toxic, odorless BPA-free PP material.
Price: Approximately $29.95
Where to buy: Shopee
The Beaba potty trainer is an excellent choice, being the most budget-friendly one on this list of recommendations while featuring a well-rounded ergonomic design. It includes a non-slip bottom for safety purposes, helping guarantee your little one’s comfort. Additionally, it includes an easy-clean pan and convenient travel handle, ensuring a quick and easy cleaning process for parents and doubling as a portable potty trainer.
Features:
- Age: Suitable for children two and above.
- Size: 13W x 11L x 8.5H (inches).
- Carrying handle at the rear.
- Shaped comfortably for both genders.
- Stackable with a 2-in-1 stool for toilet training.
Price: Approximately SGD 49..
Where to buy: Pupsik
Apartment living can mean that free space is quite scarce, and having another tiny toilet is not feasible if you have dilemmas on saving space while potty training, a good option to consider is the Chicco Potty Trainer Seat.Coming from a well-trusted brand, this potty trainer provides a simple solution to the potty training needs of children that are aged 12 months and above.This potty trainer is easy to install and can fit most types of toilets, whether it may be an O, U or V-shaped toilet. Additionally, it has all the essentials to ensure that your child can comfortably use the toilet.
Features:
- Just put it on top of the toilet and a soft cushion.
- Practical splash guard.
- Fits O-, V-, and U-shape toilets.
Price: Approximately $14.72
Where to buy: Shopee
The Summer Infant My Size Potty is designed to mimic an adult toilet, making it a perfect transition tool for toddlers learning to use the potty. Its realistic features, including a flush sound, make the experience engaging and fun for your little one. The removable bowl ensures easy cleanup, while the sturdy design provides stability during use. This potty also includes a built-in handle for easy lifting and a comfortable seat height for toddlers. With its charming design and practical functionality, it’s a great choice for encouraging independent bathroom habits.
Features:
- Mimics adult toilet design for familiarity
- Realistic flush sound for engagement
- Removable bowl for easy cleaning
- Sturdy construction for stability
- Built-in handle for easy lifting
Price: Approximately $59.90
Where to Buy: Mothercare
The OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty is a versatile potty that’s perfect for both home use and travel. This innovative potty can be used as a standalone potty or converted into a disposable potty seat for use on public toilets. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, and it includes disposable bags for hassle-free cleanups. The comfortable seat and sturdy base ensure stability, giving toddlers confidence while they learn. With its practical features and portability, the Go Potty is an essential tool for parents on the go.
Features:
- 2-in-1 design for versatile use (standalone and seat)
- Compact and portable for easy transport
- Includes disposable bags for convenient cleanups
- Comfortable seat for toddlers
- Sturdy base for added stability
Price: Approximately $40.41
Where to Buy: Pupsik
How to clean your potty trainer at home
As a parent, introducing a potty trainer to your little one is an exciting milestone. However, with this new addition comes the responsibility of keeping it clean and well-maintained.
Keeping your child’s potty trainer clean is essential for maintaining a hygienic environment.
Here’s how to do it:
- Empty the potty trainer after each use and rinse it with warm water.
- Use a mild, baby-safe disinfectant or a mixture of warm water and vinegar to clean the potty trainer thoroughly.
- Pay extra attention to the crevices and corners where bacteria can lurk.
- Rinse the potty trainer again with warm water to remove any cleaning solution residue.
- Dry the potty trainer completely with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Remember to clean the potty trainer daily to prevent the buildup of germs and odours.
Maintaining your potty trainer for long-term use
Source: iStock
To ensure your potty trainer lasts through your child’s potty training journey, follow these maintenance tips:
- Check for any cracks or damage regularly and replace the potty trainer if necessary.
- If your potty trainer has a removable bowl, make sure it fits securely to prevent leaks.
- Consider investing in a potty trainer with a non-slip base to prevent accidents.
- If your potty trainer has a lid, teach your child to close it after each use to minimize odours.
By taking care of your potty trainer, you’ll create a more pleasant and effective potty training experience for your child.
The best places to put your potty trainer at home
Choosing the right location for your potty trainer is crucial for your child’s success. Here are some ideal places to consider:
1. The Bathroom
Placing the potty trainer in the bathroom is a natural choice. It helps your child associate it with the regular toilet and makes it easier for them to transition later on. Make sure it is easily accessible and visible to your child.
2. Your Child’s Bedroom
Having a potty trainer in your child’s bedroom can be convenient, especially during nighttime training. It provides a sense of comfort and security for your child, knowing that it is nearby when they need it.
3. The Living Room or Playroom
If your child spends most of their time in the living room or playroom, placing a potty trainer there can be beneficial. It serves as a constant reminder for your child to use it and makes it easier for you to supervise and encourage them.
Remember to choose a location that is easily accessible, private, and free from distractions. By strategically placing the potty trainer in your home, you’ll create a supportive environment for your child’s potty training success.
It’s important to remember that every child is unique and will progress through potty training at their own pace. Some may take to it quickly, while others may need more time and encouragement. As a parent, your role is to remain patient, supportive, and positive throughout the journey.
Celebrate the small victories along the way, such as when your child successfully uses the potty trainer or communicates their need to go. These milestones are significant and deserve recognition. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in keeping your child motivated and excited about potty training.
If you encounter setbacks or accidents, don’t worry — they are a normal part of the process. Stay calm and avoid punishing or shaming your child, as this can lead to anxiety and resistance. Instead, continue to offer gentle guidance and encouragement, and trust that your child will get there in time.
Remember, potty training is a significant developmental milestone, and your child is learning an important life skill. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, you’ll help your little one build confidence and independence.
In conclusion, with the right potty trainer, cleaning and maintenance routine, and strategic placement in your home, you’ll be well on your way to potty training success. Embrace the journey with patience, love, and a sense of humour, and celebrate the amazing progress your child is making.
ALSO READ
How To Help Baby Poop And Other Potty Issues: A Complete Guide
When To Start Potty Training a Toddler? 11 Tips to Success
Baby Poop After Solids: How It Changes and How to Manage It
