Toilet training is a journey – and like most parenting milestones, it rarely follows a straight path. For many families, it starts with a potty and gradually progresses to a toilet trainer seat. But when’s the right time to make the switch? And how can you make that next step feel easy, especially if your little one isn’t too keen on change?  

In this guide, we’re breaking down the signs your child may be ready to graduate from potty to toilet trainer, why it can feel like a big leap (especially for tiny legs), and how the right tools – like the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 – can help make it all feel a little smoother 

What is a Toilet Trainer Seat? 

A toilet trainer seat, also known as a toilet seat reducer, is a child-sized seat that fits securely on top of a standard toilet seat. Its purpose is to help young children feel safe and supported as they begin to use the toilet, especially after getting used to a potty. Unlike full-size toilets, which are designed for adults, a toilet trainer seat reduces the size of the opening and offers a more stable and reassuring experience for little ones. 

When is the Right Time to Move to a Toilet Trainer Seat? 

There’s no exact age or stage – and that’s okay. Some children love the idea of using the toilet like grown-ups do. Others prefer to stick with their trusty potty a bit longer. 

Once your child is confidently using their potty, it might be time to offer a toilet trainer seat as the next step. Often, just introducing the seat and letting them explore it can help remove some of the mystery. If they’ve got older siblings, they may already be curious about using the “big toilet” too. 

In the early stages, the potty often works best. It supports the natural squatting position, encourages a relaxed body posture, and is portable – ideal when your toddler gives only a moment’s notice before needing to go. However, the goal is not just potty training, it’s toilet training. We want children to feel confident and independent using standard toilets, whether at home, at daycare, or out and about. 

Why the Transition Can Feel Like a Big Deal 

For us adults, moving from a potty to a toilet seat might seem like a small step. But for little ones, it’s a shift in routine, environment, and even how their bodies feel. And that can lead to a few bumps in the road. Let’s break down what might be going on. 

Fear of Falling In 

Toilets are big. Really big, if you’re two feet tall. Many children worry about slipping in – and when they feel wobbly, it’s harder for them to relax (which is key to, well, getting the job done). 

Sensory Overload 

Flushes, echoes, splashes – bathrooms can feel loud and unfamiliar. For sensitive children, even the sound of the flush can be enough to make them wary. 

Awkward Posture 

Potties let children sit in a natural squat, with their feet flat and knees up. Toilets? Not so much. Without a footrest, their legs may dangle, making it harder to go comfortably. 

A Break in Routine 

Your child might feel like they’ve only just got the hang of the potty – and now we’re changing the rules again? That sudden shift can lead to resistance or regression, especially if they feel unsure or overwhelmed. 

The good news: understanding these common challenges means you can plan around them. With the right setup (and plenty of patience), you can help your little one feel calm, confident, and ready for the next step. 

How to Make the Transition Smoother  

The Potette® Plus 2-in-1. It’s not just a potty. It’s a parenting sidekick. Designed to grow with your child from the very first potty attempts to full toilet independence, it works as both a stand-alone potty and a toilet trainer seat – in just two clicks. 

Here’s how it makes a real difference:  

Familiarity in Both Stages 

One of the most helpful features of the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 is its ability to convert from a potty to a toilet trainer seat in just two clicks. For children, familiarity is key. A brand-new toilet seat can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating, especially when compared to a potty they’ve grown comfortable with. Because the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 transforms from potty to toilet trainer seat, your child stays with a shape and style they already know and trust. That means fewer surprises, and fewer meltdowns. 

Secure and Supportive 

Many children feel nervous sitting on a full-sized toilet. The wide opening and lack of physical support can make them feel as though they might slip or fall in, which can lead to tension. The Potette® Plus 2-in-1 as a toilet trainer seat is snug, stable, and shaped for little bottoms. No wobbling. No slipping. Just solid support that helps kids feel safe and steady while they build confidence on the toilet. 

Perfect for Life On-the-Go 

Unlike many traditional toilet trainer seats, the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 is a travel friendly potty. It folds flat, making it easy to store under a buggy, in a tote bag, or even in the car. Whether you’re at the park, visiting family, taking a road trip, or spending the day at the beach, the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 can come with you. It offers children a sense of continuity wherever they are — no need to worry about unfamiliar public toilets or the stress of finding facilities in time. You simply unfold it and give your child a clean, familiar place to go – practical, portable and mess free. 

Even after your child has transitioned to using a toilet at home, there will be moments where access to one isn’t guaranteed. The Potette® Plus 2-in-1 can switch back into potty mode when needed – making it perfect for travel, day trips, or outdoor settings where toilets aren’t available. Its flexibility gives parents peace of mind and provides a practical solution for toddlers who may still need a little extra time to reach the nearest bathroom. 

Other Ways to Make the Transition Easier 

Soften the Splash 

If your child’s startled by the splash in the toilet bowl, pop a few sheets of toilet paper in the water before they sit down. It’s a simple trick, but it can help make the experience feel gentler. 

Support their Feet 

Dangling legs aren’t just uncomfortable – they can actually make it harder to go. A footstool or step gives your child a stable base, helps recreate that natural squatting position, and makes the whole thing feel much more manageable. 

Handle the Flush Fear 

Some children find the toilet flush too loud or sudden. If that’s the case, hold off on flushing until they’ve left the room. You can reintroduce the sound gradually, letting them press the button themselves when they’re ready.  

Potty training isn’t about racing to the finish line. It’s about helping your child feel safe, supported, and in control – wherever they are on the journey. Whether they leap to the toilet trainer or take a few detours along the way, the Potette® Plus 2-in-1 is with you at every step. Be patient, be flexible, and most of all, trust the process.