Ditching the nappies is a big step in your child's development, and the best potty training products can help make it easier. Once you've decided your toddler is ready for this new adventure, it's time to get prepared – and you'll want more than the best potty.
The NHS recommends that you should start the process when they're around 2 years old by introducing a potty to get them used to sitting on it. Items such as toilet training pants and portable toilet seats also come in handy when you're travelling or on the go.
We spoke to potty training expert Amanda Jenner who said, "Get them involved in choosing their potty, training pants and training seat by taking them shopping or showing them pictures online." Once you're back home, put the potty in the room where they spend most of their time, but don't leave it there for weeks, as they will just see it as a part of the furniture."
The best potty training products at a glance:
• Best realistic toilet for toddlers: Pote Plus My First WC By Venture - View offer on Amazon
• Best portable toilet training seat: My Carry Potty Training Set - View offer on Amazon
• Best travel potty: Paw Patrol Steady Potty - View offer on Amazon
• Best potty training toy: Sesame Street Potty Time Elmo - View offer on Amazon
Getting the right equipment for potty training is always a good start. It can feel overwhelming working out which potty training products to buy, which is why we're here to help. Almost all of the products included in our round-up below have either been nominated for or won a Mother&Baby award.
The best potty training products
Best for on-the-go toilet training
The My Carry Potty was awarded Silver and Gold for Best Potty Training Product (excluding disposable nappies) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.
My Carry Potty Training System, developed by Worldwide Toilet Training Expert Amanda Jenner, is a complete potty training program using a step-by-step system for toddlers and parents to follow. Using the book and the animation 1 week before training will educate little ones before you get started. Introducing fun and consistency to encourage little ones on their toilet training journey. My Carry Potty is the world's only leakproof potty that you can use in and out the home and wherever you go, giving children the confidence using just one potty will lead to successful potty training.
Review: "I loved that it did what it said and was leakproof. I tested it with water first and not a drip came out. It has been amazing in situations where its not easy to empty immediately, such as when we were at the park without a toilet, we could just use it in a discreet place and then shut it and empty it at home."
Read our full My Carry Potty review.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of styles
- Leakproof
- Large comfy seat
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Could do with a higher back
| Dimensions: | L26 x W15 cm |
- Lid has a watertight seal
- Carry handle
- Gives little ones consistency and confidence when potty training
- Training pants included
The Eco Pourty Potty was awarded Silver for Best Potty Training Product (excluding disposable nappies) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Eco Pourty Potty is true to the original easy pour design and is manufactured from recycled food packaging. It can be recycled with household plastics at the end of its life along with its labels so there is no need for landfill. It is made in the UK so less fuel is required to transport it to your home. Eco Pourty is sustainable and environmentally friendly and at the same time, strong, simple to use and comfortable.
Our mum tester said: "I loved how light the potty was to carry, so was easy to take in the car or along with us on journeys when out and about away from home. Its very good value for money and it will be a big hit with a lot of parents who worry about the eco system, it is very environmentally friendly, so many baby items are not."
Read our full Eco Pourty Potty review.
Pros
- Sustainable
- Non drip pouring design
- High splash guard
- Comfortable wide seating
Cons
- Colour
| Made from Recycled Packaging and Recyclable | No need for Landfill |
| Dimensions: | 30 x 24 x 17 cm |
- Non-drip Pouring Design, Easy to empty and clean, Hygienic
- Comfortable wide seating area, Sturdy, Supportive
- High Splash Guard, Simple functionality, Use at Home and as a Travel Potty
www.bambinomio.co.uk
The Bambino Mio Potty Training Pants was awarded Bronze for Best Potty Training Product (excluding disposable nappies) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
These Bambino Mio Potty training pants are the perfect for that go-between stage when tots are transitioning from nappies to pants. Have fun while your child is potty training with their potty with these child-friendly designs that make ‘big kid’ potty training pants more fun.
Our mum tester said: "This product is great for children who are almost there with potty training, but can't always make it in time to the potty or toilet. They hold small leaks very well without ruining an outfit. When we were using normal pants, we would have to change pants, trousers, socks and sometimes shoes to get little one dry again. With these, we only need to change pants, which saved time and energy and this means that my life is considerably easier."
Read our full Bambino Mio Potty Training Pants review.
tinkaly.com
The Tinkaly Piddle Pads was awarded Gold for Best Bedding at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
You can say goodbye to smelly, stained mattresses and interrupted sleep with Tinkaly's reusable Piddle Pad waterproof mattress protector sheets for bedwetting and nighttime potty training. They are 100% waterproof, keeping your child's bed safe from spills and accidents without compromising their sleep.
Our mum tester said: "I would absolutely recommend piddle pads to a fellow mama - they fit snug and securely to my child's mattress and don't slip about. They also don't leave the bed feeling hot and sweaty like some other mattress protectors do. Its great that they are washable and come in a pack of two so that we aren't left without protection in-between washes."
Read our full Tinkaly Piddle Pads review.
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Soft, breathable fabric
- Tuck-able wings
- Washable
- Pack of two
Cons
- Expensive
| Dimensions: | 34" x 36" |
| Washing: | Machine washable, avoid using fabric conditioner to further lifespan |
| Drying: | Can be tumble dried or air-dried |
| Can hold: | up to 2 litres of liquid. |
- 100% waterproof
- Soft, breathable fabric
- Tuck-able wings
- Pack of two
- Anti-Slip
- For single and toddler beds
Best realistic toilet for toddlers
Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Potty Training Product (excluding disposable nappies).
Potty training is a key stage of your child's development, and having the right potty can make it so much easier. The Pote Plus My First WC makes potty training engaging and fun for your little one. The potty replicates an adult toilet, complete with flusher and wipe storage compartment, meaning they can go to the toilet just like a grown-up!
Review: "My daughter loved it at first sight and soon realised she could press to "flush" and the button would light up with a realistic flushing noise. It has helped massively with toilet training as it teaches the whole routine of going, wiping and flushing."
Pros
- Easy to clean with a lift-out compartment
- Comfortable
- Replicates a real toilet
- Sturdy
Cons
- Quite large, so may not be suitable for those with little space
| Dimensions: | L44 x W30 x H31 cm |
- Looks and sounds just like an adult toilet
- Flushing sounds make each visit to the potty as fun as the last
- Detachable wipe compartment
- Removable inner tray for hassle-free disposal
Best portable toilet training seat
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
Won bronze in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023.
The OK BABY Sofa toilet training seat is a great encouragement for toddlers when potty training. This universal seat fits most standard toilet seats and gives your tot's bottoms a comfortable place to sit when in this new environment. It's an ergonomic seat that's designed to reduce any splashing and make our kiddies feel less intimidated about using the toilet. The OK BABY Sofa seat is made of rubber and plastic together, so there are no gaps to collect germs, which also makes it hygienic and easy to clean.
Review: "We loved using this toilet seat as we have had issues with other brands and them not being comfortable or too hard to get onto when attached to the toilet. However we found this a lot softer and easier to get on and off of. It's a nice plain design, it's easy to carry around and leave in the car on trips out."
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Fit over most toilet seats
- Splash guard for boys
Cons
- Requires help for child to get onto
| Dimensions: | 42cm x 35cm x 9cm |
- Soft material with anti-slip rubber
- Lightweight
- Splash guard for boys
- Universal seat
Best toddler toilet
This life-like toilet potty from Nuby has a real flushing sound which little ones will love, and the lid opens and closes, while the pot is removable for quick and easy cleaning. It comes with an integrated splash guard, and there's also space to store away all your wipes and other essentials in the back compartment.
Review: "The novelty factor is its biggest selling feature, the fact it looks like a real toilet and flushes like one makes children far more interested in it than a standard potty. It encouraged my daughter to use it more than she was her potty before which was a huge bonus where potty training was concerned."
Pros
- Realistic looking
- Easy to clean
- Durable and hygienic
Cons
- Requires batteries
| Dimensions: | L45.7 x W30.5 x H25.4 cm |
- Easy-open lid
- Removable easy clean bowl
- Back tank fits full sized baby wet wipes
Best eco-friendly baby wipes
www.boots.com
Made from 99 per cent water with organic Aloe Vera, these Pura flushable baby wipes are gentle on your toddler's skin. You can't get much more eco-friendly either, as they're 100 per cent plastic-free and biodegradable.
Review: "These wipes are actually genuinely flushable and biodegradable and are certified flushable by a UK water body - these are the first wipes I've seen approved by a UK water/sewage company like this. They will not block up your pipes or drains or anyone else's for that matter so can go down the toilet guilt free!"
Pros
- Can be flushed down the toilet
- Eco-friendly
- Contain no perfume, no alcohol and no chlorine
Cons
- 70 in a pack, but you may run out quickly
| Dimensions: | 19.5 x 18 cm |
- Biodegradable
- 99% Water
- Organic Aloe Vera
Best pants for toilet training
These Peppa Pig training pants are ideal for bridging the gap between nappies and underwear while your child is potty training. The soft combed cotton outer shell surrounds the polyester mesh, helping to teach your child to acknowledge and act upon small leaks.
Review: "I purchased these as a transitional pantie for my 2yr old. She is still potty training and forgets to go sometimes. They design allows for full coverage with a light enough feel. If a #2 occurs I just flush the excrement, spray with my laundry detergent and hand wash. No stains and quick drying. The character designs hold up very well I am 20 washes in and there is no stretching out, fading, or peeling. They are full coverage so the same surface area will be covered on your LO. This may cause confusion at first but stick with it and then you can switch over to regular panties."
Pros
- Fun Peppa Pig designs
- Good thickness
- Comes as a multipack
- Absorbent
Cons
- Could do with more size options
- 100% Cotton
- Pull on fastening
Best travel potty
This sturdy but portable potty is practically designed with a high back which offers back support and stability. It is made from wipe-clean, hygienic plastic and decorated with cute characters from Paw Patrol.
Review: "It's light and easy to use, and easy to store so I'm able to help my son use it with no fuss. It's got a Peppa Pig design which my son loves and helps me encourage him to use it. It's easy to clean and with sturdy non-slip feet, it works really well in terms of ease of use and sturdiness. It's also light so transporting and carrying it is easy."
Pros
- Kids will love the Paw Patrol design
- Stable and supportive
- Wipe clean
Cons
- Toilet well could be deeper
| Dimensions: | 42 x 27 x 23 cm |
- High back for support and stability
- Made from wipe-clean, hygienic plastic
Best potty training toy
Help little ones understand what happens when it's time to go with the Sesame Street Potty Time Elmo. This adorable 30cm interactive plushie kids toy lets little ones help Elmo learn healthy habits. Elmo makes potty training fun with cute giggles and phrases like, "Elmo's ready for the potty," "Hurry, please," "Don't forget to flush," and "Now Elmo can wash his hands!"
Press his hand or foot to begin the interactive play. Kids can give Elmo his sippy cup when he asks for a drink, and then help him get to the potty. If Elmo doesn't make it on time, he kindly reminds kids that accidents happen. When Elmo has potty success, he entertains kids with a happy potty song. Realistic sipping, tinkling, and flushing effects sound just like the real thing.
Review: "I bought this toy for my niece's first birthday and she loved it! I also purchased this for my daughter when she was four years old to help with potty training. In combination with the Elmo Potty Time dvd it was a hit. Two years later she still loves her Elmo toy!"
Pros
- Comes with stickers
- Children can learn from role-play
- Cuddly character design
Cons
- Can be tricky to balance Elmo on the potty
- Includes: Elmo feature plush, 1 sippy cup, 1 play potty, 1 sticker sheet
Best mattress protector for toddler bed
Protect your child's mattress from any accidents with this soft and breathable waterproof mattress protector from Clevamama. Made from a 100 per cent brushed cotton top and a polyurethane waterproof underlayer, it's machine washable and can be dried either on the washing line or in a tumble dryer.
Review: "I would definitely recommend this product to other mums/friends. It keeps the mattress clean and hygienic and also allows easy changing of the bedding without having wet patches when accidents happen. The material seems comfy and does not impact on the bedding once on. It also washes and dries well."
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
- Washable
- Easy to fit and remove
Cons
- Some reviews found it hard to keep in place
| Dimensions: | 90 x 190 x 22 cm |
- 100% Waterproof
- Hypoallergenic
- Machine wash and tumble dryer safe
Best for visual cues
These Toilet Routine cards promise to make life easier for both parents and children. They are an educational aid aiming to reduce the frustration some parents experience when potty training their little ones. The high-quality cards have been made from a durable material.
One mum said: "My daughter is autistic and I was told that flash cards may help her find toilet training that bit easier. I bought these and wasn't sure what to expect, the pictures are very good."
Another reviewer said: "Love this. Really useful for my non verbal son to communicate toileting with me."
Pros
- On a keyring for easy access and storage
- High-quality cards
- Learning through pictures
- Easy to hold
Cons
- Some reviewers say that they're quite small
| Dimensions: | 8.9 x 5.8 cm |
FAQs
When should I start potty training my toddler?
This completely depends on your toddler. Research suggests there's a window between 24 and 30 months that makes for easy daytime potty training. Night dryness doesn't happen until later, usually between three and five years, and it's still normal for there to be accidents at the end of this time scale. These are just averages, so it's perfectly normal for your youngster to fall outside of these figures. Some children will train much earlier and some much later than the scientific 'norms'.
Amanda says to choose your timing wisely. "It is best not to start potty training if there has been a change in circumstance for example, your toddler is unwell, there is a new baby in the family, you have just moved into a new home, your toddler has started a new childcare setting, there are any family problems in the household. Starting too early can lead to failure in potty training, so make sure your little one is showing all the signs they are ready before you start and don't be influenced by others."
How to toilet train a toddler
"Choose a potty training book with lovely pictures and read it to them for at least a week before you go to choose the potty. Then set up some kind of reward system for potty training and explain it to your toddler clearly before you begin." Amanda says: "This is not bribery; it is rewarding your toddler for trying something new – and it is key to making potty training a success. Create a magic box and some stars, and give your child one star for doing a wee and two stars for doing a poo. You can use a clear jar and cut the stars out of coloured paper."
"You could also create or buy a potty training reward chart and give your child a sticker for trying on the potty. They don't need to actually do a wee or poo to get a sticker, but explain to your toddler that they only get a magic star when you see something in the potty."
"Buy some prizes and add sticky labels with numbers on showing how many stars she needs to win each one," says Amanda. You don't need to spend a lot of money – just pick out some little things you know she likes. When your child wins stars, she will feel good about herself and have the incentive to earn more!
The night before you start your training plan, make a point of laying out their new pants and getting the potty into position, says Amanda. "It's all about seeing it through a toddler's eyes. Let your child choose where they want to put it – somewhere where they will still see it. When they go to bed, read them a story about using a potty and tell them she will wearing her pants tomorrow."
Are girls easier to potty train?
In a word, no! There is no difference in the speed of physiological maturation of the bladder or bowel between girls and boys, and no behavioural reasons why potty training girls should be easier and faster to potty-train than boys.
However, there are different approaches to training girls and potty training boys.
When should I get rid of night nappies?
Youngsters usually need to be dry in the daytime for at least six months to a year before the nappies can come off at night, and often it takes a lot longer. So think of potty training during the day and taking the nappies off at night as two separate tasks.
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.