Chair Seat Potty Training
Potty training can be a confusing time for many families that involves many questions. When is the best time to start training? How do you know when your child is ready? What method should you use? In the midst of all those potty training decisions, you may not put much thought into choosing the right gear for helping your child potty train. There is a variety of choices of potty seats and training potty chairs. For many toddlers, a chair potty seat provides the right combination of security and independence to smooth the path toward using the potty.
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Function
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A chair seat is a useful tool for potty training because it provides a transition between using diapers and using the adult toilet. For many toddlers, the adult toilet can be frightening; its seat is too big for for a toddler to sit comfortably, and its loud flushing can be startling. Using a chair potty seat to begin potty training gives a toddler more security. He can sit with his feet on the ground, with no fear of falling. A chair seat also gives a toddler more independence with potty training; even a smaller toddler can get on and off the seat without help, making it possible for him to take initiative in potty training when he's ready.
Types
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There are several different types of chair seats for potty training. One option is the convertible three-in-one seat, which converts from a chair seat on the floor to a step stool and a seat insert for the adult toilet. Another option is the throne-style seat, which is often made of wood with a small hole in the seat and a plastic bowl that slides in and out. A third option is the simple two-piece plastic potty chair, which has a plastic seat with arms and a back and a removable plastic bowl. There are also small one-piece potty chair seats, which are small enough to lift and dump into the toilet for cleaning.
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Features
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All potty chair seats have a bowl in the seat for the toddler to use as a potty. Many have other features such as a comfortable back rest and arm rests, which help the child feel more comfortable sitting on the chair. Some also include holders on the side for keeping books, puzzles, or other toys that can help the toddler stay interested in sitting on the potty chair.
Time Frame
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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no specific age when potty training should begin, since readiness to train varies with the individual child. Most children begin potty training by age two and finish by age three. Younger or smaller toddlers will find the chair seat potty particularly helpful; older toddlers can sometimes go straight to using the adult toilet. Most children are comfortable using the adult toilet by age three or four, but they can continue to use a chair seat potty as long as they want to and can sit on it comfortably.
Considerations
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When choosing a chair seat potty, you should let your toddler pick out the one she wants herself, since that will help spark her interest in using it. You may want to get more than one chair seat potty, since some toddlers will be more willing to use the toilet if they have choices and options. Many chair seat potties come in different colors, with pictures of cartoon characters or animals; if your child has a favorite animal or character, a potty seat with that animal on it might be more interesting to her. Make sure the chair seat you choose is small enough and sturdy enough for her to climb on and off of by herself, since she may sometimes want to use it independently.
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