Choosing the right potty for your child!

The appearance of a pot in the house is a significant event. This, no more, no less, is the first step of a little man on the path to adulthood, isn’t it? You can’t wear diapers forever, and therefore the baby will have to gradually learn to relieve natural needs in a specially designated place.

As a rule, a boy or girl becomes familiar with a potty at about a year old, although many mothers begin to put their children on it at almost 6 months. There are no guarantees or a productive “friendship” with this item, so you shouldn’t hope that the purchase will immediately result in a victory over diapers.

Buying a potty is an elementary task, especially in comparison with the process of teaching a child to use it for its intended purpose. But first things first. Today you will learn how to choose a potty, what they are like and how a male toilet accessory differs from a female one.

• What are the popular types of pots?
• Potty for boys and girls - what's the difference?
• What to look for when purchasing
• Small nuances of a big deal

When to buy a potty?

For both the child and the parents, buying a potty is the first truly difficult test on the path to growing up and developing very important and useful skills.

There are many different opinions about when and how to potty train a child. Some experts advise developing the appropriate reflex almost from the day the baby is born. Few parents follow doctors' advice. But most moms and dads delay potty training and start at age one or two. And they prudently focus on the physical development of their son or daughter. Yes, and doctors recommend starting to put a little man on a potty no earlier than his back gets stronger and he begins to sit confidently.

How to choose a potty for a child

Most mothers start thinking about potty training quite early. Often, a potty appears in the house when the baby is barely six months old, and he masters the “sitting” position. In fact, the age when a baby can comprehend all the intricacies of going to the potty is 1.5 – 3 years. It is at this age that the nervous system matures so much that the child becomes able to control excretory processes and understands that doing his “toilet” chores in his pants is inconvenient. The potty itself plays a significant role in training. The baby should be comfortable, comfortable and safe on it, nothing should distract the baby from the main task. Taking this into account, parents need to know how to choose a potty for the baby correctly and which one is best so that it helps and does not slow down the training.

Types of pots

Depending on the shape, the presence or absence of various additional functions, pots come in different types.

• Classic pot. This is the most ordinary round-shaped pot, like those that were in Soviet times.
• Anatomical potty. This pot has a saddle shape, a backrest and a protrusion at the front. The child sits on this type of potty with legs spread apart.
• Pot with a "skirt". This potty has a convenient footrest on the front. The convenience lies in the fact that when sitting down or standing up, the baby cannot overturn the potty, since his legs stand on the “skirt” and fix the position of the potty.
• Potty chair. This potty resembles a real children's highchair with a back and legs. However, instead of sitting in this chair, there is an intake that can be easily pulled out to empty the contents.
• Potty toy. A pot in the shape of an animal, a car or any other toy.
• Musical pot. This potty is equipped with special sensors that react to the ingress of liquid: the baby pees - the melody turns on.
• Collapsible pot. This is a hiking option for trips and guests. The pot has a hard plastic seat and a soft, foldable liner that is discarded when filled.

Almost all modern pots are made of plastic, but you can also find an enamel pot if you wish. Some pots have a lid.

Potties for boys and girls

The physiological characteristics of boys and girls place some demands on the shape of the potty, although they are not at all strict.

It is believed that a round pot is better for girls, since you can sit on it with your legs together. A boy's potty should ideally have a protrusion at the front. The baby sits on such a potty as if in a saddle, and the ledge protects the surrounding area from splashes.

Choosing the right pot

The variety of pots on store shelves confuses all parents. Tips and recommendations for choosing this important accessory will help you understand which models deserve attention and which are good only on display.

• When choosing a pot, you need to keep in mind its main purpose and not be distracted by additional functions. Thus, experts call a musical pot or a pot in the form of a toy rather harmful. Music, luminous elements, and faces make the child associate the potty with a toy and “lead” him away from understanding what this item is for. In addition, playing on the potty forces the baby to sit there longer than necessary, and this is dangerous and not beneficial for the perineal muscles.
• The presence of a lid is, of course, a plus, but you can appreciate it only if you do not immediately empty and wash the pot. If there are no such plans, you can close your eyes to the presence or absence of a lid.
• The opening of the pot should be wide enough so that the sides do not dig into the legs and butt.
• It is very important that the pot is stable. In this sense, models with footrests or, as an option, with rubber anti-slip prevention are good.
• Plastic pots are definitely more practical and convenient than enamel ones. Plastic can also be disinfected, but the pot itself is much lighter. Kids don’t like enamel pots because of the cold seat; there is no such problem with a plastic pot.
• The plastic itself from which the pot is made must be of high quality, hard and smooth. Burrs or cracks are unacceptable; such a pot is no longer safe for the baby.
• It’s good if the pot has a comfortable handle. Almost all kids like to pour the contents of the potty into the toilet themselves, so the handle should be comfortable mainly for the child, so that he does not tip the potty on himself in attempts to lift it.
• If the pot consists of several parts or has a complex shape, make sure that it is easy to disassemble and that all its parts are accessible for washing. Otherwise, inaccessible areas will become a breeding ground for germs.

An alternative to a potty is a child's soft toilet seat. It happens that the baby stubbornly ignores the potty, but begins to go to the toilet without problems. In this case, parents should worry about finding a seizure so that the baby can sit on the toilet himself.

Sometimes parents, in order to quickly potty train their children, strive to place pots in every room. In reality, potty training problems are not related to potty accessibility, but rather a matter of urinary and bowel control skills. Potties in every room, on the contrary, mislead the child. It will be better if the potty is in the nursery or in the toilet. The kid must understand that there is one specially designated place for “these things”.

Even if you follow all the recommendations, you are choosing a potty for a specific child, which means his opinion also means something. It’s better to take your baby with you and invite him to sit on different models of potties. During such testing, you will immediately see all the disadvantages and advantages and will be able to make the right choice in accordance with your needs and the desires of the little one.

Source

For girls and boys

Nowadays, pots intended for children of different sexes differ not only in color, but also in shape. When choosing a potty, consider the gender of the child.

• A potty for a girl is a familiar round model. The baby sits comfortably on the potty and has the opportunity to close her legs.
• A potty for a boy has a slightly elongated shape and a special protrusion in the front part. The presence of a protrusion will prevent the child from connecting his legs, will ensure the necessary position of the penis, and will eliminate splashing. But sitting down is not as comfortable as the round one intended for a girl. Therefore, at first, the mother should hold her son’s back.

Types of pots

Depending on the shape, the presence or absence of various additional functions, pots come in different types.

1. Classic pot. This is the most ordinary round-shaped pot, like those that were in Soviet times.
2. Anatomical potty. This pot has a saddle shape, a backrest and a protrusion at the front. The child sits on this type of potty with legs spread apart.
3. Pot with a "skirt". This potty has a convenient footrest on the front. The convenience lies in the fact that when sitting down or standing up, the baby cannot overturn the potty, since his legs stand on the “skirt” and fix the position of the potty.
4. Potty chair. This potty resembles a real children's highchair with a back and legs. However, instead of sitting in this chair, there is an intake that can be easily pulled out to empty the contents.
5. Potty toy. A pot in the shape of an animal, a car or any other toy.
6. Musical pot. This potty is equipped with special sensors that react to the ingress of liquid: the baby pees - the melody turns on.
7. Collapsible pot. This is a hiking option for trips and guests. The pot has a hard plastic seat and a soft, foldable liner that is discarded when filled.

Photos of pots:

Classic potty Anatomical potty Potty-toy Potty-chair Potty with a skirt Musical potty Folding (camping) potty

Almost all modern pots are made of plastic, but you can also find an enamel pot if you wish. Some pots have a lid.

Potties for boys and girls

The physiological characteristics of boys and girls place some demands on the shape of the potty, although they are not at all strict.

• It is believed that a round pot is better for girls, since you can sit on it with your legs together.
• A boy's potty should ideally have a protrusion at the front. The baby sits on such a potty as if in a saddle, and the ledge protects the surrounding area from splashes.

Convenience, quality, safety

What other points should you pay close attention to when choosing a pot - a frequently used vital item. It must be reliable, convenient and, of course, completely safe.

The fashion for traditional metal enamel pots with a lid has passed. And it’s good, because metal products are heavy, cold, and children were often capricious, refusing to sit on them. Despite their relative durability and convenient shape, they are being purchased less and less.

The modern choice of modern parents is plastic children's potties. These models are lightweight and easy to keep clean. It is more comfortable to sit on them than on a metal product.

Just don’t forget that the quality of the plastic used in the production of children’s products must be high. It is better to buy children's potties in specialized stores, where they can provide a quality certificate for these products.

Some models of pots are made of plastic with the addition of antiseptics. These products can be washed without using household chemicals.

Which manufacturers are especially popular?

When buying a children's potty, remember that not only functionality is important for girls, but also appearance. These qualities are combined by the products of the Italian company Chicco (translated as “grain”, “sprout”), specializing in the manufacture of children's goods since 1958. The streamlined accessories with a universal anatomical seat are strikingly simple and are intended for children from 9 months. Geometry calculated to the smallest detail makes the models stable and reliable. Child psychologists worked on the design together with the artists. The delicate pastel pink color will appeal to little princesses, and the absence of bright details will set them in a businesslike mood. It feels like every item from the children's collection is made with love and care.

You can also read good reviews about the products of the famous American brand Fisher Price, which was one of the first to use plastic for the production of children's products. Parents especially highlight the interesting musical potty, which will introduce the child to the rules of using an adult toilet. It is shaped like a small toilet with a lid, flush lever and paper holder. The reservoir and mudguards are removable, so they are used by both girls and boys. This simulator is intended for children from one year old. Among the disadvantages is the musical accompaniment, which frightens, distracts or quickly gets boring for kids. But fortunately, there is a function to disable the option.

Simple models are better

Despite the wide range of modern pots, experts recommend simplicity and conciseness. Simple models come in two types: a standard form, where the child sits with his legs together, and a potty-saddle, which has a special separator resembling the pommel of a saddle so that the legs do not connect. The first option is recommended for a girl to buy, the second for a boy. The pots are made of plastic in different colors and usually come with a lid.

There is nothing in them that distracts the baby from the immediate process, and the potty is not perceived by the child as some kind of value. He will easily give it up in due time. And in kindergarten, where similar models are mainly used, the child does not experience problems or discomfort due to the habit of a “sophisticated” home potty.

Potty chair

The potty chair is a very convenient model. The design looks similar to a regular highchair. There is a hole in the seat where a container with a lid is inserted. The designs and colors of potty chairs are very diverse: from a modest stool to a “throne” with a high back and elegant armrests.

Potties with a back for boys are the right choice. The high back will prevent the boy from slipping and allow him to take the correct pose.

Their developers took into account the natural desire of children to imitate the life of adults and made potty chairs in the form of a smaller copy of a toilet, which attract many children and can serve as preparation for the time when the time comes to give up the potty. The disadvantages of these models include their rather large dimensions; they need a suitable place.

Inflatable potty

An interesting product, convenient to take on the road. Unlike folding pots, it fits in mom's purse. It is convenient to take an inflatable potty with you when going with your baby to a store, clinic, cafe, or on a visit. An inflatable potty gives you confidence that all hygiene standards will be observed when you are outside the home with your baby. The pot inflates and deflates quickly: it will take about a minute. The shape of inflatable children's toilets is very convenient. One significant drawback: after use, it must be rinsed with running water, which is not always possible.

Adviсe

Finally, a few more useful tips to help you choose a children's potty:

• The potty should be light, warm and comfortable, so give preference to plastic products.
• The potty must have a perfectly smooth surface without joints, defects, roughness or nicks to avoid injury to the baby’s delicate skin.
• A pot of any color is acceptable, but give preference to products in light colors, preferably white. The color of the child’s urine is clearly visible in them; the mother will immediately notice the slightest changes, which is important for constant monitoring of health.
• The pot must be stable. Please note: the baby will not sit still.
• The lid is an important part of the pot; choose models with lids.
• It is better to choose a pot with a handle: it is more convenient to remove the contents.

Criterias of choice

A pot is a purely individual matter, so, first of all, the owner should like it. I'll have to go to the store with my daughter. We suggest you cheat a little and invite the girl to choose among those models that completely suit you. When purchasing, be sure to:

1. Consider the gender of the child.
2. Pay attention to the size of the hole. Sometimes manufacturers indicate age restrictions on the label. But the best thing is to sit the baby down and make sure that the potty fits him.
3. Check the stability of the device and the reliability of the legs.
4. Inspect the surface for defects, roughness, and burrs. There should be no gaps or sharp, protruding edges between the high chair and the removable seat.
5. Ask the seller for a certificate of conformity to ensure the safety of the material from which the pot is made. It is better if it is plastic - light, warm, practical, easy to clean.
6. Choose a model with a handle, which makes it much easier to hold the pot out.
7. If possible, avoid complex designs and trendy modern bells and whistles.

Once the little princess decides on the color and design, she will become the happy owner of the best accessory in the world.