Potties & Toilet Seats
When you start toilet training you begin using a potty or toilet. If you use the toilet you need to use a tool to make the hole smaller so your child doesn't struggle just to hold on. This is typically called a toilet seat insert.
The decision to use a potty or go straight to the toilet is determined by the following:
1. Age of your child
2. Your game plan
3. Your child's personality
1. AGE: If you child is nearing two years old I would personally head straight for the toilet. The sooner you get to the toilet the easier it is for you to leave the home, go to Nannas, day care, it is all toilet orientated. Obviously if you are starting a baby the potty is easier.
2. YOUR GAME PLAN: Deciding to use a potty has added implications of clean out and transition. My sister went straight to the toilet with her twin boys at 14months because she had the right tools and it was easier and she couldn't stand the thought of double potty clean out.
3. YOUR CHILD: If you have a child with a more cautious personality that doesn't like change, then it will be easier to head straight for the toilet rather than creating one habit with the potty to have to change it later on. They just don't like change so teach them your ideal scenario from the beginning.
If you decide to use a toilet you need what's called a toilet seat insert. No insert is ideal as it is an add/remove scenario. Storage, comfort, ease of use are compromised when using an insert. The solution is to use a fixed child and adult seat in one like the Lupi Lu. Using toilet seat insert is a time investment of EVERY DAY for approximately 3-5 years depending on when you start. Your sanity is paramount with considering the ultimate solution that makes it better for your child and yourself.
When you start toilet training you can begin using a potty or toilet. If you use the toilet you need to use a tool to make the hole smaller so your child doesn't struggle just to hold on. The potty is temporary, a toilet insert can be used for years.
