Whether you go for the potty or the toilet is up to you - there's no right and wrong, it just depends on what you and your child prefer. But to prevent confusion, make sure your child routinely uses one or the other, whether they're with you, a childminder or at nursery. Also, bear in mind these pros and cons...
- A potty is small, easy to use, non-threatening, and comes in bright designs, making it more enticing than a trainer seat.
- A toilet trainer seat can't be moved from room to room, like a potty, but it's better if your child wees or poos in the bathroom anyway.
- A potty promotes independence, as a child can use it without help, whereas with a toilet, your toddler will need a step and possibly a footstool, and will have to be supervised throughout use.
- A toilet can simply be flushed, but a potty must be cleaned after each use.
- With a potty, the child will have to make the inevitable transition to a regular toilet.
- If your child is used to the potty and you forget it when you go out, your child may have to use a toilet anyway, which may confuse him.
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