Potty training is a key milestone of male toddler development. Little boys step out of their diapers (saving mom and dad a significant amount of cash) and into a much larger world of responsibility and cleanliness. Children learn by modeling---by looking at a parent or role model and imitating what they do. For this reason, male guardians are important components in the effort to potty train young boys. Carefully consider your options when choosing a potty chair to find one that works best for your child.
Differences
The primary difference between a boy's and a girl's potty chair is that potty chairs for boys have a "splash guard." A splash guard is a small, cup-shaped device (sometimes built in, sometimes removable) that curves around the male toddler's penis when he is sitting on the chair. As its name implies, this device prevents the occasional splash that occurs when the child urinates, thereby minimizing messes. Although a potty chair with a splash guard is not necessary for successfully training little boys, it does make the process easier for the parent and more sanitary for the child.
Styles
Potty chairs are fabricated out of both heavy and lightweight materials. Some are portable, and some are designed to be stationary. Most potty chairs remain on the floor, but others have removable bowls that fit inside a regular toilet seat to aid in the transition from potty to toilet. Potty chairs come in multiple shapes, including that of recognizable cartoon/action characters. Basic potty chairs are molded from a single piece of plastic, whereas complex chairs have moving pieces and even electronic components that allow the chair to sing or speak to your toddler, encouraging him as he learns.
Consider your little boy's interests and preferences when purchasing a potty chair, as this will affect how well he likes to use it. Take him along when shopping for a potty chair, and let him help you pick one out. He can choose his favorite color, character and design. Make sure he sits on the seat before buying it to ensure it fits him and feels comfortable.
Pros
Lightweight potty chairs are easy to move around or take with you on trips. Consequently, these types of chairs are inexpensive and, sometimes, disposable.
Heavier chairs provide more stability and may double as a stepping stool for reaching the toilet if the chair comes equipped with a lid. These are useful in making the transition from potty chair to toilet, because little boys continue to have the security of their favorite potty chair although it serves a different role.
Potty chairs with removable cups or bowls make emptying the potty chair easier. Some people find these models are easier to clean, although the removable-bowl feature also means crevices and grooves where pee can lurk, unlike models molded out of single pieces of plastic.
Chairs that look like familiar children's characters or have lights and sounds can help transform the little boy's potty training into a fun and enjoyable experience.
Cons
Lightweight potty chairs carry with them the downside that little boys may choose to ride them across the floor. Naturally, this could be a rather messy foray for the parent to clean up.
With increased weight and stability comes increased cost. This is also true of electronic or trademarked potty chairs. Expect to pay more for a chair shaped like a famous character seen on Saturday-morning cartoons than you would for a basic baby-blue chair.
Potty chairs with removable cups or bowls, while convenient, also carry the added risk of pinch points where little boys may hurt themselves while going potty. The same can be true for potty chairs with hinged lids.
Techniques
Once you have selected the right potty chair, the next step is teaching your toddler to use it. Training male toddlers is a bit more complex than training little girls, because boys must learn both to sit for bowel movements and to stand for urination. For this reason, the most effective method is to keep things simple by first teaching your little boy to sit on the toilet or potty chair for both bowel movements and urination. Once this is accomplished, boys will naturally imitate their father, brothers or other male role models by wanting to urinate while standing. Because potty-chairs are low to the ground, this lesson should be taught using the toilet with the aid of a stepping stool or convertible potty chair. Bear in mind that little boys will likely have some trouble with their aim at first. Consequently, they may make messes on or around the toiled due to overspray. Patience and ample cleaning supplies will ease this transition as the toddler learns control.
