If you have a child with special needs, then you know that toilet training can feel a little challenging. Often it isn't the case that your child is struggling with toilet training itself, but instead you worry about the facilities that are available while you're out living your daily lives.
If your child doesn't have a toilet seat immediately available that allows them to use the toilet effectively, be it because the toilet seats you find on most toilets simply aren't safe for your child or because they aren't comfortable for your child, then it can be easy as parents to simply put your child in a nappy while you're out, so any accidents don't affect the day you're having.
However, there are other things you can do instead, and one of the best things you can do is look out for special needs toilet training seats that can support your child with their toilet training. Want to find out more? Then read on below!
If your child has particular problems surrounding stability and coordination, then a great way to encourage balance on toilets is with a squatty potty. By using something like this, you're giving your child the opportunity to better their balance while using the toilet.
Often, your child may be uncomfortable using toilets in public because they aren't designed to support them properly, making them feel unstable, and when you're sitting on a toilet seat, this is unnerving.
A squatty potty will support balance and coordination, but it'll also promote posture, so your child is sat in a deep squat position. This helps relax muscles and encourages them to be able to 'go' effectively, without issue.
We recognize every child is different, and every child with special needs is different, too. So, if while reading the first suggestion you thought 'My child would need a lot more support than that, then something like this step stool with handles from GrowthPic might be a good option for you.
Of course, you know your child better than anyone, so if you think the steps are unsuitable for them, then you might want to head to the next section now.
If the steps are safe for them to use, then the step stool provides the same support that the squatty potty did above, by providing more stability and encouraging a position that will relax your child's muscles, which will help them go.
However, the handles provide even more stability, and having the slightly raised handles beside them can provide more confidence, and the soft cushioned seat with a splash guard will make the entire experience more comfortable for your child, too.
Maybe your child doesn't need the added support of the options above. Maybe all they really need is a portable toilet seat cover that's non-slip, comfortable, and sticks to toilet seats well to provide them with a smaller opening on the toilet.
Well, if that's the case, then Gimars portable potty training seat is a great alternative to special needs toilet training seats if they don't require the additional support and posture help that the ones above provide.
Better yet, if your child is at a friend's house or with others that don't have the facilities they need to use the toilet effectively, then you can pack this in their bag easily and discreetly, so they can just take it to the bathroom and place it on the toilet themselves so they're more comfortable using the toilet.
Sometimes a ring reducer is all that's needed to support your child with their toilet training needs. Again, this is for children with motor needs that might relate to coordination and balance.
Having a ring reducer is great for most kids anyway, but can be perfect for your child if they struggle with feeling safe on toilet seats or just need a little more guidance with their aim.
A ring reducer will make toileting easier and more accessible for all children, but again, you know your child, and you might feel that a ring reducer isn't enough to support their specific needs. If it isn't, then further support, such as the special needs toilet training seats listed below, might be of use to your child.
The GottaGo portable toilet from Firefly is specifically designed for children with special needs who might need further support with toileting. It's readily available in the UK, but you'll need to follow the instructions here to find out how to get one in the USA (or look at our alternative below).
This is a great portable toilet that's lightweight, comes with a backpack so you can take it anywhere, and is easily set up over any toilet while you're out on family trips.
It supports posture and balance and helps your child sit in that deep squat pose, while also having straps and belts that secure your child into place so they feel safe on the toilet.
They can use it at home or on the move, so you don't need to be stressed when leaving the house together about whether you'll be able to find appropriate facilities. This is a great option for children who need a little more support with toileting.
If you're unable to find the option above, or you simply don't like it, then the Rifton Stationary HTS is a great alternative.
In fact, this one has all the benefits of the GottaGo portable toilet, including a seat belt, supportive positioning, and increasing confidence for children who may feel less steady on conventional toilets, but it goes a step further too.
If you're taking it away from your home, then there is an optional pan that can be fitted to the base of the toilet which acts as a commode.
While you can use these special needs toilet training seats over the toilet too, they require a mounting bar, which are all different depending on the toilet you're using it over.
If you're using it at home permanently, then that's great, but if you're on a trip, then having the commode option is great. Your child will use the toilet as normal, and then you can simply dispose of it hygienically.
Hopefully, some of the special needs toilet training seats and toileting options we've discussed today will be helpful for you and your child. But we understand that parents may want to discuss these options with occupational therapists first to make sure they're useful before purchasing.
Talk with them about the options available that might benefit your child, as there are plenty of other options available to children with very specific special needs too, so they may offer an alternative.
Whatever the case, we hope you'll find an effective toilet training seat for your child soon, so everybody can be less stressed about using the toilet away from home!