Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best travel potties: portable potties and toilet training seats Mumsnetters won't leave home without
Are you preparing to head outside the home with your toilet-training toddler? Here are the best compact and portable travel potties, as recommended by Mumsnet parents.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Apr 16, 2024
Potty training your toddler can be a fairly overwhelming experience. While your child may be fairly confident using the potty in their familiar home surroundings, heading outside the house with your ‘nappy-free’ toddler can be a little more daunting for all concerned.
Taking a travel potty out and about can really take the pressure off, allowing you to enjoy a day with your toddler without needing to worry about the location of the nearest public toilets. Generally relatively compact in size, the best travel potties can easily be stashed in the basket of your pushchair or even in your changing bag, ensuring you’ve always got a solution to hand in case of toilet training emergencies. They can also help improve your child’s confidence, allowing some independence while reducing the risk of accidents.
With a range of designs to choose from, including stand-alone potties and compact fold-out designs, a travel potty or toilet training seat is ideal for day trips, travel, camping and holidays. Some travel potties can also be used as a hygienic toilet seat reducer, helping aid the transition from a potty to a regular toilet.
To bring you a definitive list of the best travel potties you can buy today, we tapped into the hive mind of Mumsnet parents, seeking their tried and tested recommendations on travel potties that have supported their child’s potty training journey. We then researched wider consumer feedback on the products Mumsnetters rate, gaining wider views on the potty’s ease of use and portability.
Whether it’s a disposable travel potty, a foldable travel potty or a travel seat for public toilets, here are the best travel potties that make toilet training outside of the home simple and stress-free.
Best travel potties at a glance:
Best overall travel potty: Pottette Plus 2-in-1 Compact Universal Potty | Buy now
Best budget travel potty: Hippychick Tron Travel Potty | Buy now
Best foldable travel potty: Pottiagogo Travel Potty | Buy now
Best travel potty seat: OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty | Buy now
Best travel potty for car journeys: My Carry Potty | Buy now
1. Best overall travel potty: Potette Plus 2-in-1 Compact Universal Potty and Toilet Training Seat
Price on writing: £17 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: H7 x W22 x D23cm | Type: 2-in-1 design
What we like
Includes three disposable biodegradable liners
Includes carry bag for travel
Stable rubber feet
Converts from potty to toilet trainer seat as your child grows
What we don’t like
The cost of liners can add up
What Mumsnet users say
We used the Potette Plus. It’s a really easy-to-use potty which folds flat and uses disposable liners. It can also be used as a toilet training seat. (Recommended by Mumsnet user MelBushman)
“We have a Potette Plus and I love it. My daughter calls it her 'out and about potty' It folds up for storage, and also right out to act as a little toilet seat so they can sit comfortably on the loo. We're in the throes of potty training and we've used it in a dance studio (loo seat), clothes shop (loo seat) and a park (potty) this weekend. Absolutely invaluable. It comes with plastic bag inserts, which you have to buy more of, but you can just as easily use a plastic shopping bag with a wad of kitchen roll in it.” (Rated by Mumsnet user Rainatnight)
Our verdict
When asked in the forums for potty training tips, the Potette Plus travel potty was mentioned by Mumsnet users time and time again.
An innovative 2-in-1 design with robust, fold-out legs, the Potette Plus Universal Potty and Toilet Training Seat can be used as a full-sized travel potty with disposable liners, or converted to a toilet training seat for a more comfortable public toilet experience for your child. After use, you can simply fold the legs down flat for compact storage, before popping into the hygienic carry bag and continuing on your travels.
The set includes three lightly scented biodegradable liners, with others sold separately as a pack of thirty. Making potty training almost fun, toddlers love how the pattern on the liner disappears when they get wet, while parents rate how the liquid turns to gel to prevent spills or leaks. With stable feet and a sturdy design that won’t collapse under your toddler’s weight, the Potette Plus is also really straightforward to clean after use.
Related: The best potty training pants, according to Mumsnetters
2. Best budget travel potty: Hippychick Tron Travel Potty
Price on writing: £10 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 48 x 24 x 9 cm | Type: Disposable
What we like
Small, lightweight design
Pops out for potty emergencies or during travel
Made from biodegradable materials
Supports up to 50kg in weight
What we don’t like
Works out more expensive as a long-term option
More suited to emergency use during travel
Less comfortable seat than stand-alone travel potties
What Mumsnet users say
“I always took them to the loo if nearby, or took a disposable travel potty. They’re by Hippychick and are very good.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Astromelia)
Our verdict
If you’re going camping, heading to a festival or planning a long car journey where your toddler needs to last longer between toilet trips, you may want to opt for an affordable disposable travel potty that will be easily accessible in case of emergencies.
These pop-out travel potties from Hippychick are a really practical solution - a convenient, fully-lined cardboard design that simply folds out to create a disposable potty when required.
Surprisingly sturdy, the Tron disposable potties can actually hold weights of up to 50kg, making them suitable even for older children if required. They’re also small enough to stash inside your coat pocket or handbag, so they won’t take up valuable storage space in your car.
Read next: The best breast pumps Mumsnetters swear by
3. Best foldable travel potty: Pottiagogo Travel Potty
Price on writing: £15 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 38.4 x 26 x 6.6 cm | Type: Stand alone travel potty
What we like
Realistic toilet shape aids the transition from potty to toilet
Includes pack of 20 liners
Safety lock to hold securely when in use
Innovative folding design
Compact for travel
What we don’t like
Requires two hands to fold back up after use
Additional liners sold separately
What Mumsnet users say
“Pottiagogo potties are really light and compact and have disposable liners. Good luck!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Pegsmum)
Our verdict
With a compact and lightweight design that easily fits underneath your pushchair, the innovative Pottiagogo travel potty opens quickly and easily with a simple one-handed flick. Converting from a flat portable unit to a stand-alone travel potty in seconds, it’s ideal for those emergency toilet trips, car journeys, camping and festivals, even when your toddler has a habit of going from distracted to desperate in seconds.
With a soft and comfortable toilet seat and a secure safety lock for stability, this travel potty is suitable for children aged 15 months to 5 years. Thanks to its realistic design, it can also help aid their transition to a full-sized toilet.
With a pack of twenty biodegradable potty liners included, the Pottiagogo is hygienic and easy to clean. It does require two hands to fold back down, however, with two safety buttons that need to be depressed simultaneously to compress.
Related: The best potty training books for stress-free toilet training
4. Best travel potty seat: OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty
Price on writing: £49 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 27.3 x 25cm | Type: 2-in-1 potty and toilet seat
What we like
2-in-1 potty and toilet seat
Quick to open for toilet emergencies
Moulded seat with a splatter guard
Flaps hold disposable liners in place during use
What we don’t like
Costly
Some reviewers felt it sat a little low to the ground for their toddlers
What Mumsnet users say
“I had this one for my daughter. So handy and compact; I just had it in my rucksack with a few normal pedal bin liners. Great for car journeys, using in public loos, travelling and everyday use.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user HairyFeline)
“I have a folding potty which you line with a bag, or you can use it on a toilet seat to make it smaller. Oxo Tot. It's been amazing!! Useful for when you're out & not near a toilet.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Topjoe19)
Our verdict
Thanks to its folding legs, this compact and portable travel potty converts from a potty to a toilet training seat in seconds, with the legs locking outwards to fit the majority of public toilets.
While this OXO Tot potty is fairly hard to come by and as a result doesn’t come cheap, Mumsnet users praised its compact and portable design that allows them to take it with them wherever they go.
We love how the disposable liners (sold separately) are conveniently held in place thanks to the flexible flaps on both sides of the seat. With a smooth surface and splatter guard, it's also easy to keep clean and hygienic, no matter how much it gets used on your travels.
Related: The best highchairs, tried and tested by Mumsnetters
5. Best travel potty for car journeys: My Carry Potty
Price on writing: £29 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 26 x 15cm | Type: Stand alone travel potty
What we like
Choice of bright and colourful designs
Carry handle for portability
Secure locking mechanism and leakproof seal
No disposable liners required
Large comfortable seat
What we don’t like
Quite bulky for younger ones to carry by themselves
What Mumsnet users say
“We have a My Carry Potty. Son loves it and uses it everywhere: in the park, in the woods, down the bottom of our (massive) garden. He prefers it over standing but will also happily sit on a toilet at home or in public” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Kindofcrunchy)
“We have a My Carry Potty. My son is a bit funny about using toilets and often has an urgent need for a poo. He won't be able to use it for too much longer as he's quite big for it (he's four in August) but I like the security it brings.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user mynameiscalypso)
“My Carry Potty is the best. It just goes in the bottom of the pram. It’s good not faffing with bags/having to clean it immediately because it’s all just sealed away.” (Rated by Mumsnet user Jujujuly)
Our verdict
When it comes to child appeal, they don’t come more child-friendly than the bright and fun characters from My Carry Potty, with a wide range of super-cute designs including everything from brightly coloured blocks to dinosaurs, penguins and ladybirds.
This multi-award winning potty may be a bit more bulky to carry than some, however, kids love the portable carry handle, allowing them to take it with them wherever they go. A stand-alone, bag-free design, the seat is large and comfortable with an integrated splash guard suitable for children from 15-36 months.
We love the secure locking mechanism and leakproof, water-tight seal, helping keep the contents (and odours) fully contained until you reach a convenient place to empty it.
Read next: The best toys for 2-year-olds - Mumsnetters share their top tips
6. Best compact travel potty: The Whizzer by Kiddiwhizz
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 7 x 7 x 13 cm | Type: Handheld potty
What we like
Lightweight, compact, portable design
Suitable for children up to 8 years
Moulded design for privacy
Leakproof when full
Easy to clean
What we don’t like
Handheld design may be less suited to younger children or toddlers with questionable aim
Some reviewers felt the bottle should be bigger
What Mumsnet users say
“I've recently bought a Whizzer to take with us instead of the travel potty - good to have an option in the back pocket if he literally can't relax enough to urinate in a public loo” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user IvanTheDragon)
“These are brilliant and saw me through potty training both my girls!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user FinallyMrsE)
Our verdict
Available in a choice of colours, this handheld travel toilet is made from high-grade silicone and is quickly assembled to create a convenient travel toilet for car journeys, camping or anywhere your child may need a wee outside of the home.
With a compact design that is small enough to pop inside your handbag, you simply peel off the lid and attach the spout before use. Designed to be used in an upright standing position; the privacy shield allows discrete use for both boys and girls.
While some users felt the container could be bigger, it can hold up to 250ml, which the brand claims reflects the average size of an eight-year-old’s bladder - plenty to accommodate potty-training children. Completely leak-free when full, you can simply empty and clean the Whizzer when you reach your destination.
Related: The best toys for 3-year-olds - top gifts for preschoolers
7. Best travel seat for public toilets: Pejoye Foldable Potty Toilet Training Seat
Price on writing: £9.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 35.56 x 25.4 x 2.51cm | Type: Travel seat / seat reducer
What we like
Fun frog character
Compact and portable folding design
Non-slip pads for secure fit
Easy to clean
Comes with a carry bag to store after use
What we don’t like
May not fit toilets with square seats
Not as sturdy as one-piece toilet seat reducers
What Mumsnet users say
“You can get folding toilet seats for toddlers. Ours lives in my changing bag as my son is very slight and feels unsteady on toilets even if I hold him and so refuses to use them without a toddler seat.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Hedgeh0g)
Our verdict
Suitable for kids from 12 months to eight years, this foldable toilet seat is ideal for travelling away from home, creating a hygienic and practical toilet solution for use at service stations, hotels, restaurants or other public toilets.
Stored in its own portable travel pouch, it takes up very little space in your bag, before opening out to create a cute, child-friendly frog character and a familiar toilet training aid for your toddler.
This comfortable and hygienic toilet seat has non-slip pads that hold the seat securely in place during use, allowing your toddler to use the toilet independently without needing to be held.
Read next: Best toddler reins to keep your little ones close
8. Best travel potty for comfort: Potette Max 3-in-1 Potty
Price on writing: £25 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 32 x 27 x 2.51cm | Type: 3 in 1 design
What we like
3-in-1 design suitable as a home potty, travel potty and toilet training seat
Hard reusable liner for home use
Legs fold flat to convert from potty to toilet training seat
Three disposable liners included
Includes travel bag
What we don’t like
More costly than some
Disposable liners can be expensive to buy separately
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a comfortable full-sized potty that can be used both inside and outside the home, the Potette Max 3-in-1 potty is the ideal choice, with an intelligent design that converts from a home potty to a travel potty and even a toilet training seat for use in public toilets.
The lightweight and compact nature of the Potette Max makes it easy to move around the home, using the hygienic hard liner that allows you to safely dispose of the contents and clean the potty between each use.
When used outside the home, this versatile potty training tool comes with three biodegradable liners and a travel bag for complete convenience. Just like the Potette Plus, we love how the pattern on the liner disappears when they get wet.
When visiting public toilets, you can also quickly convert this potty to a training seat by simply folding the legs out flat
9. Best easy empty potty: Pourty Easy to Pour Potty
Price on writing: £11 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size: 30 x 17 x 24 cm | Type: Stand alone potty
What we like
Handle and spout make it easy to empty
Comfortable seat with a high splash guard
Stable
What we don’t like
More suitable for use in the home
The bulkier design doesn't fold flat
Less portable than some official travel potties above
What Mumsnet users say
“You can get a Pourty, which is a potty that’s designed to be emptied easily.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user OhhhPeee)
Our verdict
Whilst not technically a travel potty, the Pourty potty has a unique easy-to-empty design that makes it convenient to use, even outside of the home.
With a sturdy plastic design with a wide spacious seat and splash guard, this potty has a carry handle and pouring duct that allows you to wash away the contents after use. Even better, it doesn’t pour over the areas your child is likely to touch - making it more hygienic and easy to clean.
Whilst it's less compact and portable to use outside the home, it may be a good option for toddlers who are less comfortable using ‘non-familiar’ toilets outside the home.
What are travel potties for?
An important part of your toddlers’ toilet training journey, a travel potty is a compact, portable and sometimes foldable potty that can easily be used outside of the home - whether that's as a stand-alone potty or a seat reducer for use on a traditional public toilet.
For toddlers who are early into their toilet training journey and may get caught short, travel potties provide a comfortable and familiar experience when using the toilet outside, on holiday or during travel.
What types of travel potty are available?
There are a variety of travel potty options and which is right for you will depend upon your child's age, size and stage of potty training
Disposable travel potties - These are best suited for occasional/emergency use, such as a long car journey with a recently potty-trained toddler who hasn’t yet been tested over longer periods. Whilst relatively affordable, they obviously work out more expensive if used over the long term and aren’t the most sustainable choice.
Foldable/collapsable travel potties - With some big plus points for portability, these travel potties collapse down flat or have legs that fold in to make them more compact and easy to carry when not in use.
Stand-alone travel potty - Whilst these don’t tend to fold down flat, these more robust travel potties are often more comfortable for toddlers, with large seats that are more similar in nature to a traditional toilet. Some require emptying immediately after use, while others have a seal to prevent leakage until you reach home or a convenient place to empty and clean.
Seat reducer/portable travel seat - Ideal for children who are confident using a potty but may feel less comfortable on a full-sized public toilet, these fold-out seats can be placed on top of the traditional toilet seat to reduce the size. These can help children feel more independent when using public toilets, without the need to be held by a parent.
Multipurpose 2-in-1/ 3-in-1 seats - The most versatile choice, these designs can adapt to your child’s needs as they grow, switching between a potty and toilet training seat as required for use both inside and outside the home.
Things to consider when choosing a travel potty
How old is your child? - What stage is your child at in their toilet training journey? If you’re planning to use a travel potty with an older child, you’ll need to check the weight or size limits to ensure they offer a safe and comfortable fit.
How portable is it? - How easy is the travel potty to carry? Does it fold down flat or include a carry bag? Can it fit into your bag or basket of your pushchair for convenience? Consider how you want to transport it and look for more compact designs if you’re limited on space or prefer a more discrete potty.
How easy is it to clean/empty? - How easy is the travel potty to clean? Does it need to be emptied immediately or can it contain the contents and odours until you return home?
Does it require liners? - Does it require the use of disposable liners and if so, are any included with the purchase? It’s worth considering how much the liners cost to replace and factor this into the overall cost. Other designs such as the My Carry Potty can be used without liners, but tend to be a little more bulky as a result.
How easy is it to use? - For designs that fold out or convert, how easy are they to use? Can they be set up quickly in the event of a toilet emergency? How robust are they and do they have non-slip feet that can hold it securely in place during use?
How comfortable is it for your child? - Does it provide a comfortable and familiar base for your child to sit on during use? Is the seat spacious enough and how similar does it feel to an adult toilet?
Does it adapt to your child’s needs as they grow? - Can the potty convert to a toilet training seat/seat reducer as your child grows in confidence?
How much does it cost? - How much are you willing to spend? Some parents prefer to opt for a budget-friendly choice for occasional or emergency use only, whereas you may be willing to spend a little more if you spend a lot of time outside the home with your toddler.
Tips for getting out and about while potty training
Spending time outside the home whilst potty training can be challenging, but here are some of Mumsnet users’ best tips to make the experience run smoothly.
1. Take your child to the toilet at regular intervals
Toddlers can’t necessarily go for a ‘just in case’ wee like adults do, however offering the toilet regularly or simply reminding your toddler that a toilet is close by can help reduce the risk of accidents.
“I would just take him to the toilet really regularly. There are toilets on most trains, in some stations, and all museums.” (Tip from Mumsnet user Hopeislost)
2. Bring the travel potty
Taking a travel potty with you, even if you don’t end up using it can provide additional reassurance and peace of mind.
“Just bring a potty with you and keep asking them if they need to use it. The less fuss you make and the more you keep up with your usual routine the quicker they'll learn. People make the mistake of staying in with trousers off all week, but then forget they still need to learn to stay dry when out the house.” (Suggestion from Mumsnet user strongcupofTea)
3. Don’t be afraid to take pull-ups
If you’re likely to spend a significant amount of time travelling where toilet stops can be unpredictable, don’t be afraid to use a pull-up, even if over their normal pants. This can provide a backup in the event of an accident.
“We had some long journeys and in those situations, we used pull-ups over normal pants and called them 'travel pants'. We didn't let on that they were absorbent / like nappies but they were useful for reassurance (ours, not the children’s) in case we couldn't make the loo in time. Wearing them over pants means they don't feel like nappies and avoid confusion.” (Advice from Mumsnet user Elevenplusdilemma)
4. Take spare pants and nappy sacks
Accept that sometimes potty training takes practice. With all the will in the world, your child may get distracted and forget they need the toilet before it's too late. Take spare clothes and knickers with you on your travel, along with somewhere to stash soiled clothing in the event of an accident.
“Along with spare underwear and pants, take a bunch of nappy sacks. You don't want wet wee-stinking clothes loose in your bag!” (Tip from Mumsnet user MooseBreath)
What is the best travel potty to buy?
Our top pick for a travel potty is the Potette Plus thanks to its stable yet compact and portable design that adapts to your child’s needs as they grow.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnet forums are full of hints and tips from parents about their child’s potty training experience, with many users sharing the methods and tools that have supported their child to become dry during the day and night
First, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users, to get their feedback on the travel potties that they rate, recommend and have used with their own children.
We also looked out for any negative reviews, where Mumsetters highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, difficult to clean or bulky to use outside of the home.
Expert opinions
Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning products or those that were well regarded in the marketplace.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, to bring you our definitive list of the best travel potties on the market, we thoroughly investigated genuine, in-depth customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Argos and John Lewis to get wider consumer experiences regarding the potties on our shortlist.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
With two girls of her own, Lucy knows only too well the fear that can arise when your newly potty-trained child needs a wee (usually at the furthest point away from a toilet). She’s tested a variety of toilet training tools in her time, including some of the brands featured in this piece.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.