The Bottom Line: I definitely don’t recommend the Potty N’ Step Stool for boys, but the multi-functional aspects make it a practical and versatile choice for girls.
marybatson's Full Review: Safety 1st Potty 'N Step Stool 00171
It’s already been a year, and I can’t believe I’m still potty training my son. The day William started showing signs of readiness I dashed down to the store and picked out a potty. I selected what seemed to be the most child friendly option, and went with my gut. I came home with the Potty N’ Step Stool by Safety 1st. A short time later, I regretted the impulse purchase.
The Potty N’ Step Stool is a multi-functional potty training system, so to speak. It’s a standalone potty, a toilet trainer, and a step stool all in one. It comes fully assembled. Just take it out of the box, and snap-on the deflector shield, if need be. The Owner’s Guide includes written instructions as well as illustrations. It is quite comprehensive, and is printed in both English and Spanish. Potty N’ Step Stool is made of very durable plastic, and includes the following:
● Potty seat
● Potty base
● Collection bowl
● Deflector shield
● Potty training guide
The Potty
The standalone potty is a combination of a potty seat and a potty base. When completely assembled the potty rests directly on the floor. The seat is the perfect height for youngsters, measuring a comfortable 8” from the floor. The seat is rather wide, thus it accommodates larger frames, and older children as well. It includes a flip-top lid, side handles, and a contoured back, which provides extra security for little ones. The base includes a pullout drawer that stores the collection bowl, and the deflector shield for boys. To empty the potty one must lift the seat, and pullout the drawer to remove the collection bowl.
The Potty Trainer
As your child graduates to the next level, the potty can be transformed into a trainer for the family toilet. It’s simple. The seat is attached to the base by means of plastic hinges. Lift the hinges out of the slots, and remove the seat from the base. On the bottom of the seat are 4 plastic prongs that snap onto any standard toilet seat.
Step Stool
The 2-Step Stool is actually the potty base in disguise. All you do is remove the collection bowl, pullout the drawer, turn the base upside down, and place it on the floor in front of the toilet. The pullout drawer converts into the first step, and the bottom of the potty becomes the top step. To prevent slipping anti-slip pads are incorporated into the stool.
Collection Bowl
The collection bowl is a basic plastic bowl with handle and spout. It’s average in size, and adequate for the job. Incorporated into the potty base is a raised guide so the bowl is always positioned correctly.
Potty Trainer Guide
The Potty Trainer Guide offers no more than a paragraph, or two on the basics of potty training. It is written in English, Spanish, and French so if you’re learning a foreign language, as I am, it’s especially entertaining to translate potty verbiage.
Other Points of Interest:
● Do not use the trainer on a cushioned toilet seat
● Maximum weight limit is 50 pounds
Our Experience
Let me start by saying I have no affection for this potty. Nevertheless, I want to remain neutral in my overview of the product; therefore, after some reflection I have decided the step stool is my preferred feature of the Potty N’ Step Stool. The anti-slip pads do help to grip tile floors, although when wet, the stool slides as any other would. In spite of this, the step stool succeeds in being a handy feature for kids, so I got what I paid for.
By far, the deflector shield is my least favorite feature of the potty. For some reason, it’s made of a softer more pliable plastic, which affects its stability. The deflector shield is designed to flip down so the lid can close. It snaps onto the seat via knobbles, which are small protruding knobs. Since the knobbles are flexible, the deflector shield continually falls off the seat, and into the collection bowl. YUCK! If my son forgoes the deflector shield, I’m repeatedly wiping up urine, as well as sanitizing the floor. I have battled with the deflector shield for a year now, and I’ve finally accepted defeat. I’ve have since taught my son to hold himself down, so I can save my sanity, and disinfectant.
Overall, the design of the Safety 1st Potty N’ Step Stool is average. The pullout drawer sticks, so when used as a potty, this asset becomes a drawback. In addition, the seat wobbles, whether it’s attached to the potty base, or to the family toilet. This is an annoyance more than anything. The first time the seat wobbled it frightened my son OFF the potty, and away from training for a week. Potty training is problematical at best… the last thing adult’s need is another barrier. Another downside… the Potty Trainer isn’t one that should be snapped on and off on a daily basis. The prongs secure the seat to the toilet, which is safe, but aggravating for those who have to remove it to use the toilet. We have two bathrooms in our home so this only becomes an issue with visitors; although, I can’t imagine how maddening this would be in one bathroom homes. In a nutshell, I cautiously recommend the Potty N’ Step Stool. I definitely don’t recommend it for boys, but the multi-functional aspects make it a practical, and versatile choice for girls.
Safety 1st, Inc.
45 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021
Telephone USA: 1-800-723-3065 In Canada: 1-800-387-2229
www.safety1st.com
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