I chose this potty when my son was about 8 months old, and able to sit up on his own. Now, I didn't start training him until a year later, but the small size and simplicity was perfect for getting used to the idea.

There was a period when my son played with the potty, putting it on his head, dragging it around. Why not, he is getting acquainted with the object in any way he wants. Even if he was not using it for the intended purpose, he was never intimidated by it. I am sure, had it any removable parts, my son would have removed them. For us, one-piece potty is perfect.

When my son was 21 months old, I started training him. The size of the potty is perfect for him to sit on, he is comfortable, he can sit down and get up without any help, and the small splash-guard protects from spills. The potty is designed so that the base is very wide, and it won't tip over. For the benefits of the light weight, the baby can pick the potty up by himself and carry it to the toilet to pour contents out (mine does, with supervision, of course).

The result: after about 2 weeks training my son can do everything by himself with this potty. It doesn't have any bells or whistles, but neither does an "adult" toilet, does it? The one-piece construction doesn't get little fingers or hands caught anywhere, and the small size allows for easy carrying in or out of the house. I can't imagine what more we may need.

Oh, and we are yet to see a scratch or a crack on the potty, which already has been kicked, thrown, tripped over, and has endured all the toddler's explorations and tests.