Potties come in a dizzying array of types, shapes and sizes. We've done the research and come up with five potty picks, one for every type of toddler.

It may seem like you're going to be changing diapers forever, but the day will come when your toddler is ready for potty training. Every child matures at his or her own rate, so don't let (not-so) well-meaning parents of precocious toddlers pressure you into starting your child on the potty too early. Instead, look for signs that your baby is eager to take that next step:

• Follows you to the bathroom
• Imitates your toileting
• Pulls off diaper when it’s dirty or tells you when it needs changing
• Can undress or pull down pants independently
• Stays dry for at least three hours

Even if your child isn’t totally ready to start, you probably want to start potty shopping so you can be ready for that momentous milestone. Potties come in a dizzying array of types, shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one for your child can be difficult. No sweat. We've done some of the research to save you time and come up with five potty picks for every type of toddler.

1. For Bathroom Readers and Older Toddlers: Prince Lionheart pottyPOD

Toddlers like how the soft, cushiony seat on the Prince Lionheart pottyPOD cradles the tush and feels comfortably soft, no matter how many potty songs you sing together and books you read. The pottyPOD is also the only anti-microbial potty on the market, as the seat is treated to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can cause odors and mildew - a big selling point for us. Like most potties, the bowl and optional deflector shield remove easily for clean-up; but the pottyPOD's foam seat is also removable so you can give it a deep-down clean. This one’s great for older toddlers, as the non-skid base flips over to add height for a little more legroom. On the other hand, this can make it a little big for the youngest tots.

Comes in green, blue and pink.

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2. For the Easy-to-Bribe: Safety 1st Smart Rewards Potty

The Safety 1st Smart Rewards Potty is the ideal choice for gadget-loving toddlers. This interactive trainer helps guide the just-ready child through each training stage with all kinds of bells and whistles, rewarding her with phrases, songs and stickers as she develops new potty habits; she'll hear a greeting when she sits down, a song when she goes and a reward and flushing sound after she's done. When your tot’s ready to move to the grown-up toilet, the trainer seat lifts off for an easy transition. This potty’s bowl is removable for fast and easy clean-up; there's also an optional deflector shield. We love this potty's bells and whistles, but it's easy to see how the music can drive some parents - and their kids, too - crazy after a while. Note to Safety 1st: Add a volume control!

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3. For Big Kid Wanna-bes - BABYBJÖRN Toilet Trainer

The BABYBJÖRN Toilet Trainer is perfect for when your child is ready to transition to a grown-up toilet. The ergonomic design of the Toilet Trainer ensures your child is correctly and comfortably seated, while keeping him safe and secure. The seat has a built-in, angled splash guard to keep things neat and tidy, and a smaller opening that leaves plenty of room for wiping. This adapter seat soared to the top of our list because it fits toilets of all sizes and requires adjusting only before the first use. Built-in handle makes it easy to remove and store.

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4. For Mod Tots (and very early trainers): Hoppop Donut Potty

We love the Hoppop Donut Potty not just for its sweet name, but also because it's simple and beautifully designed - in fact, it won a 2011 red dot design award, joining the ranks of products like the Apple iPad and Dyson vacuum cleaners. The Donut Potty sits low to the ground and has a wide base that won't topple over easily, so it's great for little ones who are just starting out on their potty-training journey. On the flip side, there is a chance your baby will outgrow it before she's fully trained. The one-piece bowl/seat lifts out easily for cleaning and has a built-in splash guard to keep messes to a minimum. Comes in lime, aqua and fuschia.

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5. For Creatures of Habit: My Carry Potty

Perfect for the type of tot who will only go in his or her own potty, My Carry Potty is a lightweight, portable training toilet that's leak- and odor-proof. My Carry Potty (we think this neat invention should be called the iCarryPotty) is designed to fold up neatly with a watertight seal so toddlers can tote it around to the park, the beach, on car trips or even from room-to-room – even after they’ve used it. We love that this ingenious model doesn't require liners or bags, unlike other portable potties, so you'll save money and the environment, and never be caught off-guard when your child needs to go. Comes in yellow, blue and pink.

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