So, I had another topic in mind for today, but this little gem of a new product keeps popping up everywhere I turn on the internets, from PBS Parents, to the NY Daily News, to the Daily Mail in the UK – I figured it was worth a mention on Austin Moms Blog!

It’s called the iPotty.  Essentially it is a basic training potty, but has a built in stand that you can use for your iPad.  According to Gizmag (an online source on new and emerging technologies):

“The iPotty has been designed to help children learn to use the potty by keeping them entertained when nature calls. The idea is that they won’t mind sitting there for longer if they’re watching a favorite cartoon or playing Angry Birds. …

The stand can be rotated between vertical and horizontal views and adjusted to three positions. The iPotty is said to be suitable for children from six months to three years. In case you’re worried about the safety of your precious one (the iPad, obviously), there’s a removable screen guard cover to protect it from almost anything your little one can “throw” at it.”

The developers of this product decided to invent this after reports showed a large increase in the number of iPad’s being given to children (as young as 3!) for Christmas.  This new product is set to go on sale in March on Amazon.com, retailing for around $40.  iPad not included.

So – I have varying opinions on this product.  While I am not sure how I feel about the iPad aspect, I actually kind of like the overall design of the potty – and could see myself utilizing the iPad stand for a coloring book or actual book itself.  I spent a LOT of time sitting on the floor reading books when we potty trained Hudson, so I can see the benefit to having a little stand attached to the potty.  And, I have an iPad, so I can’t say if I will/won’t utilize it when Finn is older and potty training.  If I remember correctly, we were all about rewards and bribery (don’t judge!), so maybe this isn’t so bad after all?

If you read any of the comments on PBS Parents facebook posting on this topic, or any articles, you’ll see that there are some STRONG and very differing opinions.

Some people view this as completely ridiculous – kids are too tuned in as it is to technology, it’s the parent’s job to potty train, not an iPad.  While others see it as a great tool to help keep their kid sitting on the potty for the zillion hours it takes to potty train.

“Quite why a two-year-old needs to check emails, write memos or even

just stab wildly at the screen while spending a penny is anyone’s guess,

though the firm says it’s had brilliant feedback from busy parents”Daily Mail.

So what do you think of the iPotty?  Great idea or goofy idea?  Would you consider purchasing the iPotty to assist in potty training your kiddo?

 

 

 

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