We all know kids love to play around with the iPad, or any tablet, really. Heck, they even think magazines should be tablets. But can you use an iPad to potty train your toddler? That's definitely what CTA Digital thought when one of their employees thought up the company's latest product, the iPotty (Yes, that's the official name).
The iPotty generally looks like what you'd expect any potty to look like. It's got a removable bowl for easy cleaning, a seat and seat cover as well as a pee guard. Then you look at the rest of the thing and your mind starts asking questions. Connected to the potty's base is a stand that's been specifically designed to clasp an iPad into place.
Perhaps just as important, the iPotty's tablet clasp also has a splashcover and removable screen case that I don't imagine anyone ever removing.
"It's novel to a lot of people but we've gotten great feedback from parents who think it'd be great for training," said CTA product specialist Camilo Gallardo.
Rave reviews from parents is good and all, but not everyone thinks it's such a great idea. The American Academy of Pediatrics has already gone on record saying children shouldn't be exposed to screens until after the age of two, so you can bet that trying to make your toddler go number two with the help of an iPad won't sit too well with them.
"Television and other entertainment media should be avoided for infants and children under age 2. A child's brain develops rapidly during these first years, and young children learn best by interacting with people, not screens," said the AAP.
The potty is reportedly safe for children from six months up to three years, but your definition of "safe" may vary depending on when you think kids should start using screens and electronics in general.
There are no apps specifically designed for the iPotty yet, though there are a number of potty-training apps available on Apple's app store. The iPotty will retail for $40 and will be released in February.
