Potty training is one of the most popular topics to discuss when it comes to babies. My son was fully trained at home at 22 months. Some might say it’s too early and some might even say it’s too late. I personally think the earlier the better, as long as the baby cooperates. Getting potty trained before 2 years old certainly creates some new found challenges. Such as using toilets outside the house. While my little guy can use his potty at home by himself, when we are out he can’t properly communicate that he needs to go potty. Thus we are still using diapers when we go out…

I had absolutely no idea how to even start outside the house training, until I found out about On-the-Go Inflatable Potty. The name of this product speaks for itself. It’s a special potty seat, which inflates and deflates and is perfect for travel.

On-the-Go Potty Seat comes deflates in a little box. It doesn’t take up any space comparing to regular potty seats or plastic toilet inserts thus is convenient to take on the go. At first I had a little difficulty inflating the seat. My husband was able to do it right away, but it was harder for me. After a couple of tries I figured out that instead of “gently squeezing the inflating valve with fingers” like it says in the instructions I just had to gently bite on the valve with my teeth while inflating it. After working this little issue out, I was able to quickly inflate the potty with 3-4 deep breaths, which is just a couple of seconds. I then popped it on the toilet and showed it to my son. To my surprise, he showed a lot of interest in this new addition to the bathroom. Before, when I switched his actual potty, he hated the new one at first and he also didn’t like his toilet seat insert. Being so small, he obviously can’t get on the toilet by himself yet. I sat him down and he went pee! Needless to say, mommy was very happy. I keep the inflatable potty ready to go in the bathroom and if he’s there with me, he’ll put it on the toilet himself if he has to go. Outside of the bathroom, he usually uses a regular potty in the living room (that way he’s always aware of it and remembers about it when he has to go).

Now, back to my dilemma. How to potty train outside the house? I think the inflatable potty seat is a great invention. Since little guy knows it and knows what it’s for, maybe when we go out, I would be able to use that in addition to diapers (at first). We went to the local mall to try it out. They actually have a small toilet for kids in the family bathroom. When I inflated the potty seat, my little guy was excited to see it and he pointed for me to put it on the toilet. However when I popped it on and started to take his pants off, he started to get very frustrated with me. I sat him on the seat and he immediately got off it. I decided not to pressure him and just try again next time. So far we’ve tried using it in a public toilet a couple of times and so far with no luck… He will gladly use it at home, but wants nothing to do with any other toilets. I’m not sure if at 25 months he’s still to young to understand the concept of going on the toilet or if I just have a very stubborn baby.

So in addition to my long ramble above, what do I honestly think of the inflatable potty seat? I really think it’s a great invention! Even if it doesn’t work outside the house at first, it can be used at home to teach baby how to go on the real toilet and not the potty. It retails for only $9.99 and as far as I know, it’s cheaper than plastic toilet inserts for babies. The On-the-Go Potty has a lot of details and features you wouldn’t think an inflatable potty would have! It has a backrest, which my kid does recline on. It has handles, which also come in handy. It has a base which inserts into the toilet to prevent the potty from sliding around, meaning when it’s on the toilet – it doesn’t move at all! It also has a very soft cushion for delicate little bums.

So is there anything I would change about this potty? I would make the inflating valve bigger, but apparently they have already made this improvement in their newer models! I’ve actually been waiting for a new potty in the mail, but with recent Canada Post strike it seems like nothing is getting to me anymore! (update – I finally received the 2nd package which contained a newer model of the potty. It has a much bigger inflation valve and is a lot easier to inflate. I really gotta add that On-the-Go Inflatables has amazing customer service! If you are not completely satisfied with your potty, they will do everything in their power to make sure you are happy in the end!) Another thing I would add in is some kind of a pouch to carry the deflated potty. I’m a big germaphobe, and after using the potty seat on a public toilet, I just want it out of my sight so I can thoroughly clean it at home. For now, I’ve just been carrying it in a small plastic bag. (update – After I posted it I realized that there was a little plastic baggy in the box to carry the potty in, but I still stand by my word and think that it needs a nicer baggy than a sandwich-type one :) Also FYI, there is a sticker-patch to repair the potty if needed.)

Final word. if you are looking into buying a plastic toilet insert, get the On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seat instead! I would still keep the regular potty though :)

Giveaway Prize:
One lucky winner will receive the On-the-Go Inflatable Potty in their choice of color (RV $10)

How to enter:
- Complete the mandatory entry and leave a separate comment for each bonus entry
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Rules:
This giveaway is open to residents of USA & CANADA and will end on August  4, 2011 at 11:59PM PST. Winner will be determined via random.org and notified via e-mail. They will have 48 hours to respond back or another winner will be chosen. One entry per household/isp.