Pottete - for toddlers and parents on the move! (Pottete Fold-away Travel Potty)

Member Name: coflaherty

Product:	Pottete Fold-away Travel Potty
Date:	14/03/09 (134 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lightweight, compact, simple to use and very effective

Disadvantages: Perhaps a little expensive, but worth every penny for stress-free outings!

I bought this online from Mothercare whilst getting prepared for potty training my 2-year old, (although I'm not sure how prepared you can both be for this somewhat challenging stage!).

The Pottete is an ingenious fold away travel potty, which can also be used as a trainer toilet seat. Made in light weight plastic (pink or blue) it folds flat for easy storage in your buggy or nappy bag (yes, hopes of getting my handbag back have not yet materialised!). I paid £12.99 for mine, which included 3 disposable liners, but also bought a 10-pack of extra liners for a further £3.75. Ok, not cheap, given I only paid £3.99 for my son's actual potty (Tommee Tippee from Amazon - will also review), but I was really taken with the idea.

My first impression whilst unpacking it was a rather pleasant smell from the liners - it actually reminds me of my mum's perfume (which for obvious reasons I haven't mentioned to her!) - not the usual chemical sickly smell I have come to expect from such things. The liners easily loop round the legs, which fold down and give a solid 'click' into place. The liners contain an absorbent pad which soak up most, if not all, pee which is rather clever and then the whole thing can be removed, tied and thrown in a big, or the faithful nappy bag, in a flash - fab!

I have to say I was dreading the first time we needed to use this, but by day 3 of potty training we both desperately needed out of the house. When the words 'big pee pee' were cried (sending me into the usual whirl of panic trying to get trousers, pants down etc. and bum on potty before the inevitable flood) I was amazed and how easily I was able to lift out the potty, fold and click in the legs and plonk him on it, in what felt like one swift movement. I have to say I felt rather smug as I quickly whipped it away again, even remembering to replace with a new liner ready for next time. Quite an uncharacteristic moment of well-prepared mumdom...

This clever little invention (it must have been designed by a parent surely!) has given us such freedom, during what can be a trying time all round. Once clicked in place it is sturdy and my son is very comfortable using it virtually anywhere. I haven't used the trainer seat function yet, but might perhaps when the liners run out.

Altogether fab little gadget that gives me the confidence to go out for the day without the worry of accidents.

Summary: Freedom to get on with life during potty training