Win Mikko's favorite new potty experience. Before you ask, yes, he was just about to have a haircut.
I am happy to be giving away FIVE On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seats from On-the-Go Inflatables.
This is a unique pottying tool that will be useful for the potty-learning toddlers out there as well as those parents doing elimination communication with their babies.
What do you do when you have a potty-training toddler or an EC baby and you want to leave the house?
Michael McGuire, the founder of On-the-Go Inflatables — "For Today's Traveling Toddlers" — found out first-hand when his family went on vacation to a theme park. His wife took their young daughter into a bathroom, and the little girl came out in tears, afraid of the gaping hole of the unfamiliar adult toilet. Adult toilets are just too big for little bums.
Michael asked why his wife hadn't brought a travel potty or seat insert. Lug that heavy, dirty, plastic thing around all day? asked Mike's wife. No thanks!
Mike likes a challenge. When he got home, he took his daughter's toilet seat insert and an old rubber raft, made a pattern, melted the edges of the rubber together, and crafted the first inflatable potty seat insert!
The company started producing the seats for sale last year. Michael was kind enough to send me a sample to try, and here's my honest take on the inflatable seat, as used by my 2-and-a-half-year-old, Mikko.
Mikko usually uses a little potty or a toilet seat insert at home. When we're out, though, we have more of a quandary. He is terrified of public toilets; some of it's the flush, and some of it is that gaping opening that scared Michael McGuire's daughter. So I've taken to lugging around a small potty in the car, along with a foldable seat insert.
But the problems with both are that they're bulky, hard plastic. You can't just toss them in a purse and be on your way. In fact, we've had instances in taking the bus where we've been inadvertently stranded somewhere without a Mikko-acceptable pottying option.
Here's the (open but deflated) On-the-Go Potty Seat next to a typical seat reducer and small potty: You can see it's roomier than they are when fully opened.
The On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seat is the perfect solution to transportable pottying. Opened up and inflated, it's actually bigger and cushier than a standard toilet seat insert. But deflated, using the quick-release deflating valve on the back, and rolled up, it's only about as long as your hand.
Here's the blue On-the-Go Potty Seat deflated and rolled, to show you how much more compact it is for transporting than other potty options.
The On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seat solves some of the other downsides to the traditional travel potty options, as well, at least as experienced by Mikko and us! We have one travel potty that requires disposable liners to use it, which can be expensive and is non-eco-friendly. Fold-up toilet inserts often have seams to pinch little legs, and they sometimes are designed so that they slide around on the top of the adult seat instead of nesting inside. If you don't use a flush toilet — if, for instance, you just bring a regular little potty — then you're stuck with the question of what to do with the waste if you're not near a flush toilet. We've made a few surreptitious trips to a handy drain when we've been pottying Mikko in the car. Having a seat insert that works with any standard public or private toilet means it's as convenient to potty your child as it is to go yourself!
But what does all this matter...unless the child likes it? Well, ever since we got it, it's been Mikko's favorite toileting option.
The comfy inflated back rest. You can see the top inflater valve and the lower quick-deflate release valve.
- Why is it Mikko's favorite? I think because it's so nice and cushy. Have you ever slept on an air mattress or bounced on a birth ball? There's something inherently comfy about being suspended on a cushion of air.
- It even has a comfortable back rest, not a feature I've seen on most toilet inserts (or any, come to think of it!).
- Mikko also likes the sturdy handles at the sides. He actually uses them to hang on to as he goes. I don't think he's in any danger of falling off the pot, but he probably likes the feeling of security it gives, considering he's a little guy and therefore high off the ground.
- The inflatable bottom of it (ha ha! I said "bottom" in a potty post) wedges snugly into the toilet opening and doesn't scoot around like plastic versions. I haven't tried it in a wide variety of toilets, but I'm guessing it would adapt well to various opening shapes and sizes, since the air could be squished one direction or another, and you could always deflate it a little if you needed more wiggle room.
Hold on tight. It's going to get rough.But we were once again out in such a way — on a walk through the rain — that necessitated streamlined pottying. I was meeting friends at a restaurant, and there was no way I was lugging his plastic potty along with me. The On-the-Go Inflatable Seat slipped into the stroller bag, easy as pie, and we were off.
I lucked out that the restaurant had one of those single-stall deals, more like home than business and with no automatic flushes, so we could lock the door and take our time. I fully expected a screaming fit from Mikko, and he didn't disappoint me as I used the toilet myself. I told him he didn't have to go, that we would just wash our hands. He consented to that and calmed down a little as we soaped up at the sink.
The inflated stabilization ring keeps the seat snug as a bug.I fit it snugly into the big toilet and then calmly reached over and got him ready. He let me pick him up and settle him onto Big Blue (there — I've given it a nickname) without a murmur, and within seconds there was a merry tinkling.
Success!
I can't tell you how high I was off this, because if only you knew the tears and drama we always go through in public restrooms! For Mikko to actually pee in a foreign toilet was an astounding feat, and I have to give credit to the novelty and comfort of the On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seat (aka Big Blue).
Now, what would I change about the seat?
- One thing that's unfortunate for us about this seat reducer, as with ALL seat reducers and ALL infant potties is that the opening is actually a little too small for Mikko. I don't know if we have a particularly large-bottomed child or what, but I always have to scootch Mikko way back till his butt's past the opening, and then lean him forward. Especially considering he has boy parts and there's no pee shield, this is the only way to avoid unintended splashiness. Like I said, this is a problem we've had with every single potty and seat reducer we own, so quite probably Mikko's large size is skewing our results, but I did want to point it out.
- The other issue I've had is that I found the seat a little hard to inflate. You're supposed to gently squeeze the base, to open up the valve slightly, while blowing in. My husband has no problem getting just the right amount of pressure going, but I found it trickier.
Sam having absolutely no problem blowing up the potty seat, apparently from the mouth of a cave.I actually contacted Michael of On-the-Go Inflatables about both issues, and he was very understanding and friendly and had these responses:
- I am, indeed, the only person who has yet complained about the size of the opening! So I think we have to chalk this one up to Mikko's tremendous size. That said, Mike did suggest that they will consider adding a pee shield sort of flap to future models of boy-specific seats, so give feedback to On-the-Go Inflatables if that's something you'd desire.
- There have been a very few complaints of valve tightness and difficulties inflating. The newer batch being manufactured now has bigger valves to help with this problem. If you have trouble inflating your potty seat: First of all, follow directions to gently squeeze at the base of the valve. Secondly, the valve should loosen up over time and make things easier. Thirdly, another change in production is that the company might potentially include an air canister to help you pump up the seat. Fourthly, Michael said to please feel free to call or email him personally to get a replacement if the valve is a real problem for you. He was telling me that On-the-Go Inflatables is a small, family-owned company, that he loves interacting with customers, and that he doesn't go to sleep at night until all his phone calls are returned. He encouraged me to share this full contact information with you: company number: 1.877.OTG.POTY (684.7689); his direct cell phone number: 630.688.5818; his email: mike@onthegoinflatables.com
Since this is a small company that's just starting up, Michael would welcome your feedback and reviews of the product. Future innovations On-the-Go Inflatables is considering, some of which I mentioned before, are a pee shield, an air canister to help with inflating, a carrying pouch, and an animated life for the logo character — the cute little zooming potty seat — that will include a DVD and other learning helps for guiding kids through potty training.Learn more about the company and the product through an online radio show March 2 from 6:30-6:45 p.m. EST on BlogTalkRadio.
The company is based in Illinois. The product is made in China and is BPA- and phthalate-free and non-toxic. You can hand wash it with soap and water and towel or air dry.
You can read my background on this giveaway and our potty-learning history at Hobo Mama. You can also leave comments on that post about any features you'd like to see added to the seat.
BUY IT!
You can buy the On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seat, either from the company's website for the low introductory price of $7.99 plus shipping/handling or through Amazon for $9.99 plus s/h. On-the-Go Inflatables will be donating $2 to Haiti earthquake relief per potty sold through Feb. 15.
WIN IT!
For your own chance to win an On-the-Go Inflatable Potty, enter in the comments below! There are FIVE potty seats being offered, so that's (do the math!) FIVE chances to win!
Which to choose, which to choose?
- Blue
- Blue with a character
- Pink
- Pink with a character
I was wondering what the character was exactly, so that's what I ordered for my free sample. Turns out it's great big googly eyes and a wide smile (as in picture). Far from frightening Mikko (Sam's worry), it has delighted him. So, go to On-the-Go Inflatables and tell me which color you would choose from the four options. This entry is required to win.
Leave an email address in your comment if it's not clearly visible on your profile or linked web page so that I can contact you if you win.
BONUS ENTRIES, to increase your chance of winning:
- Follow www.HoboMamaReviews.com publicly through Google Friend Connect, or subscribe to the Hobo Mama Reviews RSS feed in a reader or by email.
- Follow www.HoboMama.com through Google Friend Connect, or subscribe to the Hobo Mama RSS feed in a reader or by email.
- Follow @OTGInflatables on Twitter and leave your Twitter name in the comment.
- Follow @Hobo_Mama on Twitter and leave your Twitter name in the comment.
- Tweet this giveaway. This may be done once daily for still more entries. Leave the direct URL, which can be found by clicking the time stamp under your Tweet. You can create your own text or copy/paste this: Win one of FIVE On-the-Go Inflatable Potty Seats from @OTGInflatables & @Hobo_Mama for portable #pottytraining! http://bit.ly/cbyCNZ {2.11}
- Become a fan of On-the-Go Inflatables on Facebook.
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- Follow Hobo Mama on Networked Blogs on Facebook.
- Do something lovely for this post or a post on Hobo Mama (StumbleUpon, Twitter, Facebook, Digg, Technorati, etc.) and let me know what it was and which post in your comment. There is a Share button below each post. You can gain up to 3 entries this way.
- Put my Carnival of Natural Parenting button on your website for 2 extra entries. The HTML code is in the sidebar. Leave your site URL in the comment.
- Include this giveaway in a post on your own blog for 3 extra entries. Leave the direct link in your comment.
The character I'm referring to is the one on the seat. 
I fully support any product that inspires someone in this house to clean a toilet afterward. RULES:
- Contest open to US and Canada. (International readers farther afield can still order a seat from the company!)
- Leave each entry as a separate comment so I can count them all.
- For actions like following and subscribing, if you already follow or subscribe, just let me know in your comment.
- For tasks that garner you multiple entries, say something like "I blogged [link here] #1," "I blogged [link here] #2," etc.
- You don't have to do any of the bonus entries, but you do have to complete the first mandatory one.
- I will pick the winners through random.org after the contest closes and send an email to notify them. Leave an email address in your comment if it's not clearly visible on your profile or linked web page so that I can contact you if you win. If I can't reach any particular winner or don't hear back within a couple days, I'll draw a new name.
- Any questions, let me know: mail {at} HoboMama.com
Contest closes Feb. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Disclosure: I received a free potty seat for my review but no other
compensation. I try to seek out only products that I think
you would find relevant and useful to your life as a natural parent.
If I don't like a product, I won't be recommending it to you.
That's how I roll. See my full disclosure policy here.
compensation. I try to seek out only products that I think
you would find relevant and useful to your life as a natural parent.
If I don't like a product, I won't be recommending it to you.
That's how I roll. See my full disclosure policy here.
Posts
152 comments:
Hi! I would love to win the inflatable potty seat to try with our first little one on the way. It sounds like the perfect solution to EC on the go! I would get the blue, with no character, as I don't know if I'm having a boy or a girl, it seems more gender neutral than pink.
It would be a little while before we could use this one (I lack the courage and time for EC), but not too long perhaps (DS does not care for wet or messy diapers and is clearly very aware and fusses BEFORE they happen, so...). But I would love one of these. They seem great. Blue without character, I think. (The character is cute but DS has a fascination with noses on faces, which might go poorly with the 'nose' being a hole in this case...heh.)
If I don't win, I'll wait and hope they add the shield and canister both. I'll let them know that. (Sorry, but the idea of putting my mouth on that is icky. I know the potty bit is not near the valve bit, but when you roll it up and store it, if there's any liquid it might drip. EW.) A water-resistant storage bag would be a bonus, but I'm sure I can manage one of those if they don't supply it. (Actually, an excuse to buy yet another appallingly cute wet bag is never unwelcome...some people are addicted to cute diapers, for me it's wet bags. Heh.)
Oh, oh, oh! Pick me, pick me, pick me!!!!!!!
This looks fantastic!
I LOVE the blue potty with the character. It's so cute!
I shared this on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=298512956411&id=569942343&ref=share
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@HamiltonDoula now follows @OTGInflatables on Twitter!
I'm a HoboMama.com subscriber (via Bloglines).
I'm also a HoboMamaReviews.com subscriber via Bloglines.
@HamiltonDoula follows @Hobo_Mama on Twitter!
Your Natural Parenting Carnival button is on my blog! #1
In case you missed that, your button is on my blog :) #2
This is awesome! As someone who is potty training my 2-year-old, I've often dreaded the idea of taking him to use a public toilet and we're not even close to leaving the house in only underwear yet! This sounds great, I'd love to win it in blue.
I subscribe to Hobo Mama in my reader.
I follow you on Twitter, @blacktating
I would love to try the pink with NO character OTG Potty! I would love to have it for when we're at friends' / family's homes.
I am a little weirded out by the idea of pooping in a character's face. As I was reading, I was hoping there was a non-character option, but was doubting it.
And the canister sounds like a lovely idea. Inches away from plastic that has touched a potty just... hrm. I'd probably do it (blow it up manually), but at the same time I think I'd be worrying about ickiness.
We ec and cloth diaper. I think a blue one would come in handy around here. Thanks for the review!
I so enjoyed seeing pictures of Mikko!
I want to try this product. Michael hates public toilets these days, so maybe this would do the trick.
Um, so I'm not excited about the color choices, but I'm going to go with blue, with a character.
I follow your blog!
What a great idea! I would pick the plain pink. Thank you for the chance to win.
pink with a character.
I would love the Blue one with the googly eye character.
sylviemcwilliams@rogers.com
I'm a Hobo Maa fan on Facebook.
sylviemcwilliams@rogers.com
I think I would pick plain pink. I'm also curious--how long does it take to manually blow this up? What if you're in a got-to-go situation? My LO is still not a big fan of the grown-up potty, but can sit on her BBLP like a champ! kschroeder616 at gmail dot com
I follow @Hobo_Mama on Twitter! I'm @posielove kschroeder616 at gmail dot com
I subscribe to Hobo Mama in my reader kschroeder616 at gmail dot com
I would like to win the blue with character for my little boy! Thanks for hosting!
I subscribe to your site in google reader.
I follow you on Twitter. (SuddnlyStyAtHme)
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/SuddnlyStyAtHme/status/8431738041
blue please for my little boy
tvollowitz at aol dot com
i wouldl love blue w/ a charater for my son please.
nmcpherson74(at)yahoo(dot)com
i wouldl love blue w/ a charater for my son please.
nmcpherson74(at)yahoo(dot)com
i wouldl love blue w/ a charater for my son please.
nmcpherson74(at)yahoo(dot)com
i would love blue w/ a charater for my son please.
nmcpherson74(at)yahoo(dot)com
i would love blue w/ a charater for my son please.
nmcpherson74(at)yahoo(dot)com
i would love blue w/ a charater for my son please.
nmcpherson74(at)yahoo(dot)com
the blue is my choice mverno@roadrunner.com
my favorite is the Blue with a character. yyeres(at)gmail(dot)com
This is such a great idea! I would like blue with a character for my little grandson.
smchester at gmail dot com
I follow your blog on Google Friend Connect.
smchester at gmail dot com
I think I just like the plain blue!
I'd like the blue with character!
alissavogt@hotmail.com
I would love the pink w character, great giveaway yellowbuzzbee@gmail.com
Michelle
I have girls so pink would be best. But they love blue too! I like the google eyes.
How perfect would this be for traveling. I love the Pink!! Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
http://twitter.com/Blacktating/status/8543963443
Daily tweet
I would like the blue with character.
jenndiggy at gmail dot com
I follow google friend connect.
jenndiggy at gmail dot com
I really enjoyed your review! I think this would be a great product for my soon to be potty training 2 year old. I also agree that a pee shield would be a great addition to the potty. I would choose the blue with a character potty
kerriekg@yahoo.com
I follow www.HoboMamaReviews.com publicly through Google Friend
kerriekg@yahoo.com
I Follow www.HoboMama.com through Google Friend Connect
kerriekg@yahoo.com
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@36momma
kerriekg@yahoo.com
I Follow @Hobo_Mama on Twitter
@36momma
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I Tweeted!!
kerriekg@yahoo.com
Blue w/character. Thanx! Jenprincess88 at aol dot com
I like the pink with the character.
livelovelaughwithleslieblog at gmail dot com
www.livelovelaughwithleslie.com
I'm a new blog follower :)
I follow your other blog too :)
I follow OTGInflatables on twitter
laughwithleslie
tweeted!
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I became a fan of onthegoinflatables on FB
Leslie M
I became a fan of you on FB
Leslie M
I follow you on networked blogs.
Leslie M
This looks like an amazing product that would be so nice to have when we travel to our cottage or anywhere else! I would choose the blue with a character.
veniceangel@hotmail.com
I follow OTGInflatables on twitter under ChildrensNook.
veniceangel@hotmail.com
I follow Hobo_Mama on twitter under ChildrensNook.
veniceangel@hotmail.com
I would love to win one of these, I'm potty training X2. I love the blue one!!
athena76@hotmail.com
I'm a fan of On-the-Go Inflatables on Facebook
I'm a fan of Hobo Mama on Facebook
I'm a follower of @OTGInflatables on Twitter. My user name is: athena076
athena76@hotmail.com
Thank you so much for this helpful review and the photos. What a cutie. Hopefully we will win a blue with character for my little man who is ready to start potty training.
I love the regular pink one! Great giveaway!
couponscoop@gmail.com
I follow via google friend
couponscoop@gmail.com
Great product ! i'd choose blue
bargainfun1 at yahoo
i follow bargainfun1 at yahoo
Just starting the potty training process...would love the blue one.
Holli
hlitrenta@gmail.com
my fave is BLUE!
Wow! How neat! Thanks for the giveaway! I'd choose pink with a face. :)
Blue!
twitter follower of OTGInflatables, http://twitter.com/ashleyhuney
twitter follower of Hobo_Mama, http://twitter.com/ashleyhuney
As a mom to three toddlers ages 2, 3 and 4 who are in various stages of potty training AND who also has the pleasure of a 20 hour road trip coming up soon...I have to say that this product is really neat! I would chose the blue with character (2 boys) but my 3 year old daughter voted for the pink with character.
maureenruble@yahoo.com
I am a new follower and am glad to have found your blog!
Thanks
maureenruble@yahoo.com
I became a fan of On the Go Inflatables on Facebook because this is a useful product for a mom of three potty training kids with a germaphobe mama!
maureenruble@yahoo.com
I would live to win this... Perfect timing for my little guy. I would choose blue with character.
Paisley_79 at yahoo dot com
I'd prefer plain pink. Thanks.
I'd love the blue with character potty seat!
i follow on google friend connect
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i follow you on twitter @thelightsgodown
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i'm your fan on facebook
i have your button on my blog
chrisandjaime.blogspot.com 1
Please pick me, I could use this!
This is really cool! I would choose pink :) Thanks!
amytulk2 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I like the Blue with a character.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
I would pick the blue with character, we have 3 boys under 4 so that is perfect!
rileykins@hotmail.com
http://momvstheboys.blogspot.com/
I would like blue or blue with character. If I had to choose only one, it would be the latter. This is a GREAT idea. Thank you.
msurosey@yahoo.com
I follow you on Twitter (MAIL4ROSEY).
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msurosey@yahoo.com
These are sooo cool. My daughter is mostly potty trained, but has a major FEAR of public toilets- this would be so helpful. Oh and my color choice is pink.
Thanks
meangreenmom[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm a new follower
meangreenmom[at]gmail[dot]com
What a good idea! We would love the pink seat.
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tweet!
We are just about to start potty training my son who will be 2 in april. This would be great for us because we are in the process of moving out of state and will have to use several public restrooms. I would like the plain blue if I win.
Laura
ethertonphotography@gmail dot com
I am in the middle of potty training my son! I would choose the blue..
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I would pick the blue with a character on it. This would be for my youngest who is still too small to fully sit well on the toilet.
firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com
I would pick the blue with a character. Thanks for the chance @ your contest! codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail.com
I follow thru Google Friends Connect / Blogger
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I subscribed to your content by email. codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail.com
I follow OTGInflatables on Twitter. un: codisweepstakes codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail.com
I follow you on Twitter. un: codisweepstakes codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail.com
I tweeted about your contest! un:codisweepstakes
http://twitter.com/codisweepstakes/status/8957113491
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I'm a fan of On-the-Go Inflatables on Facebook! un: codipayne
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I'm a fan of you on Facebook! un: codipayne
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I follow via Networked Blogs. un:codipayne
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I stumbled your site. un: codisweepstakes codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail.com
I dugg your contest post! un: codisweepstakes
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I added you to my Technorati favorites. un:codisweepstakes2
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I like the blue! I know the valve doesn't touch the toilet but I think I might still think it is gross to put my mouth on it to blow up.
Hi! I'd love to try the blue with the character, that face is adorable, so I doubt he would be scared by it.
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
I would choose plain blue.
lily2911@live.com
I would choose pink with a character!
Feed subscriber to Hobo mama reviews also!
i like the Blue with a character :)
hmr Google Friend klp1965
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I would love blue with a character. This is a fantastic idea. I was wondering what I would do when we go on our first vacation and this would be perfect. Thanks!
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I follow by google friends angela g
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I follow you on twitter ag1414
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I'm a fan of On The Go Inflatables on facebook. angela.gaffke
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I'm a fan of Hobo Mama on facebook. angela.gaffke
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I would like the Blue with a character
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