'iPotty' named worst toy of the year

The iPotty – a bizarre combination of iPad and potty designed to help young children with potty training – has been named the worst toy of the year by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC).

According to manufacturer CTA Digital, the iPotty is a "comfortable and fun place to learn to use the potty". It features a special stand to securely hold the iPad, which can be rotated 360 degrees to switch between horizontal and vertical views and also includes a removable touchscreen cover "to guard against messy accidents and smudges".

A clip-on seat cover can be attached to convert the potty to a child activity seat, so they can safely play apps, read and watch videos on the iPad even when they are not potty training. The stand can also be adjusted to 3 positions or removed entirely to make extra room and easily store away.

Michelle Salcedo, who voted for the iPotty as worst toy of the year in CCFC's poll, said that toilet learning should be a time of positive interaction between a child and their parents.

"Children should be aware of the cues in their bodies as they learn. This toy takes this social/emotional focus out of the process and substitutes the hypnotism of a screen,” she said.

Alex Reynard, who also voted, said: “It not only reinforces unhealthy overuse of digital media, it's aimed at toddlers. We should NOT be giving them the message that you shouldn't even take your eyes off a screen long enough to pee.”

Other toys in the running for the 2013 TOADY (Toys Oppressive and Destructive to Young children) included the VIP Upgrade Membership by The Real Tooth Fairies, Monopoly Empire, PLAY-DOH Create ABCs App and Imaginext Mega Apatosaurus by Fisher-Price.

"It’s clear that CCFC members are appalled by the escalating push to insinuate screens into every aspect of young children’s lives," the organisation said in a statement. "It’s the third consecutive year that voters chose a screen-based toy for infants and toddlers as the TOADY winner."

If you actually think the iPotty is a good idea, it is still available to buy from Amazon.co.uk for £30, (iPad not included).