Nathaniel tested the Arco, designed in 2009 by funky and intelligent baby product manufacturer Hoppop, and I was surprised to learn that one size definitely doesn't fit all. Hoppop has been making convenient and stress-free baby equipment in cool, original styles since 2007, and its donut potty won a Red Dot Award this year (2011) and is a best seller.
What we love
The Hoppop Arco comes in three colours - aqua blue, fuchsia pink and lime green - so there's a colour to please both boys and girls and parents after a unisex shade. Nathaniel tested the aqua blue design and was happy to sit on it from the first day it arrived. He liked it so much he moved it next to his bookshelf and loves to sit on it at nappy changing time while looking at a book. At bathtimes, it’s hard to prise him off it.
With its funky round shape, the Arco has a very sturdy base. It hasn’t toppled over at all.
Best of all, the pan is removable and therefore very hygienic to clean, with no dribble or spills. Nathaniel didn't like that the pan came out, so he always had to put it back straight away after it was cleaned.
What to watch out for
From the first time Nathaniel sat on the potty, I noticed that the pan is a small size, and smaller than his usual potty, so I had to be careful that he was aiming down in the pan and not over the front. I had to reposition him most times he sat on it, but as he managed to aim into the pan every time and we didn't have any toilet mess over the front or back, maybe this was just me being a bit paranoid.
When you place the pan into the potty, you need to ensure that the pan is lined up at the front correctly, especially if you have a boy, so that the raised splashguard is in the front.
When Nathaniel stood up when he had finished, the pan usual came up with him. Although we never had any spills, it's something to watch out for.
Because of the round shape, I found it worked best if Nathaniel took off his trousers and pants while sitting on it, rather than just having them dangling around his ankles.
Who is the Hoppop Arco potty best for?
Potty training girls, so you don't have to worry about front spillage.
The Hoppop Arco super-stylish potty with intelligent removable inner pan, but it would benefit from a wider pan space.
