Potty Plane: A Parent-Supported Infant Toileting System

Despite infants having natural elimination awareness from birth, modern Western care relies almost entirely on disposable nappies. Parents practicing elimination communication lack purpose-designed tools, relying on unsupported, hands-on methods that create physical strain and limit usability. The challenge was to design a safe, ergonomic solution that frees the caregiver’s hands while integrating seamlessly into daily life. Additional barriers included cultural skepticism and low awareness, requiring a design that builds trust, demonstrates ease of use, and supports broader adoption of more responsive and sustainable care practices.

Potty Plane was inspired by the founder’s success practicing elimination communication with her children, motivating the development of a purpose-designed solution for infants. From July 2022 to January 2025, eight prototypes refined weight distribution, support wings, materials, and rim curvature for comfort while maintaining natural spinal alignment. Consultation with an ergonomist informed the curvature supporting infant elimination, while mechanical engineering expertise guided reinforced rib structures for strength/stability. Novel support wings allow the potty to rest securely across a caregiver’s legs, freeing their hands. An accompanying ISBN-registered guidebook supports caregiver education. The product is now used by hundreds of families internationally.

Potty Plane supports healthier, more sustainable infant care by enabling elimination communication from birth. By reducing reliance on disposable nappies—one of the largest contributors to household landfill—it helps families decrease waste and environmental impact, aligning with UN SDG for Responsible Consumption and Climate Action. Early toileting awareness may also support infant wellbeing by reducing prolonged exposure to wet nappies associated with irritation/discomfort. Socially, the design empowers caregivers with a practical tool to adopt responsive, body-aware care practices. Commercially, the product has reached hundreds of families, demonstrating demand for innovative solutions that support both infant wellbeing and more sustainable parenting choices.

Potty Plane integrates a series of purpose-driven design features that improve infant ergonomics, caregiver usability, and hygienic toileting from birth.Support Wings (Patent Pending)Distinctive lateral support wings allow the potty to rest securely across a caregiver’s legs, creating a stable platform while freeing the caregiver’s hands. This patent-pending configuration distinguishes the product from other infant potties and enables safe, controlled positioning during elimination communication.Ergonomic Infant PositioningThe curved form supports the natural physiological shape of a baby’s spine. This position encourages relaxed elimination and helps support the natural opening of the bowels while maintaining comfort and safety for infants who cannot yet sit independently.Structural Rib ReinforcementIntegrated rib structures strengthen the potty while keeping it lightweight. Mechanical engineering input informed the rib geometry to balance durability, flexibility, and stability.Front GuardA novel front guard helps prevent forward spills and splashing, improving hygiene and caregiver confidence.Back Guard Positioning AssistA rear support helps guide caregivers in achieving consistent infant alignment and posture.Educational EcosystemA 60-page ISBN-registered guidebook supports caregivers in safely learning and adopting elimination communication practices.Together these features create a stable, ergonomic system that reimagines how caregivers can support infant toileting from birth.