“Training pants or pull-up type pants are very useful in potty training a toddler,” says Dyan Hes, MD, pediatrician and medical director of Gramercy Pediatrics in New York City. Because there are so many choices out there when it comes to potty training underwear, find the ones that are absorbent and work best for your child, your lifestyle, and your budget. We carefully looked over design, material, value, and any age recommendations when reviewing products. Below, we’ve rounded up the best underwear for potty training. The Gerber Baby Potty Training Pants are our top pick because they’re just like the classic white cotton baby onesies from Gerber that are soft and last a long time. The unisex training pants are made of 100% cotton panels with an absorbent interlining for the inevitable leak. A covered elastic waistband is comfortable and easy for small hands to pull up and down. Durable, washable, and reusable, these come in three sizes (18 months, 2T, and 3T) and are sold in packs of three. For a more colorful look, Gerber does make the same style in colored patterned fabrics. Price at time of publication: $22 Price at time of publication: $20 Thirsties are not intended for overnight use. Kids with thinner legs or kids between sizes should wear a size down. The training underpants come in four sizes—small (20 to 27 pounds), medium (26 to 35 pounds), large (33 to 45 pounds), and extra-large (42 to 56+ pounds). Price at time of publication: $22 This Gerber two-pack is affordable, machine-washable, and easy for small kids to pull up and down. Price at time of publication: $5 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $36 To avoid wet pajamas, blankets, and sheets, disposable overnight underwear is a perfect solution. For frequent night wettings, go for these until your child shows less nighttime wetting and more readiness for training pants or underwear. They come in three sizes—extra-small (for kids from 28 to 43 pounds), small/medium (for kids from 43 to 68 pounds), large (for kids from 68 to 95 pounds), and extra-large (for kids from 95 to 140+ pounds). Price at time of publication: $30 Price at time of publication: $28 While it may take some trial and error and will continue to evolve, find the right absorbency and fit for your child’s age and stage. The goal is to absorb leaks but still allow your child to feel the wet sensation in order to discourage accidents. Dr. Hes says training/pull-up pants are useful when it comes to potty training. “First, they can be pulled down like a pair of underwear, so the child can learn to do this independently,” she explains. “Second, they are not as absorbent as diapers, so the child senses the wetness. Some diapers are so absorbent that the child never even senses being wet or soiled.”
Fit
Training pants should fit like underwear. Too tight, and they’ll be uncomfortable and difficult for your child to maneuver. Too loose, and they’ll fall down or leak. Sizing varies, so use a size guide based on your child’s height and weight, which is more accurate than age, to get the right fit. Aside from checking the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations, read reviews from other parents and caregivers to see if they had to size up or down for their own child.
Cost
Similar to diapers, training pants come in a wide range of price points. Find something that works for your budget. While reusable training pants may be a more expensive investment than disposable options upfront, but they’re a one-time expense, and don’t end up in a landfill. If disposables work best for your family, that works too! Just remember: Disposables will likely cost you more in the long run. While they’re not as environmentally friendly as reusable training pants, they’re convenient, especially for families on the go.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. Her kids all went from diapers to underwear during the day and stayed in diapers at night for a while. For them, underwear was an easier way to feel grown-up and understand when accidents happened. Just be prepared for a few messes, more laundry, and bring extra clothes (and socks!) when you go out. Pediatrician Dyan Hes recommends looking for signs of readiness for potty training. “All children potty train at different ages ranging from 18 months to 36 months. Usually, girls are easier to potty train than boys, but that is not always the case,” she says. “Signs to look for are 2 hours of dryness, knowing when your child usually has a bowel movement (i.e., 20 minutes after breakfast), when a child tells you she is wet or soiled, and when they run to have a bowel movement in another room, corner, etc.” Also, consider your child’s personality (will an accident in public upset them?) and your lifestyle (is your child in daycare? Do you travel a lot?) to help determine what works best.
