
Buying Guide for Potty Training Underwear

Why buy potty training underwear?
Potty training underwear is a step between diapers and big-kid underwear. It’s more absorbent than regular underwear to help catch accidents without your kids needing an entire wardrobe change. But they’re not as bulky and more exciting than a diaper. These can be an excellent motivator for your little one and a practical step in the potty training experience.
What should you consider when shopping for potty training underwear?
- Absorbency: Cotton training underwear has extra layers to absorb a small amount of urine or BM, but they won’t hold an entire relief. Disposable training underwear, more akin to the conventional diaper, has more absorbency to keep your children dry even with a full accident. The level of absorbency that is right for your little one will depend on how well they’re taking to training or the occasion. You may opt for a less absorbent variety during the day and one that is more absorbent during a long car ride or overnight.
- Elasticity: Snug yet flexible elastic is important. Not only does it help feel like big-kid underwear, but it helps to contain an accident from leaking onto their clothes. Sizing is an essential factor for finding the right amount of elasticity.
- Washable or Disposable: Some training undies are washable and feel more like regular underwear. These can be hand- or machine-washed; follow the directions for best results. Others are disposable like conventional diapers. Whatever makes you and your little one most comfortable is the right choice. Some parents even use both—one type during the day, another at night.
Should you machine- or hand-wash the potty training underwear?
Potty training underwear is meant to alert your child to get to the potty super fast. They are not meant to be a diaper. Small messes may be just fine in the washing machine like normal undies. Still, suppose there happens to be a larger accident. In that case, it is recommended to hand wash first, followed by a cycle in the washing machine unless otherwise indicated on the care instructions.
Our Picks for the Best Potty Training Underwear
BIG ELEPHANT Baby Potty Training Pants
Getting to the potty just a little late won't require a whole new outfit with these training undies.
Pros: Let your little one say “goodbye” to the diaper feel and experience these training undies made of 100% soft cotton. The elastic waistband creates a snug and comfortable fit and makes it easy for them to pull up and down when time is of the essence. Covered elastic bands around the legs keep messes from leaking out the sides. To keep minor accidents from creating a bigger mess, these training undies have six layers to help absorb a small amount from getting to your child’s pants. The six-pack variety comes in five different styles to be fun for your boy or girl.
Cons: The sizing is small, mainly due to the leg bands.
Bottom Line: To make the training underwear even more effective, it’s recommended that you wash them a couple of times before use. The company suggests hand washing to prevent shrinking and easier cleaning of a larger mess if it happens. If your little one is eager for undies but not quite ready, these might be a great solution to help remind them when they need to use the potty.
Pull-Ups New Leaf
Let your child learn in cotton-like softness with a familiar absorption power, so there's more confidence and less mess.
Pros: What do you get when you put the softness of undies and the absorption power of a diaper together? Combining the best of both worlds, these potty training underwear help your little one feel encouraged and motivated because they look and feel more like big kid undies than their silly old diapers, but they’ll absorb an accident like one. These are made with hypoallergenic, plant-based materials to provide a soft and comfortable feel. The shape and elasticity will help your child learn how to pull up and down their underwear in a timely fashion to make it on the potty. If your little one doesn’t make it, there’s a color-fading indicator to help them learn and 12-hour absorption, so overnights are still a safe and dry time.
Cons: These are not meant to be used for more than 12 hours and can be an expensive option if used for an extended period.
Bottom Line: These might be an excellent option for kiddos who are reluctant to potty train as a little extra motivational perk. They’re also a practical solution for nighttime, even for a child who has mastered potty training during the day. Cotton-like softness is a surprising comfort for these disposable training undies.
BIG ELEPHANT Baby Girls' Padded Potty Training Pants Underwear
Your little sweetheart will love these cute training undies and how they help her keep the rest of her style clean.
Pros: Your sweet girl will be so excited to wear these pretty and comfortable training underwear made of 100% soft cotton. The elastic waistband creates a snug and comfortable fit and makes it easy for them to pull up and down. Easy pulls help ease frustrations, plus it is also beneficial when making it to the potty in a hurry. Covered elastic bands around the legs keep messes from leaking onto their legs or clothes. To keep minor accidents from creating a bigger mess, these training undies have six layers to help absorb a small amount from getting to your child’s pants. The six-pack variety comes in nine different styles to be stylish and cute for your little girl.
Cons: The sizing is a bit small due to the leg bands.
Bottom Line: It is recommended that you wash them a couple of times before use. The company suggests hand washing to prevent shrinking and easier cleaning of a larger mess if it happens. The pretty designs will make your little girl excited as well.
Pull-Ups Boys' Potty Training Pants Training Underwear
A favorite character provides extra encouragement for your child to get to the potty in time.
Pros: A tried and true transitional solution to use while potty training, these training undies have been a favorite for both kids and parents. The well-loved Mickey Mouse character designs fade when wet and are meant to discourage your kiddo from making him fade away. When accidents happen, the sides tear open for easy cleaning and disposal. Thanks to the soft and stretchy sides, your child won’t fumble by pulling them up or down.
Cons: A particularly wet diaper may cause it to sweat, especially if it’s left on for longer, like during the night.
Bottom Line: If your child is a fan of Mickey Mouse, the added excitement of wearing a favorite character might make potty training a greater success. Getting to the potty on time means Mickey stays bright without fading, but if an accident happens, it’s easy to dispose of and try again.
Final Thoughts
Even with siblings, each potty training approach and experience is different. Sometimes what you did with one child won’t work for the next. Potty training undies are a great option to help your child feel older and extra special during this big time of their little life so far.