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Baby And Kids

Best Training Pants for Toddlers

June 7, 2016 by Charlie

Huggies Pull-Ups Learning Designs

We found these ideal for little ones transitioning to big kid underwear, offering a fun design that encourages independence.

  • Great for encouraging potty training with fun designs.
  • Stretchy sides make them easy for kids to pull up and down.
  • Can be pricier than other options, which adds up over time.

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Baby Shark Multipack Potty Training Pants

These pants are perfect for fans of the Baby Shark craze, making potty training a bit more enjoyable for kids.

  • Fun designs that kids love, promoting enthusiasm for potty training.
  • Soft material provides comfort for all-day wear.
  • Fit may not be as snug as other brands, leading to possible leaks.

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The Honest Company Toddler Training Pants

We thought these pants suited eco-conscious parents, as they are made from sustainable materials and feature adorable designs.

  • Environmentally friendly materials that are gentle on the skin.
  • Highly absorbent, keeping messes contained effectively.
  • Higher price point compared to traditional options may deter some buyers.

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GoodNites Bedwetting Underwear

Best suited for older toddlers or children who experience bedwetting, these are designed for comfort and confidence.

  • Excellent absorbency for overnight use, preventing leaks.
  • Soft and discreet, resembling regular underwear.
  • More specialised for night use, which may not suit all children.

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Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants

We found these to be a reliable choice for busy parents, offering a balance of comfort and functionality.

  • Convenient pull-up design, making it easy for kids to use.
  • Soft material that feels comfortable against the skin.
  • Some kids may find them less motivating due to a lack of fun designs.

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Buying Guide for Best Training Pants

Training pants are designed to assist your child in transitioning from diapers to regular underwear. They provide a sense of independence, helping toddlers learn to manage their bodily functions effectively. Over time, with the right training pants, children can develop the ability to identify when they need to use the toilet, reducing the risk of accidents.

How do training pants work? Unlike diapers, training pants create a feeling of discomfort when wet, which encourages children to recognise when they need to go to the bathroom. However, the level of absorbency varies between products, so it’s essential to choose the right option for your child.

Some disposable training pants are scented to mask odours. If your child has allergies or you prefer to avoid fragrances, always check the packaging.

Key Considerations

Cloth vs. Disposable

Cloth training pants are reusable, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. They are typically padded to contain messes, and the slight discomfort when wet motivates children to use the toilet. However, they require washing after each use, and most packages contain only a few pairs, leading to more laundry.

Disposable training pants act like diapers, often easier for kids to put on. They offer convenience for busy parents but come at a higher cost and contribute to environmental waste. Additionally, children may take longer to potty train with disposables, as they are comfortable and similar to diapers.

Many experienced parents agree that while cloth training pants require more effort, they can lead to quicker potty training results.

Helpful Tip: Encourage your child’s independence by pointing out the front design of the pants, helping them understand how to put them on correctly.

Washability

Cloth training pants are commonly made of cotton and may have a waterproof layer to prevent messes from spreading. They typically feature elastic waistbands for a secure fit. Ensure you use a gentle baby detergent when washing to protect your child’s sensitive skin, and always wash in hot water to eliminate germs.

In contrast, disposable pants are made from various materials, such as tissue paper and superabsorbent polymers, and should never be washed. Attempting to clean them will likely damage your washing machine.

Helpful Tip: For cloth pants, wash soiled items immediately, or seal them in a plastic bag to contain odours until you can wash them.

Features

Comfort and Ease of Wear

While it’s crucial for training pants to allow children to feel wetness, they must also be comfortable enough for daily wear. If the leg bands are overly tight or the fabric is irritating, your child may refuse to wear them. Look for soft, stretchy waistbands, and ensure you choose the right size to facilitate easy manipulation.

Size

Finding the right size is essential for comfort. Manufacturers often provide size guides based on clothing sizes or weight. For instance, a package may indicate that their small pants are suitable for children weighing 35 to 50 pounds, while medium pants are for those between 50 and 65 pounds.

Design

The appearance of the training pants can significantly impact your child’s willingness to wear them. From bright colours to beloved characters, an appealing design can motivate children during potty training.

Caution
Cleaning cloth training pants can be messy. Keep rubber gloves and a soaking bucket on hand for particularly challenging clean-ups.

Pricing

Cloth

Cloth training pants typically range from £2 to £5 each, often sold in packs of two to eight. While they are initially more affordable than disposables, their reusable nature means that they can save money over time.

Disposable

Disposable training pants cost between £0.20 and £0.60 each, with packages containing anywhere from 24 to 99 pairs. You don’t need to choose the most expensive options to find something effective, but lower-priced pants might result in fit or leakage issues.

Did You Know?
One significant advantage of training pants for children is the development of independence, allowing them to manage their needs without relying on adults.

Tips

  • Watch for leaks. Ensure the waist and leg bands fit well to prevent accidents. Some products may not guarantee leak protection, aimed at those focused primarily on potty training.

  • Help them identify front and back. Distinguishing the front from the back is crucial for your child’s independence. Look for designs that indicate the front side.

  • Be mindful of size availability. Not all brands offer the same size range. Older children may require more extensive options, so be prepared to explore various brands.

Most non-disposable training pants have a minimum of three layers, and at least one may be waterproof, typically using materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

FAQ

Q. Is there latex in training pants?

A. Generally, no. Modern training pants and diapers have mostly replaced latex with spandex or similar materials. Always check the packaging for confirmation, as many brands highlight that their products are latex-free.

Helpful Tip: For nighttime use, refer to them as “nighttime underwear” to prevent children from becoming reliant on them during the day.

Q. What’s the difference between bedwetting underwear and regular training pants?

A. While they may look similar, bedwetting underwear is specifically designed for children who wet the bed, often featuring additional layers for extra absorbency and available in larger sizes to accommodate older kids.

Q. Do I need to buy different training pants for boys and girls?

A. Aside from colour and print differences, many training pants are unisex. However, some brands do provide extra padding in specific areas for boys or girls.