Toddler Firsts: The Best Training Pants On the Market
Is it finally time for your toddler to be potty trained? Weaning off diapers isn’t as easy as it seems. Those dry nights of peaceful sleep are to be missed but that doesn’t mean you can’t hasten the transition. This is where training pants come in. Veteran parents vouch that quality panties have the power to change your life. However, the term quality is often loosely defined by manufacturers. While some products surpass customer expectations, others are nothing but a hoax. To avoid your child’s discomfort, look at our list of the best training pants in 2023. These are fitted with thick padding to ensure minimal leakage and maximum smiles.
A Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Training Pants for Your Little Angel
Not sure which products are worth eyeing? As a first-time parent coming to terms with the woes of toddlerhood, training panties are a holy grail. Our buying guide outlines all the dos and don’ts of buying this effective potty training aid the right way.
Must-have Factors That Redefine Potty Training Pants
Multi-tiered padding
If you think a single layer of padding is going to get the job done, just wait until the next blowout. Many parents have found out the hard way and well, you deserve better. Training pants have an inner lining of pad that prevents leakage, however, not every lining is made alike. Top brands leverage multi-tiered padding technology that is both breathable and super absorbent and hence, exactly what you should be looking for.
Pull-up closure
Training pants should feel like underwear, otherwise, what’s the point? With pull-up closure, parents don’t have to stick anything together. This is also a refreshing change from traditional diapers as the toddler gets more independence during the dressing-up process.
Flexible sizing
Sizing is a massive doozy, and it’s even worse when it comes to shopping for training pants. Every child is beautiful with a unique body shape. So, make sure you go for flexible sizing. Many brands use special materials to make leg holes stretchier than the usual standard which prevents abrasions to the skin and overall discomfort.
Is a Covered Waistband That Important?
Yes! Parents know that the slightest uneasiness can throw their toddler off course. Since you’re already making the transition from diapers to training pants, the latter mustn’t cause discomfort. Uncovered waistbands can be extremely scratchy and might even come apart at the seams. Therefore, this feature, albeit seemingly unimportant, is as critical as can be.
Are Disposable Training Pants Better?
This depends on how early you’re starting potty training. In many cases where the efforts seem to be overwhelming a child and their parent, disposable training pants can provide a much-needed sense of relief. These are more similar to diapers and do not come with the hassle of washing. Down the line, however, you should definitely give the regular variety a try.
For some info on training pants versus underwear and your child’s possible preferences, check out this video from Howcast:
Comparing Our Favorite Training Pants for 2023
Gerber Training Pants – Best Overall
Made with 100% plush imported cotton, Gerber’s training pants are super gentle on the baby’s tush. Compared to old-fashioned training pants, they come with a pull-on closure that saves doting parents unnecessary hassle. As long as you find the right size, getting your toddler into these will be no trouble. Just slip the pair on and let them go about their day. To ensure that moisture doesn’t get in the way of your child’s progress, a super absorbent inner lining is also included. This is made of pure cotton panels with great soaking power so you and your little one can have some much-needed peace of mind. The waistband is stretchy enough to glide over skin, enhanced through a comfortable lining over the elastic. The manufacturer claims that these pants are 100% machine wash friendly and durable. Considering each pack has four pieces, you probably won’t have to rebuy a new one any soon. Appearance-wise, the product is pretty cute, as two pairs have a dainty floral print whereas the rest are solid pink.
Pros
- Highly absorbent
- Great for slender and chunky toddlers alike
Cons
- Thinner padding used in training pants for girls
Pull-Ups Training Pants – Best Aesthetics
Keep your baby stress free with Pull-Ups ultra-soft training pants. Designed to support your child in their potty training years, this brand relies on pop culture graphics as its visual inspiration. But that’s not all, the manufacturer puts their own spin on potty training, taking it one step further with Mickey Mouse graphics that fade when the fabric becomes wet. Thus, encouraging the wearer to use the bathroom instead of wetting their pants. Additional features include flexible sides that can be opened to adjust the tightness of the waistband. Needless to say, your child won’t have to settle for an uncomfortable fit. An inner lining provides enhanced leak protection, whereas, the overall design ensures maximum coverage. The cherry on top? Because of how flexible the waistband is, little kids won’t have any trouble pulling the pants up by themselves, ultimately, boosting their confidence and independence.
Pros
- 100% machine wash friendly
- Great for mid-stage potty training
Cons
- Prone to leakage despite opposite claims
Moomoo Baby Training Pants – Best lightweight feel
MooMoo’s training pants are intricately curated with multiple layers of soft muslin cotton. These are naturally safe and flexible, combined with TPU that increases the plushness of the overall feel to hasten diaper weaning. Just like other great training pants on the market, they absorb moisture while ensuring that discomfort is largely minimized. Padding at the front and back keep urine from discouraging spills. However, if the brand must stand out for one thing alone, it’s the pants’ seamless design. For one, your child’s movements will not be hindered in the slightest. Similarly, they’ll be able to put them up without asking you for help after the first few times. A stretchy waistband alongside two comfortable leg holes provides a snug fit, every single time. When compared with disposable varieties, these aren’t just affordable but also a more effective tool for potty training. Just toss them in the washing machine once they’re dirty and put them back on when they’re clean.
Pros
- Super lightweight feel
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Sizing isn’t ideally accurate
Baby Shark Training Pants – Best inner-mesh design
As if the song wasn’t enough, Baby Shark’s training pants are on another level. True to their name, each piece is adorned in unique renditions of the cartoon. So to say that your child will never get tired of these pants is an understatement. The product has a cotton outer shell fitted with a lining of 100% polyester that keeps those pesky leaks from seeping through. Additionally, a pull on closure allows greater convenience to the parents as well as the kids. This pack is fully machine washable, durable, and highly stretchable. What sets Baby Shark apart from the rest is the motive behind its design. The manufacturer claims that they have included a mesh sheath inside to teach the wearer when it’s time to change. Naturally, this might prove useful if you’re looking for some additional help during the potty training phase.
Pros
- Highly absorbent despite blowouts
- Thick padding that and secure fit
Cons
- The color of the pants stains the skin
People Also Asked
A: Always compare weight when shopping for sizes. Many manufacturers use pounds and kilos as the criteria for size guides which makes the task a little easier.
A: We recommend getting up to 6 pairs at the beginning of your child’s potty training efforts.
A: For stubborn stains, use baking soda and dishwashing soap.
A: If your child isn’t potty trained at night, shift to diapers for a while before introducing training diapers after dark.
