We are mom-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

The Best Pull Up Diapers for Potty Training


One milestone most parents do look forward to is potty training. Potty training means no more changing (or buying) diapers! Pull-ups are great for those times in-between baby diapers and big girl or big boy underwear. They provide absorption but can be pulled up and down easily. This makes it easier for your little one to go to the potty, but less likely they are going to make a mess. Below, you’ll find our reviews on the best pull-up diapers for potty training. 

Best Pull-Up Diapers Overall:
Best Overnight Pull-Up Diapers:
Best Hypoallergenic Pull-Up Diapers:
Best Reusable Pull-Up Diapers:


Best Pull Up Diapers

Pull-Ups Learning Designs Training Pants have refastenable sides which allows adjustment of the diaper size for your child, whereas Pampers Pull Up Training Pants are not refastenable but have tear away sides for easy cleanup.  

Huggies Pull-Ups Learning Designs Training Pants

Pull-Ups Boys' Potty Training Pants, 3T-4T (32-40 lbs), 84 Count
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Huggies Pull-Ups Learning Designs Training Pants are available in size 12M/24M all the way up to 4T/5T.

While they don’t have as stretchy of a design as the Pampers Easy Ups, they do have refastenable sides that you can use in case your child accidentally tears the pants while he is pulling them up and down. Being able to refasten the sides also gives you the option of making the diaper tighter or looser. This was nice when my child was younger because he needed the diapers that were bigger around the legs, but many brands were too loose on top. They also make it easy to change the pull up if your child has an accident. 

Even though the tabs are nice, you’ll want to be careful and make sure they are aligned properly. If the Velcro is hanging over the fabric, it can cause scratching and irritation on your child’s legs when they move around. 

Something else that is nice is that you can find a sizing chart for these. The sizing chart takes your child’s weight and diaper size to help you find the perfect fit. For example, a child wearing size 4 diapers and weighing between 18 and 34 pounds should wear size 2T-3T in pull-ups. 

The Huggies Pull Up training pants also have plenty of bonuses for parents trying to potty train. There is a potty training personality quiz you can take to help you develop a routine that will work for your child, printable incentives, and plenty of tips that help you know if your child is ready. 

Even though pull-ups aren’t as absorbent as the best diapers, these have good leak protection. There is a ruched design around the legs that is more comfortable but helps trap wetness in. Huggies training pants also have a bigger absorbent area than other pull-up brands. When there is wetness, a design on the outside disappears so you and your child know that they need to be changed. 

Pros

  • Sides can be refastened 
  • Fun character designs
  • Huggies offers lots of toilet training incentives 
  • Stretchy and comfy to wear 
  • Good amount of leak protection 
  • Stretchy and easy to pull up and down
  • Sizing chart for a good fit

Cons

  • Velcro can irritate the skin if it is misaligned

Pampers Easy Ups Pull-On Potty Training Underwear

Pampers Easy Ups Pull On Disposable Potty Training Underwear for Boys and Girls, Size 4, (2T-3T), 140 Count (Packaging May Vary)

The Pampers Easy Ups Pull-On Potty Training Underwear are available in sizes 2T/3T, 3T/4T, and 4T/5T. They’re unique because of their 360-degree stretchy waistband that fits like real underwear. It’s the softest, stretchiest waistband of all the pull-ups I’ve tried out. 

One thing that I disliked about the stretchy sides was how easily they ripped. When my youngest was using these, we usually threw away a few perfectly good diapers out of each box because he or I accidentally ripped them while putting them on. You’ll need to do this carefully to avoid ripping them and it’s not always easy to slow down when I’m changing a diaper in a hurry. These do not refasten after they’ve been torn. 

These are also nice because the PJ Masks characters appeal to both boys and girls. This means you don’t need a specialized design and you don’t have to worry about them not having boy or girl pull-ups when you go to the store. (I remember my oldest wearing Minnie Mouse pants once just because they were out of the boy pull-ups in his size).

Pampers do provide good leak protection with Extra Absorb Channels and Dual Leak-Guard Barriers. The channels are meant to draw liquid inward and away from the areas that leak most (around the legs of your child’s diapers). The dual barriers can also be found near the legs. Even with this, I did have problems with my youngest using these because of leaks. However, they did work well for my oldest so it may have something to do with the fit of the diaper. Like Huggies, the Pampers Easy Ups have a sizing chart with your baby’s diaper size and weight on the side of the box to help you get the right fit. 

Something to note is that the boy’s and girls’ Easy Ups are designed differently. This particular box has absorbency closer to the front because boys pee towards the front. Pampers offer better leak protection toward the middle of the bottom of the diaper for girls. Even though girls can use the boy’s ones, there will not be as much absorbency for boys that use the girl’s diaper because they pee higher up. Even with this technology, these do not have good protection for overnight wear. 

Even though these don’t have sides that can be refastened, they do have tear-away sides. This makes them easy to pull apart if your little one does make a mess in their pants, which is important because you don’t want to pull poopy diapers down their legs. 

Finally, these are scented a little. This should help with the pee smell that kids can have not long after they go. However, not everyone likes the way that these smell. 

Pros

  • Pampers has unique designs for boys and girls to help with leaks
  • Has a sizing chart to get the right fit
  • Stretchiest, softest waistband 
  • Waistband and legs are more underwear-like
  • Tear-away sides for easier changes 
  • Extra absorb channels and dual leak guards

Cons

  • Scented feature that you may or may not like 
  • Sides cannot be refastened 
  • Not the best for nighttime wear because they may leak

Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear

Goodnites Boys' Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear, Size S/M (43-68 lbs), 44 Ct (2 Packs of 22), Packaging May Vary
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear is designed for kids that have problems with staying dry overnight during or after the potty training process. They come in larger sizes than pull-ups and are available in XS (28-45 pounds), S/M (38-65 pounds), and L/XL (60-125+ pounds). 

Compared to traditional training pants, these have 40% more protection. They feature five layers of protection and double leg barriers that help keep wetness in. The absorption provides odor protection too, which helps make accidents more discreet. For kids that are old enough to have a sleepover with friends, the odor and wetness absorption, paired with the discreet design, makes it easier for kids to manage bedwetting without embarrassment. 

These particular pants come with a design featuring Marvel superheroes like the Hulk and Superman. For girls, there are designs featuring Disney Princesses like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. It’s nice buying boy or girl underwear because the Goodnites overnight training pants have more padding in the front for boys and in the middle for girls. 

Even though these are pull-up diapers, they also have a soft, stretchy waistband that fits like underwear. This makes it comfortable for even big kids to wear through the night. These also have a wider surface area for absorption to prevent leaks.

You can take a look at the best overnight diapers, too, if you’ll only be putting them on at night. It might save some money!

For kids who might have bedwetting because of autism or another medical condition, parents might want to look into a Flex Spending Account (FSA) from their healthcare provider. This allows some (or all) of the cost to be covered by insurance. 

Pros

  • Discreet for older kids to wear at sleepovers
  • Pull up and down like underwear
  • All over wetness protection
  • Best protection against leaks 
  • Has fun Marvel characters on the front
  • Soft and stretchy like underwear 
  • Designed for bigger kids 

Cons

  • Not designed for daytime wear

MooMoo Baby Potty Training Pants

The MooMoo Baby Potty Training Pants are a great choice for parents trying a potty training ‘boot camp’. They are cotton underwear that has padding in key areas, so it will absorb some of the mess while still letting your child feel that they are going potty. These are available in sizes 1T, 2T, 3T, and 4T/5T. 

Something to note is that these are not going to completely stop leaks. They are designed with extra padding in the front and the back, as well as leg gussets, which can help control messes. However, they won’t provide the same protection from leaks as a pull-up. 

These are comfortable to wear because they’re designed exactly like underwear. MooMoo training pants are made from 100% cotton and have the same softness, stretch, and breathability. In addition to being great for a potty training boot camp, these would be ideal for a kid who is mostly potty trained but still has occasional accidents. 

These come in a four-pack, which is a good amount to get started. You might want to get another pack if you are actively potty training, especially if you don’t want to do laundry more than once or twice a week. Being washable and reusable, however, you’ll save a lot in the long term by choosing these over disposable pull-up training pants. 

In addition to being good for your pocketbook, this is a more eco-friendly option than disposables because they’re made from cotton and can be reused. Additionally, for kids that struggle with understanding when they need to go, these really help them feel the wetness. (This was the last thing I tried with my youngest and he hated being wet, so he potty trained in a matter of days.)

To get the best possible fit, you’ll want to know your child’s height, weight, and waist size. There is a convenient sizing chart on the website that can help with this. You’ll want to note that these might shrink a little after washing and drying them because they are made from cotton. 

Pros

  • Sizing chart to help you get the right fit
  • Good for helping a child feel their wetness
  • More padding than regular cotton underwear to absorb some leaks 
  • More eco-friendly than disposables 
  • Soft, stretchy, and breathable
  • Comes in cute designs 

Cons

  • Might shrink a little after washing
  • Don’t absorb as much wetness as a disposable pull up

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time Training Pants

Pull-Ups Boys' Night-Time Potty Training Pants, Training Underwear, 2T-3T (16-34 lbs), 68 Ct
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Pull-Ups Night-Time Training Pants are the best overnight pull-ups for heavy wetters. They offer a lot of the same benefits as Huggies original Pull Up design, however, they have much more absorbent material inside for better leak protection. 

These training pants also have soft, stretchy sides that make it easy for your child to pull them up and down. The tear-away sides are refastenable for a better fit. This also makes it easier to check for messes. You will, however, want to be sure that you align the Velcro right when putting them back on because it can scratch and irritate your child’s thighs, especially if they move around a lot while they are sleeping. 

Since toddlers pee a lot more than babies, the extra leak protection in these is important for kids that wet the bed at night. This has some of the greatest absorbency in training pants. Plus, if your kid does wake up to go at night, Huggies pull on and off easily so they can go potty. 

The overnight training pants also have potty training resources for parents. The graphics on the front also fade when wet, which is a great tool for during the day but doesn’t serve as much of a purpose at night. 

Pros

  • Lots of absorbent material inside
  • Soft, comfortable fit for night time
  • Stretchy sides are easy to pull up and down
  • Sides can be refastened if needed 
  • Good potty training resources available 
  • Graphics fade when wet 

Cons

  • Velcro can cause irritation if it rubs against the skin

Seventh Generation Baby & Toddler Training Pants

The Seventh Generation Baby & Toddler Training Pants are another great choice for baby’s who have sensitive skin. They are available in sizes ranging from medium to extra-large, or 2T-5T.

These set themselves apart because they are free of chlorine, lotions, and fragrances that can be found in many of the leading brands. The absorbent core is made from wood pulp instead of other absorbent materials, which can irritate your child’s skin if it comes into contact with it. 

Seventh Generation pull-ups have a soft, stretchy waistband that is easy for kids to pull up and down. They feel like underwear, so they’re comfortable and help ease the transition between diapers and cotton underwear. Their lightweight design also makes them breathable. 

Even though these are lightweight, they do offer good protection against leaks. The wood pulp core absorbs well and there are leak barriers in key areas that provide extra protection. There are also tear-away tabs, which make it easier to change pull-ups. 

The design of these pants is cute and fun. They feature animal characters including Ferris the Fox and Ophelia the Orangutan doing big boy and big girl things, like riding a skateboard. There are also woodsy patterns (like colorful leaves) on the back. Because the front and back are different, it’s easy for your child to tell them apart and put their pull up on themselves. 

One challenge you might experience with these is the sizing. They can hold leaks well, however, they might not absorb as well as some other options. The sizing also runs a little small around the leg area. If you do size up, it can cause leaks because of an improper fit. While these work great for some kids, others will have problems with the sizing depending on your toddler’s body shape. 

Pros

  • Free of chlorine and other harsh chemicals
  • Fun cartoon animal characters 
  • Easy to tell front and back apart
  • Soft, stretchy waistband is like underwear 
  • Great for kids with sensitive skin 
  • Tear-away tabs 

Cons

  • Can leak, especially if it doesn’t fit your child’s body shape

Pull-Ups Cool & Learn Training Pants

Pull-Ups New Leaf Girls' Disney Frozen Potty Training Pants, 4T-5T (38-50 lbs), 14 Ct
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Pull-Ups Cool & Learn Training Pants are designed to let the wetness stay on the pad before it’s absorbed, which is supposed to give your toddler a chance to feel it before the urine goes away. They are available in three different sizes ranging from 2T-5T. 

The biggest factor in the Cool & Learn design is that it is supposed to give your child a chance to feel that they are wet. Since this doesn’t happen until after they have peed at least a little, not all kids make the association between the wetness and how their body feels. For some kids, however, it does work because they start to associate the way they feel beforehand with the cooling sensation of pee afterward. 

Like the traditional Huggies, these have soft, flexible sides. The sides also are refastenable, which is nice in case they get pulled apart or your child needs diapers with tabs for daycare. However, they are not as underwear-like as some of the other brands. 

These offer good leak protection. They are very similar to the pull-ups learning designs aside from the cooling feature. Like all other Huggies Pull-Ups, you can access all kinds of useful potty training resources and materials on their website. 

Pros

  • Helps your child feel pee better than traditional pull-ups 
  • Sides are refastenable 
  • Comes with great toilet training resources 
  • Good protection against leaks
  • Associating the feelings before pee can make potty training easier for some kids
  • Fun character designs 

Cons

  • Not as soft and stretchy as Pampers
  • Cooling design doesn’t work for all kids

Natural Blossom Hypoallergenic Pull Up Pants

The Natural Blossom Pull Up Pants are a great choice for parents looking for pull-ups for toddlers with sensitive skin. They are available in sizes 4, 5, and 6. 

These pull-ups have passed several sets of guidelines regarding the materials they used. Natural Blossom training pants are made without 55 hazardous materials mentioned by KTR, including radon, VOCs, and phthalates. They have also passed certification from the CSPC, DermaTest, and Allergy UK. 

While these don’t have cartoons on them, they do have cute patterns inspired by endangered animals. As an added plus, the bag that the diapers are sold in can be turned into a tote bag. 

The Natural Balance company works with a sheet manufacturer to get their silky soft design. These have ruched legs so they hold in wetness without damaging your child’s skin. The pull up training pants are also soft and stretchy, making them more underwear-like. On the sides, there are tear-away tabs that make it easy to change messes. There is also a wetness indicator so you can know if your child has gone potty without pulling the diaper away. 

Their slim design and anti-clump technology also let your baby move around in these without the absorbent materials coming into contact with their skin, which can help prevent diaper rash in kids with sensitive skin. As an added benefit, the slim design is also super breathable and lightweight, so it’s comfortable for your child to wear. 

Some of the reviewers of this brand mentioned leaks. Something to note, however, is that the sizing is different for this brand (which is UK-based) than it is for Pampers or Huggies. You’ll want to use the sizing chart to be sure you get the right fit and avoid leaks. 

Pros

  • Free of over 55 potentially harmful chemicals
  • Hypoallergenic and good for sensitive skin
  • Breathable 
  • Fabric around the waist is soft and stretchy 
  • Cute animal patterns inspired by endangered animals 
  • Wetness indicator
  • Bag can later be used as a tote
  • Tear-away tabs

Cons

  • Need to make adjustments for UK sizing

The Honest Company Disposable Training Pants

The Honest Company Disposable Training Pants, Dinosaurs, 3T/4T, 23 ct
Price$$
Quality

The Honest Company Disposable Training Pants are available in sizes 2T/3T, 3T/4T, and 4T/5T. Like all of the Honest company’s products, the packaging is transparent about what you’ll find in their products and these are free of harsh and unnecessary chemicals. 

Some of the things you won’t find in Honest training pants are chlorine, latex, and fragrances. While they do use super absorbent polymer (SAP) found in most leading diaper brands, it’s paired with sustainably harvested fluff pulp. Additionally, the diaper itself is made using plant-based materials, making it one of the most eco-friendly pull-ups. 

In addition to an absorbent core, these training pants have moisture barrier cuffs around the legs to prevent leaks. If your child drinks a lot, however, these might not provide the same protection as Huggies does. Should your child have an accident, there are tear-away sides that make it easier to change the diaper. While these are comfortable enough, they do not have the same softness and stretchiness as some other brands. 

The Honest training pants come in several cute designs, which makes it easier to pick out something that gets your child excited about potty training. Some of the designs available include Animal ABCs, Construction Zone, Dinosaurs, Fairies, Super Heroes, and Unicorns. 

Pros

  • Eco-friendly option, free of chemicals and made from plant-based materials
  • Tear-away tabs 
  • Comes in several cute designs 
  • Less SAP than many leading brands 
  • Transparency on the packaging 
  • Moisture barrier cuffs around the legs 
  • Good for sensitive skin 

Cons

  • Might leak, especially for children that drink a lot 
  • Not as soft and stretchy as some other brands

Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Premium Sensitive Training Pants

Bambo Nature Baby Training Pants Classic, Size 5 (26-44 Lbs), 20 Count
Price$$
Popularity

The Bambo Nature Eco-Friendly Training Pants are best for older kids learning to potty train because they come in sizes 5 and 6. They are an eco-friendly option and great for babies that have sensitive skin. 

These are free of chemicals, parabens, dyes, perfumes, and other ingredients that could cause diaper rash. This makes them perfect for babies with sensitive skin. As an added plus, Bambo training pants are certified skin safe by EcoCert, the FSC, Nordic Swan Eco, and Asthma Allergy Denmark. 

There is also a breathable back sheet that goes in the rear of the diaper. This creates a space for air to flow through, enhancing breathability and reducing moisture that can cause diaper rash. The three-layer core is also designed to pull moisture away from your baby’s sensitive skin to prevent rashes. Something to note is that even though the three-layer core with cellulose and SAP, can leak if your child pees in them a lot. This is especially true if they are worn overnight. 

One other thing that is nice about the design is that these have flexible side panels that can be adjusted to fit your child better. The two available sizes overlap slightly, so you’ll want to consider if your child is on the lean side or bigger. Then, you can choose the one that fits best to give better leak protection. 

Finally, these have a clean, simple design. Even though they look nice, kids might prefer something that has animals, characters, or another fun design. 

Pros

  • Side panels can be adjusted
  • Certified skin safe
  • Made from eco-friendly materials
  • Back sheet to create airflow through the diaper 
  • Triple-layer core to pull wetness away from your baby 
  • Great for babies with sensitive skin 

Cons

  • Not available in as many sizes as other options
  • Design might be too simple for some kids

Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers

The Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers are available in sizes 4, 5, and 6. They are a great choice for parents who like the Huggies brand, but who want something softer and stretchier like Pampers offers. These are designed to move with your baby and prevent irritation, especially around the waist area. 

The difference between these and Huggies Learning Designs is that they offer a better fit and slimmer design. They come pre-fastened so they can be slid on but the tearaway sides make it easy to change. Additionally, with the slimmer design, it’s easier for your toddler to move around in them. They feel like your child is wearing underwear. 

Huggies Little Movers also come with Leak Lock. The way that the diaper pulls liquid in makes it easy for your child to wear them for up to 12 hours without leaks, even overnight. However, these can also clump once they become wet so they may not be as comfortable on your baby’s skin. 

Since they feel like a diaper on the inside but underwear on the outside, they’re great for transitioning when your child is interested in the potty but not yet ready to go all the time yet. They are also designed with fun Disney characters that your child will love. Having a character they’re familiar with can make potty training seem more fun. 

Pros

  • Good crossover between a diaper and a pull-up
  • Stretchy and soft on the sides like underwear 
  • Good leak protection 
  • Designed with fun Disney characters
  • Tearaway sides
  • Slimmer design
  • Comes in several sizes

Cons

  • SAP can clump once it’s wet

Dappi Waterproof 100% Nylon Diaper Pants

Dappi Waterproof 100% Nylon Diaper Pants, White, Large Fits 26-31 pounds (2 Count)
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Dappi Waterproof 100% Nylon Diaper Pants is a good choice for parents who are actively potty training using underwear. These can be put over your child’s cotton underwear and they do a better job of containing the mess if they go. The Dappi Diaper Pants are available in sizes newborn, small, medium, large, and extra-large. 

These covers are made from durable waterproof nylon. They also have soft spandex at the openings for the legs and waist, so they’re comfortable for your child to wear. Even being waterproof, they’re designed to be breathable and roomy so they can be worn over underpants. If your child does make a big mess, these are easy to clean either by hand or in the washing machine. 

One thing to note is that while these will contain some mess while used with underwear, especially big messes won’t be as easily contained. They are best for when you’re already working with your child on potty training. You’ll also want to note that these are white. They don’t have any special characters or designs, so kids might be less likely to want to learn in them. 

Pros

  • Made of durable waterproof nylon
  • Works well when used with underwear to trap messes
  • Helps your child feel what happens when they go potty
  • Easy to clean
  • Contains some messes of potty training
  • Available in a wide range of sizes

Cons

  • Won’t contain really big messes 
  • Very plain looking

Pull Up Diapers Compared

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


How We Selected the Best Pull Up Diapers

Size and Fit

When it comes to leak protection, the size, and fit of your child’s training pants matters. Pull-ups that don’t fit properly can cause redness, rashes, and irritation. If they’re too tight, they can even cut into your child’s skin. The most common sizes for pull-up pants range from 2T-5T, so it’s easy to find a pair that fits your child. 

The best pull-up pants are going to be tight enough to stay up on your child’s bottom, but not so tight that they cause irritation. They should bend with them when they are moving around, especially because the average 2-4-year-old is a busy body.

Something to keep in mind is that the size and fit are going to change between brands. For example, we found that the fit of Huggies was best for my youngest child, but Pampers had a better fit for my older child. This is something that can take a couple of tries to get right. 

Fastener

Many pull-up diapers are designed without any type of fastener. Your child will pull them down and up as needed. However, many are easier to pull apart at the sides in case your child does make a mess. Having tear-away sides makes it easier to clean up and change the diaper, however, it can also make it easier for the pull-up to come apart at the sides. 

Something I did like about Huggies vs. Pampers pull-ups when my son was younger than the Huggies Pull-Ups can be fastened. There is a Velcro-like design on the edges that sticks together. Not only was this great for getting the perfect fit, but it also let me re-seal the diaper. There were a few times that he would pull them up or down roughly and tear the sides. I used to get frustrated with the Pampers Easy Ups because the soft fabric would tear and we would end up wasting a couple of diapers out of each pack. 

If your child goes to daycare, most require that you choose a pull-up that has a fastener. Daycare centers do not want to have to completely undress and redress your child every time that they need a new pull-up. 

Design 

The way a pull-up is designed affects the overall fit and how underwear-like the diaper is. Choosing something that is more like underwear than a diaper makes the change more significant to your child. Additionally, having a more flexible design is easier for pulling them up and down. This means your little one can sit on the potty faster than they would when struggling with their underwear, so they’re more likely to have toilet training success. 

Something else to think about regarding the design is the colors and characters. Many companies try to make potty training more fun by adding some of your child’s favorite characters. This is the reason that you’ll see pull-ups for girls and pull-ups for boys sold separately. If they do have some of your child’s favorite characters, it can make the potty training process more fun for them. 

Absorbency

Even though pull-ups and diapers contain the same absorbent material inside, the design of pull-ups generally makes them less absorbent. This means that your child is more likely to leak while wearing pull-ups than they are while wearing a diaper. While having the right fit can help with absorbency, pulls ups generally provide less absorbent materials than diapers. 

You’ll really want to consider absorbency when you’re looking for the best overnight pull-ups for heavy wetters. Nighttime pull-up pants are designed for kids who need extra protection at night.

The bigger your child is, the more absorbent you’ll want the pull-up diapers to be. This is because they release more liquid because their bladder is bigger than it is in a smaller child. 

Extra Features

In addition to fun character designs, some pull-up companies offer extra features like a cooling design that gets cold when your child pees or a wetness indicator. These features are supposed to make it easier for your child to identify what they are experiencing when they go to the bathroom. Once they can identify how it feels, they’ll be more likely to go in the potty when they experience that sensation. 

Other features parents might look for is organic pull-ups or pull-ups for toddlers with sensitive skin. There are plenty of companies that offer more natural alternatives to diaper products, like Seventh Generation. Like any other pull-up brand, you’ll want to try these until you find what works best for your little one. 

FAQs – Pull-Up Diapers

Are pull-ups as absorbent as diapers?

Pull-ups and diapers both contain sodium polyacrylate, which is the absorbent material found inside. If your little one goes to the bathroom, the sodium polyacrylate soaks up the liquid so it stays inside the diaper.

Even though the same absorbent materials are used, pull-ups are designed differently than diapers. Parents who have tried both generally report that pull-up diapers are more prone to leaks and they do not absorb as much as diapers. 

When should my child start using pull-up diapers?

The best time to start using pull-up diapers is when your child is ready to start the potty training process.

What you should be asking is if your child has shown signs that they are ready. Even though some parents might brag that they start their child before two or even younger, this is unrealistic. Starting potty training before your child is psychologically ready can be frustrating. Since your child is more likely to have accidents, it’s also discouraging to them because they aren’t going in the potty. 

The best thing you can do is consider when your child is ready to start potty training. There are several signs that you can look for. Generally, these signs won’t appear until your child is at least two years old. Some kids aren’t ready to start until they are three or older. 

As your considering when you should start using pull-ups for potty training, look for these signs: 

  • He has an interest in the potty or underpants
  • She can stay dry for at least two hours
  • He poops on a predictable schedule
  • She can follow simple directions
  • He has an interest in watching you go
  • She can understand potty words like ‘pee’ and ‘poop’
  • He can pull his pants up and down
  • She complains about being dirty or wet and wants to be changed 
  • He uses body language to tell you he has to go like grunting or going in a corner
  • She can get up and down onto the potty or a potty chair

How can I use pull-ups for potty training? 

Once your child has shown you they are ready, pull-ups can be used to simulate wearing real underwear. They can easily pull them up and down to go, however, they still provide some protection from accidents. This is especially true for kids who might start to go potty, then realize what they are doing and want to use the toilet. 

Some parents prefer to use underwear during the day and pull-ups as an alternative during the night. Something to note is that the average pull-up diaper doesn’t provide a lot of protection from big accidents. This is especially true for toddlers because their bladders are bigger than they are when your child is a baby.

If you are going to use pull-up diapers for nighttime, you may want to invest in pull-ups designed for nighttime use. 

Of course, the same potty training process isn’t going to work for every parent and child. Some kids hate the feeling of being wet, so they might potty train easier. For others, a potty-training ‘boot camp’ where you keep them close to the potty for several days and let them wear real underwear (or go naked) works best.

When kids take a little longer to potty training, pull-ups familiarize them with the process but protect beds, car seats, furniture, carpeting, and other surfaces from accidents. They can be used in place of underwear until your child is ready.

As an added benefit, this gives you the option of using ‘big girl’ or ‘big boy’ underwear with your child’s favorite character as an incentive for going on the potty. 

Are Pampers Easy Ups or Huggies Pull-Ups better?

Pampers and Huggies have always been two of the leading diaper brands. I’ve used both of them on both of my boys to see what would work best for us. When it comes to their pull-ups, each brand has its advantages.

The Pampers Easy Ups are softer, stretchier, and more underwear-like than Huggies. Huggies Pull-Ups, on the other hand, have a bigger absorption area. Even though I personally liked the feel and fit of Pampers Easy Ups more, they didn’t stop leaks as well as the Huggies brand. 

Is the extra cost of pull-up diapers worth it?

Compared to baby diapers, pull-ups typically cost more per diaper. Pull-ups are also more expensive than a few pairs of cotton underwear.

When you’re actively potty training, however, the extra cost of pull-ups can be worth it. With underwear, you don’t have the same benefit of leak protection and accidents can be hard to manage, especially if your child spends a lot of time on the furniture or you’re out in public. Pull-ups also might be worth it for kids that aren’t comfortable enough in cotton underwear yet. 

 


Samantha Davis is a part-time writer and a full-time mommy of two boys, Apollo (age 5) and Adrien (age 7). She has been working as a writer for seven years and loves the freedom it gives her to spend time with her boys and fiance.and do things like camping, swimming, and painting. She is also a parent to three fur babies- two dogs and a cat!



Leave a Comment