Potty Training with Underwear – When, Why and How to Start It

Potty training your toddler can be a challenging task. Your little one is used to being in diapers, and the transition from diapers to underwear can be difficult. Read on to know how to potty train your child with underwear.

What is the Right Time to Start Potty Training with Underwear?

Each child is different, and yours may not be ready for potty training when you are. Here are some tips to find out the right time to start potty training with underwear:

1. Can Stay Dry for a Long Time

If your child can keep a diaper dry for at least 2 hours, she is ready for potty training with underwear.

2. Is Able to Pull Her Own Diapers Up and Down On Her Own

If your child can pull down and pull up her own diaper, training pants or underwear, she can be potty trained.

3. Child is Between 2 and 3 Years of Age

Most toddlers are ready to be potty trained between the ages of 2 and 3.

4. Child Can Get On and Off a Potty Seat Without Help

If your child is able to sit on a potty seat and get up on her own, she can start potty training.

5. Child Can Follow Simple Instructions

If your child can tell you when she needs to pee or poop and can follow simple instructions, she is ready to start potty training with underwear.

Why Start Potty Training with Underwear?

The following are some reasons why you should start potty training with undies:

1. It is Affordable

Diapers are expensive. Potty training with underwear will reduce your diaper expenses.

2. It Is Good for the Environment

Disposable diapers are responsible for over 3.5 million tons of waste and take 500 years to decompose, posing a serious threat to the environment. Underwear is, therefore, good for the environment.

3. Diapers Delay Potty Training

Diapers and pull-ups draw the wetness away from the baby’s skin so that your baby does not experience discomfort. This eliminates the baby’s incentive to keep from peeing or pooping by herself.

4. Makes Them Independent

Potty training with underwear will get your child ready for daycare and preschool. It will make her self-sufficient and independent.

Potty Training Undergarments – Pros and Cons

Here are the different types of potty-training undergarments with their advantages and disadvantages:

1. Underwear

Regular underwear is an excellent choice for potty training.

Pros

• Affordable
• Can be re-used
• Easy to pull up and down
• Thin enough to allow child to feel wetness
• Similar to adult underwear

Cons

• Generates too much laundry
• If the child pees or poops in the underwear, a complete change of clothing may be required
• Does not protect other surfaces like car seats or sofas

2. Cloth Training Pants

Cloth potty-training underwear is a popular choice for potty training toddlers.

Pros

• Can be washed and reused
• More affordable than diapers
• Thick enough to occasionally protect surfaces, but still allows child to feel the wetness.

Cons

• Not thick enough to protect outer layers of clothing sometimes
• Generates excessive laundry
• Tougher for the child to pull up and down
• May not always protect outside surfaces like a car seat or chair

3. Disposable Training Underwear

These are similar to diapers.

Pros

• Disposable
• Does not create laundry
• Protects outer surfaces and clothing in case of a peeing or pooping accident

Cons

• Expensive
• Very similar to a diaper, hence delays potty training
• Difficult to pull up and down
• Child does not feel wet and is thus not aware that she has soiled herself
• Very different from adult underwear

Tips for Potty Training Your Child with Underpants

Here are some tips for potty training your child with underpants:

• Let the child wear only underpants around the house initially. Then try a few short trips outside.
• Carry spare clothes, undies, and a wet bag with you if you are going out in case your toddler has an accident and needs a change of clothes.
• Make sure your toddler is ready. Do not force her to get potty trained.
• Be prepared for accidents in the initial stages of potty training. Handle accidents calmly.
• Teach your child to tell you when she needs to go so that you can supervise her toilet visits.

Are Potty Training Pants for Boys and Girls Different?

Potty training with underwear for boys and potty training with underwear for girls are pretty much the same. There is no difference in training pants for boys and girls.

Potty training is different for each child and can take patience and time. A positive attitude will help both you and your baby cross this milestone together without too many difficulties.

Also Read: Best Potty Training Games for Toddlers