Best Training Underwear for Toddlers

Updated: February 10, 2021
Best Training Underwear

Your toddler has likely been in diapers from the minute he was born. So while potty training comes with a lot of questions (namely: How will I ever get him to go on his own?!), you might also be wondering when it’s the right time to ditch the diapers.

Enter: training underwear. When starting to potty train your toddler — something that usually happens between 18 months and 2 1/2 years — the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that disposable and non-disposable training pants (a.k.a. training underwear) be used as part of the transition (though they’re not recommended as an initial step).

Think of training underwear as a transition product between diapers and underwear, often made with multiple layers of absorbent fabrics and more grown-up features (pull ‘em on yourself) to encourage toddlers to learn to go to the bathroom on their own.

What to look for in potty training underwear

  • Disposable vs. washable. There are many different options for training underwear out there, but generally you'll choose between cloth or fabric underwear that’s reusable or disposable training underwear that you can toss after using.
  • Material. Natural materials like cotton are comfortable and soft on skin but will also get a bit wet, allowing your little one to feel if he soils a pair. If you’re choosing a disposable pair, be aware that super thick options might too closely mimic a diaper, leaving your child unaware of the change in attire.

Here, the best pairs of training underwear that fit any family’s needs.

Why Trust Us?

Best Leakproof Training Underwear

MooMoo Baby Potty Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - MooMoo Baby Potty Training Pants
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$25 for a 6-pack
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

Available in cute patterns (sharks, stars, stripes and more), MooMoos are more absorbent and leak-proof compared to big-kid undies thanks to six (!) layers of padding and cinching at the legs. They’re also made of 100 percent cotton, so they’re super breathable, washable (dryer-friendly, too!) and allow your little one to feel just enough moisture — their cue to commit to this new potty-training thing.

Best Reusable Training Underwear

Thirsties Reusable Cloth Potty Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - Thirsties Reusable Cloth Potty Training Pants
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$20
See Now Target
Target
$20
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

These training undies are a step above the rest design-wise, and a great pick for any conscious shopper. They’re made in the U.S. with certified-organic cotton. Consider these your almost-potty-trained option, as four layers of cotton plus a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) laminate layer that’s waterproof help keep clothes dry in the event of small accidents. Just note that they might not be the best option for overnights.

Best Training Underwear for Girls

Babyfriend Washable Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - Babyfriend Washable Training Underwear
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$19
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

If your kiddo is done with bulky diapers but still needs *a little* backup, Babyfriend five-packs are the perfect almost-underwear pick. Made with four layers of cotton (read: absorbent but also a natural fabric that’ll let your little one know she’s wet), they’re partially waterproof, which means they’ll stop small accidents in their tracks but definitely pass as big-kid underwear, too.

Best Training Underwear for Boys

Luvable Friends Cotton Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - Luvable Friends Baby Cotton Training Pants
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$14
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

Another almost-underwear option, Luvable Friends training pants feature a cotton outer layer with an extra-absorbent polyester inner layer. Again, they’re less bulky than other picks, which will help give your potty-trainer a helpful dose of all-grown-up confidence.

Best Training Underwear for Daytime Use

U0U Potty Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - UOU Baby 4 Pack Training Pants
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$17
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

These training pants stay dry on the outside and wet on the inside thanks to smart layers of cotton, wool and waterproof TPU laminate. If your child is still getting the hang of potty training, these are also likely best for daytime use, as they’re not as thick as some others on the market.

Best Traditional Cloth Training Underwear

Gerber Potty Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - Gerber White Waterproof Pants
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$7 for 2 pairs
See Now buybuyBaby
buybuyBaby
$10 for 3 pairs
See Now Target
Target
$8 for 3 pairs
See Now Bed_Bath_&_Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond
$10 for 3 pairs
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

You can’t go wrong with classic crisp, clean white undies. With front and back layers of 100 percent cotton plus an extra-absorbent cotton-polyester blend on the inside, these training pants will hold an impressive amount of liquid without making a mess.

Best Traditional Disposable Training Underwear

Pull-Ups Learning Designs Potty Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - Huggies Pull Ups Learning Designs
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$33 for 74 count
See Now buybuyBaby
buybuyBaby
$10 for 22 count
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

For the early days of potty training, Pull-Ups are about as cost-effective as you can get for disposable training pants. The soft and stretchy material fits like super-comfy underwear, but easy-open and refastenable sides make ‘em mom- and dad-friendly, too. Disney’s Minnie Mouse fades when wet, a neat feature that might help encourage your little one to make it to the bathroom in time.

Best Natural Disposable Training Underwear

The Honest Company Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - The Honest Company Training Pants
Buying Options:
Honest_Co.
Honest Co.
$11
See Now
Why We Love It

With a soft, comfortable, like-real-underwear feel, these adorable (see sweet unicorn designs on the back) training pants from The Honest Company are also strong enough for nighttime wear without being overly bulky. They’re environmentally-friendly (read: made from all plant-based materials), hypoallergenic (if your little one has sensitive skin) and completely fragrance-free.

Best Green Disposable Training Underwear

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Training Pants

Best Training Underwear - Seventh Generation Free Clear Training Pants
Buying Options:
Amazon
Amazon
$48 for 100 count
See Now Kohls
Kohls
$12 for 25 count
See Now Walgreens
Walgreens
$13 for 17 count
See Now
Registry List:
Why We Love It

You might know Seventh Generation for their green cleaning supplies, but the brand also makes potty training easier (and cleaner) with fragrance-free training pants. There’s no chlorine bleaching or lotions, and the core is made from sustainable wood fluff pulp. They’ll keep baby dry and do a small part in preserving the forests (a win-win). With easy tear-away sides, you won’t dread inevitable cleanups, either.