Does Potty Training With Underwear Really Work?

By

Stephanie Brown

Updated on October 27, 2020

Learn more." data-inline-tooltip="true">Medically reviewed by

Sarah Rahal, MD

A toddler playing with toilet paper. — Dave King Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images

Potty trainingwith underwear is likely one of the multitude of methods you'll hear about from other moms when planning for this important milestone. Some parents swear by this effective (yet messy) approach while others prefer thepull-up route.

What works and what doesn't when it comes to potty training is entirely up to you and your child. Still, it never hurts to learn about the pros and cons of using various undergarments during potty training.

Underwear Pros and Cons

Pros

Inexpensive
Reusable
Easy for child to pull up and down
Child feels wetness or dirtiness
More like what big kids and adults wear

Cons

Doesn't protect clothing
Doesn't protect surfaces (furniture, car seats)
Creates a lot of laundry

Cloth Training Pants Pros and Cons

Pros

Reusable
Less expensive than disposable training pants
Child can feel wetness or dirtiness
Offers some protection for clothing and other surfaces

Cons

Doesn't always protect clothing or other surfaces, such as furniture
Creates a lot of laundry
Less like big-kid or adult underwear
Can be difficult to pull up and down

Disposable Training Pants Pros and Cons

Pros

Protects clothing when accidents occur
Can be a good transition step between diapers and underwear
Disposable
No laundry
Protects surfaces like furniture and car seats

Cons

Expensive
Have to go to store when you run out
Child is less aware of wetness or dirtiness
Feels like a diaper, so can be harder for child to learn to use a toilet
Sometimes difficult to pull up or down
Not like big-kid or adult underwear

You may choose one method exclusively, which is often recommended so that it promotes consistency and eliminates any confusion. Or, you may choose to use underwear during the day and disposable training pants at night or during naps, as many parents do. This is a good strategy since children often gain control during sleep much later than they do during waking hours.

Each child has his own temperament, so there is no true one-size-fits-all method.

Ultimately the decision is up to you. Don't be afraid to try a method and then switch to another if one is plainly not working. Once you find what works, stick with it, keep going, and have patience. Your little one will be going "pee pee on the potty" in no time!

ByStephanie Brown
Stephanie Brown is a parenting writer with experience in the Head Start program and in NAEYC accredited child care centers.

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