6 Best Potty Training Underwear for Toddlers

Sometimes, the classic choice is the best choice, as so many parents say is the case with Gerber training underwear. My own boys wore these training pants during the daytime, and they were a lifesaver to keep accidents at preschool from hindering their progress (and avoiding any potential embarrassment). They fit similar to regular underwear, so much so that many parents, including myself, say that it’s hard for little ones to tell the difference. Plus, they’re made from soft cotton that’s designed to be gentle on your tot’s skin. They also have stretchy waistbands that make it easy for little ones to pull the pants up and down independently. 

Although these feature multiple layers for absorbency, they’re designed only for catching leaks so your child will still feel that they’re wet and need to go to the potty. And, if your child does have an accident, they’re machine washable for easy cleaning. 

What sets MooMoo Baby Potty Training Pants apart from other options is the absorbent six-layer structure, which helps prevent leaks, giving both parents and toddlers much-needed confidence during the potty training process. Although they definitely don't absorb as much as diapers, they’ll stop most accidental leaks with ease. The outer layer is made of 100% cotton so it’ll be extra soft on your child’s skin, while the inner layers contain cotton, muslin, and TPU, maximizing softness and absorbency.

In addition to the multiple layers, these training pants are comfortable and easy for your tot to put on and take off, thanks to a stretchy waistband and leg holes. They come in fun designs with unicorns, spaceships, dinosaurs and more to entice your little one to get excited about their new undies. Parents particularly love how well they hold up in the wash so you can use them constantly. 

Some parents did notice shrinkage after the first wash, due to the 100% cotton material, so you may want to size up. 

Featuring a waterproof outer layer and a soft absorbent microfiber inner lining, Kanga Care Lil Learnerz are especially great for little ones just starting their potty training. Not only does the waterproof exterior and multi-layered absorbent interior prevent major messes, but these training pants come with side snapping release panels for easy removal in case of accidents with the littlest learners. The side snaps, however, are only featured on the extra-small and small sizes; the larger sizes are pull-up style.

Even with the snaps, the wide waistbands are easy for little ones to pull up on their own, too. They come in various playful prints and vibrant colors that look a lot like big kid underwear, so your toddler will feel confident wearing them. They’re washable and available in a range of sizes from extra-small to extra-large, accommodating children weighing up to 70 pounds.

For the early days of potty training, Pull-Ups are about as cost-effective as you can get for disposable training pants. The soft material fits like super-comfy underwear. The sides are extra stretchy so they’re not hard for little hands to pull on and off, while the easy-open and refastenable sides are ideal for quick changes during those early days. The Disney design fades when wet, a neat feature that parents say helps to teach their little one when it’s time to head to the bathroom. Even if you’re not keen on using training underwear, having some Pull-Ups on hand for traveling and nighttime use can help your little one get through potty training with less mess. 

When your toddler is nearly done potty training and has started wearing regular underwear, these waterproof Gerber underwear covers are great to have on hand for extra protection from accidental leaks. I used these once on a long road trip a few months after my youngest was fully potty trained just in case, so we wouldn’t have to deep clean a car seat mid-trip. They have an elastic waistband so that they’re easy for little ones to pull up or down along with their training or big kid underwear.

I used Goodnites with both of my potty-training sons until they were accident-free overnight. They offer five layers of protection with reinforced double leg barriers and are highly absorbent, comfortable and hypoallergenic, suitable for a range of body shapes and sizes. Both of my sons were stomach sleepers, and Goodnites were amazing at keeping the sheets dry. Yes, my boys would feel their pee and wake up — which is what you want to happen — but the wetness they felt inside of these disposable training pants didn’t typically leak out onto the sheet. They were easy to find everywhere, which is really helpful if you’re out of town or need to quickly grab a last-minute pack at a grocery or drugstore store nearby. What’s more is that they have boy and girl styles which each come with “zoned protection” so they’re designed to best avoid leaks.