Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
The best potty training pants to help your toddler move from nappies to underwear
A stepping stone between nappies and children's underwear, potty training pants can be really helpful to toddlers who've just started potty training. Here's our pick of the best potty training pants.
By Louise Baty | Last updated Apr 22, 2024
As they have a certain level of absorbency, potty training pants are ideal for catching the odd dribble, especially when your child is out and about or at nursery. The best potty training pants can be worn full-time until your little one is dry and confident enough to move onto ordinary pants, or part-time whenever extra reassurance is needed.
Let’s be honest, potty training can be a tricky and, ahem, messy time. To help you keep your sanity - and your carpets - intact through the baby and toddler stage, we've put together guides to the most highly-rated products Mumsnet users swear by. From the best changing mats and nappies to the best nappy rash cream, we've got you covered with real, independent recommendations from the biggest online network of parents in the UK.
The NHS advises that it’s really important to remain calm and patient during the potty training process and to allow your child to take all the time they need to adjust to using a potty rather than nappies.
That said, there are certain products that can help your toddler learn this important new life skill. For example, the NHS advises that training pants can be very useful during potty training. Potty training pants may be either disposable pull-ups or washable pants. The reusable ones are made of cloth, so they have the feel and comfort of normal pants, as well as being able to be easily pulled up and down. With so many different potty training pants available on the market, it can be hard to know which are most suited to your child.
To help you get started, here are the best potty training pants of 2024.
Bambino Mio Potty Training Pants
Comfortable and stretchy
Can be pulled up and down easily
Machine washable
Not fully absorbent for larger wees
Price on writing: £18 for three | Sizes: 18 months+, 2-3 years and 3 years+ | Age range: 18 months to 3+ years | Machine washable: Yes
Very popular with parents of potty-training toddlers, these award-winning potty training pants from Bambino Mio not only look super cute thanks to the printed designs, but they’re soft, lightweight (yet effective) and feel comfortable too.
Made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester, the concealed, laminated water-resistant layer and inner pad is designed to keep unexpected leaks safely in. However, some time after your child has guzzled some liquid from their best sippy cup, they’ll also give them that feeling of being wet to help them learn the sensation and prompt them to make the move to the potty.
The thick bands at the legs and waist make them really easy for toddlers to get on and off. At £17 for three pairs, this multi-pack is great value in comparison to other potty training pants on the market and ideal if you need lots of pairs of potty training pants on a budget.
Related: Discover the best sterilisers for bottles, as tried and tested by parents
Made from 100% cotton
Machine washable
Nine cute designs to choose from
Not suitable for night-time wear
Price on writing: £8 for three | Sizes: 1-2 years, 2-3 years and 3-4 years | Age range: 12 months to 4 years | Machine washable: Yes
At just £8 for a pack of three, these budget-friendly potty training pants are great value for money because they’re not only machine washable, but you can buy multiple packs – and let’s face it, you’ll need a fair amount!
While they won’t hold a full wee like a nappy, they’re ideal for children prone to leaving it a bit too late to make it to the loo. The central target area has extra waterproof lining which will contain enough wee to stop it from soaking through other layers of clothes. Plus, the elasticated legs provide a snug fit around the thighs, helping to prevent leaks and reducing the likelihood of the pants shifting or slipping out of place. We like that these trainer pants wash and dry with no fuss, and stand out for being reliable and practical.
Related: We've thoroughly investigated the best highchairs and top baby bath, as recommended by parents
Affordable
Good absorbency
Machine washable
If dinos and diggers aren’t your thing, there’s no other choice of design
Price on writing: £16 for three | Sizes: 18-24 months, 2-3 years and 3-4 years| Age range: 18 months to 4 years | Machine washable: Yes
JoJo Maman Bébé is a favourite amongst Mumsnet users; you can pick up everything from nipple cream to changing bags from this trusted baby retailer. These training pants from the brand are designed for boys, with extra absorbency at the front. The soft elasticated waist makes them easy for little hands to pull up and down too.
Made from 100% cotton, the hidden water-resistant layer and inner pad in these pull-ups for boys keep in any accidental leaks, whilst still indicating to your toddler that they’re wet so that they learn to dash to the potty.
You’ll get three in a pack - at £16, they are affordable, but they aren't as good value as the FedMois Baby Potty Training Pants which work out half the price, so there are more budget-friendly options out there.
Read next: The best baby wipes, as tried and tested by parents
JoJo Maman Bébé Girls’ Training Knickers
Good value for money
Well designed
Machine washable
Design options limited to bunnies and dinosaurs
Only designed for preventing little accidents
Price on writing: £16 for three | Sizes: 18-24 months, 2-3 years and 3-4 years | Age range: 18 months to 4 years | Machine washable: Yes
Like the JoJo Boys' Training Pants, these are designed for girls, so the extra absorbency section is more equally spread around the whole gusset. These pants are made from 100% cotton and have the same concealed water-resistant layer and easy-to-pull-up stretchy waistband for girls.
It’s great to see garments adorned with T. Rexes and Steggies - girls like dinos too, y’know! Alternatively, you could choose the bunny design. There is, however, no other colourway available than pink.
Read next: We've done extensive testing to find the best breast pump - find out which one took the top spot
Bambino Mio Reusable Swim Nappy
Soft and comfortable
Adjustable with drawstring
Reusable and machine washable
May not be true to size
Price on writing: £10 | Sizes: Small (<6 months) to extra large (2 years +) | Age range: 6 months to 2 years | Machine washable: Yes
The award-winning Bambino Mio Reusable Swim Nappy is made from lightweight fabric which won't weigh your baby down in the water like disposable nappies do. The adjustable drawstring and leakproof leg design keeps everything contained in the pool but doesn’t swell up in the water.
Another bonus is that this swim nappy is super soft and fits comfortably on the skin, unlike some other tighter reusable nappies for swimming which can cause chafing and nappy rash. Plus, the OEKO-TEX certification guarantees that these swim nappies have met stringent safety and sustainability standards.
Read next: The best potties to buy, as recommended by Mumsnetters
Good size range available
Machine washable
Six pants included, more than a lot of multipacks
Unreliable sizings
These don’t hold a full wee
Price on writing: From £17 for six | Sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 years | Age range: 2 – 7 years | Machine washable: Yes
Each pair of Flyish potty training pants is made from soft 100% cotton and contains six absorbent, breathable cotton layers with a leakproof layer underneath. The inner part is also made from a two-layer muslin cotton which is extra comfortable for sensitive skins.
A comfy elastic waistband makes the pants easier for little ones to pull up and down and the leg holes are also elasticated to avoid restricting busy toddlers at play.
Some consumer reviewers claim that the sizings are a tad unreliable, so you may need to play trial and error to get the correct fit for your child. They’re good value though with six pairs of pants in each pack.
Related: We've reviewed the best baby bottles and bottle warmer for fuss-free bottle feeding
The hidden pocket for extra absorbency
Simple pull-up design
Fully adjustable
Side-Flex™ panels are sold separately
Pricey for one
Price on writing: From £14 | Sizes: One size (suited for children between 8-14kg) | Age range: Ideal for ages 1-3 | Machine washable: Yes
Aside from their unique shape, what makes these potty training pants stand out from the rest? The very clever, stretchy interchangeable Side-Flex™ panels designed to “grow” with your child, plus a hidden layer made of hemp/cotton with a pocket for naps and night-time when extra absorbency is needed.
Additionally, these nappy pants have a breathable GroCool™ lining which draws moisture away from your child’s skin, but will also let them know when they’re wet. The leg and waistbands are thick and stretchy, making them feel really secure and preventing them from slipping down.
Read next: The best travel potties, according to Mumsnetters
Appealing Paw Patrol design
Unisex pants
Made from soft 100% cotton
Not as absorbent as some potty training pants
Price on writing: £23 for 10 | Sizes: 18 - 24 months and 2 - 3 years | Age range: 18 months to 3 years | Machine washable: Yes
If you have a Paw Patrol mad toddler, they’ll love this pack of reusable cloth training pants.
Made from soft 100% cotton with a stretchy, comfy waistband, these pants feature an extra absorbent layer designed to stop leaks seeping into outer layers of clothing.
Machine washable and reasonably priced, Paw Patrol unisex pants are a useful stepping stone between nappies and proper pants, although some reviewers say that they’re not hugely absorbent, so they may be better for toddlers who are further down the line with potty training.
Read next: Discover the best nursing chair for breastfeeding and bottle feeding
Bright, cheerful prints
Good value
Sizing comes up a little small
Price on writing: From £19 for eight | Age range: 2 years to 6 years, sizing is by weight (25 - 46 lb) | Machine washable: Yes
If your priority is to have a good few spare pairs of training pants at the ready during potty training, we salute your organisation in advance. This pack contains eight pairs of toddler training pants, offering good value and a decent pack size for the price.
Available in a range of appealing bright colours and prints, these training pants are made with 95% skin-friendly cotton. Reviewers praised the choice of colours and prints, with many also pointing out their effective absorbency.
The downside is that a few users initially found the sizing came up a bit small.
Related: The best baby plates to make mealtimes easier
Also available in a more absorbent nighttime version
Disney character designs include Cars and Cinderella
Made with a wetness indicator
Not eco-friendly as they can't be reused
Expensive over time
May not help children learn to stay dry as quickly as cloth pants
Price on writing: £10 for 30 | Sizes: 1 - 2.5 years and 2-4 years | Age range: 2 – 4 years | Machine washable: No
Let’s be brutally honest here - disposables aren’t great for the environment. Try to use washable potty pants if possible - the planet will thank you for it. However, if you’re really not keen and just need a simple solution to getting your toddler through potty training or nights when they’re not yet dry, Huggies are a recommended brand.
Their Pull-Ups feature a range of Disney characters that will appeal to potty-training children. A feel-wet layer and wetness indicator means the character on the front fades if the nappy is wet, encouraging children to get to the loo in time. An elasticated waist makes things easier too.
Some parents reckon disposables aren’t as effective at helping your child potty train in comparison to cloth pants because they’re more absorbent, but if you do go for a disposable option, we'd recommend pairing it with the best nappy bin and a supply of baby wipes to keep things clean.
Are potty training pants any good?
Some parents swear by potty training pants when potty training their child, while others feel it’s better to go for the speedier method and move straight to ordinary pants.
Toilet training pants have come a long way since the flannelette versions you may be scarred by from your own toddlerhood, which means that there's a multitude of choices to suit different toddlers and development stages.
What are the best training pants for potty training?
After extensive research and trawling the Mumsnet Forum, the best overall potty training pants are the award winning Bambino Mio Potty Training Pants, which Mumsnetters love for their bright designs, comfort, absorbency and value for money.
Related: We reveal the best baby food maker for weaning, according to parents
Types of potty training pants: what's the difference between training pants and pull-ups?
Pull-ups are essentially disposable nappies that you can pull up and down, so there’s less of a training aspect to them than potty training pants.
They tend to be used in the very early stages of potty training and at nighttime for more absorbency when toddlers aren't yet dry through the night.
When worn in the daytime, they’re good for giving your child the idea that you can pull pants down to use the potty or loo. But because they have the absorbency of a nappy, your child won’t feel that they’re wet.
Reusable or cloth versions are designed for smaller accidents and to encourage toddlers to check for wetness.
There are lots of different styles to suit all tastes and comforts, from boxer-style shorts to pants with thick waistbands for ease of pulling up and down.
As well as being better for the environment than pull-ups, reusable cloth training pants are more like ordinary pants. They’ll stop an accidental wee soaking through to clothes, but they won’t take away the feeling of being wet. This means that your child will begin to learn when they need to use the toilet.
Are potty training pants necessary?
Lots of parents don’t bother with training underwear and move straight from nappies to big kid pants.
But if you’re concerned about days out while potty training, first days at nursery or long car journeys, they’re a great stepping stone, and many parents use them throughout potty training to make clean-ups easier.
How many potty training pants do I need?
It depends on how you’re going to use them. If your child is wearing them every day, you’ll want at least five pairs of reusable potty training pants to start with.
Related: Best weaning books to help you introduce your baby to solids
When should a child start wearing training pants?
Training pants are part of potty training so there’s no point thinking about them until your toddler is ready for the potty. This is generally between 18 months and three-and-a-half years.
It might also be that you crack potty training first and just use training pants on the occasions when your child needs a bit of extra reassurance.
When should a child stop wearing training pants?
As soon as they’re confident, really. Many children take a little longer to be dry at night and use some form of pull-ups or training pants well into primary school, particularly when they're away from home.
Many brands of training pants are now so subtle they easily pass for normal pants like the JoJo Maman Bébé Girls’ Training Knickers, which might help children feel less self-conscious.
But they are expensive, so moving on to proper pants as soon as you can means your bank balance will thank you later.
How to introduce training pants
When it comes to introducing your child to potty training pants, it's important to make it a positive experience.
Encourage your child to pick out their own potty training pants, or choose a design or colour that they will like (you can also pick up styles with popular characters on them too), as this can help them feel more excited about wearing them and encourage them to keep the pants clean.
Make sure to praise your child for any successes they have, but also be patient and understanding if accidents happen.
Remember, every child is different and will learn at their own pace. Some children take longer to get the hang of using the potty, while others may pick it up quickly. The key is to be consistent, patient, and supportive throughout the process.
Do training pants slow down potty training?
Some parents think it’s best to go ‘cold turkey’ and move straight to ordinary pants. While disposable pull-ups won't help your child know when they're wet, which could be a hindrance, most cloth training pants enable them to feel the wetness, which ultimately aids potty training.
What to look for in potty training pants
The main thing to consider is whether your child is happy in their new pants - and appealing patterns and recognisable characters will help them make friends with their new undies.
From a practical perspective, look for training pants that are machine washable and easily dried as you'll likely get through a handful in the first few days. Most of the training pants on our list are machine washable and easy to dry.
Good absorbency in the right areas is a must and leg holes that are close-fitting but not too tight will help keep leaks contained in the event of an accident. Also try to choose pants that your toddler will be able to pull up and down themselves. Some have thick waistbands.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real parents
Before we recommend new products, we always check the opinions of our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month. That’s a lot of honest, impartial advice. A lot of the potty training pants in this round-up are products that have been tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnetters.
Expert guidance
We always ensure our information represents the latest recommendations from experts so you can rely on it, and we research each product thoroughly to ensure it follows the latest expert advice and stands up to scrutiny. Here, for advice on potty training and products which can help with potty training, we consulted trusted sources including the NHS.
Consumer feedback
We also scour the internet, leaving no stone unturned to check out real reviews from customers who have bought the products themselves and given both positive and negative feedback.
Celebrated best products
Finally, we check to see which products have won industry awards and received recognition from trusted sources and feed this into our analysis too.
About the author
Mum-of-two Louise has been a journalist for almost 20 years and covers parenting, health and lifestyle for consumer print and online publications. She has authored four books on parenting (and grandparenting) and is also an expert online shopper and bargain hunter, which comes in very handy when she researches and writes Swears By product reviews for Mumsnet.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Read next: The best nipple shield for breastfeeding mums