The Best Potty Training Underwear, According to a Mom Who’s Been Through It 3 Times

Sometimes, it’s best to stick with the classics, as so many parents say is the case with Gerber training underwear. My sons wore these training pants during the daytime, and the multiple layers were great for minimizing leaks (which helped them avoid soaking their pants).

They fit similarly 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 with soft cotton that’s gentle on sensitive skin. I also appreciate the super stretchy waistbands that made it easy for my little ones to pull their pants up and down independently. Not to mention, these are machine-washable, so if an accident does happen (they will, and that's alright!), they can be added to your laundry pile without worry. 

What sets MooMoo Baby Potty Training Pants apart from other options on this list is the six-layer structure, which gives both parents and toddlers much-needed confidence during the potty training process by absorbing leaks with ease. The outer layer is 100% cotton, while the inner layers contain a blend of cotton and muslin, ideal for kids with sensitive skin. Plus, there’s a  TPU coating on the inner layer, which gives these a nearly waterproof quality, maximizing softness and absorbency. MooMoo’s designs were particularly useful for my family in the early stages of potty training before shifting to something less absorbent once my kids got the hang of things. 

Beyond the impressive absorbency, these training pants are comfortable and easy for your tot to put on and take off, thanks to a stretchy waistband and leg openings. My kids were most excited about the fun patterns (everything from unicorns and spaceships to dinosaurs), whereas I was most impressed by how well they held up in the wash. (Despite this, some parents in the community 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 great for little ones just starting their potty training journey. Multi-layered absorbency aside, what makes these so ideal for first-timers are the side-snapping release panels for easy removal when accidents occur (and at a higher likelihood with younger learners). However, the side snaps are only available on the extra-small and small sizes; the larger option (up to extra-large, accommodating wearers up to 70 pounds) are designed in a pull-up style. While convenient, keep in mind that the snaps may dig into your child’s skin if the fit is off, making proper sizing crucial.

Pampers Easy Ups have been my go-to for several kids due to their soft feel and cost-effective (just $0.33 per pair!), underwear-like look. The stretchy sides allowed my little ones to pull these up and down on their own from the get-go. And while they don’t technically have tear strips, I can confirm that the sides can easily be torn in case of an emergency. I don’t consider this a con, as tear strips and fastened sides would rub and irritate my daughter's skin. 

But here’s the kicker: you can choose your child’s favorite character, whether that’s Bluey or My Little Pony, both of which have been a huge hit in my household. And although not the most sustainable option, the convenience of being able to toss these disposables in the trash after a particularly messy accident can’t be beat. 

I used these waterproof Gerber underwear covers 

on a long road trip shortly after one son was fully potty trained, and it helped prevent a mid-trip mess. They have an elastic waistband, so kids can pull up them or down along with their training or big kid underwear.

Keep in mind that these probably shouldn’t be your go-to everyday training pants. They tend to make a crinkly noise when kids move, and they’re not as comfortable as training underwear with padding. Still, they’re an excellent option when you want extra protection in a pinch.

Goodnites were one of the few overnight diapers that kept my stomach-sleeping sons’ sheets dry. Yes, my boys would feel their pee and wake up — which is exactly what you want to happen! — but the wetness never leaked onto the bed. I attribute that to the five-layered “zone protection” design and reinforced leg barriers, which is included in both the boy and girl styles.  

They’re also sold pretty much everywhere, which is really helpful if you’re traveling out of town and need to quickly grab a pack. The only downside of these training pants, in my opinion, is the price. While they’re an excellent choice for backup protection through the night, they’re more expensive per pair than Pampers Easy-Ups, which boast an equally excellent absorbency. But if you want something to help save your sheets while you’re almost there with potty training, I wholeheartedly recommend these.

If your child has aced potty training quickly, the Fruit of the Loom Potty Trainers are a great way to provide extra support for those just-in-case scenarios. These underpants look and feel like “big kid” underwear, but have a soft, multi-layer liner to help catch small accidents. They’re not the most absorbent out there, but that’s kind of the point. I like that you can snap these up in a six-pack; I kept a few in the car for easy changes. The fun prints — stars, dinosaurs, robots — are an added bonus, too. 

If cuteness is your biggest concern, you can’t go wrong with Hanna Andersson’s playful prints. Kids naturally gravitate toward bright colors, making this five-pack of training pants a hit from the start. Each set comes with different patterns; combos range from fruits and florals to spaceships and sharks, even Disney princesses, allowing little ones to choose whatever matches their mood that day — further encouraging independence (a win-win!). 

But these underpants deliver more than eye-catching designs. They nail that sweet spot of absorbency without being diaper-like (parents note these are thick but not bulky), thanks to an absorbent, 4-ply polyester interlining layer that never touches the skin. In other words,  kids will notice as soon as they’ve had an accident.

These training pants also feature extra stretchiness around the waist and legs, creating a snug fit to keep in leaks, without feeling too tight. These also feature a 100% organic cotton rib kit outer that’s soft to the touch.