Should I use pull-ups or go straight to underwear when potty training?

Deciding whether to use pull-ups for potty training is a personal choice, but it’s important to remember that no matter what you decide to do, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to this milestone! “Toilet training is an extremely individualized process and using diapers or pull-ups during it is not a failure”, says Dr. Katherine Hoops, a pediatric critical care physician at Johns Hopkins. “Training pants can be used as a transition from diapers to underwear as children take over the toileting process. For some kids, this can relieve some of the anxiety of accidents and improve their self-esteem.”

Many experts recommend switching to underwear while potty training because, in addition to the gray area pull-ups can create for your child, wet underwear is much more uncomfortable than a wet pull-up — so the former can be motivating. 

 

This article has been reviewed by our team of experts.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about any health or medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment you should consult with your pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider.