There is quite a bit of controversy surrounding the concept of using Pull-Ups for potty training. Are they helpful or do they prolong the potty training process? When it comes time to potty train toddlers, some parents make the decision to switch from diapers to training pants. This makes Toddler Pull-Ups the intermediate step between diapers and big boy or girl underwear. These parents feel that they support the potty training process.

Other parents feel that training pants are not an important step in the potty training process and choose to leave them out of potty training altogether. They fear that using them will prolong the process. Are Pull-Ups a hindrance to potty training or do they help? Below are some of the pros and cons of both sides. Not all children are the same, and both techniques work with different children. Read and then make the decision for yourself!

How pull-ups/training pants help with potty training:

Parents (and experts) who find Potty Training Pull-Ups helpful have some positive points. Toddler training pants will get your child used to pulling pants (and underwear) up and down. This is an important starting point in preparing your child. They will also get your toddler used to standing while changing. They also allow your child to feel like a big boy or big girl and look like underwear. Also, these are not as absorbent as diapers, so your little one will feel the wetness, helping him to realize what it feels like to be wet. Finally, they are definitely useful for outings, while your child is still in the transition from potty training, to handle any accidents that may occur.

How pull-ups make potty training harder:

On the other side of the spectrum are those who feel that using Pull-Ups for toddlers who are potty trained is unnecessary. They also have some valid claims. They believe that toddler training pants create an automatic “it looks like a diaper and it works like a diaper so I can go potty in it” attitude in boys. In other words, the child knows that he can dirty it, and he will. Rather, instead of taking the time to stop what they are doing and physically go to the bathroom to use the potty. On top of this, they are pretty messy when pooped up, even when they have the sides that break off. They also don’t absorb as much urine as diapers, so they’re not the best choice for leak protection.

The trend is leaning towards Pull-Ups that preserve their own place in the process of potty training steps. You’ll find that understanding the pros and cons of the argument ahead of time will prepare you to handle any issues that may arise, no matter which direction you decide to go. Only you know whether or not using them will work best for your child, and how the pros and cons stack up against your lifestyle.