Best Pull Ups For Toddlers

Are you looking to transition away from diapers to pull ups? Then my ultimate guide on the best pull ups for toddlers is for you!

When it comes to toddlers and diapering, I think pull ups are a fantastic option.

Not only do they provide the same level of protection as a diaper, but they also give toddlers an extra sense of independence and autonomy.

I found with my kids using pull ups helped in three main ways.

Firstly, as both my kids got more active changing their diapers was a challenge, but pull ups meant they were able to be more involved in the process of putting on their diaper and taking it off. My kids loved the independence of being able to pull their diaper up and down like underwear.

Secondly, pull ups helped with the transition from diapers to toilet training. As my toddlers were learning the cues of when they needed to go potty, they were able to remove their own pulls and pull them back up, just like underwear. I found as they were learning it, you had very limited time to get them to the potty, so the fact that they didn’t need to come find me to remove their diaper if they felt the urge to go, meant they had less accidents.

Finally, I found that pull ups just gave both my kids a better fit which helped to prevent diaper blowouts. In fact, I ended up switching from diapers to pull ups well before potty training for both my kids.

So, if you too are looking to make the transition to pull ups for your toddler, in this guide you’ll find my favorite pull ups diapers for toddlers. As well as a handy buyers guide, so you know exactly what to look for when buying training diapers for toddlers.

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Benefits Of Using Pull Ups For Toddlers

If you’re wondering what the difference is between diapers vs pullups, and the benefits of using pull ups over diapers then let me help explain.

Pull-ups and diapers are similar in their function as absorbent products for children who are not yet fully toilet trained, but pull-ups are designed to look and feel like underwear.

Toddlers can pull pull-up diapers up and down on their own, helping to promote independence, while diapers typically need to be removed entirely when being changed.

Pull-ups are typically used for children who are in the process of potty training and are ready for more independence, while diapers are typically used for younger children or those who are not yet ready to start potty training.

The benefits of pull ups include:

Potty Training Aid

Predominantly, most parents benefit from using pull-ups when potty training their toddler. Pull ups can help with the transition from diapers to toilet training as they are similar to diapers but can be pulled up and down like underwear.

Ease Of Use

If you’ve ever tried to change a diaper on a moving baby or toddler, you’ll understand why pull ups are a game changer.

Many parents find that pull ups are much easier to use when their child no longer wants to lay still to have their diaper changed.

As well, if your child is the independent type and wants to do their own diaper change, they will have much more success putting on a pull up as that is exactly what they were designed for.

Comfort And Mobility

Diapers are more rigid than pull ups and only held together by two small tabs. So, when your baby starts to move, you may find that these tabs no longer hold as well leading to the diaper becoming loose and unwanted messes.

As your baby moves, you may also find the rigid waistband on your diapers digs into your baby leaving red marks.

This is where pull ups can be a great option as they have a stretchy waistband that is designed to conform to your child’s waist and therefore move with them.

They are arguably more comfortable for your child and allow them greater flexibility and movement when they’re crawling, or walking compared to using a diaper.

If you’re still not sure if it is the right time to make the transition from diapers to pull ups then you can learn more in my guide on when to switch to pull ups!

List Of The Top 6 Pull-Ups For Toddlers

Best Pull Up Diapers For Toddlers

1. Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants

Best Overall Pull Ups For Toddlers

Created by Pampers, Easy Ups offer excellent value for money and an extremely high quality.

These diapers from Pampers can be used during both the day and night, and are 100% leak proof.

They use a quick drying liner combined with extra absorb channels to wick away moisture and lock it in the diaper.

Whilst the leak guard barriers around the leg cuffs prevent leaks where they’re most likely to happen, with a stretchy waistband for a snug fit.

Offering up to 12 hours of leak protection, the Pampers Easy Ups can be used both day and night.

For toddlers, the Easy Ups feel comfortable and easy to use. The 360 degree stretchy waistband allows the pants to be pulled up and down like underwear, helping your little one get used to using the toilet.

They also feel just like cotton underwear. Again, this eases training while also ensuring comfort. 

I also love that these pull-ups come with a variety of fun patterns. These were a big hit with my toddler to get them involved in diaper changes and excited for potty training as they could pick out their favorite design to wear!

You can learn more in our Pampers Easy Ups vs Huggies Pull Ups guide!

Pros

• 360 Degree Stretchy Waistband – Underwear-like fit that allows for easy up and downs.
• Dual Leak – Guard Barriers – Blocks leaks where they occur most.
• Paraben, latex, and chlorine free – Safe against sensitive skin.
• Easy tear sides – Quick changes.
• Girl, Boy, And Unisex Designs – Different absorbency designs to suit different bodies.
• Affordable – Pampers Easy Ups provide excellent value for money

Cons

• No sizes above 5T-6T – Not suitable for larger children

Also available for purchase from Walmart and CVS.

2. Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf Training Pants

Softest Pull Ups For Toddlers

Huggies is a well known diapering brand favorited by parents for their high quality and affordable products.

The Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf Training Underwear are one of their pull up products that claims to be the softest training underwear on the market!

On top of that, it is made from plant-based ingredients like sugarcane and wood pulp which help provide high absorbency and up to 12 hours of Pull-Ups’ trusted leak protection

As for the design, this product features some of the popular Frozen characters on the front. The themed pattern also adds functionality too with the snowflake pattern fading when it gets wet. This wetness indicator is a super convenient way of knowing when it’s time for a change.

Where the the New Leaf Huggies diapers differ from Pampers is in the waistband. Huggies had a refastenable side so you can still remove it like a traditional diaper or pull it up and down like a conventional pull up. Whilst many parents like the convenience of the refastenable side I personally found it was less comfortable for my toddlers than the conventional stretchy waistband.

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf Training Underwear sizes come in 2T–3T, 3T–4T, and 4T–5T with the overall weight range for this product is 16–50 lbs.

Huggies Pull-Ups are available in both boys and girls designs, for tailored absorbency.  

Pros

• Hypoallergenic – Clinically proven to be hypoallergenic
• Breathable Materials – the plant-based ingredients create a breathable, cool and calm experience
• Refastenable Sides – Perfect for quick checks and changes, and creating a closer fit. 
• Wetness Indicator – The print fades when it gets wet, encouraging kids to stay dry. 
• Boy And Girl Fit – Tailored absorbency for better protection.

Cons

• Limited sizing options and low-weight capacity
• Refastenable sides may be uncomfortable for some toddlers

Also available for purchase from Walgreens and Target.

3. Goodnites Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear

Best Overnight Pull Ups For Toddlers

The Goodnites Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear is a top choice among parents thanks to their improved protection and excellent odor absorption.

Potty training can be a stressful (and messy) time, but with Goodnites pull-ups, you and your little one can enjoy drier, happier nights.

Goodnites have fitted their training pants with up to 40% more protection than leading brands.

The 5 layer protection and reinforced double leg barriers help reduce leaks, while the super stretchy waistband provides a close and comfortable fit.

Goodnites Bedwetting Underwear is available in both boys and girls designs. These both offer the same excellent absorption, but with strategically placed barriers offering personalized protection. 

For children struggling with bedwetting, the extra comfort and absorbency offered by Goodnites provides reassurance, and can help your little one build confidence.

And with printed character designs, these pull-ups are fun to use! They’re also useful for heavy wetters, just starting out on the potty training journey.

You may also like our guide on best pull-ups for older bedwetters and best pull ups for night time!

Pros

• 40% More Protection Than Other Leading Brands – Excellent absorbency overnight and for heavy wetters.
• Boy And Girl Fit – Provides protection in the right areas.
• Odor Absorption – Keeps smells locked in.
• Stretchable Sides – That adapt to different body sizes and shapes

Cons

• Pricier compared to other common brands

Also available for purchase from Goodnites. 

4. Seventh Generation Baby & Toddler Training Pants

Best Toddler Pull Ups For Sensitive Skin

Seventh Generation isn’t the biggest name in the diaper market, but they’re quickly becoming a favorite among parents.

Best known for their eco-friendly cleaning supplies, the Seventh Generation Potty Training Pants are soft and safe against sensitive skin. 

Seventh Generation Training Pants are designed to fit like big kid underpants. The tear away side panels have impressive stretch, and allow for super quick changes.

Seventh Generation also offers their training pants in smaller sizes. If your little one has yet to hit their growth spurt, they can still potty train comfortably!

Smaller sizes also make these pull-ups ideal for kids who just can’t wait to get started potty training.

With no chlorine bleaching, lotions, and fragrances, the Seventh Generation training pants are soft against delicate skin.

If you’ve found other diapers have left your little one with a rash, then Seventh Generation offers a gentler solution.

Pros

• Smaller Sized – A better fit for smaller children who want to start potty training.
• No Chlorine Bleaching, Lotions, Or Fragrances – Better for sensitive skin.
• Lightweight – The lighter design feels just like big kid underwear.

Cons

• Absorbency – Heavy wetters are likely to experience leaks.

Also available for purchase from Seventh Generation.

5. Bambo Nature Eco-Friendly Training Pants

Best Eco-Friendly Pull Ups Toddler

Bambo Nature is creating diapers designed to work in harmony with the environment, offering parents a sustainable and convenient solution during potty training. 

Bambo Nature Training Pants are produced in a sustainable and eco-friendly practice, using 100% wind power to receive the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

With raw materials sourced from FSC certified sources, these training pants have minimal ecological impact.

But these training pants aren’t just designed for the planet: they also provide exceptional performance for parents and toddlers.

They’re designed to be super soft and gentle on delicate skin, free from harmful chemicals, dyes, and allergens.

Tested and approved by dermatologists, the Bambo Nature Training Pants have received Eco-Cert and Asthma & Allergy Nordic Label certification. 

Flexible and thin, toddlers will appreciate how easy to pull up and down these training pants are.

The three layer design and absorbent core helps protect against leaks, while the breathable back sheet keeps the skin dry and comfortable. 

Pros

• Nordic Swan Ecolabel – Better for the planet.
• Skin-Safe Materials – Bambo Nature Training Pants have been tested and approved by dermatologists.
• Flexible – Feels close to cotton underwear, and doesn’t inhibit movement.
• Breathable back sheet – Keeps skin dry and healthy.

Cons

• Price – Bambo Nature is a more expensive brand.

Also available for purchase from Bambo Nature USA.

6. Big Elephant Cotton Training Pants

Best Reusable Training Diapers

If you’ve been using reusable diaper or are looking for a reusable pull up, then the Big Elephant Cotton Training Pants are our top pick of reusable pull-ups.

They’re comfortable and colorful, with 6 layers of absorbent materials to lock in leaks.

An elastic waistband makes the Big Elephant training pants easy to pull up and down, and helps toddlers get used to big kid underwear. Made from 100% cotton, these pants feel soft and gentle on delicate skin.

For parents, the Big Elephant cotton training pants can be washed, dried, and reused. This cuts down on waste, and can save you money in the long run, as the durable pants shouldn’t need regular replacement.

Pros

• Reusable – Wash, dry, and use again, to cut down on waste and save money.
• Elasticated Waist – Easy to pull up and down, they feel like big kid underwear.
• 100% Cotton – Comfortable on delicate skin.

Cons

• Absorbency – For big accidents, the Big Elephant training pants might not provide enough protection.

Also available for purchase from Big Elephant.

Buyer’s Guide On Best Pull Up Diapers For Toddlers

By the time you’re ready to start potty training, you should have a good idea of what you look for in a diaper.

You’ll know what sizing and shaping works for your little one, how heavy a wetter they are, and the kind of features you’ve found time-saving. 

But how much of that is relevant when choosing a pull-up?

The good news is that your experience with diapers can provide a lot of guidance when choosing a pull-up.

For example, you’ll know which brands you get along with, and which just don’t work for your little one!

However, potty training is a stressful time, and the needs of your toddler will vary as they get used to using the toilet. To help you through, here’s some advice on choosing the right pull-ups for your toddler. 

Absorbency

Absorbency is still a key concern when you switch your toddler from diapers to pull-ups. There will be accidents, and any good pull-up should be able to deal with little leakages. 

Exactly how much absorbency you need will depend on where you are in the potty training experience, and whether your little one is a heavy wetter. 

You can learn more about pull up absorbency in my guide on are pull ups as absorbent as diapers?

Gendered Or Unisex

Most diapers are gender neutral, particularly in the smaller sizes. However, as you transition to pull-ups, some brands start to offer girls and boys pants. So, how important is getting the right gender?

There isn’t a huge deal of difference between girls and boys pull-ups. In fact, just from glancing at the pants, you might not be able to spot a difference at all!

Gendered pull-ups put padding and absorbent channels in targeted areas, and sometimes have slightly different shaping.

It doesn’t make a huge difference overall, and gender neutral pull-ups are still very common. 

Sizes

There’s no perfect time to start potty training, so kids are all different sizes when they transition to pull-ups. Getting the sizing right is important, as a close fit is a key factor in reducing leaks.

The right size will also help ensure the training pants feel comfortable, and closer to big kid underwear.

Sizes for pull-ups typically denote a weight range. You might need to experiment with a few brands and sizes to find the perfect fit for your toddler.

The fit should be close but flexible, allowing for movement without gaping at the legs or tummy.

Tear Away Sides/Tabbed Sides

One of the obvious features of the pull-up is the ability to pull the underwear up and down! The elasticated waist is a must. But when you concentrate on the waist, don’t overlook the sides!

Potty training is about learning, so there will be times when mom or dad are required to make a diaper change.

Tear away or tabbed sides make it easier to get the pull-ups off, without risking mess on the legs (or carpet). 

Tear away sides are common, and most pull-ups are easy to rip. Tabbed and refastenable sides are less common, but they do have advantages. Tabbed sides are often easier to open, and can be resealed if necessary.

While tabbed sides are better for opening and closing, they can be difficult to maneuver up and down. 

Hypoallergenic

By the time you reach potty training, you should know how your little one reacts to diaper material. If you’ve found it necessary to buy hypoallergenic diapers, then you probably want to invest in hypoallergenic pull-ups.

Pull-ups that are safe for sensitive skin often have no chlorine bleaching, fragrance, or lotion.

Wetness Indicator

A wetness indicator is a design on diapers and pull-ups that changes color when wetness is detected. Some parents find them very useful, while others hardly use them! They’re a handy feature to have, but probably not a necessity.

Wetness indicators can potentially help toddlers learn when it’s time to go to the toilet. As they see the wetness indicator change, they’ll know it’s potty time! Brands such as Huggies use a fading print as a wetness indicator, to appeal to kids. 

Reusable Or Disposable?

Pull-ups and training pants are available in both disposable and reusable styles, and it’s a personal choice which works best.

The primary benefit to disposable pull-ups is convenience. When the pull-up has been used, it simply needs to be tossed in the trash, and forgotten.

There’s less mess, and less fuss. As potty training normally creates a lot of mess, this easy approach is popular. Disposable pull-ups also give your toddler the freedom to get it wrong, to experiment, and to learn.

The main benefit to reusable diapers is environmental, as they create significantly less waste. They can also help you save money, as a set of reusable diapers can last a lot longer than a box of disposables.

Final Thoughts On Toddler Pull Up Diapers

Pull-ups help your toddler move away from diapers, and into big kid underwear! We love the performance and ease of Pampers Easy Ups, but brands such as Huggies Pull Ups and Goodnites Nighttime Underwear are also good choices.

For sensitive skin, check out Seventh Generation Training Pants, and Bambo Nature Training Pants. Or, give reusable a go with the pull-ups from Big Elephant!

We hope this guide will help you prepare for the next stage in your child’s diapering journey!

And if you’re looking for more great diapering guides, then check out these guides on best diapers to prevent blowouts, what to do with extra diapers, best overnight diapers and do diapers expire? Or even our guide on the best pull ups!