Potty training can be a daunting task for parents, but finding the right pull-up diaper is a step in the right direction. Pull-up diapers go on and off your child the same as underwear, but they offer wetness protection similar to a regular diaper. Kids can practice independence but still be protected in case of an accident.
Disposable pull-up diapers, like Pampers Cruisers, are a great tool to use. They can encourage kids to practice using the restroom on their own while still offering you the peace of mind that your child is protected if they can’t make it to the toilet in time. Although they don’t offer as much wetness protection as a regular diaper, they are a great item for transitioning your child from diapers to underwear.
What to know before you buy pull-up diapers
Age of child
In the past, pull-up diapers have been most used for kids once they hit about two years of age. Pull-up diapers are most often thought of as a transitional stage between diaper dependence and potty independence. However, a few brands now make pull-up diapers in slightly smaller sizes because some parents report they are easier to put on and off toddlers who have learned to walk. Because they don’t have tabs to fasten around the waist, pull-up diapers can be harder for toddlers to take off by themselves. Most pull-up diapers are still best for toddlers about age two and up, however you can find them in some brands in a size three, which typically fits a child around the age of one.
Wetness protection
Because they are most often used for potty-training kids, pull-ups generally don’t offer as much wetness protection as regular diapers. If your child consumes a lot of liquid or regularly wets through standard diapers, your child may not yet be ready for pull-up diapers because they will need to be changed more frequently to prevent diaper rash. Unless a pull-up diaper is specifically targeted for overnight usage, you should not have your child wear one to bed.
Expense
Pull-up diapers are often more expensive than regular diapers and come in smaller packages. They are not a cost-effective option for a child who regularly wets through diapers. If your child goes through many diaper changes in a day, you may want to wait before purchasing pull-up diapers to cut down on your diaper costs.
Pull-up diaper features
Elastic waistband
Pull-up diapers are meant to mimic underwear. Your child wears them by pulling them up or down. They do not offer tabs on the side, which means that they can be put on and taken off of a standing child rather than the child having to be laid down for a diaper change.
Leak protection
Pull-up diapers can hold both urine and feces, so they offer protection where potty-training kids need it. Pull-up diapers offer the feel of underwear with leak protection similar to that of a regular diaper.
Fun patterns and prints
You can purchase pull-up diapers in a variety of patterns and prints. Some even have recognizable characters on them. Your child can help pick out which design they like on their pull-up diaper, which may get them excited to wear them and start potty training. Some pull-up diapers even have patterns or designs that fade when they get wet to alert you that your child is wetting through their pull-up diaper.
Pull-up diaper cost
Pull-up diapers can vary in price depending on which size of pull-up diaper you purchase and how many diapers are in each package. Packages of pull-up diapers generally cost $8-$50.
Pull-up diaper FAQ
Does my child need to wear a pull-up diaper when potty training?
A. No. Pull-up diapers aren’t right for every child. Some children prefer to transition directly from a regular diaper to underwear without ever using pull-up diapers. Every child is different, and you should do what works for you and your child.
How will I know when my child is ready to transition to pull-up diapers?
A. If your child is going a long time without wetting their diaper or expressing interest in the potty, it may be time to start thinking about transitioning your child to a pull-up diaper and begin potty training. If your child is regularly taking off their diaper you may also want to consider transitioning to a pull-up because they are slightly harder for kids to simply pull off their bodies.
Which pull-up diaper should I get?
Best of the best pull-up diaper
Pampers Cruisers Disposable Diapers: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Our take: These diapers are easy to get on and off a moving child and offer excellent leak protection.
What we like: A comfortable fit and cute designs make these diapers a great choice for your active toddler.
What we dislike: Because these diapers pull up, they aren’t as adjustable at the waist as regular diapers, which may mean they don’t fit your child as well.
Best bang for your buck pull-up diaper
Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Our take: These pull-ups feature cute characters on both the front and back and are easy for your child to take on and off by themselves.
What we like: The pull-up diapers offer a comfortable fit and will make your child feel as if they are wearing big-kid underwear.
What we dislike: These pull-up diapers do not offer as much leak protection as regular diapers, so your child may experience more leaks than normal when they first start wearing these pull-up diapers.
Honorable mention pull-up diaper
Pampers Easy-Ups Training Underwear: available at Amazon and Buy Buy Baby
Our take: Made to look and feel like real underwear, these pull-up diapers are perfect for when your child is ready to start potty training.
What we like: Cute designs and a comfortable fit will leave both you and your child happy.
What we dislike: Some users report that these pull-up diapers let off an odd odor. Others report that these pull-up diapers tear more easily at the waistband than others.
Stephanie Jarrett is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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