Toddlers Everyday Care Potty Training Does Potty Training With Underwear Really Work? By Stephanie Brown Updated on October 27, 2020 Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD Print Dave King Dorling Kindersley/Getty Images Potty training with underwear is likely one of the multitude of methods you'll hear about from other moms when planning for this important milestone. Some parents swear by this effective (yet messy) approach while others prefer the pull-up route. What works and what doesn't when it comes to potty training is entirely up to you and your child. Still, it never hurts to learn about the pros and cons of using various undergarments during potty training. Underwear Pros and Cons Pros Inexpensive Reusable Easy for child to pull up and down Child feels wetness or dirtiness More like what big kids and adults wear Cons Doesn't protect clothing Doesn't protect surfaces (furniture, car seats) Creates a lot of laundry Cloth Training Pants Pros and Cons Pros Reusable Less expensive than disposable training pants Child can feel wetness or dirtiness Offers some protection for clothing and other surfaces Cons Doesn't always protect clothing or other surfaces, such as furniture Creates a lot of laundry Less like big-kid or adult underwear Can be difficult to pull up and down Disposable Training Pants Pros and Cons Pros Protects clothing when accidents occur Can be a good transition step between diapers and underwear Disposable No laundry Protects surfaces like furniture and car seats Cons Expensive Have to go to store when you run out Child is less aware of wetness or dirtiness Feels like a diaper, so can be harder for child to learn to use a toilet Sometimes difficult to pull up or down Not like big-kid or adult underwear You may choose one method exclusively, which is often recommended so that it promotes consistency and eliminates any confusion. Or, you may choose to use underwear during the day and disposable training pants at night or during naps, as many parents do. This is a good strategy since children often gain control during sleep much later than they do during waking hours. Each child has his own temperament, so there is no true one-size-fits-all method. Ultimately the decision is up to you. Don't be afraid to try a method and then switch to another if one is plainly not working. Once you find what works, stick with it, keep going, and have patience. Your little one will be going "pee pee on the potty" in no time! By Stephanie Brown Stephanie Brown is a parenting writer with experience in the Head Start program and in NAEYC accredited child care centers. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit