Our Top Picks

- Diaper-level absorbency
- 360-degree stretch waistband
- EZ-off tear tabs

- Extra overnight protection
- Male and female designs
- Absorbs odor

- Saves you time and money
- Easy absorb channels and leak guards
- Super fun designs

- Extra absorbent
- Fading graphics feature
- Super stretchy fit

- Anatomy-matched absorbency
- Fading graphics feature
- Refastenable sides

- Plant-based materials
- Fragrance and lotion free
- Oeko-Tex certified

- Fits up to 95+ lbs
- LockAway odor control
- Underwear-style fit
Our Review Criteria: Whether a toddler can pull the pant up and down alone is the point of a training pant, so we judged that first. We then weighed absorbency, sizing and fit across the toddler weight range, leak protection at the legs and waist, and skin safety, favoring fragrance-free, chlorine-free, and paraben-free materials. We separated daytime trainers from overnight products because they solve different problems, and included cloth options for families who want a child to feel wetness and learn faster. Every pick was checked for current availability, and we swap discontinued products for in-stock ones.
Potty training is a big milestone, and it can test your patience more than almost anything else in the toddler years.
Pull up diapers are the bridge between full diapers and big-kid underwear. They give your child the independence to pull them up and down while still protecting your floors, car seat, and furniture from accidents.
Below you will find nine training pants sorted by real need, from overnight heavy-wetters to sensitive skin, cloth, and reusable covers, plus a short guide to choosing the right fit.
Pull Ups vs. Training Pants
The diaper aisle blurs the line between diapers, pull ups, and training pants, and the labels do not always help. Here is what actually separates them so you buy the right thing for your stage.
Take Note
What Are Pull Ups?
Pull ups are the direct step down from diapers. They use the same super-absorbent core to lock away wetness, but instead of tapes they have an elastic waistband that slides up and down like underwear.
They are the right call early in training, when your child still has full-bladder accidents, because they contain the mess while your child practices the up-and-down motion. If you are just starting with potty training, this is usually where you begin.
What Are Training Pants?
Training pants sit one step closer to real underwear. Some brands use the term for disposables, but true training pants are usually cloth with a thicker, multi-layer crotch.
They hold a dribble or a small leak, not a full release. The point is that your child feels the wetness, which builds the body awareness that a super-absorbent disposable hides. They suit a child who is mostly trained and needs a safety net.
What Are Underwear Covers?
Underwear covers are waterproof shells worn over regular undies. They do not absorb; they simply keep an accident from reaching clothes and furniture.
They pair well with cloth diapers or cotton underwear when your child is ready to feel wet but you are not ready to trust the couch yet.
How to Choose Pull Up Diapers
From leak protection to the right size, a few features separate a pant that helps from one that fights you. Here are five to weigh before you buy:
- Absorbency Level: Early in training, favor higher absorbency so a big accident away from home does not become a crisis. Closer to the finish line, lower absorbency helps your child feel wet and learn faster.
- Stretchy Waistbands: Independence is the whole point. Your child should be able to hook their thumbs in the waist and push the pants down, then pull them back up, without help. A soft, flexible waist is non-negotiable.
- Refastenable or Tear-Away Sides: For a messy poop you do not want to slide a pant down the legs. Velcro-style tabs or tear-away seams make cleanup far easier.
- Accurate Sizing: Too loose leaks, too tight leaves marks. Check the weight range on the box and buy a small pack to test the fit before committing to bulk.
- Engaging Designs: A favorite character is real motivation. Fade-when-wet graphics go further by turning “you are wet” into something your child can see. Let them pick the pack to build ownership.
Do You Really Need Pull Ups?
Strictly, no. Some families go straight to underwear and ride out the puddles for a week or two. For most, though, pull ups are the sanity-saving middle ground, especially away from home.
Timing helps set expectations. Children often show the first signs of readiness around 18 to 24 months and are reliably dry during the day between 30 and 36 months (1), so many families use pull ups on and off for a year or more, plus longer at night. Following your child’s cues beats forcing a calendar date.
Product Reviews
We compared the top training pants on absorbency, fit, how easily a toddler can pull them up and down, and skin safety, then matched each to a specific need so you can jump to the one that fits your situation.
Pampers Cruisers 360 Diaper Pants
Best for Little Walkers
These sit between a diaper and a training pant, which makes them ideal for the crawling-and-cruising stage before real potty training starts. There are no tapes to fasten; you pull them straight up while your baby stands, which is a relief during the wrestling-match phase of changes.
They carry full diaper-level absorbency with a 360-degree stretch waistband, so they move with an active baby without bunching or sagging. Dual Leak-Guard and Blowout Barriers handle the messier moments, and EZ-off tabs let you tear the sides for a clean removal when you need it.
Pros
- Diaper-Level Absorbency: Full protection in a pull-on shape.
- Stand-Up Changes: No tapes, so squirmy babies can stay upright.
- Active Fit: The 360-degree stretch waistband moves with crawling and walking.
Cons
- Not a Training Tool: Very absorbent, so it will not help a child feel wet and learn cues.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable pull-on diaper |
|---|---|
| Size Range | Size 6 (35+ lbs) |
| Count | 104 |
| Best Use | Active crawlers and walkers |
| Refastenable Sides | EZ-off tear tabs |
| Wetness Cue | None (stay-dry core) |
GoodNites Bedtime Bedwetting Underwear
Best Overnight Pull Up Diapers
If nighttime dryness is the last hurdle, GoodNites are built for it. These are made for bedwetting rather than daytime training, so they hold far more than a standard training pant, and this pack is sized for bigger kids at 28 to 43 lbs who have outgrown toddler pull ups.
Five layers of protection and double leg barriers matter for restless sleepers who roll and kick all night. The odor control keeps things discreet for sleepovers or camp, and the separate boy and girl designs help an older child feel less self-conscious about still needing them.
Pros
- Built for Overnight: Made for bedwetting, so it holds far more than a daytime training pant.
- Sized for Bigger Kids: Fits children who have grown out of standard toddler pull ups.
- Discreet Fit: Odor control and a low profile ease the self-consciousness for older kids.
Cons
- No Tear-Away Sides: They pull on and off like underwear, so a messy accident is harder to change.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable |
|---|---|
| Size Range | XS (28-43 lbs) |
| Count | 44 (2 packs of 22) |
| Best Use | Overnight bedwetting |
| Refastenable Sides | No (pull-on) |
| Wetness Cue | None (stay-dry core) |
Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants
Best Bulk Pull Ups
Potty training usually takes longer than expected, so you will go through a lot of pants. Buying Easy Ups in a 140-count box is the low-stress way to stay stocked without last-minute store runs.
The 360-degree stretch waistband is the standout. It feels close to real cotton underwear, which helps toddlers who dislike the crinkle of a diaper, and the snug fit cuts down on the gaps that leak during active play. Dual Leak-Guard barriers around the legs catch most accidents before they run down the leg, and while there are no refastenable tabs, the sides tear open for quick removal.
Pros
- Bulk Value: A large count keeps you stocked and lowers the cost per pant.
- Underwear Feel: The 360-degree stretch waistband mimics real undies.
- Leak Barriers: Dual guards around the legs contain most accidents.
Cons
- Runs Small for Some: Chunkier toddlers may need to size up.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable |
|---|---|
| Size Range | 2T-3T |
| Count | 140 |
| Best Use | Daytime training, bulk stock |
| Refastenable Sides | Tear-away sides |
| Wetness Cue | None (stay-dry core) |
Pull Ups Boys' Potty Training Pants
Best Pull Ups for Boys
Pull-Ups are the default daytime trainer for a reason. The boys version concentrates absorbency in the front where it is needed most, and the pants go up and down like underwear so your child can practice doing it alone.
The refastenable sides are the real advantage over tear-only brands. You can check for wetness without wrecking the pant or adjust the fit on a narrow waist. The fade-when-wet graphics give instant feedback, helping your child connect the feeling of an accident with the result.
The refastenable sides are a lifesaver. Being able to check a diaper without destroying it saved me so much money. However, be warned that clever toddlers figure out how to take them off pretty quickly!
Editor's Note:
Emily WattsPros
- Front Absorbency: Extra coverage placed where boys need it most.
- Visual Learning: Fade-when-wet graphics signal an accident.
- Refastenable Sides: Open and reclose for quick checks or fit tweaks.
Cons
- Not for Heavy Nights: Fine for naps, but often not absorbent enough for deep overnight wetters.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable |
|---|---|
| Size Range | 3T-4T (32-40 lbs) |
| Count | 112 |
| Best Use | Daytime training (boys) |
| Refastenable Sides | Yes |
| Wetness Cue | Fade-when-wet graphics |
Pull Ups Girls' Potty Training Pants
Best Pull Ups for Girls
The girls version places the absorbent zone lower and toward the center to match anatomy, and it carries the same Learning Layer and refastenable sides as the boys pants. Sizes run from 2T-3T up through the larger toddler ranges, so the fit grows with your child.
The fade-when-wet Minnie Mouse graphic is a simple teaching tool: when it disappears, your daughter can see she had an accident, which opens the conversation about staying dry. The refastenable sides also make changing a standing, wiggling toddler far easier than balancing her on one leg. Like the boys pants, these are dermatologist-tested and fragrance free.
Pros
- Anatomy-Matched Absorbency: Placed low and central for girls.
- Learning Layer Feedback: Fade-when-wet graphics flag accidents.
- Refastenable Sides: Easy standing changes and fit adjustments.
Cons
- Daytime Focus: Very good for training, but not built for heavy overnight wetting.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable |
|---|---|
| Size Range | 3T-4T (32-40 lbs) |
| Count | 112 |
| Best Use | Daytime training (girls) |
| Refastenable Sides | Yes |
| Wetness Cue | Fade-when-wet graphics |
Naty FreeMovers Training Pants
Best Natural Pull Ups
If your child has reactive skin or you want fewer synthetic materials against it, Naty FreeMovers are a strong natural pick. They are made largely from plant-based materials and skip the fragrance, lotion, and latex that commonly trigger diaper rash.
Naty backs the skin-safety claim with an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, meaning the pants are tested against a long list of restricted substances including chlorine, parabens, and phthalates. They pull on, feel soft and breathable, and still absorb well enough for daytime training. For more on how these compare, see our guide to organic diapers.
Pros
- Gentle on Skin: Fragrance, lotion, and latex free for sensitive toddlers.
- Certified Materials: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 tested against restricted substances.
- Plant-Based Build: Uses renewable materials in place of an all-synthetic core.
Cons
- Costs More: Natural materials carry a higher per-pant cost than mainstream brands.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable (plant-based) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | Size 5, 3T-4T (24-40 lbs) |
| Count | 80 |
| Best Use | Sensitive skin, daytime |
| Refastenable Sides | Not specified |
| Wetness Cue | None (stay-dry core) |
Ninjamas Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear
Best for Older Kids
Standard pull ups top out well before some kids stop wetting at night, and that is the gap Ninjamas fills. This size fits bigger children, roughly 64 to 95-plus lbs, so an older child who still needs nighttime protection gets a proper fit instead of a too-small pant.
The absorbency is built for overnight use, with Pampers LockAway channels that pull liquid away fast and taller leg cuffs to guard against side leaks. A 360-degree waistband makes them look and pull on like real underwear, and the odor control keeps mornings fresh, which helps an older child hold onto their confidence.
Pros
- Sized for Older Kids: Fits well beyond standard toddler pull ups.
- Overnight Absorbency: LockAway channels and tall leg cuffs handle heavy nights.
- Underwear-Style Fit: A 360-degree waistband looks and feels discreet.
Cons
- Nighttime Only: Built for overnight, with no tear-away sides for a messy change.
Product Specs
| Type | Disposable |
|---|---|
| Size Range | L (64-95+ lbs) |
| Count | 34 |
| Best Use | Overnight, bigger kids |
| Refastenable Sides | No (pull-on) |
| Wetness Cue | None (stay-dry core) |
Gerber Reusable Training Pants
Best Cloth Pull Ups
When your child is close to fully trained, a very absorbent disposable can actually slow things down because it hides the feeling of being wet. Gerber cotton training pants are the low-tech fix for that final stretch.
These are 100 percent cotton panels with an absorbent inner layer, built to catch a small accident while still letting your child feel the dampness, which reinforces the trip to the potty. They pull on like regular underwear, wash and reuse many times over, and come in a simple multipack. Treat them as underwear with a safety margin, not a diaper: a full release will soak through.
Pros
- Feel-Wet Learning: Cotton lets your child sense an accident right away.
- Washable and Reusable: A multipack lasts through training and cuts waste.
- Underwear-Like: Soft cotton feels like the real thing.
Cons
- Light Absorbency Only: Holds a dribble, not a full release, so not for naps or car rides.
Product Specs
| Type | Reusable cotton |
|---|---|
| Size Range | 2T |
| Count | 3 (multipack) |
| Best Use | Feel-wet daytime training |
| Refastenable Sides | No (pull-on) |
| Wetness Cue | Feel-wet (cotton) |
Dappi Waterproof Diaper Pants
Best Budget Pull Ups
If you want your child in real underwear but dread the cleanup, Dappi covers are a smart, low-cost backup. They are waterproof nylon shells that go over regular underwear or a cloth insert.
The idea is simple: your child wears normal undies and feels wet when an accident happens, while the cover keeps clothes, car seats, and furniture dry. The spandex waist and leg openings stay gentle and do not leave the red marks that old rubber pants did, and they wash and dry fast, so a couple of pairs cover most of the training phase.
Pros
- Low Cost: A few reusable pairs cover the whole phase.
- Leak Barrier: Protects clothing and furniture over regular underwear.
- Gentle Edges: Spandex binding avoids chafing and red marks.
Cons
- Not Absorbent Alone: A cover only; it must go over underwear or an insert.
Product Specs
| Type | Reusable cover (nylon) |
|---|---|
| Size Range | Medium (20-25 lbs) |
| Count | 2 |
| Best Use | Over underwear, leak barrier |
| Refastenable Sides | No (pull-on) |
| Wetness Cue | Feel-wet (worn over undies) |
| Product | Best | Type | Size Range | Best Use | Refastenable Sides |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pampers Cruisers 360 Diaper Pants | Best for Little Walkers | Pull-on diaper | Size 6 (35+ lbs) | Active crawlers and walkers | EZ-off tabs |
| GoodNites Bedtime Bedwetting Underwear | Best for Overnight | Disposable | XS (28-43 lbs) | Overnight bedwetting | No (pull-on) |
| Pampers Easy Ups Training Pants | Best Bulk Pull Ups | Disposable | 2T-3T | Daytime training | Tear-away sides |
| Pull-Ups Boys’ Potty Training Pants | Best for Boys | Disposable | 3T-4T (32-40 lbs) | Daytime (boys) | Yes |
| Pull-Ups Girls’ Potty Training Pants | Best for Girls | Disposable | 3T-4T (32-40 lbs) | Daytime (girls) | Yes |
| Naty FreeMovers Training Pants | Best Natural Pick | Disposable (plant-based) | Size 5, 3T-4T (24-40 lbs) | Sensitive skin | Not specified |
| Ninjamas Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear | Best for Older Kids | Disposable | L (64-95+ lbs) | Overnight, bigger kids | No (pull-on) |
| Gerber Reusable Training Pants | Best Cloth Pull Ups | Reusable cotton | 2T | Feel-wet training | No (pull-on) |
| Dappi Waterproof Diaper Pants | Best Budget Pull Ups | Reusable cover | Medium (20-25 lbs) | Over underwear | No (pull-on) |
Pull Ups Diaper FAQs
Potty training raises a lot of questions. Here are direct answers to the ones parents ask most during the switch.
In Conclusion
The right pull up is the one that matches your child’s stage: higher absorbency and a snug fit early or overnight, then lower-absorbency or cloth options once they are ready to feel wet and learn. Start with a small pack, watch the fit and the leaks, and size up or switch as your child grows into real underwear.






