Best Training Pants

Gerber Big Kid Training Pants are a good balance between diapers and underwear

Training pants bridge the gap between diapers and underwear for potty-training children. Many companies sell pull up-type training pants to help children transition from diapers to big boy or girl underwear, but the rap that most experts have on some of these products is that they feel too much like diapers. This may prolong the potty-training period by discouraging little ones from reacting to wetness, making them as comfortable with filling their training pants as they were with filling a diaper.

Parents say Gerber Big Kid Training Pants (*Est. $8 for two pairs) are a classic, economical choice that are soft and comfy for active children. The washable, durable cotton training pants look like real underwear but feature a little extra absorbency for small accidents. These training pants won't contain big accidents or messy blowouts, but parents say that may encourage reluctant children to head to the potty. They may also be hard to find in stores.

Parents who want to stick with disposables a little longer should check out Seventh Generation Free & Clear Training Pants (*Est. $44 cents per pair) . The hypoallergenic training pants are manufactured without chlorine and perfume, and parents say they provide enough absorbency to contain small accidents. The training pants feature tear-away sides that make it easier for parents to attend to messes, but reviewers like that kids can't rip off the pants themselves – they still have to pull them down. Like Seventh Generation diapers, the training pants are dyed tan to appear more natural, which some parents dislike. Some reviewers also find that they aren't as soft as other brands.