training pants

[Marie000]

My little girl is not quite ready to potty train yet (she's only 20 months old) but she has shown some signs of moving in that direction. I know I can't force it to happen sooner than she is ready, but I'd like to do all I can to help her get there. In all honesty, I am really tired of washing diapers!

Are cloth training pants useful?
If so, when and how did you use them for your lo?
If I get some, they will probably be eBay cheapies because I can't afford name brand ones. Are they any good?

 

[Rachel_C]

Most training pants are only there to catch a few drips before LO makes it to the toilet. I've only seen cheapies of this type. Very few will hold a full wee at all, even for a few seconds. If LO isn't ready, I think using pants like that would only confuse and possibly upset her. I'd continue giving her the opportunity to learn what the sensations mean - lots of nappy free time, leave a potty out, using non stay dry nappies etc but I don't think training pants would do much for a child who wasn't 99.9% there. We used them for a little reassurance when we were out and we had some that would hold a full wee for a little while (Best Bottom and Flips) for in the car, for night times when LO was dry 4/5 nights and for when LO was a bit nervous about going out even though she was day dry, but I don't think they'd have helped her learn to use the potty.