Pull Ups vs Diapers: What’s the best option?
11th July 2024
Watching your little one grow up is such an exciting time. They are learning so much in their everyday life. As they get older, you’ll need to look at the next steps to take. One thing you might wonder about is pull-ups vs diapers, and we’re here to help.
This blog includes:
- What’s the difference between pull-ups and diapers?
- Why choose pull-ups? And why not?
- Why choose diapers? And why not?
- Are pull-ups more expensive than nappies?
- When should I use pull-ups instead of diapers?
- How do you know when your baby is ready for potty training?
- Potty training process tips
What’s the difference between pull-ups and diapers?
Pull-ups and diapers essentially do the same job but in a slightly different way. Diapers or nappies, use sticky tabs to secure the nappy in place. Nappies are generally available for newborn babies up to toddler ages.
In contrast, pull-ups do not have sticky tabs to secure them. They are just pulled up like any other regular underwear with an elastic waistband. It’s very important that your baby is in the correct size nappy or pull-ups for their weight and age. Otherwise, they will be uncomfortable, and you may end up dealing with nappy rash.
Why choose pull-ups?
Many parents choose to start using pull-up pants when their active babies are ready to start potty training. This is because they can often be easier to use. Here are some of the benefits of using pull-up pants.
- Babies can be more active in pull-up diapers
- It makes baby changing easier
- Helps with potty training
- Pull-up diapers can be used for toddlers too
Why not to use pull-ups?
However, there are some other aspects to consider with pull-up diapers. For example, pull-ups are generally more expensive than diapers and nappies. Pull-ups are also less absorbent than diapers, which can cause more leakages. This is one of the main reasons most parents use diapers until the baby is ready to potty train.
Why choose diapers?
Diapers are available for small newborn babies and toddlers. Regular disposable diapers are most commonly used for newborn babies who are not learning to potty train yet. Here are some of the benefits of diapers and nappies.
- Nappies are good for young babies
- Regular diapers may be more comfortable as the tabs can be adjusted
- Diapers are more absorbent, reducing leaks
- Nappies are generally less expensive than pull-up pants
Why not to use diapers?
Diapers are, however, not as good for potty training toddlers as changing is harder. As your baby grows, you may also find that regular diapers are unavailable in bigger sizes, so pull-ups could be the best solution.
It’s entirely up to you what you use for your baby, as long as they are comfortable. Ensure that your baby is in the correct size, whatever solution you use.
Are pull-ups more expensive than nappies?
As we mentioned earlier, pull-ups are usually more expensive than nappies. This can make them less accessible for families. This can also be a problem as they are less absorbent. This means you may need to change them more often when leaks occur. The cost and price difference can be a big factor when looking at diapers vs pull-ups.
You can purchase pull-ups and diapers from many stores. It’s a good idea to shop around and search for any discounts if you can. This will help you to get the best price.
On average, a newborn will get through 10 – 12 nappies per day. When they are walking, this can reduce to around 5 – 7 per day. Of course, this depends on many factors, so try not to worry if your baby uses less every so often.
If you are worried about your baby’s toilet habits, you should seek advice. They may ask you to monitor the habits before passing you on to a specialist. A specialist will give you advice and support you through the process.
When should I use pull-ups instead of diapers?
It’s completely up to you what you decide to put your baby in and when you swap to pull-up pants. More often than not, diapers are used until the baby reaches around two years. At this point, potty training is imminent, so pull-ups can be easier to use.
However, some parents may decide to use pull-ups earlier than this or even later. You will need to check what size diapers go up to before deciding to stick to them. Pull-up pants are generally available for older babies.
It’s also entirely up to you when you start potty training your baby. Some parents believe their child is ready earlier, so they may start at 18 months. It all depends on how your baby is developing and if you believe they are ready.
Pull-ups are good training underwear as toddlers can easily pull them down when actively potty training. Older toddlers can learn to use disposable training pants on their own more easily than traditional diapers.
Best pants for potty training
Pull-ups or training pants are a great option for potty training. This is because they have a lower absorption rate. With less absorption, your baby will likely feel discomfort if they have an accident. This discomfort can help to teach them that they don’t want to experience it again. Therefore, they will opt to get to the potty. Find out how to potty train a girl.
How do you know when your baby is ready for potty training?
- They are aware when nappies are wet or dirty
- They may tell you when they are peeing in the nappy
- They take themselves off somewhere to wee in the nappy
- They may start letting you know if they need to wee before doing so
Potty training process tips
Potty training is a big and important process to go through! When potty training, you’ll need to be patient with your little one. They are learning a completely new skill, which can take some time.
If, at any point, you are worried about potty training, you should seek professional advice. Try to be calm with your child if they have messy accidents or wet the bed. They are still learning, and it can still happen as children get older. Staying dry through the night can take longer than the daytime.
- Choose a fun potty – a design of something they like – this will encourage a positive relationship with the potty
- Keep the potty around at all times – one upstairs and one downstairs in your home
- Introduce the potty every day, and start building a routine, such as before you go out or after meals
- Encourage them with praise or even a sticker
- Stay calm if they have an accident – this will encourage them to be honest with you
- Give them a book or something to focus on if they are waiting to use the potty
It’s so important to be patient with your little one so they feel confident. The more you encourage them, the more likely they will be to reach the potty and use it correctly.
You’ll know when your baby is ready to start potty training. If they aren’t ready, you cannot force them. This may end up pushing them the other way and not wanting to learn.
You may find it useful to read some books about potty training. You could see if there are any books that are easy for your baby to understand too. It can be good to learn the differences with nighttime potty training as well. You can use a kid’s seat for toilet training when your baby is potty trained. Read our blog on potty training tips.
So, pull-ups vs diapers?
It’s usually a good idea to use nappies or diapers for your newborn and move on to pull-ups during potty training. This can help to avoid you using more nappies than you need when your baby’s nappy does leak. Diapers are also a cheaper option compared to pull-up pants.
Always be patient with your baby when learning to use the potty and toilet. This should be an exciting time as your baby learns a new skill. Soon enough, your baby will be potty trained!
We hope this blog has been useful regarding pull-ups vs diapers. Good luck with your baby’s potty training journey.
Abigail holds a First Class Degree in Marketing and a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning, and Development. As an established author and expert in baby names, she has spent over four years alongside industry experts blogging about pregnancy, babies, and family-related topics, including quotes and puns, with a special focus on name ideas. Her well-researched articles are thoughtfully crafted to guide parents through early parenthood, making her work an invaluable resource for families.
