Disposable trainers contain accidents, keeping cleanups to a minimum. Accidents are an important part of the process. So I used the disposable pants for about a month, until he got the hang of using the potty. You never want to resort to negativity or punishment, emphasizes Lerner, so if too much mess will put you over the edge, go the pull-up route. Then, on the appointed day, make a production of putting on the underwear and let the spills fall where they may.
Most kids enjoy feeling like a grown-up.
When they do have accidents, they feel the discomfort much more acutely than they would with training pants. But having wet underpants helped him learn to make it to the bathroom on time. Not if you, your child, or other caregivers have a low tolerance for mess. You'll resent your child, and he'll feel greatly put upon. On the other hand, if you're very patient and can stick close to home during the process, your child seems to be truly motivated, and you've got a washing machine at the ready, underpants are widely believed to be a better way to go than disposables.