I loved using natural fibers to cloth diaper, so I was a little apprehensive when it came time to potty train D. Luckily, Smart Bottoms continues their quality line of organic cotton, made in the USA products with their Lil Trainer.
Smart Bottoms sent me a Lil Trainer to try out with D., which is perfect because I get to talk a little about potty training. D. was potty trained at around 22 months old, but I came home from a long weekend away to a little guy who was now afraid to poop on the potty. I’d done a fair share of reading on the topic of potty training, so I knew that pushing the issue was the wrong thing to do. I put him back in diapers and revisited 6 months later, using a technique I had come across. At each diaper change, I asked D. if he wanted a diaper or underwear. After 5 days of asking, D. finally said that he wanted to wear underwear. From that day on, he was using the toilet (although he’s still got his fear of #2).
While D. wore regular underwear most of the time, I had 5 pairs of training pants that I used, and still use, for running errands and road trips — those times when it may take a few minutes to get to a bathroom. I also like to keep a pair of training pants in my purse, just in case (instead of a change of undies). So for us, training pants definitely have a time and a purpose.
Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers are perfect for the beginning stages of potty training (or errands out) because they provide enough absorbency to contain an accident. Made from organic cotton, the Lil Trainer features Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) in the wet zone, with an organic cotton insert that snaps inside for added absorbency and protection. Made to hold a single “accident,” the Lil Trainer is meant to be changed afterwards. The insert can be used two ways: interchanged with an additional insert after a small accident (reusing the outer) or removing the insert once your little one becomes more adept at using the toilet. Because of the construction, Lil Trainers can be used from start to finish with potty training (and come in adorable prints as well!).
I’ve tested the trainers by putting D. down for his nap in them (he naps for two hours and still needs to wear a diaper) and they worked really well — while D. had thoroughly soaked them, they were only damp on the outside. For added protection, I would put a cover over these trainers if using for nighttime or nap time undies.
D. is above average height and weighs approximately 37lbs. He’s wearing a size LARGE Lil Trainer in this photo.
Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers fit both snug and soft with their organic cotton inner and encased elastic. While not as bulky as a cloth diaper, these training pants are definitely a little bulkier than underwear — but the added security is well worth it.
You can purchase Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers at major cloth diaper retailers, including Kelly’s Closet.
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