In Australia, the cost of disposable training pants varies from about 80 cents to $2, depending on the brand and size. With the risk that the pants may need to be changed several times a day, this makes for a very expensive convenience.
With the cost of disposable pants being so exorbitant, there is the risk that parents will leave the pants on after they’ve been wet (just like a nappy), and this of course defeats the purpose. The child may as well be in nappies because they’re cheaper, and they’re not really being potty trained because the “pants” are being treated like nappies.
For the children who wear them, the problem with disposable training pants is that they feel just like a normal single-use nappy, so the fact that they’re pull-up style with a “feel wet” top layer is just a clever marketing ploy. The trainers still look and feel just like the nappies they're supposed to replace.
Reusable trainers, on the other hand, actually look and feel very different to reusable nappies. For starters, they’re about an inch thinner! They’re waterproof but only absorbent enough to hold one accident, so parents can’t get away with leaving it on like they would a nappy. And most brands don't have a moisture barrier, which means the child can feel wetness.
Many brands of reusable training pants are manufactured by companies that also make modern cloth nappies, and so they are made ethically from natural fibres with stringent quality requirements. Close Parent is one of these companies and they have recently launched their reusable training pants in the UK, with fabulous results.
This weekend will see the launch of the trainers in Australia, at The Baby and Toddler Show in Sydney. We are confident the trainers will be well received across the nation as a high quality, economical and commonsense alternative to disposable training pants. Available in super soft soya velour (Cosy Fit) or fast-drying microfibre (Cool Fit), in 2 neutral designs and 4 sizes, there is something for every little bottom from 12 months to 4 years.
Whether your child’s preference is to potty train early or late, these trainers were designed with modern parenting in mind.
Some tips for fast, successful toilet training:
• Don’t push it if they don’t seem ready, but when they do seem ready and once you’ve made the decision to toilet train, don’t relapse! Put the nappies away for good!
• Keep your cool. Don’t get cranky when your child has their seventh accident of the day. Remember that this is a learning process and they won’t learn it overnight. It’s going to take patience and time.
• Use positive reinforcement and rewards.
• Talk about what you’re doing with them. Explain the whole process. Talk to them about how uncomfortable it feels to wear wet/dirty undies.
© Oz Baby Trends 2010
(1) http://www.newsobserver.com/2009/08/02/86918/frugal-parents-say-no-to-disposable.html
I saw your training pants at the Baby and Toddler Show, they look great. I didn't end up buying any, because I am planning to sew my own, but if I never get around to it, yours will be my top choice.
ReplyDelete