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Introduction: The Moment I Started Wondering
I never thought I’d ask this question so soon: “Is my baby ready for pull-ups?” But around 19 months, my daughter started tugging at her diaper after peeing and pointing at the potty in the bathroom. She wasn’t speaking in full sentences yet, but her little signals were loud and clear.
I didn’t want to rush her, but I also didn’t want to ignore the signs. So I began our gentle potty training journey—with lots of patience, a few accidents, and surprisingly, the right pull-ups made a big difference.
What Age Can a Baby Wear Pull-Ups?
Most pediatricians say that potty training usually starts between 2 and 3 years old. But some children are ready sooner. In our case, we introduced pull-ups at 19 months—not for full-time use, but during the day when we were at home and she showed interest in the potty.
Pull-ups are typically designed for toddlers aged 12 months and up, which gave us flexibility to start early. But more important than age is readiness—physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Signs That Told Me She Was Ready
Every baby is different, but here are a few signs I saw in my daughter:
Dry stretches: She stayed dry for longer periods, even during naps.
Diaper resistance: She started resisting diaper changes and wanted to do it “herself.”
Hiding to poop: She’d sneak behind the couch or curtain—classic sign of awareness.
Bathroom curiosity: She followed me into the bathroom, mimicking everything.
She wasn’t fully ready for underwear, but she was ready for something in between—and that’s where pull-ups came in.
Why the Right Pull-Ups Made a Difference
We tried a few options, and one stood out—pull-ups that felt soft, breathable, and didn’t leave red marks. What really impressed me was one brand that lined their training pants with shea butter to protect baby skin. That small detail mattered.
They were gentle on her sensitive skin and easy for her to pull up and down, which gave her confidence. If you’re curious, it was a product from KeiAnn—and no, this isn’t an ad. Just a little mom-to-mom tip from someone who tested more than a few brands.
Should You Skip Pull-Ups Altogether?
I read that some parents skip pull-ups entirely and go straight to underwear. I admire that confidence—but it wasn’t right for us.
Pull-ups gave us a middle ground:
Protection during car rides and naps
Freedom for her to try pulling them down by herself
Less pressure, more independence
Eventually, we moved on to underwear when she was more consistent with potty signals. But pull-ups gave us the practice space we needed.
Final Thoughts: There’s No Perfect Timeline
So… Is your baby ready for pull-ups? The truth is, only your baby can tell you that—through small signs, body language, and little milestones.
For us, starting at 19 months felt early but natural. It wasn’t a straight path, but it was the right one for her. And having the right tools—like comfortable, skin-friendly pull-ups—really made the process smoother.
So take a breath, mama. Watch your baby. Follow their pace. Whether it’s at 18 months or 3 years, when they’re ready, you’ll know.
