Difference Between Diapers and Pull Up Diapers
Have you ever sat in a store, staring at a box in the baby aisle, wondering "what is the difference between a diaper and a pull-up?" They look almost exactly the same, are about the same size, and do the same thing! (However, one type is usually a bit more expensive than the other.)
So what is the difference? How do you know whether you should use one or the other?
Diapers vs Pull Up Diapers:
Pull-ups are basically the same as diapers. The difference is that pull-ups usually have a rubber band to make them easier to pull up and down without having to pull them out completely, and it is useful for toilet training. This is the gist of it, but if you want to learn more about these two urinary grabbers, please read on. If you are in the middle stage and are just starting to think about toilet training, start with Pampers Simple on Amazon. They are simple, reliable, and affordable-perfect for converting into underwear for older children.
What is the Difference Between Pull Up Diapers and Diapers?
Pull-ups are, primarily, designed as a potty training tool for older babies and toddlers.
The idea is that children of the right age can take the pull-up on and off on their own when they need to, giving them greater control over when they go to the bathroom.
(The key feature of a pull-up vs a diaper is the elastic waistband, which allows for easy up and down.)
Pull-ups usually have side velcro or rip-away connections, too, just like normal diapers.
The rest of the design and function of a pull-up is pretty much the same as a diaper:
- Multi-layered design for liquid absorption
- Contoured fit to prevent leaks
- Inside, a chemical in crystal form called sodium polyacrylate does most of the absorption
- Waterproof outer layer
In short, there’s very little difference between a pull-up and a standard disposable diaper outside of the elastic waistband.
Are pull-ups as absorbent as diapers?
There is a lot of debate and confusion about this topic.
Pull-ups are made using pretty much the same absorbing material as diapers (sodium polyacrylate), and they function in the same way. So for that reason, there’s no reason that they’d be any less absorbent.
Some brands even claim that since pull-ups are designed for older kids and nighttime use, that they may even be more absorbent.
But across the board, almost without fail, real-life parents who have tried both say that pull-ups are less absorbent and much more prone to leaking than normal diapers.
Browse any parenting forum or discussion board on this topic and you’ll see loads of firsthand testimonials that pull-ups are leakier and less absorbent than normal disposable diapers.
My thought is that it likely depends heavily on the brand you choose.
If you want your child to try pull-ups for potty training, you may have to experiment with some different brands to find one that works best for you.
Who should use pull-ups, and what’s a good age to switch?
So what’s a good age for children to switch from diapers to pull-ups?
The short answer? Any time after 2 years old.
But age is only one factor.
Every kid will be ready for potty training at a different age. And their psychological and physical readiness for the challenge is a much bigger deal than how old they are.
Here are some signs to look for that your child might be ready to potty train and to start using pull-ups for better control over when they go:
They show a general interest in the bathroom and potty time
They like to watch you go
They can predict or tell you when they’re about to pee or poop
They can follow instructions
They ask to use the potty
Their fine motor skills are improving (they can take off pants, socks, and shoes on their own, etc.)
Pros and Cons of Pull-Ups
To wrap things up in a neat bow here, let’s just take a quick look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using pull-ups for toddlers and potty training.
PRO: Easy on and off creates independence and confidence
Kids tend to gobble up any little bit of independence they can get. And having the ability to take their own diaper on and off as they need can be just the push some of them need to totally master potty training.
Again, pull-ups work great for some kids, and not so great for others. But either way, they’ll probably enjoy the freedom.
CON: Slightly more expensive, on average
I still think the idea of pull-ups being super expensive is a little overblown, but you’ll probably pay a little bit more for them than you’re used to.
If you’ve done an awesome job bargain hunting and getting great deals on diapers, pull-ups might end up being as much as twice as expensive. But generally, I would expect to pay only a few cents more per unit.
