Even though we’re nearing the end of our cloth diapering days, happily there’s still a cloth option. Smart Bottoms sent me a rainbow Lil Trainer a few weeks ago in anticipation of Kay potty training. At that point she didn’t seem to have much interest, but I was hopeful. I mean she had to start at some point, right?
And then it happened! For the last couple of weeks, Kay has been out of diapers during the day (though that’s not to say we don’t have an accident here or there). Our current system is underwear around the house, diapers at night, and trainers when we go out.
Smart Bottoms Lil Trainers feature two layers of organic cotton, hidden PUL in the wet zone to help keep the car seat or couch dry, and a snap-in four layer insert to add more absorption. It comes in two sizes: size small for 20-30 lbs., and large for 30-45 lbs. Note that the Lil Trainer has to be washed 6-8 times before using it for the first time to strip all the natural oils out so it can reach full absorbency.
It’s important to know that training pants in general aren’t meant to hold a lot of wetness. They’re not diapers. The Lil Trainer is meant to catch small accidents and then be changed. If it’s just a little pee that only gets the insert wet, you can just replace the insert (like an all in 2 diaper) and reuse the trainer. A couple of times in the last week Kay has forgotten she’s not wearing a diaper and sprung a little leak. That’s the type of situation a trainer is good for.
I really like that the Lil Trainer fits, looks, and pulls on like underwear. If a trainer feels too much like a diaper, it can slow down the potty training process. Learners may forget it’s not a diaper and have more accidents. With the insert removed, it looks and performs even more like underwear, with just a little bit of extra absorption. Kay definitely knows the difference. She inherited some trainers from her older sister, but she won’t wear the side snapping ones because, “They’re diapers! NOT big girl underwear!”
These trainers have a lower rise than a diaper (just like underwear), and they’re designed to be easy for little hands to pull up and pull down independently. Kay can easily manage that task on her own, but I’m just not sure for how much longer these will fit her. She’s wearing a size large here, but at only 33 pounds the legs are already fairly snug. As long as she doesn’t have a growth spurt in the next couple of months though, I think we’ll be okay.
I haven’t used this much around the house, but I do like having this trainer for that little bit of added protection when we go out and don’t have instant access to a washroom or if Kay falls asleep in her car seat. It sure beats sticking a towel underneath her in the seat.
If you’re unsure about sizing or your child is at the upper end of the size small range, I would definitely recommend going up to the large. In fact, I’d love to see another size added to these training pants. It’s not that unusual for older (three-year-olds or even four-year-olds) or taller/heavier children to be potty training, and they could use some protection too.
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Win a Smart Bottoms Lil Trainer
Do you have a little one who will be ready for potty training soon? Smart Bottoms is generously giving one of my readers a Lil Trainer and a 2-pack of inserts to help! Winner may choose any in stock print and size. Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US, 18+. All entries will be verified.
Disclosure: I received a sample item for review. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own, based on my personal experience. Your experience may differ.
I like the smart bottoms start smart kit girl
I really like the Smart Bottoms smart one 3.0 diapers. I like the cute little fox print. Thanks!
I love the reusable sandwich bags, they are great for snacks and packing lunches.
I’d love a tie dye 3.1, I’ve had my eye on that diaper for awhile now!
I would love the reusable sandwich bags. I prefer them so much more than disposable plastic ziploxk.
I’d love the Smart Start Kit boy, it comes with 8 diapers, we would be in such a good place diaper wise for baby four. I’m potty training my 3 year old for what seems like forever, the trainers look great. It’s hard because we go between a diaper and underwear…and if has an accident in the underwear then we’re changing entire outfits in public.
http://smartbottoms.com/diaperproducts/product/88-smart-bottoms-start-smart-kit-boy
I like the Seat Saver in Plaid or Quilt!! It’s very cute and practical.
Id love a SB wetbag. As well as all the trainers i can get my hands on lol were at that stage now!!
I would love to try the side snap swim diaper!! The Whales print is so super cute!!
I’d love another 3.1!
I already love my smart bottoms, so obviously more diapers! I also really want the car seat saver.
I would love that seat saver! my daughter is a heavy wetter and sometimes we just don’t make it to changing her in time with car trips, which we do a lot with family living 2.5 hours away. π
I would like a smart bottom 3.1 in American tweetheart. I love the birds.
These trainers would be perfect for my toddler right now. I’d also love to try the Mission: Lunch sandwich bags. My sister is also in the market for some reusable snack/sandwich bags, so I should let her know about them.
Smart Bottoms Start Smart Kit – Boy 1529 would come in handy too.
I would also love to have the large smart bag in bicycles print!!
I would choose a Large Smart Bag.
I like the reusable sandwich bags.
I would love to have their 3.1 cloth diaper in Finch. I have heard great things on the brand but have yet to try them. I’m currently starting a potty training stash to have for when I start potty training my son.
The elephant wetbag is ADORABLE!!
I’ve heard amazing things about Smart Bottoms but I’ve never had a chance to try any of their diapers! I’d love to try a Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.1. And their prints are awesome!
I like the smart born boosters
I would love to try the Smart One 3.1! And I really love the tie dye pattern π
I’d like to try the Seat Saver.
I like the 3.1 in Mia! I think it would be a nice color to add to our small stash.
I would like some cotton/hemp inserts. π
I would love the Ella or Aviator newborn diaper.
I love their swim diaper in the cute anchor print.
I would love a fantastic hipster fox 3.1.
I really want a rocket 3.1
I like the Last Unicorn smart One.
I love the reusable sandwich bags!
We would love to have their Rocket 3.1 diaper, I love that Smart Bottoms uses organic cotton.
I love the Smart Bottoms smart one 3.0 diapers. Tie Dye print is adorable!
The Seat Saver is really great! I would love something like that for my son’s highchair! I really like the Soaring print on it
I would like to try the hemp inserts. I have friends who find hemp the most absorbent and gentlest on the skin.
I like the Smart One diapers.
I would love one of the 3.1 diapers. I’d probably choose eloise, heinrich or electric. Smart Bottoms is a great company!
I’d love to try the 3.1 AIO
I would love smart bottoms 3.1 in frozen. Love that color!!
I would be interested in a giveaway for the stay-dry liners!
I would like to try their seat saver or the liners. We use bamboo fitteds over night and I like to have my daugther stay dry.
I’d love several of their diapers.
I never knew there were cloth training pants for when they start potty training! Such a good idea!
I would like the Side Snapping Swim Diaper as I’m considering starting baby in swimming lessons.
I would like to have one of the Side-Snapping Swim Diapers.
I would love the Side-Snapping Swim Diaper 1594
the set would be nice for the new on coming and then the bag they got some great idea and gifts
I’d love to try their cloth diapers.
I’d like to try the Smartbottoms Smartone in Tie Dye. I may have an obsession with all things colorful. π
I would love some sandwich bags for school lunches.