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.
Lunchbox bags
I would like to try the organic prefolds, inserts, and wipes, and a seat cover.
We really like our Smart Bottoms AIOS. They are 100% cotton and really absorbent. I love the materials. So soft! The trainers look to be the same quality. My daughter will be 2 in Sept, and already showing signs of training and uses the potty a couple times a week. I’d love to try this out with her :)!
I would love the reusable sandwich bags!
I’ve been thinking of getting sandwich bags for a while so that would be great. I also would love a newborn diaper!!!
I love the start smart neutral kit! That would be such a help with getting started with our first stash!
I would like to have the whole smart bottoms start smart kit.
I’d like to own a large bright paisley wet bag!
Heinrich and also some of the wetbags
I’d love to try their Smart One 3.1 diaper. I love the contrasting snaps but I’d have to say Eloise is my favorite print!
I definitely like the Lil Trainer the best. My little girl would squeal and jump with glee if she had a pair of the rainbow trainers! If I still had a little one to cloth diaper, I would be very tempted to try out the Smartfold Organic Prefolds. They look so soft and comfy and have hemp in them for extra absorbancy.
I’d love to try the Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.1 in SUPERHERO!
I like the Large Smart Bag in the Dragonflies pattern. Seen here: http://smartbottoms.com/diaperproducts/product/86-large-smart-bag
I would also love the Large Smart Bag in either the Woodland Friends, Cowboy or Bicycles pattern.
I would like a Heinrich 3.1!
I’d love to try their reusable sandwich bags! Hubby goes through tons of sandwich bags taking lunch to work!
I love the smart bottoms smart one 3.1 in tie dye….my son loves scooby doo so this would fit his personality
I would love the Smart Bottoms Start Smart Kit – Neutral . Very nice patterns.
I would love the “flFrozen” organic os diaper!!
Jessica Funderburk
I would love to have one of the large wetbags or to try the hemp inserts!
I would love to try out this trainer, it looks so soft and comfy! But, I would also love to try out a Smart Bottoms 3.1 in Rocket or Electric! I love their color combos.
id like to get the Seat Saver: Quilt 1455 also!
I’d also love to have a large smart bag
I would love to try the Smart Bottoms seat saver. It would be perfect for our long drives to VA.
I would also like the large smart bag with the hedgehog print
I’d like the Large Smart Bag in the Cowboy print.
Since we’re not quite to potty training yet I’d also love to have a Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.1 OS AIO cloth diaper in the Aviator print!
I’d love another 3.1 for the diaper bag!