After toddlers have become comfortable sitting on the potty fully clothed, the next step is for them to become accustomed to the feel on bare skin. This is a good time to introduce training pants that can be pulled on and off.

Disposable training pants may prevent children from feeling the wetness. Since they need to be able to distinguish the difference between wet and dry, cloth may be a better choice while they're awake. However, disposable training pants may be more convenient at night while children are still bed-wetting.

Parents can explain, “Kids wear training pants when they're learning to use the potty. I'll help you pull them down, or you can do it yourself.” Being sensitive and responsive to toddlers' desires to handle all or portions of the chore themselves is important for keeping them motivated! During the week that the child practices sitting on the potty seat without clothes, continue to reinforce the idea that bowel movements are supposed to go into the potty. The toddler should accompany them into the bathroom to watch the contents of their messy diapers being emptied into the potty bowl.