Here's the latest marvelous thing I've found:  Bummis Training Pants

True - one does not need training pants to toilet train a little one.  I didn't find these gems until my first was almost done toilet training.  However, it certainly cuts down on the amount of other laundry (pants, underwear, and sheets) that need to be washed in the learning process - and it helps keep this Mama more positive and encouraging when "accidents happen".

Mama's hints for how and when to use these:

1.  For little ones who are 75% accurate at predicting bathroom during the day, and could take themselves to the toilet if they didn't have to wrestle with a diaper.

2.  For little ones who are aching to be more independent, but aren't good a predicting yet - or little ones who want to take care of themselves at night, but still wet more often than not (although for both of those cases, I fold over a preemie or infant diaper and insert it into the training pants - otherwise, a major spill exceeds the pants).

3.  For little ones who are 95% good at night, I use these pants to catch the 5% and save the bedding!

Mama's favorite hint:

Make yourself a stash of small blankets (a 60 x 60" cut of fleece from the store doesn't even need to be hemmed) that will wash and dry more easily if your little one frequently wets the bed.

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Smalls and Mediums are kept in stock.  Larges are available by special order, which typically takes 2-4 weeks. 

If your little one is of average size and is done training by age 4, you probably won't need larges.  My 4 1/2 year old, who still uses folded-over diapers in her training pants at night, isn't big enough for large training pants. 

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                                     Manufacturer's description:

Easy for little ones to put on and take off with ease by themselves! All the protection you need - but without a lot of bulk. Stretchy lycra bindings around legs and tummy for a comfortable and customized fit. Soft polyester knit on the outside and an interior layer of super strong and durable waterproof laminate. Cozy flannel lining is so soft against a child's skin, yet does not prevent the child from feeling the moisture - thus encouraging him to train faster! Thirsty enough to absorb even a major spill. Made in Canada.