Cloth Nappies and Early Potty Training: What the Research Says

Parenting Tips

Potty training is a big step for both parents and kids. It can be exciting, but also a little tricky. Every child learns at their own pace, But did you know that the type of nappy you use might make a difference?

Research by Kaerts et al. (2012) highlights that sensory cues, like the feeling of wetness, play a key role in potty training readiness, helping children recognize their body’s signals sooner.

Studies suggest that cloth nappies can help kids potty train earlier. Why? Because they let kids feel wetness, making them more aware of when they’ve peed. This helps them learn when they need to go to the toilet.

Why Are Kids Potty Training Later Than Before?

Not too long ago, kids were potty trained much earlier than they are today. In the 1950s, the average potty training age was between 12 and 18 months. Now, it’s closer to 3 years.

One major reason for this shift is the widespread use of disposable nappies. These nappies are super absorbent, which means babies don’t feel wet after they pee. While this is great for keeping them comfortable, it also delays their awareness of when they need to go. Without that natural feedback, kids take longer to recognize their body’s signals.

How Cloth Nappies Help with Potty Training

Unlike disposables, cloth nappies don’t mask wetness as much. When a child pees in a cloth nappy, they feel damp quickly, which helps them connect the sensation of a full bladder with the act of urinating.

Research backs this up. A study by Hu (2004) found that kids who wore disposable nappies exclusively took longer to develop toileting skills because they never experienced that wet sensation. Without that sensory feedback, they were slower to recognize when they needed to go.

The Role of Diaper-Free Time

Another key factor in early potty training is diaper-free time. A survey studying elimination communication (EC) and early toilet training found that the more time babies spent without nappies, the earlier they learned to use the toilet.

The study also found that when parents combined part-time EC with cloth nappies, kids developed more regular bathroom habits especially between 1 and 2 years old. Even if families didn’t practice full-time EC, using cloth nappies and giving kids time without any nappies at all made a big difference.

Do Cloth Nappies Cause More Rashes?

Some parents worry that cloth nappies might lead to more diaper rashes. But research shows that diaper free time not necessarily nappy type is what reduces rashes the most.

The biggest factor in preventing rashes is Frequent changes. Since cloth nappies don’t hide wetness as well as disposables, they tend to get changed more often, which helps keep a baby’s skin healthy.

The Hidden Effects of Disposable Nappies

It’s not just about wetness. Studies suggest that long-term disposable nappy use can impact behavior too.

A study by Indanah (2014) found that kids who wore disposables for longer were less likely to:

• Recognize when they needed to go

• Tell their parents when they had to use the toilet

• Make the effort to go to the bathroom

Some research even suggests that these children may become lazier or more stubborn about potty training (Fleisher, 2008).

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Cloth Nappies?

In the end, every family is different, and there’s no single "right" way to potty train. But research shows that cloth nappies can help kids learn faster because they feel wetness, making them more aware of their bodies.

If you want to make potty training easier, using cloth nappies (even part-time) and giving your child diaper-free time could help. It takes patience, but it might mean fewer nappies to change in the long run. Would you try cloth nappies for potty training? Share your thoughts with us.