Best-Pull-ups-with-Velcro-Sides

Which pull-ups have refastenable sides? The best pull-ups with velcro sides.

Why are pull-ups with velcro sides good for potty training?

Pull-ups with velcro sides – or ‘refastenable’ sides – are a pretty new phenomenon. In fact, pull-ups with this fancy feature were only introduced to the market in 2003, by the corporation behind Huggies, Kimberly-Clark. 

Velcro sides were created as a result of research into parents’ views of potty training. Many said that potty training was more time-consuming than they expected. In response, Kimberly-Clark produced Huggies pull-ups with velcro sides, to make changing and getting ready for the potty super quick, and super easy.

Pull-ups with velcro sides shouldn’t be confused with ‘easy tear’ sides, like the ones featured on Pampers Easy Up pull-ups. These sides will tear, but can’t be fastened again like Huggies Pull-Ups.

Refastenable Sides
(Velcro Sides)

Image from Huggies.com

Easy-Tear Sides
(360° Stretchy Waistband)

Image from Pampers.com

Pull-ups with side tabs are super popular in today’s market, although not many brands offer this specific kind of pull-up. But which is the best?

Let’s take a closer look at which pull-ups feature this nifty design, and which is best for your little one.

Disclaimer: Huggies Diapers has not sponsored or endorsed this article in any way. As a mom who’s passionate about buying the best for babies, I try really hard to include accurate information in all of my posts. If there are any inaccuracies present, please let me know; I’m more than happy to amend any errors. For more information about Huggies Diapers, head over to their main sites: huggies.com. This review has affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate link. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Table of Content

Which pull-ups have velcro sides?

Not all training pants feature velcro, refastenable sides. The list of pull-ups which have these fancy sides is actually pretty small.

The following pull-ups have velcro sides:

This leaves a big chunk of the market that shun pull-ups with detachable sides in favor of ‘easy tear’ sides, like Pampers Easy Ups. These sides make the pull-up easy to take off, but they’re not refastenable.

When it comes to velcro sides, parents and carers either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Some say it’s way easier to change a poopy pull-up with these kind of sides. And many say they make changing a doddle, even without removing pants and shoes.

Others, though, say they much prefer ‘easy tear’ sides, as they’re much less likely to nick the skin. Some have found that it’s much easier for little ones to take pull-ups with velcro sides off. This is fine when they’re potty trained, but until then, not so much!

Training Pants with Velcro Sides types 

1. Huggies Pull-ups Potty Training Pants

Features

There’s a reason why Huggies pull-ups regularly top the pull-ups charts. They feature fun designs, which fade when wet, so it’s easy to know when your little one needs changing. The brand says that this design supports potty training, encouraging little ones to stay dry.

And of course, one of their most important features is their velcro, fastenable sides. This fancy feature is loved by many parents and carers – they make it easy for little ones to be changed without having to contend with shoes and pants. This is especially handy when you’re out and about, or when you’re strapped for time, and they also make quick checks easy. It also means you can customize the waistband, for a super comfortable fit.

Another super fancy feature is Huggies’ voice assistant for smart speakers – you can have Disney character calls and reminders to support with potty training. 

What they are made of 

It’s good that Huggies makes their Pull-Ups ingredients list clear. Here’s what’s inside Huggies Pull-Ups:

Topsheet – Polypropylene
Backsheet – Polypropylene, polyethylene,
The absorbent core – Elemental Chlorine Free Wood pulp and SAP
Inks and Colorants – “Safe and non-sensitizing”

All the ingredients above starting with poly- are plastics of some kind. So it’s pretty obvious that the majority of the pull-up is made with plastics, which is pretty awful news for the environment. Of course, most diapers and pull-ups are made with plastics, but more and more brands are turning their backs on non-renewable ingredients, and opting for plant-based instead.

Related Post: What Are The Best Organic Diapers On The Market, And Why You Should Look For The Most Natural Ingredients

Huggies Pull-Ups are completely free of: 

  • Parabens
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Elemental chlorine

This is really positive, as Pampers openly admits to using fragrances and lotions in their Easy Ups. But that still leaves phthalates. 

These difficult to pronounce chemicals are bad news for our little ones. Not only can they irritate the skin, but they’ve been linked to asthma and eczema in little ones, so they should be avoided if possible. (Source)

Huggies Pull-Ups Reviews

Huggies pull-ups average an amazing 4.8 out of 5 in over 7700 reviews on Amazon, which should give you confidence in their ability! Most reviews say they’re easy to use, especially with their refastenable sides, and make potty training easy.

On the other hand, some reviewers say that Huggies Pull-Ups’ with side tabs sides aren’t working for their little one, as they have a tendency to nick and irritate the skin. 

Huggies Pull-Ups Size Guide

Huggies pull-ups sizes are a little different than your typical disposable diaper. They’re available in sizes 2T-3T (16-34lbs), 3T-4T (32-40lbs) and 4T-5T (38-50lbs). 

Size Weight
2T-3T16-34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38-50lbs

Huggies Pull-Ups Price

The price of Huggies Pull-Ups will vary depending on where you buy them, of course. But let’s take a look at their price over on Amazon.

Pull-ups sizePull-ups price (per diaper)
2T-3T36
3T-4T40
4T-5T46

*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

You’ll pay about 36 cents per diaper for a pack of size 2T-3T Pull-Ups, 40 cents per diaper for size 3T-4T and 46 cents a diaper for the biggest size: 4T-5T.

That’s about average in terms of price in the pull-ups market. And you might find them cheaper (or more expensive!) elsewhere.

The Good

  • Easy to use sides
  • Free of fragrances and lotions
  • Great reviews
  • Available online and in stores

The Bad

  • No eco credentials
  • Not free of phthalates
  • Some reviews say the velcro sides irritate skin

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf Potty Training Pants

Features

Huggies New Leaf Pull-Ups’ features are very similar to Huggies Pull-Ups – the regular kind. But Huggies tells us New Leaf Pull-Ups are their softest pull-ups ever. And they offer up to 12 hours of protection, which means they’re suitable for overnights.

But the main draw with Pull-Ups New Leaf is their use of eco-friendlier materials. Made with 28% plant-based materials such as sugarcane and fluff pulp, it’s no wonder this variety is their softest ever.

Like Huggies Pull-Ups, Pull-Ups New Leaf feature refastenable velcro sides. 

What Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf diapers are made of

Topsheet – Polypropylene
Backsheet – Polypropylene, polyethylene, and sugarcane
The absorbent core – Chlorine free fluff pulp and SAP
Inks and Colorants – “Safe and non-sensitizing”

It’s great that Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf diapers use plant-based materials, but with 28% plant-based ingredients, that leaves room for 72% non-plant-based ingredients. All of the above that start with poly- are plastic. 

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf are completely free of: 

  • Parabens
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Elemental chlorine

While this is great, the brand doesn’t say anything about phthalates. This is such a shame, especially considering the use of plant-based materials in this pull-up variety.

More on this topic: Disposable Diapers: What Are They Made From, And Are They Safe?

Pull-Ups New Leaf Reviews

Like the regular Huggies Pull-Ups, Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf average 4.8 out of 5 in over 7900 reviews on Amazon. Reviewers love their softness and stretchiness, and say they’re super absorbent.

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf sizes are the same as the original Pull-Ups. They’re available in sizes 2T-3T (16-34lbs), 3T-4T (32-40lbs) and 4T-5T (38-50lbs). 

Size Weight
2T-3T16-34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38-50lbs

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf Price

Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf aren’t as readily available as Huggies Pull-Ups. But they’re still available on Amazon. So how much will they set you back?

Pull-ups sizePull-ups price (per diaper)
2T-3T40
3T-4T52
4T-5T59

Expect to pay about 40 cents per diaper for a pack of size 2T-3T Pull-Ups, 52 cents per diaper for size 3T-4T and 59 cents for size 4T-5T.

New Leaf Pull-Ups are a little more expensive than regular Huggies Pull-Ups, but it’s more than worth the extra if your budget can stretch to it. 

The Good

  • Easy to use sides
  • 28% plant-based materials
  • Free of chlorine, fragrances and lotions
  • Great reviews
  • Huggies’ softest pull-up

The Bad

  • Not free of phthalates
  • Some reviews say the velcro sides irritate skin

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time Training Pants

Features

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time do what they say on the tin. They’re made specifically for toddlers to wear overnight, and still great for when they’re potty training. 

They feature easy-to-use refastenable velcro sides, and they’re easy for little ones to pull-up and down too. 

What Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time are made of 

Topsheet – Polypropylene
Backsheet – Polypropylene, polyethylene
The absorbent core – Elemental Chlorine free wood pulp and SAP
Inks and Colorants – “Safe and non-sensitizing”

Again, most of the ingredients are plastic of some kind.

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time are completely free of: 

  • Parabens
  • Fragrances
  • Lotions
  • Elemental chlorine

Unsurprisingly, they don’t mention phthalates, so I assume they’re used!

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time Reviews

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time pants don’t buck the Huggies trend, and average an amazing 4.8 out of 5 in over 8300 reviews on Amazon. Reviewers say they’re comfy for little ones, stretchy and easy to use. 

Most reviews say they’re great at doing their job – keeping little ones dry overnight! 

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time Size Guide

Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time sizes are similar to regular Pull-Ups. They’re available in sizes 2T-3T (16-34lbs) and 3T-4T (32-40lbs), but not in 4T-5T.

Size Weight
2T-3T16-34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs

Price*

The price of Huggies Pull-Ups Night-Time will vary, but here are the prices on Amazon.

Pull-ups sizePull-ups price (per diaper)
2T-3T44
3T-4T50

*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Amazon’s listing their size 2T-3T Pull-Up Night-Time pants at 44 cents each and their 3T-4T pull-ups at 50 cents each.

That’s a little more than regular pull-ups, but with superior absorbency, the higher cost is expected.

The Good

  • Easy to use sides
  • Free of fragrances and lotions
  • Free of Elemental chlorine
  • They have great reviews
  • Great absorbency

The Bad

  • No eco credentials
  • Not free of phthalates
  • Some reviews say the velcro sides irritate skin
  • Harder to get hold of

Parents’ Choice Training Pants

Parents’ Choice training pants are the offering from Walmart. In fact, they offer specific pull-ups for boys and for girls!

But while they used to make pull-ups with refastenable sides, their new training pants have ditched this feature. Instead, they have a 360 waist with easy tear sides, much like Pampers Easy Ups.

Check out my guide to the best pull-ups with easy tear sides here!

Up & Up Training Pants 

a box of Up & Up Training Pants

Features

Target’s pull-up offering is easy to use, with comfortable and stretchy sides. They have easy-open velcro sides to make changing and checking simple. 

Their breathable cover keeps our toddlers’ skin dry and the design fades when wet to encourage them to stay dry. So they’re great for potty training.

What Up & Up Training Pants are made of 

It’s tough to find a full and comprehensive ingredients list for Up & Up training pants. This is really disappointing – it’s crucial that we know what does into diapers and training pants that our little ones wear day in and day out!

Up & Up Training Pants are completely free of: 

Target doesn’t tell us that their pull-ups are free of nasties like fragrances, lotions, dyes and phthalates. When this is the case, it’s much safer to assume they’re used.

Up & Up Training Pants Reviews 

  • Boys’ Training Pants – Up & Up

In terms of the pull-ups for boys, reviews are pretty good. They average 4.4 out of 5 in 340 reviews on Target’s site, and 85% of users would recommend them. 

Reviews say the easy use sides are a great feature and they’re pretty absorbent too. It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that many reviews say Up & Up pull-ups run a lot smaller than other pull-ups like Huggies. 

  • Girls’ Training Pants – Up & Up

Reviews of Up & Up pull-ups for girls are even better, averaging 4.5 out of 5 in over 300 reviews. Plus, 88% of parents and carers say they’d recommend them. 

Most reviews say they’re soft, absorbent and easy to use. Again, many reviews say they run very small, so it’s worth bearing this in mind.

Up & Up Training Pants Size guide

Up & Up pull-ups are available for little ones up to 50lbs.

Here’s a breakdown of the sizes.

SizeWeight
2T-3TUp to 34 lbs
3T-4TUp to 40lbs
4T-5TUp to 50lbs

Up & Up Training Pants Price

SizePrice per pull-up at Target
2T-3T29
3T-4T33
4T-5T42

*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Again, the price of Up & Up pull-ups seems to be pretty average in terms of the pull-up market. 

The Good

  • Both boys’ and girls’ pull-ups have good reviews
  • Easy to use
  • Comfy for your little ones

The Bad

  • Target doesn’t offer an ingredients list
  • They probably contain fragrances, lotions and phthalates
  • No eco-credentials

Nightime Underwear – Up & Up

Features

Target’s nighttime pull-ups are ‘specially crafted for both boys and girls’. They’re comfortable for sleep, with easy open, velcro sides. 

They feature a cloth-like cover and dual leak-guards, to keep your little one dry overnight.

What they are made of 

Like regular Up & Up pull-ups, it’s tough to find a full and comprehensive ingredients list for their nighttime offering. In a Q+A on the Target website, it says they’re free of fragrances. Why they don’t advertise this more clearly, I’ll never know!

Nightime Underwear – Up & Up Free of

They appear to be free of fragrances. But they don’t mention phthalates, lotions or dyes. 

Nightime Underwear – Up & Up Reviews 

Up & Up Nighttime Underwear fare a lot better in reviews than regular Up & Up pants. They average 4.6 out of 5 in over 780 reviews, which is pretty good going. 

Parents and carers love how comfy and absorbent they are. Many say they’re good value for money too. There doesn’t seem to be much of an issue with sizing with these pants, unlike regular Up & Up pants, which run very small compared to other brands.

Nightime Underwear – Up & Up Size guide

Up & Up Nighttime pull-ups sizes are very different to regular Up & Ups. They’re available in two sizes: small/medium and large/extra large.

Here’s a breakdown of the sizes.

SizeWeight
Small/medium38-65lbs
Large/extra-large60-125lbs+

It’s clear that Up & Up’s nighttime offering is aimed at older toddlers – those who are potty trained or nearly potty trained, and just need a bit of help at nighttime. 

Nightime Underwear – Up & Up Price

SizePrice per Pant at Target
Small/Medium48
Large/Extra Large56

*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

The price of Up & Up Nighttime Underwear is quite a lot more than their regular pull-ups. They’re certainly aimed at older toddlers, so it’s not surprising that they’re more expensive.

The Good

  • Great reviews
  • Available in bigger sizes
  • Great absorbency
  • Fragrance-free

The Bad

  • No eco credentials
  • Might contain phthalates
  • More expensive than standard pull-ups

Cutie Training Pants

Features

Cuties Training Pants are packed with fancy features. They have cute character designs that fade when they’re wet, to encourage your little one to stay dry. They have stretchy and refastenable sides that allow for a comfy fit. 

These sides make checking, changing and potty training easy. 

They’re completely free of latex, fragrances, chlorine and dyes and their hypoallergenic liner is enriched with vitamin E as well as aloe and natural botanicals. 

With specific pants for girls and boys that offer customized leak protection, Cuties pants are a great choice for potty training little ones.

What Cuties Training Pants are made of 

It’s great when brands make a full ingredients list accessible. When our little ones spend so much time wearing these things, it’s only right that we know what they’re made of!

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get hold of a full materials list for Cuties training pants. After some digging, I found a list, but it’s not easily accessible. All the brand says on its packaging is that they’re free of latex, fragrances, chlorine and dyes. And here’s the full list of ingredients buries in the Q+A section of Amazon!

Topsheet – Polypropylene
Backsheet – Polypropylene and polyethylene
The absorbent core – Elemental Chlorine free wood pulp and SAP
Non-toxic inks – pigment based for external printed designs

All the ‘poly’ ingredients are various forms of plastic.

Cuties training pants are completely free of:

  • Fragrances
  • Elemental Chlorine
  • Latex
  • Dyes

This is great for our toddlers’ skin, but it doesn’t mention phthalates, so I have to assume they’re used.

Cuties training pants Reviews

Looking at Cuties training pants for girls over on Amazon, the diaper averages just 3.8 out of 5 in over 300 reviews. Compared to Huggies, this rating isn’t very impressive.

Parents say the material is quite rough and not comfortable, and their ability to absorb wetness isn’t the best either. Other parents and carers, though, like that they’re free of fragrances.

Cuties training pants for boys on Amazon fare a little better, averaging 4 out of 5 in over 270 reviews. When it comes to absorbency, they seem to be a little better than the girls’ equivalent.

Cuties training pants Size guide

Cuties training pants are available in the following sizes:

SizeWeight
2T-3TUp to 34lbs
3T-4T32-40lbs
4T-5T38+lbs

Cuties training pants Price

SizeCuties training pants price per diaper on Amazon
2T-3T35
3T-4T40
4T-5T49

*Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

The price of Cuties training pants seems to be pretty average when you compare it to similar pull-ups on the market. 

They’re certainly not the best-rated pull-up, though.

The Good

  • Free of fragrances, chlorine, latex and dyes
  • Specific designs for girls and for boys

The Bad

  • They might contain phthalates
  • They don’t have the best reviews
  • No eco-credentials

Frequently Asked Questions about pull ups with velcro sides

1. Do Pampers Easy Ups have velcro sides?

Pampers Easy Ups don’t have the same velcro, refastanable sides that Huggies Pull-Ups feature. Some parents and carers much prefer easy tear sides to velcro sides; some say velcro can nick and irritate the skin.

Once you’ve undone Pampers Easy Ups at the side, there’s no way to refasten them like you can with Huggies Pull-Ups. On one hand, it’s good that there’s less potential for skin irritation. On the other, it means you have to be sure that your little one needs changing before you remove them!

2. Do pull-ups diapers open at the sides?

Some pull-ups open at the sides, which makes it super easy to check, change and potty train. Huggies pull-ups, Huggies pull-ups New Leaf and Huggies Night Time Training Pants feature this nifty design.

This feature isn’t a must, but many parents find that it makes potty training easier.

3. Why do pull-ups have tape on the back?

Some pull-ups feature a handy bit of tape on the back. This is actually for making disposal of the diaper really easy. Simply roll it up, tape it, and throw it away.

Although be careful you’re not putting your health at risk with your disposable diapers… it’s a little-known fact that you should be putting poops in the toilet before throwing the diaper in the trash.

Read Next: How To Dispose Of Diapers: The Proper Method Hardly Any Of Us Are Using!

While hardly any of us are aware of this, it’s important to flush the poop first because bacteria from poopy diapers that go to landfill could worm their way into groundwater. 

In fact, many viruses, including rotavirus, norovirus and polio can be detected in human poop, so it’s crucial we flush it first!

Read more about how to properly dispose of diapers here!

4. What are the most absorbent pull-ups?

Some of the most absorbent pull-ups happen to be the best for your baby’s health, and the best for the planet. Eco by Naty’s training pants have glowing reviews, with many parents and carers commenting on their superior absorbency. Their use of plant-based materials really paid off!

Plus, they’re completely free of nasties like phthalates, fragrances and lotions. 

Huggies have also upped their game – slightly, at least – with their Huggies Pull-ups New Leaf. 

This new pull-up variety is made with 28% plant-based materials and the brand says this design is their softest ever. They provide up to 12 hours of protection, which makes them more effective than standard Huggies Pull-Ups, and one of the best on the market when it comes to absorbency. 

Pull-ups made for overnights are also super absorbent. They tend to be a bit thicker than standard pull-ups, which isn’t surprising when they’ve got to keep our little ones dry for a lot longer than usual. 

Pampers Ninjamas and Huggies Pull-Ups Nighttime are good choices for overnights when it comes to absorbency, but their lack of information on chemicals like phthalates is still an issue.

5. Are pull-ups gender specific?

Some pull-ups are made specifically for boys or girls. And it’s not just about the designs…

If a pull-up says it’s specifically for boys or for girls, it means that the most absorbent part is either at the front or in the middle… for obvious reasons!

You don’t necessarily need to buy pull-ups for boys or girls; all pull-ups are made to do the same thing – to help prevent leaks and to support little ones with potty training!

6. When to switch to pull-ups?

As a rule, pull-ups are suitable for little ones from when they’re about 16 pounds, to when they’re fully potty trained!

It goes without saying that they’re great for toddlers who are potty training. This is partly because they’re easy for little ones to move them up and down. 

But many parents of younger toddlers prefer pull-ups, as they can be more secure and comfortable, especially when they’re exploring.

There’s no perfect time to make the switch – it all depends on your little one, and your diaper preference. 

7. Are pull-ups as absorbent as diapers?

Pull-ups tend not to be quite as absorbent as diapers. But that doesn’t mean they’re ineffective. Provided you change them regularly, just as you would with diapers, they can keep the pee and poop at bay perfectly well. 

When it comes to overnights, it might be worth looking for pull-ups specifically made for overnight, as these tend to be more absorbent. Pampers Ninjamas are – as the name suggests – made to handle nighttime, and even though Huggies New Leaf Pull-Ups aren’t made specifically for overnight, they offer up to 12 hours of protection.

Read Next: What Are The Best Pull-Up Diapers For Potty Training?

Conclusion: The Best Pull ups with detachable sides

Pull-ups with velcro sides – or ‘refastenable’ sides -might be a pretty new phenomenon, but they’ve already got a bunch of committed fans. 

Velcro sides were created to make potty training easier for parents and carers. And many agree. They say that changing, especially when it comes to poopy pull-ups, is much easier with velcro sides. Reviews say that they also make it easy to change your little one without removing pants and socks first.

But some much prefer ‘easy tear’ sides. Those who dislike velcro-sided pull-ups like Huggies Pull-Ups say that they nick and irritate their little ones’ skin. Some also say that little ones find it too easy to take them off!

Ultimately, though, it’s a case of finding what works for you and your family. 

If you want to try pull-ups with velcro sides, I’d suggest Huggies Pull-Ups New Leaf as your starting point. They use 28% plant-based materials and are free of fragrances and lotions. They’re not perfect – they might contain phthalates – but it’s hard to find a pull-up with velcro sides that’s completely innocent when it comes to skin health and eco-credentials.

We need Huggies to build on the success of their popular Pull-Ups. It’s great that New Leaf pants have launched, but what we want next is a pull-up that’s completely free of any toxins, and uses a higher percentage of plant-based materials.

Huggies, we’re waiting.

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