History of Potty Training

• Although there are not many potty training artifacts dug up by archaeologists, it is a safe bet that even in the days of early civilization, tribes of people did their best to teach their children potty training as quickly as possible. Having soiled clothing around could possibly attract predators and lead to the spread of diseases like E-coli and various types of worms. In the late 1800s, the first true cloth diapers appeared and in the 1920s, waterproof outer underwear were developed and became common.
  
  

Types of Rubber Underwear

• True rubber underwear can be very difficult to find as of 2010 since most companies that deal with potty training materials prefer cheaper plastic and elastic combination underwear instead. The two distinct types of this kind of underwear are padded and non-padded. The padded kind can be used on its own and is just absorbent enough to keep an "accident" from seeping onto furniture and clothing. The toddler will recognize this wetness immediately and the goal is that they will tell the parent who will encourage them to sit on the potty first next time. The non-padded type usually have tight elastic and are worn over conventional underwear and for the child at the advanced stage of potty training.
  
  

Where to Buy

• You can purchase rubber and plastic potty training underwear in most large retail stores. The plastic variety will usually be sold in three packs near the diaper and wipes aisle of stores. The rubber variety will usually have to ordered from a specialty potty training website as they require a different type of care and may not be safe for the washer and dryer.
  
  

Ecological and Economic Significance

• Many parents opt for rubber and plastic potty training underwear because they are environmentally friendly, cheap and can be used over and over again. As of 2010, a typical pack of a disposable "pull-up" underwear may cost $10 for a pack of 20 but a three-pack of reusable training underwear may cost less and will last until your child is potty trained.
  
  

Considerations

• You have to use a lot of encouragement to begin potty training your child and expect quite a few accidents in the first few weeks or even months. Many people will waterproof the furniture or bedding that is used by their child during this time to ensure that it does not get soiled. A simple can of waterproofing spray, plastic bedsheets or even a thick towel under the child can save your furniture, bedding and car seats from unpleasant smells and even replacement.