Potty Training Q + A: How long is too long for commando?

QUESTION:  My daughter is doing GREAT with potty training but she’s stuck on being commando. I’ve offered panties and I’m confident she’s capable of moving onto panties but she doesn’t want to. Is there any harm in staying commando? Maybe indefinitely? LOL

ANSWER: Nope. No harm at all.

As you may or may not know, it’s pretty essential to have a phase of “commando”…or no underpants. Underpants are snug around the waist and thighs and if you introduce them too soon in the potty training process, the muscle memory of a diaper will just take over. You will end up with a LOT of accidents. So we do commando.

Some parents really resist this. Many people wonder about bacteria and possible infection, if a child doesn’t wear underwear. Undies are just a layer of fabric. Most kids are in soft, cotton pants at this age and pants are just a layer of fabric. If your child were wearing the same pair of pants several days in a row, then yes…we’d be concerned about hygiene. But the reality is, given The Toddler Way, there’s probably no chance in hell your toddler can wear the same pants a few days in a row.  Most pants worn by the Littles need to be laundered after a full day. Some after half a day.

All commando does is removes one layer of that fabric. If your child is choosing commando over undies, it’s FINE.  Just be sure the clothes are being laundered.  That’s all. And as always, our little ones are always looking for control and choice. This is absolutely something you can give to her.

And rumor has it, Marilyn Monroe never, ever wore undies. Not that she’s the beacon of overall health but yes…some adults choose not to wear undies, as well.