The 1957 Potty Training Method That Worked for 92% of Toddlers—And Why Modern Parents Are Bringing It Back

The Nola TeamParenting & Potty Training

Nola Guide

A comparison of cloth nappies in 1957 and modern disposable nappies

INTRO: For a modern parent, there's no “right time” to potty train and so many different methods. But often, the real problem isn't your child's readiness. It's the tools we're using. Today most of us use disposables during potty training. Which is the root cause of all these issues.

Here's the data point that changes everything:

In 1957, 92% of children were fully potty trained by 18 months. Today, the average is 35 months for girls and 39 months for boys. What changed wasn't child development science or parenting philosophy. It was the invention of super-absorbent disposable diapers. These are made to absorb all the liquid so your toddler feels perfectly dry. If your child can't feel the wetness, no amount of timers, rewards, or different methods will work. To finally make progress, your child needs to feel the accident to learn. Before disposables, toddlers used cloth diapers.

That's why parents are turning to Nola training pants. Nola restores the sensory feedback that cloth diapers provided in 1957. The immediate wetness sensation that taught 92% of kids by 18 months. So what would make Nola different? That's exactly what you should be asking.

Here are 5 reasons why parents are switching to Nola

A toddler playing in a disposable nappy and noticing their training underwear

1. Nola Restores
The Sensory Feedback Diapers Erase

Nola has a specifically engineered 3 layer system that allows toddlers to feel their accidents and learn to use the potty next time.

Layer 1 – Sensory Learning Layer: Lets them feel their accident immediately (the 1957 cloth diaper sensation)
Layer 2 – Absorbent Core: Locks liquid away after the signal is sent—no floor puddles or furniture damage
Layer 3 – Leak-Resistant Barrier: Protects car seats, daycare mats, grandma's couch

Nola creates the learning signal diapers and underwear cannot create.

Two moments in a child's potty training routine

2. Trained in Weeks, Not Months – Backed by Child Psychology Principles

When toddlers can actually feel the signal, they train fast—just like they did in 1957.

Touch hot stove, feel pain, learn not to touch it. Pee in pants, feel wetness, learn to use potty instead. This is basic operant conditioning—the foundation of all learning.

Most parents see this progression within a few weeks. Their child feels wetness for the first time and shows awareness. They start reporting accidents and then self-initiating bathroom trips. By weeks 3–4, most are staying dry all day.

The difference isn't the child—it's whether their brain receives the feedback signal it needs to learn.

The 1957 timeline is possible today when you restore the sensory feedback disposables erased.

Disposable nappy and reusable training underwear shown on a sofa

3. Train Anywhere Without Floor Puddles

So what are the options then? Diapers give no feedback, but underwear provides no protection. How do training pants cope?

Nola's absorbent core contains accidents so training doesn't destroy your house or your sanity. Your child gets the learning signal. You don't spend all day mopping floors.

Safe for car rides, daycare, errands, grandma's house—training happens everywhere, not just at home on tile floors.

A smiling toddler in cotton training underwear sitting on a potty at home

4. 100% Cotton Comfort – No Chemicals, No Irritation

Unlike disposables filled with synthetic materials and chemical gels, Nola is made from soft, breathable 100% cotton.

Disposable training pants contain super absorbent polymers (SAP), synthetic fibers, chemical adhesives, and artificial fragrances.

Nola is 100% cotton—gentle on sensitive skin, no harsh chemicals, no synthetic materials.

No rashes from harsh chemicals. No irritation from synthetic materials. Just soft, natural fabric that's safe for your toddler to wear all day—while still creating the learning signal they need.