"When He’s Comfortable, He’s Happy": Stefania’s Nundies Story
Toilet training was chaos — until Nundies. Stefania shares how finding the right pants changed everything for her son Rio (and brought a little calm to the whole household).
We chatted with Stefania Del Mastro — mum, nutritionist, and co-founder of Beyond The Boundary, an autism inclusion community, about her son Rio’s toilet training journey.
Stefania knows the ups, downs and messy middles of raising a neurodivergent child. Since switching to Nundies, life’s felt a whole lot easier, for Rio and the whole family.
How has life changed since Rio started wearing Nundies?
Since Rio started wearing Nundies, he’s so much more settled. He’s not as irritable, he’s more comfortable, and he’s actually more willing to go to the toilet now. It’s made toilet training way less stressful — for him and for us.
Can you take us back? What was life like before Nundies?
Honestly, it was hard. Toilet training felt like a constant battle. Rio would flat-out refuse to use the bathroom. Other brands of training pants made him uncomfortable, and he didn’t want to be changed. The discomfort made everything worse. Once we tried Nundies, all that resistance just… faded away.
What were some of the challenges Rio was facing with incontinence?
Rio doesn’t feel the sensation of needing to use the toilet, which made it really difficult to time his bathroom breaks — both at home and at school. He also goes very frequently, and other products just couldn’t keep up. We were changing him all the time, which made him irritable and resistant to changes. It was a cycle we couldn’t seem to break.
Did you try other products before Nundies? What was that experience like?
Yes, we tried several — pull-ups, training pants, training undies — but none of them were absorbent enough. Most didn’t even come in sizes suitable for older kids. And if they did, they were bulky and uncomfortable. Rio couldn’t move comfortably and they showed through his clothes. When he had a big accident, it got messy fast.
How did Rio react to wearing Nundies for the first time?
Instantly calm. He instantly relaxed. He stopped refusing to be changed and it even encouraged him to start using the bathroom more. It was like a weight lifted.
What made you choose Nundies?
I saw testimonials from other families in similar situations — toilet training kids with additional needs — and I just knew I had to try them. We were out of options. Giving Nundies a go was the best decision we made.
As a parent, what’s been the biggest difference you’ve noticed?
His comfort. Before Nundies, he’d pull off his training pants pretty much immediately. Now, he actually keeps them on — which tells me he feels good in them.
Have Nundies helped with your child’s confidence or independence?
Definitely. He’s so much happier and more independent now. He’ll often put on his own Nundies — that wasn’t even a possibility before.
What moments stand out since the switch — any wins, big or small?
So many. No more fights over changes. Full nights of sleep with no leaks. Watching him put on his own Nundies. They may sound like small things, but they’re huge for us.
Has managing incontinence become less stressful for your family?
Absolutely. Rio is more comfortable, and that makes everything easier. It’s not just about avoiding mess — it’s about helping him feel good in his own body.
How do Nundies fit into your daily routine — school runs, outings, bedtime?
They’re a lifesaver. At school, Nundies keep him dry and confident — no odours, no leaks. At night, he sleeps through without any issues. That means better sleep for all of us.
Have you noticed any changes in your child’s mood, sleep, or behaviour?
Yes! His mood has improved dramatically. He sleeps better, he’s happier, and he just seems more relaxed. When Rio is comfortable, Rio is happy.
Any tips you’d share with another parent starting this journey?
Don’t let rigid rules about toilet training hold you back. I was told not to go back to pull-ups or training pants once I started training undies. But Rio wasn’t physically ready. We had to listen to our gut and follow his pace. Nundies gave us a way to keep him comfortable while still helping him learn. That made all the difference.
What would you say to other parents of neurodivergent kids feeling stuck or overwhelmed?
You’re not alone. There’s no such thing as a “typical” path when raising a neurodivergent child. Go at your child’s pace. Keep them comfortable. Their happiness matters more than ticking boxes on someone else’s timeline. Give yourself grace, and block out the noise.
Finally, how does it feel to have one less thing to worry about?
It’s a huge relief. When we stopped putting pressure on ourselves and let go of social expectations, everything started to feel more natural. Toilet training stopped being a war and started being progress. Rio’s happiness is what really matters — and Nundies helped us get there.
Extra help for leak-free days (and nights)
About the Author: Romina Torres
Romina, a former journalist, is dedicated to health education and championing everyone’s right to feel confident in their own skin. Through her writing, she aims to create a safe, inclusive, and educational space for ConfidenceClub's community. She believes openly discussing incontinence, one of the world’s least talked about issues, is crucial for empowering individuals to live their best lives.