First of all, we need to clarify that potty training is not a regular swimming pool requirement, but, you have to be very careful with your munchkin not to shut the pool down with his little brownish submarine rising up from the water. Before heading to the swimming pool you must have some baby swim diapers in your diaper bag.
Editor’s Choice
Pampers Splashers
Why is it better?
- Saometimes they leak
- Pulls up like underwear
The Lineup At A Glance
| Product | Type | Size | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pampers Splashers | Disposable | S (13-24 lbs) M (20-33 lbs) L ( <31 lbs) | Absorbent material | |
Huggies Little Swimmers | Disposable | S (16-26 lbs) M (24-34 lbs) L ( <32 lbs) | Absorbent material | |
AlvaBaby | Reusable | S (10-18 lbs M (18-30 lbs) L (30-40 lbs) | Outer: waterproof 100% Polyester Inner: Polyester mesh | |
Babyganics Swim Pants | Disposable | S (16-26 lbs) M (24-34 lbs) L (<32 lbs) | Core made with sustainable materials | |
AppleCheeks | Reusable | 1 (7-20 lbs) 2 (18-35 lbs) | Two layers of 100% polyester Canadian-milled mesh |
The 5 Best Swimming Diapers In 2024 Reviews
1. Pampers Splashers
Unlike regular diapers that swell when wet, these disposables don’t absorb water, so they won’t sag off of your baby’s bottom.
- Double leg cuffs help protect against leaks
- Tear away sides for easy removal
- Stretchy enough to provide a snug fit in the water
- No washing/drying.
- Just toss them in the trash after usage
- Sometimes they leak
- Pulls up like underwear
- Contains chemicals
- Can cause diaper rash
- Bulky in your bag
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Unlike regular diapers that swell when wet, these disposables don’t absorb water, so they won’t sag off of your baby’s bottom.
Some people applaud to the absorbency quality of these diapers, some, on the other hand, complain about embarrassing leak accidents. The truth is that you really need a bunch for one day at the pool, simply knowing that you have to change a diaper every 45 minutes to one hour, so if you are not a casual swimmer, the price per diaper can be another downside. If your baby gets diaper rash, you can find our list of rash cream.
Also what I find a big disadvantage with Pampers swim diapers is that you pull them on like underwear, so it’s inconvenient when a toddler is wiggling or he is all greasy from sunscreen.
2. Huggies Little Swimmers
How can you resist Finding Nemo ® characters that are simply calling your child’s name! That is to say, cute diapers in two different patterns per pack will make a day at the beach or pool much more fun.
- Stretchy sides for comfort
- Latex free
- Reduced possibility of having diaper rash
- Simple cleanup
- Pink patterns in a gender neutral pack
- Cost per diaper if you are frequent swimmers
- Sometimes they leak
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How can you resist Finding Nemo ® characters that are simply calling your child’s name! Cute diapers in two different patterns per pack will make a day at the beach or pool much more fun. These diapers are much more convenient for pulling up since they have easy-open sides and you can fit them onto your child while standing (no need to lie down in order to put them on).
Huggies swim diapers feature leak guards and won’t absorb water like ordinary diapers, so your child won’t be weighed down by a heavy diaper.
From time to time I hear moms complaining about wrong sizing on these diapers, that these run smaller, so pick carefully.
3. AlvaBaby
I just love the design of AlvaBaby swim diapers. This diaper duo I chose, includes two fashionable options that’ll give your baby an artistic air. In addition, one diaper features pinky yachts and anchors and the other is compatible with supercute fish and starfish, so it’s perfect for a little fashionista girl.
- Entirely waterproof
- 100% polyester
- BPA free
- Phtalate and Latex free
- Easy to remove
- The designs are not gender neutral
- Won’t fit larger babies
- The backing of the plastic snaps is not covered with fabric, leaving button marks on skin
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I just love the design of AlvaBaby swim diapers. This diaper duo I chose, includes two fashionable options that’ll give your baby an artistic air. One diaper features pinky yachts and anchors and the other is compatible with supercute fish and starfish, so it’s perfect for a little fashionista girl.
These diapers are easily adjustable because of the snaps on the front, so your baby will get plenty of use out of them, because one size fits all! How cool is that?
Like other reusable swim diapers, they are machine washable and dryable. Just make sure you wash and dry them alone and not together with your other clothes.
4. Babyganics Swim Pants
What makes this disposable swim diapers unique is that it has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection and image on diaper changes when exposed to sunlight, reminding you to apply sunscreen to your baby’s skin. In addtion, these diapers are eco-friendly and feature a sustainable core.
- Eco-conscious
- Soft against baby’s skin
- Sun-sensing scenery that changes with prolonged UV exposure
- No harsh chemicals
- Occasional leak
- Run smaller
- Pull-up style difficult to handle on a wet, wriggling baby or toddler
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What makes this disposable swim diapers unique is that it has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection and image on diaper changes when exposed to sunlight, reminding you to apply sunscreen to your baby’s skin. Plus, these diapers are eco-friendly and feature a sustainable core.
If you have decided to go for disposable swim diapers, there is no better feeling than to know that you have chosen planet-friendly and chemicals free swim diapers.
5. AppleCheeks – Cute Swim Diapers
AppleCheeks swim diaper has two layers of 100% Canadian-milled mesh that permit water to move through the diaper while still containing solids.
- Suitable for infants (less than 7 lbs)
- Soft
- Elastics sides are very comfortable
- Super cute design
- The color does not fade with chlorine use
- A bit pricier than the others
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AppleCheeks swim diaper has two layers of 100% Canadian-milled mesh that permit water to move through the diaper while still containing solids. It is produced by a small Canadian company with a huge list of followers. These reusable swim diapers are really loved by many parents
It has two rows of snaps to choose from, so use them on the tighter setting if possible to make sure nothing will escape to the pool. They are super comfortable and functional diapers. They keep the poop in, the elastic bands on the legs keep it tight enough, but like with all the other swim diapers: don’t expect it to hold pee in!
F.A.Q
What are swim diapers?
Swim diapers are special diapers designed to prevent poop leaking out during swimming. Can a non-potty trained baby dip into the swimming pool wearing a regular diaper? No. Regular disposable diapers contain water crystals which are meant to absorb liquids. This is adequate for everyday use, but if your baby wears one in the pool, it will get big and bulky, holding absolutely nothing inside.How do swim diapers work? They’re designed to be less absorbent while still retaining waste. Swim diapers can be submerged in water but not retain liquid and will not expand or become heavy.
Should I go for disposable or reusable swim diapers?
Disposable or reusable, they both share the same purpose; keeping solids inside. Each has their own pros and cons. The key to any swim diaper is that they fit snugly to prevent an embarrassing poop accident; and from mine, and experiences from other moms, reusable diapers that are adjustable, tend to fit better than disposable swim diapers. You really have only two choices: – Option one – Disposable Baby Swim DiapersThey are good for casual swimmers, kiddos that head once or twice to the beach or pool. In my personal opinion, they are for single use only. Disposable swim diaper needs to be changed every 45 minutes or one hour because it will start to saggy on baby’s bottom. When choosing disposable diapers, go for some well known brands like Huggies or Pampers, because cheap ones will fall down and eventually fall off. You should also take into consideration the bulky package especially if you’re about to spend the whole day at the beach or pool. You will need a whole pack and that means a lot of space in the diaper bag. They also seem to be a lot harder on baby’s tender bottom, which has to be expected, since they contain chemicals. They are cute, on the other side, but still look like regular diapers.Another serious downside to this type of swim diapers is cost per diaper, especially if your kids are frequent swimmers. – Option two – Reusable Cloth Swim DiapersAs I already said – the best option!They’re not only way cheaper on the long run, but they seem to be way more gentle on the baby’s delicate skin. They don’t stretch out and chafe like disposables. You can find more cheap diapers in our review.Talking about the financial side of reusable swim diapers, their money-effectiveness can easily be calculated: if your child is a frequent swimmer, two or three should be enough to get you through the summer, and four if the baby is swimming a lot. Keep in mind that reusables are a lot more eco-friendly option.Remember, you’ll need to buy at least two to change your baby after a numero does.
Extra swim diapers advice (read carefully before it happens):
- Put a swim diaper right before entering to water.
- They are not designed to keep pee inside!
- Take along a plastic bag to put wet or dirty diapers in.
- Take children on bathroom breaks every 60 minutes
- Check diapers every 30–60 minutes.
- Change diapers in the proper area and not at poolside
- Always check pool rules regarding swim diapers
Note that some swimming pools ask for two layers, sometimes even three to be worn prior to entering the pool, and some don’t allow children that aren’t potty trained to swim at all.
You might find these pool rules annoying, but you have to understand that it’s for safety reasons.
E.Coli
A 2012 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that
Pool Water Is Contaminated With Feces and that is a welcoming ground for millions of different bacteria, and among them is a well known E.Coli.
The bacterium E. Coli (Escherichia Coli) which lives in humans’ intestinal tracts can be transmitted to other humans if a swimming pool becomes contaminated with feces. Hence, that way other swimmers could be exposed to E. Coli and be at risk of infection.
The consequences of an E. Coli infection include:
– Bloody diarrhea
– Stomach cramps
– Urinary tract infection
– Nausea and vomiting
– Anemia
– Kidney failure
– Death
If your baby has diarrhea, it is important that you do not bring her swimming, even if she has a swim diaper on, as there is still a risk of leaking and contaminating the pool water with E. Coli bacteria and other germs.
And to wrap it up
- Swim diapers are a must if you are taking your munchkins to the beach or pool during summer!
- Two choices: disposable or reusable
- Disposables are single-use only, easily thrown to trash, excellent for few visits to the swimming pool area
- Disposables look like regular diapers
- Reusables are money savers if you go swimming very often
- Reusable diapers are classy, stylish and remind of a regular bathing suit
- They are 100% machine washable and dryable
- Both types are made to keep the poop in and not the urine.
- Check the pool regulations before visiting
- Children with diarrhea to be kept away from water
- NO guarantees that a swim diaper – disposable or reusable – will contain your baby’s poo in every scenario, be prepared!
Now you are ready to go and have a blast with your kids. Summer is all about fun, ice creams, sun and swimming. You know what choice to make.