Best Swim Diapers For Keeping Baby Clean (2020 Guide)
Summer is my favorite season with my kiddos!
When it’s super-hot, the good thing you can take your little ones to the pool.
But, you need to make sure your non-potty trained toddler is fully covered and protected with a swim diaper.
You don't want any embarrassing messes in public, that's for sure!
Which swim diaper should you choose?
There are many different kinds that you can put on your child and each one has pros and cons.
Read on to learn all about the best swim diapers on the market and the kinds that you’ll feel best about using on your little water baby!
Why You Should Be Using Swim Diapers
Well, let's be honest: the reasons are pretty obvious.
You definitely need to have your tot wear a swim diaper if they are not potty trained to contain their bodily fluids and solids. No one likes poop in the pool!
In fact, I don’t know of any pool or water park that allows children into the water without one. You can’t just slip on a diaper that you use regularly. They simply won’t hold up in the water.
This is because regular disposable diapers have water crystals in them that absorb liquid.
But, just imagine how big and bulky it will get when you submerge it in a pool for an extended amount of time.
They would instantly become ineffective and not to mention, totally uncomfortable for your child.
Reusable vs Disposable Swim Diapers: Which Is The Better Choice?
Ok, so now that you know that your run-of-the-mill, every day disposable diaper won’t do, then what are your options?
You can choose to use a disposable swim diaper or a reusable swim diaper. Each has their own pros and cons.
But, ultimately, a reusable diaper is definitely your best bet.
Disposable Swim Diapers
Pros
You can toss them! Change your toddler every 30-45 minutes when visiting a pool or water park and simply deposit the diaper into the facility’s diaper pail.
Convenience. You can pack several diapers in your diaper bag and just pop a new one on as needed. There is no washing involved.
Accepted. Disposable swim diapers are welcomed and allowed pretty much anywhere and everywhere that involved water and other people.
Cons
They're expensive. As you already know, diapers are not cheap. And, when you need to change your child regularly, you’ll go through six to eight diapers while visiting a pool, amusement park, or the ocean for the entire day.
They contain chemicals. Mass produced, disposable diapers have chemical on them that come in contact with your baby’s most delicate areas. While some diapers contain less than others, they still are not organic or natural materials that help contain the pee or poop.
They're bulky. A pack of disposable swim diapers take up a lot of room in your bag. The last thing you need is more bulk to tote around when you have to carry around a change of clothes and towels when visiting the pool.
They droop down. If you don’t change them enough, disposable swim diapers will fall down and eventually fall off, which is really inconvenient and potentially a problem if your child decides to go to the bathroom at that inopportune moment.
Reusable Swim Diapers
Pros
Eco-friendly. Swim diapers are made from a polyester plastic, which means your child won’t come in contact with harmful chemicals (and neither will the environment). Nothing will irritate their skin.
Reusable. You only need one diaper for the entire day! Simply wash it out when soiled.
Cost-effective. You don’t have to spend oodles on swim diapers when you purchase a reusable one (although I recommend having at least two in your child’s wardrobe).
Soft, comfortable fit. After so many washes, you will really feel your swim diaper get super soft, which is sure to please your little fish. Plus, it will never puff up, leaving them feel like a puffer fish.
They're safer for other swimmers. You don’t have to worry about any embarrassing leaks or solid spills. The diaper’s plastic cover adds an extra layer of protection to keep everything in!
They're multifunctional. Because these diapers come in so many colors and designs, and nearly all parents use a plastic protective piece, they opt to let the reusable diaper cover double as a swim suit. You could also use it during potty training days: talk about multi-functional!
Cons
You have to wash them. A lot! So, you are going to need a spare on hand on the days that you have to clean your cover.
They don't hold in liquid well. But, the main focus of a swim diaper (since even the disposable ones don’t work wonderfully with this) is to retain all solids to avoid a code brown.
Swim Diaper Tips
When using a swim diaper, here are a few tips to consider making your water filled day an easy and stress-free (and mess-free) experience:
- If your child pees in their reusable swim diaper outside of the pool, pour out the urine immediately.
- Bring a wet bag along with you so you can keep the wet diapers in so it won’t come in contact with the other items in your diaper bag.
- Have an extra plastic liner handy. They are pretty durable, but I always have an extra on hand. Same with an extra diaper cover.
- If you are using disposable diapers, make sure you bring enough for the entire day since you have to change them frequently.
Knowing Your Pool Rules
Always check out pool or amusement park rules prior to your visit.
And, no two sets of rules are ever the same.
Many water facilities allow either kind of diaper to be used, as long as it is changed regularly. Or, some facilities don’t allow children who are not potty trained in the pool at all.
Why?
It is mainly to protect swimmers from E.coli.
If your child leaks fecal matter in the water, others can contract it and the entire pool has to be shut down and cleaned.
Parks and pools really try to avoid this because it’s very inconvenient, but the safety of everyone always has to come first.
Sold in a two pack, i play’s reusable swim diapers are affordably priced (click here to check the price on Amazon) and come in a range of sizes in order to fit infants, babies, and toddlers who are getting ready to be potty trained or who already are and need that extra layer of support yet.
The diapers snap closed on the side for easy changing. They also have a built in sun protection layer, which I love.
They have a water-proof outside and its inner layer is ultra-absorbent between changings. It also has a thick crotch, so you know it can contain matter with ease.
In order to contain accidents, the diapers have snug fitting legs and body hugging waist feature.
They're made from 100% polyester, so they're easy to wash, wipe down, and soft, stretchy, and comfortable; never restricting.
Parents who use these diapers love how easy they are to clean.
And, when “explosive” accidents occurred, the diapers were able to keep everything in, so the water and environment remained clean and safe.
Parents also agree that the diapers fit true to size and feel that they are an awesome and effective item for their price.
Beau & Belle Little boasts high-end yet affordable (and utterly adorable) reusable swimming diapers, the Nageuret (click here to check the price on Amazon).
The best thing about these diapers is that they actually grow with your baby (which as moms, we all love).
How?
They uniquely adjust between 6 and 40 pounds (and accommodate waists of 7.75 inches all the way up to 19.5 inches). So, you get three different sizes and height adjustments in one diaper.
The Nageurets are machine-washable (which saves a ton of time).
The outer layer is made of soft cloth that is breathable polyester, which helps keep little ones cool in summer months.
The inside is mesh, so it washes easily and keeps your baby comfortable.
In addition, the diapers are eco-friendly so you can feel good about using them on your baby and in the environment since you won’t be continuously throwing anything away.
The Nageurets come with a one-year money back guarantee, and all items will be replaced and your money will be refunded if something should happen to your diaper at any time.
Another great reusable swim diaper that will help you save hundreds of dollars from not buying disposables while your baby turns into a toddler is the Finis Swim Diaper (click here to check the price on Amazon).
They have a durable and strong elastic waist and leg opening to keep all solid stuff inside, and come in a variety of sizes so a great fit is guaranteed. Just be sure to follow the size chart provided by the brand to ensure you select the right size.
Most parents feel that the sizing is just right, while about 30% who have purchased it feel that the diapers run a bit small.
Each diaper is made out of a woven polyester, so they're gentle and easy on your baby’s skin. Like the other reusable diapers, they're eco-friendly and no PVC or other harmful materials will come in contact with your baby’s gentlest of areas.
Most parents agree that the diaper is highly effective (but noting that they changed their child immediately after they soiled it), but wish they were easier to get on and off.
If you choose to go with the disposables, then you can't go wrong with either the Pampers Splashers (click here to check the price on Amazon), or the Huggies Little Swimmers (click here to check the price on Amazon)—just buy whichever is cheaper at the time, because they're effectively the same product.
They are sold in packs of 20-24, and have double leg cuffs that help prevent leaking of any kind.
They don’t swell up in water like traditional diapers because they have a special design for absorbency, so your baby will never look bloated.
Each kind also comes in fun designs (Sesame Street/Disney) for both boys and girls.
The side of their diapers is stretchy so your baby is comfortable while playing in the water. And, they are easy for you to slide on and off.
There is also a helpful label on it so parents can tell the front from the back with ease.
Convenient and easy to use, if you are opting to take the disposable route, these two kinds of diapers work best.
Wrapping Up
Make a splash at the pool, waterpark, or beach in a good way, not a bad way!
Be sure to put the right diaper on your child and consider each pro and con that I’ve outlined.
The right diaper will give you peace of mind that your baby is not only protected as they do their deed, but everyone else is too!
