Just because the littlest humans haven’t quite mastered taking on the porcelain beast while potty training yet, doesn’t mean they should miss out on making waves.
Regular diapers don’t hold up very well in water. They will swell-up, feel uncomfortable, and slowly fall apart in a mess of material around your child.
Swim diapers for babies, on the other hand, are built to withstand every splash and will catch and hold any accidents – preventing immediate leaks in public spaces. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends caregivers check swim diapers every 30 to 60 minutes to reduce the chance of fecal/germ contamination and urine in the pool.
Nonetheless, swim diapers are minimally absorbent so they don’t puff up in water and they’re easy to put on and take off when wet, says swimoutlet.com.
Available as either disposable or reusable, each type comes typically comes in cute styles and designs that will go over swimmingly at the pool. Just make sure the diaper fits properly to prevent leakage.
Parents just need to keep in mind that as soon as the diaper is soiled, children should be changed away from the pool area. Disposables need to be thrown away, and reusables need to be washed before being put on again.
Need some recommendations for your next day at the pool? Check out some of our favorite swim diapers for babies.
Disposable swim diapers
Babyganics Color Changing Disposable Swim Pants
These diapers may be the throwaway type, but they’re not a waste. Made with a sustainable core, this eco-friendly brand also comes with built in UPF 50-plus protection. A nifty feature, they change colors when sunlight hits as a reminder to slather some sunscreen onto your child as well. $10.
Pampers Splashers Disposable Swim Pants
Pampers disposables protect against leaks with double leg cuffs to avoid messes. They’re also stretchy for easy changes and snug so they won’t slip off. Sesame Street designs complete this package for swimmers who are ready for a sunny day at the pool, with diapers that won’t swell up in the water when they’re trying to play. $10.
Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Pants
Huggies offers disposable swim pants with easy-open sides, in order to make changing your child no-hassle. These diapers also boast stretchy sides for added comfort, special leak guards, and Disney/Pixar characters as designs. Going to the pool is far more fun when Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Dory and Nemo get to come swim too. $10.
Reusable swim diapers
AMP Reusable Swim Diapers
This Canadian brand is sold in select U.S. stores and available online and features two layers of soft micro-mesh and two rows of snaps so it fits snugly. This option is comfortable, adjustable, holds solids without retaining water from the pool, and comes in four vibrant colors: red fish, blue fish, grape and splash berry. $16.
The Honest Company Reusable Swim Diapers
Founded by actress Jessica Alba and philanthropist Christopher Gavigan, the Honest Company brand is dedicated to providing non-toxic and environmentally conscious products for families. Their swim diapers are full coverage, ultra-light in design, premium fit and stretchy waterproof with non-chafing seams. Their fade resistant polyester designs are also vibrant, fashionable and printed with non-AZO dyes; matching swim shirts and sun hats are also available. $13.95.
iPlay Ultimate Swim Diaper
iPlay offers these reusable polyester diapers in both solid colors and fun patterns. They are trim with comfort seams, lightweight for easy swimming, and come equipped with easy-lock snaps on the sides. Multiple layers prevent diaper rash and leaking. $12-$13.
