Don’t Be the Reason They Close Down the Pool—Use These Swim Diapers to Prevent Accidents (2024)

When taking your little one out for a swim, regular diapers won’t cut it. Swim diapers are a must-have for days at the pool, splash pad, waterpark, or beach. That’s because swim diapers don’t absorb liquids, so they won’t puff up or break down in the water like regular diapers can. The best swim diapers are created to securely hold in solids, ensuring a clean environment for everyone in the water. Swim diapers can also help you introduce your child to the water at an earlier age.

“Learning to swim at an early age is super beneficial,” says Chris DeJong, a professional swimmer and the founder and president of Big Blue Swim School. “By utilizing swim diapers, we can get younger children in the water early and begin to build basic swim skills and comfort in the water. Research has shown starting lessons prior to 6 months old can help kids develop motor skills and set them up for long-term success in life.”

We’ve researched a variety of popular choices to find the best swim diapers to keep waste contained and little ones happy. We consulted experts to learn more about swim safety and what to look for when shopping for swim diapers. We assessed products on leak protection, value, comfort, adjustability, convenience, and sustainability.

Disposable vs. Reusable Swim Diapers

Swim diapers are available in disposable and reusable options, each with its own pros and cons. Choose something that makes beach and pool days easier, whether that means using a durable reusable diaper you can trust or opting for the convenience of something you can throw out once used. Or double up and use a reusable diaper over a disposable to maximize leak protection and make for less messy changes.

• Disposable Swim Diapers: These are meant to be used once and then tossed in the trash. While convenient, they’re not the most sustainable option. They are only meant to hold solids and don’t absorb liquids, so they must be replaced with a regular diaper once your child gets out of the water even if they haven’t been soiled. They need to be pulled on (similar to a pull-up), but some brands have tabs on the side that can be torn open when removing the diaper. Disposable swim diapers cost around 60 cents per diaper, so if you don’t go swimming a lot, they’ll be the cheaper choice.
• Reusable Swim Diapers: These are more eco-friendly since they can be cleaned and reused multiple times. However, this means they require more work. Made of tightly woven fabric, they are typically more durable and sturdy than disposables. Some parents feel that they hold solids in better than disposable diapers because they are more snug around the legs. They are available as pull-ups or with Velcro or snaps to help get them on and off more easily. Reusable swim diapers typically cost between $10 and $20 but can save you money in the long run since you only need to purchase one or two.

Our Favorite Swim Diapers for Toddlers and Babies

• Best Overall: Huggies Little Swimmers
• Best Disposable: Pampers Splashers
• Best Reusable: Green Sprouts Eco Snap Swim Diaper
• Best Budget: Alvababy Swim Diapers
• Best Adjustable: Beau and Belle Littles Reusable Baby Swim Diaper
• Most Stylish: Charlie Banana Reusable Swim Diaper Snaps
• Best for Full Protection: Splash About Happy Nappy Swim Diaper
• Best for Newborns: Ensemble Cloth Diaper and Swim Diaper

Best Overall: Huggies Little Swimmers

Why We Like It

Huggies Little Swimmers are budget-friendly, easy to use, and sturdy enough to hold in solids even when things get a bit messy. They have a comfortable fit, with double leak guards that keep them snug around the thighs and a stretchy waistband that prevents them from digging into the skin. I’ve tried several types of swim diapers with my two daughters, and these are my top picks by a landslide.

My favorite thing about them is that they have re-closeable tabs on the side to make changes less messy than pull-down options. I can speak to the fact that they are genuinely leak-proof when it comes to solids: My daughter has worn these in the water even with a more liquidy poop, and it still hasn’t come out.

But Take Note

The side tabs can be a little tricky to figure out at first, and it can be hard to see the words that indicate the front and back of the diaper. Personally, I’ve also found Huggies to run a bit smaller than some other diaper brands, which is something to keep in mind.

The Details:

• Type: Disposable
• Sizes: Small (size 3, 16-28 pounds), Medium (size 4, 22-37 pounds), Large (size 5/6, 27 pounds and up)
• Material: Pulp, polypropylene, polyethylene
  

Best Disposable: Pampers Splashers

Why We Like It

Pampers Swaddlers are another disposable option you can trust. They never swell in the water, so they’re comfortable for kids to wear under bathing suits. The stretchy waistband fits more like underwear than your typical diaper and is meant to reduce gapping that could cause leaks. There are also dual leak-guard barriers and a snug fit at the thighs. They come in cute designs, and the sides are very easy to tear open when it’s time to change the diaper.

But Take Note

Pampers Swaddlers do not have re-closeable sides; you rip the sides open when it’s time to change them. This means they must be pulled on and the waist can’t be adjusted.

The Details:

• Type: Disposable
• Sizes: Small (size 3, 13-24 pounds), Medium (size 4, 20-33 pounds), Large (5, 31 pounds and up)
• Material: Pulp, polypropylene, polyethylene

Best Reusable: Green Sprouts Eco Snap Swim Diaper

Why We Like It

These snap reusable swim diapers are a favorite among parents because of how easy they are to use and how well they work. They don’t feel bulky under a bathing suit and have three layers of protection: one wicks moisture away from baby’s skin, the next absorbs the liquids, and the third provides waterproofing. A gusset on the sides adds another layer of leak protection. They also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are cute enough to be worn on their own. Best of all, they’re machine washable, so cleaning them is simple.

While Green Sprouts also makes pull-up swim diapers, we feel this snap-close version is easier to use. Snaps make diaper changes simpler when you’re wrangling wet, squirmy tots. And if your baby wears swim trunks, it’s worth noting that the brand also makes swim shorts with a built-in reusable diaper.

But Take Note

The snaps on these are only on one side, so they can still be a little tricky to remove after your child goes number two. I’ve tried these, and I wasn’t thrilled that they didn't look as clean as I'd like after washing them.

The Details:

• Type: Reusable
• Sizes: 6M to 5T
• Material: Polyester

Best Budget: Alvababy Swim Diapers

Why We Like It

At less than $15 for two pairs, these swim diapers are the best deal we could find. They’re also meant to grow with your baby, so one pair could potentially work for them for years rather than months. They are super adjustable, with rows of snaps on both sides as well as on the upper and lower portion of the diaper so that you can change the size for the best fit for your little one. They come in a wide variety of adorable designs.

But Take Note

There are a lot of snaps on these diapers—that’s what makes them adjustable and easy to get on and off—but it can take a few minutes to undo them all, which can be difficult with a squirming baby.

The Details:

• Type: Reusable
• Sizes: Small (0-2 years, 10-40 pounds), Large (0-3 years, 18-55 pounds)
• Material: Polyester

Best Adjustable: Beau & Belle Littles Reusable Baby Swim Diaper

Why We Like It

When it comes to swim diapers, sizing can be tricky. But this pick is so adjustable that finding the perfect fit is a snap. A series of snaps all over the diaper allow you to adjust the waist, width, and length for a super customizable fit.

Snaps on both sides allow you to put on and take off the diaper with ease—no pulling up or down required. The elastic along the waist is pretty comfy, too. A waterproof outer layer keeps these from retaining excess water that could weigh your baby down or cause irritating friction against the skin. The inner layer is made of mesh polyester, and the diapers are machine washable.

But Take Note

At about $20 per pair, these are a bit more expensive than some comparable reusable swim diapers, but they are made to last longer since they cover more sizes. And be aware that the size chart on the Amazon page is different from the one on the brand’s page.

The Details:

• Type: Reusable
• Sizes: Diaper size newborn through 4, Toddler (2T-5T)
• Material: 100% PUL Polyester

Most Stylish: Charlie Banana Reusable Swim Diaper Snaps

Why We Like It

Charlie Banana offers a slew of very cute prints, like colorful fruits and jungle animals, that will make you (and your little one) excited about using them. According to Katie McCann, they also hold their shape really well even after multiple uses.

These reusable swim diapers are made with high-quality materials: The lining is super soft and all materials are OEKO-TEX certified, which means they have passed the most rigorous testing for harmful chemicals. They’re also UPF 50 for added sun protection. Snaps on either side make them easy to get on and off, while elastic at the waist and legs keep them snug.

But Take Note

Some parents have noted that these run small and aren’t as adjustable as some other reusable swim diaper options. And at $20 for one diaper, they are a little on the pricer side.

The Details:

• Type: Reusable
• Sizes: XS (9-14 pounds), S (12-20 pounds), M (16-28 pounds), L (22-35 pounds)
• Material: Polyester, polyurethane, lyocell lining

Best for Full Protection: Splash About Happy Nappy Swim Diaper

Why We Like It

The Happy Nappy swim diaper fits more like a pair of tiny shorts than a diaper. The unique design is one you won’t find elsewhere: It’s shaped to cup your baby’s bottom while fitting snugly at the waist and thighs to keep any solids from leaking out. In fact, these are often recommended (and sometimes required) by swim schools to keep pools clean and safe.

These are made of thick neoprene, which is super soft and resilient. They’re also chlorine-resistant, so they’re particularly great if you plan on spending a lot of time in the pool. There’s no irritating elastic, and Johnson notes that they don’t constrict movement the way some other swim diapers can. If your main goal is to keep solids inside the diaper, this is your best bet.

But Take Note

Because they’re made with thicker fabric, they’re hard to slide off a wiggly baby—especially if they’re wet from swimming. And when the diaper has poop in it, pulling it off can create a big mess. The company recommends using their Nappy Wrap and Liners for easier changes, at an additional cost.

The Details:

• Type: Reusable
• Sizes: 0-3M, 3-6M, 6-12M, 12-24M, 2-3Y
• Material: Neoprene

Best for Newborns: Esembly Outer Reusable Diaper Cover & Swim Diaper

Why We Like It

Newborns won’t be spending a ton of time in the water, but when they do, they’ll need to be protected since they’re known for unpredictable blow-outs. These Esembly diapers are a little different than traditional swim diapers. They’re actually a waterproof cloth diaper cover that is meant to be used over an absorbent inner cloth diaper for extra blowout protection, but they can be used on their own as a swim diaper. Their multipurpose nature makes them a great value: You can use them for an occasional float in the pool and on an everyday basis over a regular cloth diaper.

Snaps for an easy on and off is another plus for the newborn phase. The snaps are adjustable so the diaper can grow with your baby and be used for several months. You can adjust the waist and legs independently to create a more customized fit. As a bonus, they’re soft and come in cute, unique designs.

But Take Note

The outer swim diaper costs nearly $20 for just one, and the inner diaper (if you choose to use those) costs $37 for three, making these a little more pricey than some other options. They also only go up to 35 pounds, whereas other adjustable reusable diapers can be used for up to 50 pounds or more.

The Details:

• Type: Disposable, reusable, etc.
• Sizes: Size 1 (7-17 pounds), Size 2 (18-35 pounds)
• Material: 100% recycled polyester with a waterproof TPU laminate

Our Review Process

To find the best swim diapers out there, we researched a wide variety of the most popular options on the market (both disposable and reusable). We considered which features would make pool or beach days more convenient for parents and more comfortable for kids, and consulted experienced experts to find out which design elements are most important. We assessed each product on its leak prevention ability, value, comfort, adjustability, convenience, and sustainability.

Our Experts

To understand what makes a swim diaper stand out, we spoke with people who would know best: a child swim instructor and three mommy bloggers who have used swim diapers with their own kids. We asked what parents should be looking for and what they should avoid, as well as the best ways to use swim diapers to ensure a safe water environment for everyone.

• Chris DeJong, professional swimmer and the founder and president of Big Blue Swim School, a kid’s swimming school.
• Katie McCann, breastfeeding counselor, creator of From Bump to Bubble, and mother of two kids.
• Katlynne Tekurio, mom of two toddlers and the creator of Mom With Anxiety, a mental health resource for caregivers.
• Amy Johnson, mom of two toddlers and the creator of the Amy Baby parenting resource blog.
• Jacqui DiNardo, blogger, creator of Mommy Maker Teacher, and mom of two.

Swim Diapers Vs. Regular Diapers

Swim diapers may look similar to regular diapers, but they are not the same. Swim diapers are made to be used in a water environment, while regular diapers are not. A regular diaper is designed to absorb all liquids, including the liquid your child is swimming or splashing in, causing it to become water-logged and heavy. Not only is this uncomfortable for your little one, but it can also make it harder for the diaper to hold in solids.

“A regular diaper may over-absorb the pool water and burst open, causing the pool to close and possibly do damage to the pool’s mechanical and filtration system,” DeJong says. “Almost always, regular diapers are not allowed in pools.”

Swim diapers are designed to hold in solids. They won’t puff up and will retain their slim silhouette during every waterplay activity, including swimming in a pool.

Factors to Consider When Buying Swim Diapers

• Size: A proper fit is key, so be sure to follow brand recommendations for which size is best for your child. “Swim diapers are sized based on the weight of the baby,” DeJong says. “Ensure the proper size is used to ensure proper fitting and reduced risk of fecal matter coming out of the diaper.” Don’t try to save money by sizing up in hopes of using them longer because diapers that are too loose will be ineffective at holding in solids.
• Leak Protection: One of the most important things about a swim diaper is how well it prevents leaks. You really want something that keeps solids contained when swimming, which often comes down to the proper size and fit.
• Comfort: Look for swim diapers that are snug without being too tight and offer features like softer materials and side tabs that don’t irritate the skin. McCann recommends avoiding swim diapers that feel bulky or stiff between the legs. “The padding should be slim and allow free movement,” she says. “Babies can feel nervous about swimming pools, so the more comfortable they are, the better.”
• Adjustability: DeJong stresses the importance of a properly fitted swim diaper. “A good swim diaper will have a snug elastic band around the thighs and waist to hold contents in,” he says. “If it’s too big or too old, that elastic will not operate properly.” Adjustable swim diapers that can grow with your little one can help you ensure a proper fit. We looked for swim diapers that offer a great fit.
• Ease of Use and Cleaning: Some swim diapers are meant to be pulled on and off, while others have breakaway or reclosable sides. “Buttons or Velcro on the side that allow the diaper to be undone at the leg are helpful for the caregiver during cleanup should the child have an accident,” DeJong says. “Without these, the diaper is still useful in the pool, but when it comes time to change the used diaper, it has to slide down the leg, causing a bigger mess.” You should also consider ease of cleaning: Reusable diapers require maintenance, while disposable diapers can be tossed after use.
• Designs: While colorful patterns and character designs aren’t a necessity, they might help your little one be more interested in waterplay activities. This is especially true for toddlers who have their own preferences.
• Value: The price of diapers can add up quickly, but you tend to get what you pay for in terms of quality and effectiveness. Assessing products’ overall value may help you decide between disposable and reusable swim diapers. Reusable swim diapers are typically more economical since they can be used all season—or multiple seasons if they are adjustable—but they also involve a lot more work. This may not be a big deal if you’re already using cloth diapers. Conversely, if you’ll only be visiting the pool or splash pad a few times a season, investing in reusable swim diapers may not be worth it.

How to Use Swim Diapers Safely

Swim diapers are meant to contain solids to prevent messy leaks. However, they won’t work if they aren’t used properly. DeJong notes that swim diapers must fit correctly in order to hold in waste. “Avoid a diaper that is loose fitting or way too tight,” he says. Look for swim diapers that fit snugly around the thighs with elastic to hold things in.

Be sure to change swim diapers often. If your child poops, their swim diaper should be changed immediately. If fecal matter gets in the pool, it can cause contamination that can lead to cryptosporidium and E.coli infections, which can make swimmers very ill. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends changing swim diapers every 30 to 60 minutes, even if your child has not gone number two.

For maximum protection, DeJong recommends layering diapers, with a disposable diaper covered by a reusable one. “Since any type of swim diaper is designed to keep solids in, they do not guarantee keeping liquids in,” he says. “Having another layer over any type of swim diaper protects other swimmers from liquids like diarrhea from getting into the pool.” This can also make changes less messy if your reusable diaper is a pull-down.

Lastly, be sure to remove your child’s swim diaper as soon as they get out of the water. Remember, their swim diaper will not absorb liquids, so once they are no longer in the water, any urine will leak out.

Who We Are

Jessica Booth is a freelance writer who covers parenting, shopping, wellness, entertainment, and wedding content. She has been freelance writing since 2017 and before that, worked as an editor at an online publication for seven years. She has written for sites such as Brides, People, Insider, Bustle, Romper, Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, The Daily Beast, Reviewed, She Knows, Scary Mommy, The Knot, and What to Expect. She also has two young daughters, and since they spend most of their summers in the pool or at the beach, they’ve tried a wide variety of swim diapers - Huggies Little Swimmers are our favorite.