The 17 Best Swim Diapers [For Mess-Free Summer Fun]

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Summer and water are just made for each other. The glistening pools and splashing water slides are what summer dreams are made of.

But if you have a little one still in diapers, these sunny adventures can quickly take a turn for the worse with one bad blowout.

Long live your summer plans thanks to these 17 best swim diapers.

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Preview	Name	Rating	View
	FINIS Swim Diaper	5/5	Check Price
	Charlie Banana Baby Reusable and Washable Swim Diapers	4.5/5	Check Price
	i Play by Green Sprouts Two-Piece Tankini with Snaps Reusable Swim Diaper	5/5	Check Price
	i Play by Green Sprouts Swim Diaper Trunks	5/5	Check Price
	Hello Bello Swim Dipes	5/5	Check Price
	Convenience On the Go Swimmy Diapers	5/5	Check Price

Reusable Swim Diapers

If you’ve mastered the art of cloth diapers, you will be pleased to know that there are some great reusable swim diapers on the market today. Like the cloth variety, these reusable options are sustainable and cost-effective. Buy a set at the beginning of the summer and never worry about making a last-minute stop at the store again.

1. Bambino Mio

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These swim diapers from Bambino Mio might just be some of the cutest ones on the market. Their website is super easy to navigate with straightforward sizing options to help you narrow in on the right pick for your babe.

Each diaper is crafted with lightweight, waterproof materials that actually feel good next to your baby’s skin.

These diapers have a simple pull-up design, so you don’t have to worry about snaps. And, they have a leak-proof leg cuff for extra protection.

Something that sets this brand apart from the rest is its adorable line of swim accessories. Get a swim shirt, hat, wet bag and changing mat to complete your look.

2. AlvaBaby

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One of the biggest drawbacks to cloth diapering is the cost. However, with most designs coming in at just $5 apiece, Alvababy is one of our most affordable picks. Meaning, you won’t feel bad for stocking up at the beginning of the summer.

In addition to being super affordable, these diapers are also pretty adorable. AlvaBaby lets shoppers pick out their favorite designs, so you can be sure that everything you see is parent-approved.

Alvababy swim diapers come in two sizes: one size and big size, so you will want to pay attention to your baby’s measurements before purchasing in bulk.

3. Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper

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Beau & Belle Littles specializes in all things baby swim, so it makes sense that they provide one of the best swim diapers available.

Their Nageuret Reusable Diaper is a waterproof, one-size swim option. Each diaper has strategically placed side snaps that make taking off a dirty diaper much easier.

You will pay a bit more for this option than you would for the last two picks, but the quality makes it well worth the investment, especially since you will be supporting a family-owned small business.

4. i Play Snap Absorbent Reusable Swim Diaper

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Green Sprouts has made a name for themselves by making eco-friendly, non-toxic baby products. And the same materials that are in their patented i Play Swim and Sun Wear are also in these adjustable swim diapers.

Each Snap Absorbent Reusable Swim Diaper has a UPF 50+ and is made of three layers to provide chafing.

This option also features those convenient side snaps, making diaper changes a little (or a lot) less terrifying.

Love this brand and want to explore more of their swim line? Check out these bathing suits and swim trunks with built-in diapers.

5. Splash About Happy Swim Diaper

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The Splash About Happy Swim Diaper is a nice option for those parents who are totally paranoid about leaks. The extra, snug fabric (which is neoprene rather than polyester) around both the thighs and the rib cage provides an extra layer of protection and more peace of mind for mom and dad. In fact, Splash About claims that these swim school-recommended diapers are the “most reliable and advanced swim diapers in the world.”

You can get these reusable diapers in sizes suitable for 3 months all the way to 5 years old. The only downside? They come in packs of one diaper only.

6. BabyGoal Swim Diapers

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If quantity is what you seek, look no further than these BabyGoal swim diapers. Another pick on Amazon, these diapers may not boast the latest technology or have the most reviews, but they are a great starter diaper for kids who need a lot of potty breaks.

These one-size diapers are made entirely from polyester and come with adjustable snaps to grow with your babe.

A set of three will run you less than $20.

7. FINIS Swim Diaper

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FINIS offers pull-down diapers that work for children as young as 3 months or as old as 4 years. These reusable diapers come in nine colors, are made entirely of polyester and provide a secure fit at both the legs and the waist. Plus, these diapers look very similar to a regular swimsuit bottom, which is great for little ones who want to mimic older siblings or parents.

When the diaper is dirty, simply throw it in the washing machine. The material can resist machine washing with ease; it’s also made with a handy UPF layer that helps protect your baby’s bum from the sun.

8. Beau & Belle Littles Reusable Swim Diaper

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These polyester diapers from Beau & Belle are made with a lightweight, soft mesh that provides greater ease of use once the diaper is actually wet. The diapers feature snaps on the sides and are adjustable, so you can continue using them even as your tot grows. The snaps can be adjusted to fit babies from 8 to 36 pounds.

9. Wegreeco Baby & Toddler Snap One-Size Adjustable Reusable Swim Diapers

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These budget-friendly reusable swim diapers come in packs of three, in adorable designs such as mermaid and fox prints. Made from an athletic wicking jersey and lycra binding, the diapers are adjustable and feature snaps on the sides.

Unfortunately, the diapers only come in two generic sizes, small and large. The small size fits infants weighing under 20 pounds, while the large size is designed to fit children up to 40 pounds.

10. Charlie Banana Baby Reusable and Washable Swim Diapers

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These adorable Charlie Banana reusable swim diapers are made from Tencel lyocell, a fabric designed for extra comfort and softness. Machine-washable, the swim diapers come in four sizes, but are outfitted with adjustable drawstrings at the waist. The outside is waterproof, and the inside is extra-absorbent — so much so that some parents find that they can use these diapers on the way to and from the pool as well, with no issues.

The diapers are intended for older infants or toddlers, though, so they aren’t a good fit for infants under 10 pounds.

11. i Play by Green Sprouts Swim Diaper Trunks

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These swim diaper trunks are a good compromise for parents with children who are a little too old for swim diapers but who still honestly could use one. These iplay trunks come in sizes 6 months to 4T and, just like a regular swim diaper, are designed to hold in solids, not liquids. They’re pull-on, pull-off, so suitable for kids who are accustomed to dressing themselves.

The trunks can be used over an additional disposable swim diaper, if desired. This is especially an important feature if you’re going to a pool where double-layering is required for children who aren’t potty-trained (check your pool’s rules before you go!).

12. i Play by Green Sprouts Two-Piece Tankini with Snaps Reusable Swim Diaper

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Similarly, if you have a little girl in the house who wants to swim and wear a big girl swimsuit, but she’s not quite there yet, you can go with this two-piece tankini that sports a reusable swim diaper with an absorbent layer in the bottoms. Suitable for children 6 months to 4T, the polyester swimsuit features easy-lock snaps and is machine washable.

13. Primary the Swim Diaper

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This affordable swim diaper comes in a range of fun colors and all are plain solids — which is great for parents who want something a little more fashionable than the mermaid or dinosaur designs you’ll find on other swim diapers.

Available in a range of sizes, the diapers are made from nylon and elastane, are pull-up and pull-off and have snug bands around the waist and legs. Extra sun protection keeps your baby safe from harmful UV rays from 3 months to 3T.

Disposable Swim Diapers

When it comes to diapers, sometimes you just need one and done options, even if you otherwise opt for cloth diapers. For example, disposable swim diapers make traveling a dream. Plus, do you really want to be lugging a soiled diaper around in your diaper bag all day in the heat?

Here are the two best disposable swim diapers for your travels and public pool days.

14. Pampers Splashers

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While you may not be able to order directly from their website, Pampers has the benefit of being available at just about any grocery store there is.

The likelihood they will have your babe’s size of swim diaper might be another story, so you might want to stock up online before the summer prices kick in.

Pampers Splashers have a gap-free waistband and dual leak guard barriers to keep the messes from growing.

And when it comes time to change, just rip the sides apart for easy cleanup.

15. Huggies Little Swimmers

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Much like the Splasher, Huggies Little Swimmers provide all-around protection for your little (and everyone else in the pool).

These diapers also feature easy to remove sides and state-of-the-art leak guards for super convenient swimming. They also feature some of your child’s favorite characters, making them a great gender-neutral option.

So of Huggies and Pampers, which one is better? We’ll leave that one up to you and your little one. Both are pretty comparable.

16. Hello Bello Swim Dipes

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These disposable diapers are brought to you by Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard’s Hello Bello children’s brand. The disposable diapers are plant-based and hypoallergenic, with a plant-derived core. The diapers are made without latex, parabens or phthalates, meaning they’re a great option for infants with sensitive skin.

The diapers come in three sizes, with sizing based on your child’s normal diaper size, and each pack comes with 20 disposable diapers.

17. Convenience On the Go Swimmy Diapers

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When you’re not sure if you’ll be swimming or not at the backyard barbecue that grandma is hosting, throw one of these convenient packs in your diaper bag and hit the road. Or just leave them in there permanently. They’ll always be ready and waiting for your next swim sess.

Each pack contains two diapers that are soft, flexible and highly absorbent, and they’re made with no added chemicals, chlorine or alcohol. They come in small, medium and large sizes, and while they’re maybe not a perfect pick for frequent swimmers, they are an excellent save for those moments when you need a swim diaper fast.

What to Consider When Shopping for Swim Diapers

There are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing the best swim diapers for your baby.

Disposable vs. reusable

As you’ve seen in the various options that we’ve given above, swim diapers typically come in two forms: disposable or reusable.

The disposable diapers are easy to use, convenient and can be quickly tossed in the trash when you’re finished with them. Unfortunately, disposable swim diapers also contribute to general waste, just like regular diapers. They can also be pretty costly and that cost can add up if your family frequents the pool often during the summer months.

Reusable diapers, on the other hand, are cost-effective and eco-friendly … but also messy. You need to clean them, of course, but cleaning a reusable swim diaper means lugging that messy, wet diaper back home with you.

Both options come with their pros and cons.

Pull-on vs. snap-on

You’ll also see two options when it comes to how a swim diaper actually stays on your baby. Some are pull-on, pull-down diapers that are similar to training diapers that your child might already use at home. Others are more like traditional diapers that fasten on the sides.

The pull-down diapers are often better for older children who can help change themselves, while the swim diapers with attachments on the side — usually snaps or velcro — are easier if you’ll be the one doing the changing. After all, no one wants to tug a dirty diaper off a wiggling baby’s legs when the alternative is just snapping it open and lifting them out of it.

The fit

Whatever you do, whether you go with reusable or disposable, pull-down or snap-on, be sure that you purchase the best-fitting diaper for your baby. If you’re unsure of what will fit, or if you want to avoid potentially buying an ill-fitting diaper the first time and needing to buy another, you may want to go with an adjustable swim diaper that can fit a range of sizes. A proper, snug fit ensures the diaper actually does its job.

Your baby’s habits

And on that note, it’s important to understand what the swim diaper’s job actually is: to keep poop out of the water. A swim diaper isn’t 100% leakproof. It’s designed to allow a little bit of liquid to flow in and out, so it will not contain urine or, unfortunately, any liquid poo. If you know your baby’s bowel habits and you know that things aren’t always as solid as they should be, no swim diaper is going to help you out.

Material

While most swim diapers are made from polyester, if your baby has sensitive skin, you may want to go for a different fabric. Shop around and see what your options are, rather than just grabbing the first pack of reusable or disposable swim diapers you come across. Also, consider the material’s built-in sun protection; many baby swim diapers offer UPF 50 or above.

Cleaning

If you’re buying reusable swim diapers, you’ll want to pay attention to how the manufacturer tells you to clean those diapers. Some swim diapers can simply be tossed into the washing machine, while others need to be hand-washed in the sink. If you don’t mind the latter, you can go with just about any reusable option, but if you’d rather avoid that chore, you’ll want to look for machine-washable swim diapers specifically.

Number of diapers

Even if you’re buying reusable swim diapers, you’ll likely want to have more than one diaper handy. Look for a pack that’s going to provide you with multiple diapers so that you always have one clean. If you’re buying either type of swim diaper for a vacation or other special occasion, ensure that you’ll have enough to last you multiple pool trips.

What to Do if Your Swim Diaper Fails

But you can take all the precautions in the world — buying the right diapers, ensuring they fit, testing them out — and your baby can still have an unfortunate accident that leaves your home pool or a public pool in an awkward situation. What do you do if that happens?

If you’re at a public pool, tell someone. Immediately. Poop in the pool — while, sure, probably funny in hindsight — is no laughing matter in the moment. The pool staff will know what to do. Typically, they’ll remove everyone from the pool for both an extra round of sanitation and a round of water filtering. Depending on the size of the pool, this can take anywhere from an hour or two to a few days.

If you’re at a private pool, again, tell people so they can get out of the pool. Remove any solids using your pool gear, and then amp up the chlorine. The CDC offers a full guide on how to clean a range of bodily fluids from your pool. In general, though, expect the pool to be shut down for a while.

How to Clean a Swim Diaper

Whether or not an accident occurs, you’ll want to clean your swim diaper after each use. First things first, get your baby out of the diaper, dried and changed just like you would when changing a normal diaper. Then, get to cleaning.

To clean the reusable swimming diaper, you’ll want to first toss any solids in the trash, then either toss the diaper in the washing machine (on its own or with similar items — you might not want to wash the entire family’s clothes with the soiled diaper) or take it to a clean, empty sink.

If you go the sink route, use a lot of mild soap or detergent to clean the diaper. After the diaper is clean and hung to air dry, thoroughly wash your hands, the sink and the area around the sink with hot, soapy water.

Swim Diaper Questions

No need to feel embarrassed. Every parent has asked these questions.

Do swim diapers really work?

Yes, although keep in mind that swim diapers are designed to keep poop out of the pool. Pee, not so much. But before you get too grossed out, that’s what chlorine is for!

It’s also important to know that while swim diapers definitely work in the water, but are pretty useless out of it. So you will need to put a regular diaper on your kiddo as soon as they come out.

Do you wear a diaper under a swim diaper?

Nope! In fact, doing so will create its own unfortunate situation.

What do I need to know about transitioning to reusable swim diapers?

Just like you would with any diaper, make sure your swim diapers have a snug and secure fit. You want it to be tight enough to hold poop in, after all.

You will also want to plan regular diaper checks since it could be harder to tell if your kiddo is carrying a load.

When should I not use swim diapers?

If your babe is experiencing diarrhea, swim diapers might aren’t going to be as effective in keeping the mess contained. So for everyone’s sake, it’s best to sit it out if your little one is having runny stools.

Just Keep Swimming

Summertime should be a time of playing outside and in the water. And it can be, even if you have littles still in diapers.

You can’t stop your kiddos from needing to use the potty, but you also don’t have to cut your fun short just because someone had to use the bathroom. With a little planning and shopping now, you can set yourself up for a summer of water play.

Whether you go for reusable or disposable diapers, or maybe even a bit of both, swim diapers are a must for your sunny day fun!

You might also be interested in: A Guide To Cloth Diapers [And 8 Companies To Check Out]

The 17 Best Swim Diapers: