Poop in the pool is the fastest way to ruin a summer day. You need a specific tool to keep the water safe and your baby comfortable: a swim diaper.
Unlike regular diapers, swim diapers do not absorb liquid. Their sole purpose is to catch solids and prevent them from leaking into the water.
Whether you need a disposable option for a vacation or a reusable one for weekly lessons, we helped break down the best swim diapers to keep your pool days fun and sanitary.
- 1 year money-back guarantee
- Trim-fitting and not bulky
- Family-owned business
- Great value buy
- Additional protection and comfort
- Multiple waist settings
- Accommodates larger child
- Holds moisture from one bladder accident
- Breathable exterior “PUL” layer
- Soft outer material
- Highly adjustable for a custom fit
- Durable and long-lasting
- Cute designs
- Very straightforward to use
- Comprises of 3 protective layers
- Great in the water
- Double-gusset feature
- Fully customized fit
Does My Baby Need Swim Diapers?
If your baby is not fully potty trained, you absolutely need a swim diaper. Regular diapers are designed to absorb liquid, but swim diapers function differently because your child cannot yet control their bladder or bowels.
Pools are full of distractions. The immersion in water often stimulates the urge to go, and kids might miss their body’s signals.
A swim diaper is not designed to hold urine. If it absorbed liquid, it would instantly fill with pool water and drag your baby down. Instead, the swim diaper is a safety device designed to trap solid waste.
A fecal accident in a public pool is a health hazard that requires a costly and time-consuming shutdown for sanitization (1). Skipping the diaper risks embarrassing accidents and sets back your child’s potty training progress.
Can Regular Diapers Be Used for Swimming?
You cannot use a regular diaper for swimming. Regular diapers contain super-absorbent polymers designed to hold fluid. As soon as a regular diaper hits the water, it absorbs everything immediately.
A water-logged regular diaper becomes incredibly heavy. This makes it hard for your child to move and can cause chafing around the hips and belly.
Worse, the heavy diaper will sag. This creates massive gaps at the legs. If your child poops, the sagging diaper will not contain it, rendering the diaper useless.
Types of Swim Diapers
There are two main categories to choose from: disposables and reusables.
Disposable Swim Diapers
These function like traditional diapers but do not swell in water. They are designed for single use. Most feature tear-away sides rather than adhesive tabs to make changing a messy diaper easier.
Reusable Swim Diapers
These are washable cloth diapers designed for water use. They usually secure with snaps or velcro, or pull up like underwear. They are cost-effective if you swim frequently.
How to Choose Swim Diapers
Consider these factors when shopping for the right gear for your baby:
- Comfort: You may need to try a few styles. The right diaper should allow your child to kick and splash without digging into their skin.
- Functionality: Stick to reputable brands with good reviews. Cheap materials often fail to contain messes, which defeats the purpose of the diaper.
- Price: Disposables have a lower upfront cost but cost more over time. Reusables have a higher initial price but save money if you swim often.
Product Reviews
We tested the top contenders to help you find the perfect fit for your little splasher.
Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper
Best Swim Diapers for Toddlers
The Nageuret swim diaper offers excellent adjustability for growing toddlers. It fits children between 30 and 50 pounds thanks to a waist that adjusts up to 24 inches. The thigh snaps also adjust to accommodate up to an 18-inch circumference.
This diaper features three rise settings. This allows you to customize the length of the diaper for taller children or those who need a higher fit. It is a solid choice for older toddlers or children with special needs who require a secure, custom fit.
Comfort is a priority here. It uses an inner mesh layer and a breathable PUL exterior. This combination prevents the diaper from feeling like plastic against the skin.
Parents appreciate the eco-friendly design and the variety of prints available.
Pros
- Small business: These are produced by a family-owned company.
- Guarantee: It comes with a one-year money-back guarantee.
- Fit: The profile is trim and not bulky under swimsuits.
Cons
- Snaps: The snap system can be tricky to fasten on a wiggling toddler.
Our Ratings
Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Diapers
Best Budget Swim Diaper
Huggies Little Swimmers are a staple for vacations where you do not want to carry dirty diapers back to the hotel. Buying in bulk packs saves time and money if you plan to be at the beach all week.
These disposables use a unique absorbent material that does not swell in water. This keeps the diaper light and prevents sagging, allowing your child to play comfortably for longer periods.
They feature built-in leak guards to trap accidents. If a mess occurs, the tear-away sides allow you to remove the diaper without sliding it down the legs.
The Disney and Pixar designs are a hit with kids, making diaper changes a little easier.
Pros
- Value: Discounted packs help you save money.
- No swelling: The core stays trim even when submerged.
- Removal: Easy-open side panels simplify cleanup.
- Design: Kids generally love the character prints.
Cons
- Sizing: The diapers are not gender-specific, which can make sizing confusing for some parents.
Our Ratings
AlvaBaby Swim Diapers
Best One-Size Swim Diapers
AlvaBaby brings their reputation for quality cloth diapers to the pool. These swim diapers offer excellent containment at a budget-friendly price point.
The waterproof outer layer keeps pool water out, while the interior mesh holds solids in. Elastic around the waist and legs creates a seal that helps prevent leaks during active play.
These are designed as “one-size” diapers for children aged 0 to 2 years. You adjust the fit using a grid of snaps on the front. This allows you to change the rise and waist settings as your baby grows.
The pack includes two diapers, which is convenient for long pool days. They are also machine washable and resist staining well.
Pros
- Value: Getting two diapers makes this a great deal.
- Lining: Inner mesh provides comfort and mess containment.
Cons
- Fit issues: Some users find these run small for larger toddlers near the 2-year mark.
Our Ratings
Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers
Best Disposable Swim Diaper
Pampers Splashers are a reliable choice for parents who prefer the convenience of disposables. The brand quality ensures consistent sizing and performance.
These come in three sizes covering children from 13 to 40 pounds. Whether you are running through sprinklers or digging in the sand, these hold up well without falling apart.
Unlike regular diapers, Splashers do not balloon up in the water. They stay relatively dry and comfortable against the skin. Dual leak-guard barriers around the legs provide a snug fit to keep accidents contained.
The 360-degree stretchy waistband pulls on like underwear, but the sides tear away easily for quick removal when wet.
Pros
- Waistband: The elastic waist offers a flexible, comfortable fit.
- Comfort: They remain light and do not weigh the baby down.
- Convenience: Tear-away sides make changing fast.
Cons
- Size range: They start at 13 pounds, so they are not suitable for newborns.
- Waste: They create more trash than reusable options.
Our Ratings
Charlie Banana Reusable Swim Diapers
Best Swim Diapers for Older Children
Finding swim diapers for older or larger children is difficult, but Charlie Banana fills that gap. These reusable diapers fit children up to 55 pounds.
They come in various colors and subtle prints. The low-profile design fits easily under swimsuits, helping older children feel less self-conscious about wearing protection.
The diaper features a waterproof outer layer and a soft organic cotton inner lining. Because of the soft lining and good fit, many parents use these as training pants or underwear when not in the water.
The adjustable waist drawstring allows you to get a secure fit on children of different shapes.
Pros
- Sizing: Accommodates larger children and offers great adjustability.
- Protection: Can hold moisture from a small bladder accident outside the pool.
Cons
- Newborns: There are no sizes available for babies under 9 pounds.
Our Ratings
Babygoal Baby Swim Underwear
Best Snap-On Swim Diaper
Babygoal offers a highly adjustable swim diaper that focuses on material safety. These are free from phthalates, latex, lead, and BPA.
If you are worried about chemical exposure, this is a great choice. The diaper is made without dioxins or sodium polyacrylate. This ensures that nothing harmful leaches into the pool water or touches your baby’s skin.
The outer fabric is breathable and durable. You can toss these in the washing machine, and the manufacturer states they are dryer-safe (though air drying prolongs the life of the waterproofing).
The snap system allows you to adjust the rise and waist independently. This lets you get a tight seal on the legs even if your baby has a smaller waist.
Pros
- Softness: The material is gentle on sensitive skin.
- Custom fit: High adjustability ensures a secure seal.
- Durability: Designed to withstand frequent washing.
Cons
- Sizing: They tend to run small and might not fit children at the top of the age range.
Our Ratings
Kushies Swim Diaper
Best Velcro Swim Diaper
If you find snaps frustrating, the Kushies swim diaper uses velcro for quick changes. This design mimics the ease of a disposable diaper.
The extra-wide tabs allow you to get a very specific fit around the waist. This is helpful if your baby has a tummy that changes size throughout the day. The large velcro panel on the front prevents the tabs from slipping during active water play.
While velcro is easier to use, it requires more care in the laundry. You must close the tabs before washing to prevent them from snagging other clothes or collecting lint.
This is a great option for grandparents or caregivers who might be intimidated by the complex snap systems of other cloth diapers.
Pros
- Easy use: Simple velcro tabs make changes fast.
- Leakproof: Parents report excellent containment of messes.
- Adjustable: Great for getting a precise fit on the waist.
Cons
- Maintenance: Velcro degrades faster than snaps and collects lint.
Our Ratings
iPlay Reusable Swim Diaper
Cutest Swim Diapers
The iPlay swim diaper is a classic choice known for its patented three-layer protection.
The design includes a wicking liner to pull moisture away from the skin, an absorbent middle layer to catch small accidents, and a waterproof outer shell. This triple-layer system offers peace of mind without bulky extra liners.
While it has snaps on one side for easier removal, the fit relies mostly on the elastic waist and legs. You need to buy the correct size rather than adjusting a one-size diaper.
The prints are undeniably cute. With options like ruffle butts, florals, and sea creatures, these often double as swim bottoms without needing another suit over them.
Pros
- Style: The designs are adorable and photo-ready.
- Simplicity: No complicated adjustments are needed.
Cons
- Sizing: These run small, so consider sizing up if your child is on the border.
Our Ratings
Azue Reusable Swim Diaper
Best Unisex Swim Diaper
Sometimes you just need a simple, white swim diaper. The Azue reusable diaper is neutral and effective.
Made from 100 percent polyester, these diapers focus on function. They feature three rows of snaps on each side to adjust the waist and leg openings.
Azue designed these to meet public pool regulations requiring tight-fitting legs. The interior is breathable to prevent rashes, while the exterior is soft to the touch.
Because they are plain white, they are perfect for wearing under light-colored swimsuits where a busy print might show through.
Pros
- Neutral: Works for any gender and under any swimsuit.
- Fit: Snaps allow for a secure, tight fit.
- Variety: Available in multiple sizes.
Cons
- Stretch: The material is less stretchy than other brands.
Our Ratings
Thirsties Swim Diaper
Best Newborn Swim Diaper
Thirsties is a heavyweight in the cloth diaper world, and their swim diaper reflects that expertise. This is arguably the best choice for small babies, fitting those as light as 8 pounds.
The design features double leg gussets. This is a critical feature for containing the liquidy, explosive poop common with breastfed babies. The extra barrier significantly reduces the risk of leaks at the pool.
The interior is lined with soft mesh for comfort. The diaper is adjustable via rise snaps and hip snaps, allowing it to fit from 8 pounds up to 55 pounds (depending on the size you buy).
The trim cut allows your baby to move legs freely in the water, which is important for those early swimming lessons.
Pros
- Containment: Double gussets are excellent for holding in messes.
- Versatility: Works well for breastfed babies.
- Customization: Rise and hip snaps ensure a perfect fit.
Cons
- Fit limits: The fit can be tricky for children at the very top of the weight range.
Our Ratings
Fun Well Reusable Adjustable Swim Diaper
Best Swim Diapers for Chunky Babies
Fun Well offers a budget-friendly reusable option that does not skimp on features. This is a smart choice if you want to try cloth swim diapers without a big investment.
These diapers are known for being generous in the thigh area, making them perfect for babies with chunky legs. You can adjust the rise and waist to accommodate growth spurts.
Constructed from breathable polyester with a mesh lining, they hold solids effectively. The colors resist fading even after exposure to chlorine and sun.
Buying one or two of these is cheaper than buying a single pack of disposable swim diapers, making them an economical choice for the summer.
Pros
- Roomy: Great fit for babies with thicker thighs.
- Durable: Colors stay vibrant after washing.
- Adjustable: Snaps allow you to resize as your baby grows.
Cons
- Sizing: They may be too loose for very petite babies.
Our Ratings
Swim Diapers and Public Pools
Most public pools require swim diapers for children who are not potty trained. Some facilities have strict “double diapering” policies. This means your child must wear a disposable swim diaper with a reusable swim diaper cover over it.
Chlorine can fade the colors of reusable diapers over time, but it generally won’t affect the function.
Always pack at least one spare diaper. If an accident happens, you need to change your baby immediately. You also need a plan for the dirty diaper. Bring a waterproof wet bag or a plastic sack to transport the soiled gear home.
If using disposables at a public pool, ask staff where to dispose of them. They often have specific biohazard bins to keep the general trash cans sanitary.
Caring for Swim Diapers
Disposable swim diapers are easy: keep them dry until use, then trash them when done. If you are packing them in a bag with wet towels, put the diapers in a Ziploc bag so they don’t absorb moisture before you even get to the pool.
For reusable diapers, rinse them in fresh water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine or salt. Wash them in the machine on a cool or warm cycle.
Avoid the dryer. The heat can damage the waterproof coating (PUL) and ruin the elastic. Line drying is the best way to extend the life of your swim diapers.
How Many Swim Diapers Do I Need?
You need at least two diapers for any water outing. If your baby poops in the first 15 minutes, your pool day is over unless you have a backup.
If you are using disposables, bring as many as you would regular diapers for the duration of the trip.
For reusables, do the math based on your laundry access. If you are on a week-long beach vacation with no washing machine, you need a stash of 5 to 7 diapers. If you are home and can wash daily, 2 or 3 diapers are sufficient.
Tips For Using Swim Diapers
Managing gear at the pool is chaotic. Here is how to keep it under control:
- Prepare for the worst: Always pack one more diaper and one more outfit than you think you need. Explosions happen when you are least prepared.
- Bag it up: Keep a roll of dog poop bags in your diaper bag. They are perfect for sealing up a wet, poopy swim diaper so it doesn’t stink up your car on the way home.
Swim Diaper FAQs
Which Swim Diapers Are Best?
The best swim diaper is one that fits snugly to prevent leaks. Huggies Little Swimmers are excellent disposables for convenience. For frequent swimmers, Nageuret or AlvaBaby reusables offer better security and long-term value.
Do Swim Diapers Hold Liquid Poop?
No, they are designed primarily for solids. However, reusable swim diapers with double gussets (like Thirsties) are much better at containing loose stools than basic disposable ones.
What Age Do You Stop Swim Diapers?
You should use swim diapers until your child is fully potty trained. Even if they are mostly trained, the excitement of the pool can cause accidents, so many parents keep them on until age 3 or 4.
Do You Put a Regular Diaper Under a Swim Diaper?
No. A regular diaper will absorb water and swell up, causing it to sag and leak. If you need extra protection, wear a disposable swim diaper under a reusable swim diaper cover.
How Tight Should a Swim Diaper Be?
It should be snug. You want the elastic at the legs and waist to leave no gaps, but not leave deep red marks on the skin. If you can slide a finger comfortably under the elastic, the fit is usually correct.
How Often Should Swim Diapers Be Changed?
Check the diaper every 30 to 60 minutes. Change it immediately if your child poops. Frequent checks prevent stool from breaking down and leaking into the water.
