The Best Swim Diapers You (and Everyone Else) Will Appreciate

Diapers are designed to absorb—that’s how they work! But this ability to soak up liquid means a regular diaper is more of a hindrance than a help when it comes to swim sessions with baby. Put one in water, watch it expand and suddenly you’re faced with a major case of bubble butt! (Or just a soggy sack that won’t hold anything in.) Going diaperless is also not an option, unless you want to deal with your kid’s little accident causing a sudden pool evacuation. So what’s the solution? If you’re not familiar, let us introduce you to swim diapers.

Swim diapers are specifically designed for use in water, and won’t inflate as soon as they come into contact with H20. The best swim diapers look like a regular baby bathing suit, but keep solid waste secure so you aren’t faced with an embarrassing mess. The only caveat? Most won’t contain pee (or anything else liquidy—beware). So once baby’s back on land, be sure to switch into a normal diaper again. Note that newborn swim diapers aren’t really a thing, since newborn poop is typically more watery.

Ready to dive in? Here find a breakdown of the different types of swim diapers, key features to look out for and an explanation of how they actually work. Then browse a few of our favorite options available now.

Does Baby Need a Swim Diaper?

Yes, if your little one isn’t potty trained they need to wear a swim diaper in a public pool to prevent poop from entering the water. With that said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that young infants or children with diarrhea should not enter a pool or public body of water even with a swim diaper, as swim diapers cannot contain loose feces and germs, which may contaminate the water with nasty bugs like cryptosporidium.

How Do Swim Diapers Work?

Typically, swim diapers have a waterproof outer layer and a snug fit at the waist and legs to prevent solid waste from escaping. And unlike regular diapers with an absorbent core, most swim diapers don’t soak up liquid, meaning that while pee can pass through swim diapers, they won’t become waterlogged and slip off in the pool like a normal diaper would.

It’s important to note that swim diapers are not a substitute for frequent diaper changing and bathroom breaks. The CDC recommends parents check baby’s diaper frequently at a changing facility away from the poolside—and don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards!

Swim Diaper Types

There are two main types of swim diapers: reusable and disposable. Below find a brief description of each type:

• Disposable swim diapers. If you don’t swim often or can’t be bothered with a reusable option, disposable swim diapers should do the trick. This type is easy to put on and often has tear-away sides so you can remove them with minimal fuss. Plus, they can be tossed in the rec center’s trash bin as you leave the pool. While disposable swim diapers are cheaper, the fit is not as easy to adjust meaning they can be less mess-resistant.
• Reusable swim diapers. Cut down on waste—well, at least one kind—with reusable swim diapers. Reusable swim diapers tend to be more durable than disposable options and can be washed and reused. Simply flush any solid waste down the drain then toss them in with your next load of laundry. This type is best if you attend a weekly swim class or like to hit the pool on a regular basis. While reusable swim diapers are slightly more expensive, they are often adjustable and offer better cost per wear than their disposable counterparts.

What to Look for in the Best Swim Diapers

Whether you opt for a disposable multipack or a reusable pair, the best swim diapers should have a snug fit and safely contain solid waste. Here are a few other factors to consider when shopping.

• Adjustable. In order to prevent accidents, it’s a good idea to go for a swim diaper with an adjustable fit. Many reusable options have adjustable snaps or velcro fasteners at the side that can be tightened or loosened as needed.
• Waterproof outer layer. A waterproof shell will prevent baby’s swim diaper from becoming waterlogged and heavy.
• Snug fit. Swim diapers essentially act as a barrier that prevents solid poop from slipping out. To that end, it’s important to find a swim diaper with a secure fit at the legs and waistband.

The Best Swim Diapers for Babies and Toddlers

Ready to shop? Browse our picks of the best reusable and disposable swim diapers on the market, so no matter which style you prefer, you’ve got protection.

How We Chose The Best Swim Diapers

Sometimes kids go potty at the most inconvenient times—like during a busy mom and baby swim class for example. So having a reliable swim diaper is a must.

To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, absorbency, durability and, most importantly, reliability. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable swim diaper that meets your child’s needs.

To decide which swim diapers are the best on the market, we leveraged our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. To understand how swim diapers work and explain the essential features we consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safe swimming guidelines.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Cutest Infant Swimsuits for Boys and Girls
The Best Baby Floats for the Ultimate Summer
Your Guide to Baby Swimming Lessons