Swim Diapers

A baby & toddler swimming essential: The swim diaper.

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​This week's topic is a very hot one in the swimming world: ✨ All. Things. Swim diapers ✨

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Swim Diapers 101

If you are ready to bring your baby or toddler to the pool, you must get them a swim diaper.

​Swim diapers are an essential part of a child's swimwear, as they prevent accidents in the pool and keep the water clean. They are not the same as traditional diapers! Regular diapers are not waterproof, so they can get soaked even if you put a diaper cover on top. This can add extra weight and stick to your baby's skin, causing rashes. Swim diapers are thinner and less likely to cause irritation compared to regular diapers as all of the absorbent materials for liquid content are removed. They also will not weigh your baby down when swimming, which can be a major safety hazard. Swim diapers come in two classes: disposable and reusable. Let's "dive in" (get it?) to the two classes of swim diapers...

Disposable Swim Diapers
A disposable swim diaper is meant to be used once and then thrown away, even if your child doesn't use the bathroom in them. There are some pros and cons to these types of diapers:
Pros:

• Useful for on-the-go trips because you can simply throw them away when you're done using them.
• They are helpful for parents who don't have time or don't want to clean a reusable swim diaper.

Cons:

• Disposable diapers can be much more costly in the long run, especially if you swim frequently.
• They end up in a landfill after only one use.

Reusable Swim Diapers
Are they worth it? (Hint: Yes, they are). Reusable swim diapers are a great choice. Here are a few reasons why you might consider buying a reusable diaper:

• Cost-effective: Unlike disposable swim diapers, they can be washed and reused multiple times, which can save you money in the long run.
• Eco-friendly: Every year, millions of disposable swim diapers are thrown away in the U.S. By reusing a diaper you can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
• Comfort: Reusable swim diapers are made with soft, stretchy materials that provide a comfortable fit for your baby while swimming.
• Better Fit: Reusable swim diapers often have a better fit and are more comfortable for your baby, making swim time more enjoyable for everyone.
• Adjustable: Many brands of reusable swim diapers have adjustable snaps to change the width and length so that your baby can grow with the diaper!
• Prevent diaper rash: Reusable swim diapers offer a wicking layer that is more breathable than disposable diapers, which helps keep bacteria out.​

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Here are some brands of disposable and reusable diapers that my clients have enjoyed:

Disposable Diaper: Huggies Little Swimmers

Reusable Diaper for Convenience: Alvababy

Reusable Diaper with Leg Seals: Splash About

Adjustable Diaper: Beau & Belle Littles

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I look for when buying a reusable swim diaper?
A: Look for a diaper that fits your child snugly to prevent leaks. Make sure that it is made with absorbent materials to ensure maximum protection, and that it has a secure closure system to prevent it from falling off.

Q: How do I put a swim diaper on my child?
A: Reusable swim diapers are very easy to use. Place the swimming diaper under your baby's bottom and fasten it tightly around their waist using hook and loop closures or snaps. Keep in mind that swimming diapers are meant to be worn tightly to prevent any accidents.

Q: Should I put a regular diaper under a swim diaper?
A: No, using diapers under reusable swim diapers would defeat the purpose, and can cause safety issues since the regular diaper would weigh the baby down as soon as they enter the water. Do not use regular diapers as swim diapers.

Q: Do swim diapers hold urine?
A: No, swim diapers are used to contain solids. They exist to protect your children from bacteria while swimming and prevent any embarrassing accidents that are totally normal when your little one is not potty trained yet.

Q: Can a swim diaper be used as a regular diaper?
A: No, unless you are around the pool or the beach. Swim diapers are designed to contain solids and not liquids. So if your child pees while wearing one, the pee will wet their clothes and their surroundings.

Q: How do you clean a soiled reusable diaper?
A: Reusable diapers are designed to contain solids. You should remove your child from the water body as soon as you realize that they have soiled their diaper. Knock the solid into the toilet and rinse any stains out with soap and water afterward. You can also wash it alone with gentle detergent on a cold and delicate cycle and hang it to dry.

Have an interesting experience with swim diapers? Leave a comment below!