Disposable swim diapers are absolutely bizarre.

They are exponentially more expensive than a regular disposable diaper, and yet have like zero functionality? They don’t even absorb pee so why do they cost so much. Seriously, a pack of swim diapers cost like $15 Canadian and you get maybe 12? 

Stop buying disposable swim diapers and buy a reusable cloth swim diaper today. This post is going to talk about the reasons you NEED a reusable swim diaper.

Doesn’t matter if you’re cloth diapering, or disposable diapering, or even potty training, cloth swim diapers are the cat’s meow.

IF YOUR KID MIGHT POOP IN THE POOL then you need a swim diaper.

This post is not sponsored. I have received swim diapers for review in the past but this relationship is not involved in this post. This post also has affiliate links in which a small commission may be earned. 

Diapers & The Pool

Disposable or Reusable, swim diapers have ONLY ONE FUNCTION – to keep poop out of the pool. 

Swim diapers will not capture pee.

Take a moment and think about it.

Would you ever use a cloth pad IN THE POOL? No. If you did you would then have a soggy pad that would not be capable of catching any of your flow (if that was an issue). 

4 Reasons to Go Cloth at the Pool

1. Be Savvy, Spend Your Money ONCE

Remember how I mentioned $15 for 12 disposable swim diapers? That’s the current non-sale price on Amazon. And if you’re a bit of a hot mess mom like me, then you’ll probably never be buying anything you ever actually need on sale because who has time for that. Sure you could get them on sale, but you could also buy a cloth reusable swim diaper for $15-20.

2. Be Stylish, Buy Cloth

Disposable diaper companies have clued in and they make some cute prints on swim diapers, but does it really beat the classic look of a sleek solid or a wacky print from a cloth diaper manufacturer? No. It doesn’t.

Some of you might use swimsuits and rash guards, so style isn’t a factor. But, if like me, you could care less about buying extra clothing for your child to wear to the swimming pool (because, yes rash guards are very important when going to the outdoor water park), a swim diaper doubles as a fashionable swim bottom. No need for swim shorts when you’ve got cute on the bum.

3. Perfect Fit Every Time with A Cloth Swim Diaper

It is true that you can buy sizeable swim diapers, and they start at about 12 pounds. The perk with cloth swim diapers is they fit as small as 8  pounds, and MANY MODELS ADJUST as your child grows. Depending on which swim diaper you choose, you might only need to buy ONE SWIM DIAPER and you’ll be good for you’re child’s entire pooping and swimming career.

With a cloth swim diaper, you get the functionality of real elastic to give the perfect fit, and the perfect trap the poop containment on baby’s bum.

Many swimming pools require you to DOUBLE DIAPER because disposable swim diapers just aren’t practical for keeping in poop, so you need rubber pants too. Just go cloth, and they ask for double pants, then you saved yourself a little money anyways instead of the constant cycle of buying and disposing of. 

4. Less Waste is always Awesome

The less we can throw out, the better. Disposing of thing is the natural consequence of a modern era of convincing, but work on breaking the cycle with quick and switches like reusable cloth swim diapers. It’s one less thing to throw out everytime you hit up the pool, beach, of where have you.

But How Do I Use It? What do I buy?

I’m of the mindset that there is no such thing as the best diaper.

Choose a swim diaper based on your budget, your style, and the size of your kid. 

Serious.

If you love a print go for it.

Check out your local eco-friendly shop, or even dare-I-say, Big Box Store, and just pick out something pretty that will fit your kid. Read the package and if it’s a sized swim diaper (I know I said one size forever, but a few brands make sized versions) then pick the size based on your kid’s measurements. Yes, go find your measuring tape, and measure those thighs because a 23 lb chunk and a 23 lb skinny minny is a different size kid.

Some features you might think about:

• snaps verus velcro
• minimal absorbency for the walk to the pool.
• double gussets
• sizing
• hip snaps or waist snaps or pull on (snaps help with poop)
• one size or sized.
• PUL or TPU or Neither?

Need a little hand holding? Currently, my favourite swim diaper is the Bummis Swimmi. It’s a one size swim diaper that will fit well into toddlerhood and is super easy to use, gives a great fit and has held in a breastfed baby poop a few times. My Second favourite is the Omaiki Swim Diaper. 

I haven’t tried them all, but you can check out some of my reviews: Charlie Banana Swim Diaper – Nuggles Swim Diaper – Omaiki Swim Diaper

I also own, but have not reviewed: Easy Peasies Swim Diaper – GroVia Swim Diaper

Where can you buy swim diapers? Check out my affiliated retailers. These are all great local shops with a wide selection of cloth products and expertise to help you. You might also look around in your local community or ask friends and family for a personal recommendation.

• LagoonBaby (Canada)
• Cloth Diaper Kids (Canada)
• Nicki’s Diapers (USA)
• My Sweet Pickles (USA)
• Amazon (USA)

 

What about Washing It?

Wash it like a swim suit. It’s easy.

Baby poops? You’ll need to rinse that out in the toilet.

It’s gross.

Parenting is gross.

Put your hand in there, rinse it out, shake it out and wash it on hot like you would dirty underwear. Pretty much what that is. 

Don’t forget to your wash your hands.