Both types of swim diaper are made to be worn in the water instead of an everyday diaper, and the right choice depends on how often you swim, how you feel about laundry and what your pool accepts. Disposable swim diapers are quick and need no washing, while reusable ones can be washed and worn again across a season. Some families keep both.
What both types are designed to do
A swim diaper is built to contain solids in the water. It is not meant to soak up liquid the way an everyday diaper does, and no swim diaper is guaranteed leakproof. A regular diaper is made to absorb, and in the water it will do exactly that, so it does not belong in the pool.
Whichever type you choose, change your child out of the water and away from the pool's edge, check the diaper often, and wash your hands afterwards. If there is a leak in the water, tell the staff straight away.
Disposable swim diapers: strengths and limits
Strengths. There is no laundry, a pack is easy to carry, and a used one goes straight in the bin. That makes disposables handy for travel, a one-off swim and a first try at a pool.
Limits. You buy more as you swim more, and every swim creates waste. The fit is whatever the pack offers, so choosing the right size matters. A pack such as the Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Diapers, Size 3 Small, 12 Count gives you 12 diapers, and the pack directions tell you how each one is meant to be worn.
Reusable swim diapers: strengths and limits
Strengths. You wash and use them again, so one set covers many swims. Some styles fasten with snaps or a drawstring, such as the Charlie Banana Reusable Swim Diaper with Snaps, The Whale on White, Small. Multi-packs, such as the Babygoal Reusable Swim Diapers, Shark & Tortoise, Size S (0-8 Months), 3 Pack, let you rotate one in use and another drying.
Limits. You need a laundry plan. After a swim, rinse it, bring it home in a wet bag and wash it according to the care label. If it is soiled, remove the solids first, as you would with cloth diapers. It also needs time to dry before the next lesson, so one may not be enough if you swim often.
Fit and comfort in the water
Both types can fit well when the size is right, and neither does its job if it gaps at the legs. The difference is how you get to a good fit. A disposable comes in set sizes, so the fit is decided when you choose the pack. A reusable with snaps or a drawstring can be let out or taken in a little, which helps when your child is between two sizes or growing during a session of lessons. Go by the sizes given for the swim diaper itself, on its product page or its pack. Our diaper sizing guide is written for everyday diapers, so treat it as background only.
Whichever you choose, it should sit snugly without leaving deep marks. Swap it for a dry everyday diaper once you are out of the water. If you notice sore or irritated skin after a swim, a doctor, nurse or pharmacist is the right person to ask.
Cost over a summer or a session of lessons
Work it out with your own numbers instead of guessing. Count how many swims you expect, whether weekly lessons across a session or a few beach days. A disposable costs the same each time you use it. A reusable set is paid for once and then spread over every swim, plus the laundry you do. Compare both using the current price on each product page.
The more swims you plan, the more a reusable set makes sense. The fewer, the more a single pack of disposables does.
What your pool accepts
Rules differ between pools, swim schools, splash pads and beaches, so ask before you buy. Questions to put to the facility:
- Do you accept both disposable and reusable swim diapers?
- Is a second layer required over the swim diaper?
- Is a regular diaper ever allowed on the pool deck?
If your lessons are run by a swim school inside a community pool, ask both, because the school may set its own rule. Write down the answer, and buy to match it.
Which to choose for your routine
| Disposable | Reusable | |
|---|---|---|
| After the swim | Into the bin | Rinse, bag, wash |
| Packing | Carry a pack | Carry a set and a wet bag |
| Fit | Depends on the size you pick | Some styles adjust |
| Over a season | Buy more as you swim | Buy once, spread over swims |
| Waste | More | Less |
Choose disposable if you swim now and then, travel often or do not want more laundry. Choose reusable if you swim every week and are happy to wash. Keep both if you use reusables for lessons and keep a small pack of disposables for day trips.
Shop this guide
- Reusable Swim Diaper with Snaps, Floriana, Size L (22-34 lbs) (ships via Amazon)
- ALVABABY Swim Diapers, One Size, 0 to 36 Months, 3 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- ALVABABY Swim Diapers, 0 to 36 Months, Large Size, 2 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- Splash About Happy Nappy Reusable Swim Diaper, Blue Cobalt, 3-4 Years (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Swim Diapers
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Can my child wear a swim diaper all day?
Follow the pack directions. In general, change into a dry everyday diaper when you leave the water.
Can I dry a reusable swim diaper in the dryer?
Follow the care label. Some fabrics suit a dryer and some should be air-dried.
How many reusable swim diapers do I need?
For one lesson a week, one can be enough if it is dry in time, and a second gives you a spare if the first is soiled. For daily swimming on a holiday, plan on rotating two or three.
Not sure which type suits your family? Browse our swim diapers or write to us through our contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.