Best Swim Diapers
What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
- Best Overall Swim Diaper : i play Snap Reusable Swim Diaper
- Best Disposable Swim Diapers : Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swimpants
- Best Adjustable Swim Diaper : Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper
- Best Affordable Swim Diaper : ALVABABY Swim Diapers
- Best Swim Diaper for Toddlers : Thirsties Swim Diaper
- Best Swim Diaper for Infants : Splash About Happy Nappy Swim Diapers
- Most Comfortable Swim Diaper : Charlie Banana Reusable Easy Snaps Swim Diaper
- Best Trunk-Style Swim Diaper : i play. Trunks with Built-in Reusable Swim Diaper
- Best Disposable Swim Diapers : Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers
Nothing ruins a swim day faster than a sudden evacuation — especially if it was triggered by your baby, who pooped in the pool. (Hey, accidents happen!) But you don’t have to avoid public pools until your child reaches grade school. The solution: a swim diaper.
A swim diaper is essentially a hybrid between swimwear and a diaper that’s specifically designed to contain a baby’s fecal matter, so it doesn’t end up in the pool. Swim diapers mimic the fit and feel of regular diapers, but often look more like a bathing suit than a diaper. Another important distinction: swim diapers prevent solid feces from leaking, but not pee or diarrhea. So you’ll want to make sure your child is wearing regular diapers before and after any pool activities, unless you want a soiled car seat.
Most pools require children who are not potty trained to wear swim diapers because they can help prevent, or at least delay, a bowel movement from leaking into the water — something that poses a health risk for other swimmers.
How we chose the best swim diapers
We considered feedback from the millions of What to Expect community members who have tested a wide range of swim diapers.
We spoke to three moms on the What to Expect editorial team, who have four children between them and have tested many of the diapers on this list.
We selected diapers that had overwhelmingly positive reviews from community members and What to Expect editors on the fit, comfort and containment capabilities.
Every reusable swim diaper on this list is machine washable to make them easy to clean.
What else to look for in a baby swim diaper
All baby swim diapers should fit your child and properly contain feces. But there are other factors you may want to consider to find the swim diaper that’s best for your baby:
Adjustability: Swim diapers can include a few features that make them easily adjustable. Disposable diapers typically have tabs that mimic those on regular diapers, so you can adjust as needed to fit baby. Keep in mind that some disposable diapers are pull-on style and therefore, not adjustable. Reusable diapers, on the other hand, usually have snaps or Velcro that’s easier to adjust for a more secure and comfortable fit. Some even include a variety of snaps to change the size of the diaper so it will actually grow with your child.
Price: Although disposable swim diapers are cheaper upfront, the cost adds up over time. If your child spends a lot of time in the pool, consider reusable swim diapers, as this cost will add up. Reusable diapers are, comparatively, pretty affordable. They’re also often adjustable, so they typically provide a better value overall because you may be able to use the same diaper until your child is potty-trained. That said, if your family doesn’t visit the pool often, cost may not be as much of an issue, and you may prefer the convenience of disposables.
Reusability: Though you’ll initially pay more for a reusable diaper, you’ll likely save money in the long run, particularly if your little one is a frequent swimmer. The one big downside is that reusable swim diapers can be harder to clean in the event your baby goes number-two, but in the long run, they can be cost- and space-saving, especially when packing for vacation. However, if you only occasionally visit the pool or beach, you may find disposables are cheaper and more convenient, because you can simply throw them out after your dip. Just note that disposables aren’t normally as adjustable or leak-proof as reusable ones.
Do swim diapers actually work?
Yes, to some extent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swim diapers are designed to hold solid feces, but no manufacturer claims they are 100 percent leakproof. Still, most pools require swim diapers because they can help prevent as many infection-causing germs and parasites (like Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea) from leaking into the pool as possible. Swim diapers are not designed to contain pee or diarrhea; if the latter occurs it’s important that you take your baby out of the pool as quickly as you can and change their diaper.
So what about using regular diapers instead of swim diapers? Because of the way they’re designed, regular diapers aren’t capable of preventing feces from getting into the pool. They have super absorbent interiors that swell when submerged in water, rendering them unable to absorb additional liquids (like urine). This is not only uncomfortable for the child, but can also cause the diaper to break open, resulting in feces and the little absorbent beads floating everywhere — a big mess.
What’s the difference between disposable and reusable swim diapers?
The main difference between disposable and reusable swim diapers lies in the name: disposable diapers are thrown out after each use, while reusable diapers can be washed and reworn. But there are some more subtle differences that may factor into your decision.
Disposable swim diapers are generally more affordable than reusable ones — at least, upfront.
Reusable swim diapers, however, tend to be more durable than the disposable kind because they’re often made of multi-layered, waterproof fabric designed to withstand long-term use. Most can be tossed in the laundry with the rest of the family’s clothing (after you’ve flushed any solids down the toilet, of course). This makes them a lot more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run than their disposable counterparts.
Still disposable diapers may be a good choice and better investment for your family if you rarely go swimming. You may also want to have disposable ones if you’re going into the pool multiple times per day (like on vacation) and won’t have time to wash and dry a reusable diaper in between dips.
Both reusable and disposable swim diapers come in two styles: pull-up and side straps or snaps. Most parents find the latter easier to get off in the event of an accident, but go with whatever style works best for your family.
Do you need to put a diaper under a swim diaper?
It doesn’t matter if your child is wearing a reusable or disposable swim diaper, guidance is the same: You do not need to (and shouldn’t!) put a diaper on under a swim diaper. A swim diaper covered by a swimsuit is perfectly sufficient. If you add a regular diaper to the mix, it will only swell when submerged in water and could make baby uncomfortable or break apart, as we mentioned before.
How should swim diapers fit?
For a swim diaper to do what it’s made to do — hold accidents in — they need to fit a bit more snugly than your average diaper. That’s why many have cinched sides, waists or leg openings. Like regular diapers, most pool diapers are sized by weight, so check the packaging and manufacturer sizing charts for guidance. And don’t be surprised if the diaper seems a little on the tight side.
Ready to wade in? Here are our picks for the best swim diapers.
Best Overall Swim Diaper
i play Snap Reusable Swim Diaper
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Reviews
An overwhelming majority of parents in the What to Expect community swear by the reusable i play Snap Reusable Swim Diaper. Available in a whole rainbow of shades, these swim diapers include three different layers of material: a wicking liner which helps pull moisture away from baby’s skin, a second absorbent layer that keeps messes in, and a third outer waterproof layer to help prevent a mess from leaking out. Many caregivers appreciated the triple-layer design for keeping accidents in, while maintaining a reasonable price point.
What really stands out, however, is the snap design, with three on one side of the diaper. This makes it much easier to take them off after an accident instead of pulling the whole thing down and potentially making a mess. The snaps also allow for quick diaper checks.
Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect, has used the i play swim diaper with her daughter, Olivia. “It was easy to put on because it snaps only on one side,” she says. “Olivia's in a wriggly stage right now so you have to hold her down to get things on, it made it easier that it was just one side and not both sides. Would use again!
Another plus: the fabric is UPF 50+, which helps block out harmful UV rays from the sun — crucial for protecting your baby’s sensitive skin. One important thing to note before buying is that some parents said these diapers run small and that they had to size up for their child, especially for bigger babies.
Material: Polyester
Type: Reusable
Size: 6 months - 5T
Count: 1
"We use iPlay reusable swim diapers most of the time. I like them a lot better than the disposables, which always feel slimy when they're wet."
"We use iPlay, too, and really like them…they fit LO much better and feel comfier than disposables."
"iplay all the way!!! So easy, way comfy and a great value."
"First, we’ve got amazing reusable swim diapers for our 2.5 year old daughter that have held up through loose stool several times: I Play (ruffle butt as I call them) from Target."
"I work at a swim school and we require iPlay reusable swim diapers for babies/children not 100% potty trained. We don’t allow disposable as they just don’t work as well. The iPlays work great and you just toss them in the wash after being worn (but we recommend you air dry them!)."
"iPlay makes a great reusable swim diaper with snaps on the side so it's easier to get off if they poop in it. I just keep a regular diaper on her until right before we head in the water."
Best Disposable Swim Diapers
Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swimpants
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Huggies’ Little Swimmer Disposable Swimpants feature double leak-guards that wrap around your baby’s legs to help contain messes. But the material is stretchy so it won’t squeeze their legs or waist. Many parents appreciated the easy-to-open sides that allow you to make a quick change in case of an emergency, adjust the fit or check that your baby hasn’t gone potty. Many parents noted that the side tabs were easier to maneuver than pull-up diapers when cleaning up after an accident in the pool.
Such was the case for Olivia DeLong, senior health editor, who used the Huggies swim diapers with her daughter. “They are easy to use, slide right on — and pull off — and seemed to do the job very well, which is the most important part,” she says. “My daughter liked them because they weren't bulky and felt just like a normal pull up so there was no fussing about putting them on.”
For Stephanie Porter, Creative Director at What to Expect, the Huggies Little Swimmers provided total convenience. “We liked how similar they were to the regular diapers,” she says. “It was also nice for travel because we could buy them when we got to where we were going instead of having another thing to pack.”
Type: Disposable
Sizes: S (16-26 lbs), M (24-34 lbs) or L (32+ lbs)
Count: 40
"I prefer the Huggies, because they have tabs on the sides to undo them."
"We’ve only tried the Huggies Little Swimmers so I can't compare but we loved the huggies! LO wears size 3 diapers is just over 18 pounds and we went with size small."
"We used the huggies swim diapers small size when my LO was ~ 4 months. I was worried that they were too big on her (definitely loose). But once I put on her teeny tiny bathing suit, that pinched the diaper in place just fine. Definitely take spares because your LO will inevitably decide to poop while wearing it."
"Huggies little swimmers for sure! Love them. The smallest size says it starts at like 16 pounds but we used them on lo at 10 pounds and they worked fine! Happy swimming."
"My baby boy is in the 90th percentile and does fine in Huggies Lil Swimmers. I originally bought him a reusable swim diaper but like many other things, it left red marks on his chunky legs."
Best Adjustable Swim Diaper
Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper
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Reviews
The Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper from Beau & Belle Littles can be adjusted to fit babies from 8 to 36 pounds. This means that you can buy just one swim diaper (or a couple to have on hand!) and adjust it as needed to properly fit baby for years. The Nageuret diaper is also made of PUL polyester material, a special soft, waterproof fabric that’s easy to clean in the washing machine. Each diaper also has comfortable elastic waist and leg openings that will contain messes without chafing baby's delicate skin. If your little one has an accident in the diaper, all you have to do is knock solids in the toilet and toss the diaper in the washing machine and dryer. Also nice: The patterns are super cute, so baby can wear the diaper with a rash guard and still look adorable.
Material: 100 percent PUL polyester
Type: Reusable
Size: One size, fits 8-36 pounds
Count: 1
"Can't recommend enough. If the baby poops, just unbutton it so you don't have to slide it down their legs and dump it in the toilet. Then I rinse it out with water and it's good to go."
Best Affordable Swim Diaper
ALVABABY Swim Diapers
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Don’t want to splurge on an infant swim diaper that will likely see more than a few messes in the pool? If so, the Alvababy Swim Diapers are for you. As a reusable diaper, it’s more durable than the disposable kind but just as affordable — and you can use it over and over again. It’s made of polyester and has a snug fit in the legs and waist to help keep messes contained. (One breastfeeding mom even said this diaper contained her baby’s less solid poops!) What’s more, each pair features adjustable snaps, so the diapers are designed to grow with your baby until he’s around 2 years old. Because it comes in two or three packs, you might not need any additional pairs depending on how often you swim.
Although some parents said the diaper ran small, the brand now offers the adjustable diaper in both small and large sizes to accommodate bigger babies or thicker legs.
Material: 100 percent polyester
Type: Reusable
Size: S (10-18 lbs), M (18-30 lbs) or L (30-40 lbs)
Count: 2 or 3
"The Alva baby ones are great, we used the same two diapers from 12 weeks to 2 years and they are still in fine shape to use for this kid."
"I just bought some iPlay and Alva reusable swim diapers. They are great! Alva’s and Grovia kinds are better bcs they grow with the child. They fit usually 7-30lb."
Best Swim Diaper for Toddlers
Thirsties Swim Diaper
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While each Thirsties Swim Diaper comes with three adjustable rise settings (small, middle and large) to make sure you get the most secure fit, we love that it includes larger sizes with room to comfortably fit toddlers. Each pair includes hip snaps that can help prevent the swimwear from drooping and make it easy to take it on and off, especially when dealing with an accident. It’s effective at preventing messes from escaping, largely thanks to the reinforced fabric around the leg to provide extra security. Your baby will also appreciate the soft interior mesh, which will let him swim in comfort without weighing him down.
Material: 100 percent polyester
Type: Reusable
Size: 1 (6-18 pounds), 2 (18-40 pounds), 3 (35-55+ pounds)
Count: 1
"My favorite brand is Thirsties — their size 2 swim diaper is for kids 18-40 lbs, so it’ll last my LO for at least two summers!"
Best Swim Diaper for Infants
Splash About Happy Nappy Swim Diapers
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Reviews
We love the adorable cut of the Splash About Happy Nappy Swim Diaper, which includes sizing for babies as young as newborns. The diaper, which is made of soft neoprene, fits snugly against your baby and even has an extra layer of fabric (read: extra protection) that rests comfortably around the waist and legs. We find that this impressive level of protection would be best for younger babies who may be more likely to have an accident in the pool. It was also designed to help your little one move around easier and fit naturally against his body, so it’ll be extra comfortable for babies who are learning to swim. The fabric is also UPF 50+, which will help protect your little one from the sun’s UV rays.
Material: Neoprene
Type: Reusable
Size: 0-3 months - 3-4 years
Count: 1
"The Splash About Happy Nappy has been our favorite! Fits like a swimsuit and holds tight. They make bottoms only or full suits with the built-in diaper."
Most Comfortable Swim Diaper
Charlie Banana Reusable Easy Snaps Swim Diaper
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Charlie Banana swim diapers are made with a lyocell fabric that’s known for being incredibly soft and smooth, on top of stretchy and absorbent, making it a super comfortable pick for baby. Parents appreciate that the snaps on both sides of the diaper make it easy to take off when there’s a mess to clean up.
Another plus is that these swim diapers are also environmentally-friendly: The lyocell is made from sustainably-sourced wood, and a portion of the company’s sales are committed to tackling climate change and supporting the environment. And, it holds in number two just as well as any other option with snug back and leg elastics.
Material: Polyester, lyocell
Type: Reusable
Size: S (10-14 lbs), M (14-20 lbs), L (20-27 lbs) or XL (27-44 lbs)
Count: 1
"We use Charlie Banana reusable swim diapers. Super cute patterns that could be worn without a cover over them, or you can get plain white if it’s going to be covered anyway."
Best Trunk-Style Swim Diaper
i play. Trunks with Built-in Reusable Swim Diaper
If you want your little one’s swim diaper to look less like a diaper and more like swimwear, you’ll love these lightweight i play. Trunks with Built-In Reusable Swim Diaper. Beneath each adorable pattern is a convenient built-in, reusable swim diaper that will help contain any accidents. And just like the i play diaper already featured, the swim diaper inside these trunks helps wick away moisture and keeps messes securely inside.
Material: Polyester
Type: Reusable
Size: 6 months - 4T
Count: 1
Best Disposable Swim Diapers
Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers
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Reviews
Disposable swim diapers aren’t usually as durable as the reusable kinds, but the Pampers Splashers swim diapers come pretty close. The stretchy waistband lends the swimwear a bathing suit-like feel, and parents swear by the diapers’ ability to contain messes. Because they’re pull-up diapers, you can quickly slide them on without having to take any extra time to adjust the fit — which is especially helpful with a baby who keeps moving around. The sides are perforated, too, so you can easily tear away the pants, should your little one go number two and you need to make a quick change.
Type: Disposable
Size: S (13-24 lbs), M (20-33 lbs) or L (31+ lbs)
Count: 18
"I have used both [disposable and reusable], but prefer the disposable Pampers ones, just because you will have to wash and dry the reusable after each use. If you plan on going swimming twice in one day (like before and after a nap or meals), it’s just easier to throw away the morning one and put a new disposable one on when she is ready to swim again."
"I agree w the Pampers Splashers! My baby is size 1 just switching to size 2 diapers (12 lbs) and I use the Size small. They are a bit big however they did not soak up any water from the pool at all. I was almost thinking when I took it off I could have reused it since she didn’t pee in it but then remembered that would be gross and threw it away????."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Swim Diapers, April 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cryptosporidium: General Information for the Public, February 2021.
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