Swim Diapers - Reusable or Disposable?

The sole purpose of a swim diaper is to keep feces contained so it doesn't contaminate the entire pool. The swim diaper doesn't absorb any liquid, and is essentially a waterproof pant that baby wears simply to contain a mess. If the diaper were absorbent, it would absorb the pool water (which defeats the purpose). Some parents mistakenly think that a regular disposable diaper will work as a swim diaper, but quickly find out that the minute baby is in water the disposable has absorbed the maximum amount of liquid and has become very heavy!

Additionally, pools strictly prohibit regular disposables because the diaper can burst and release the absorbent gel beads into the pool, which then clogs the pool system.

Public pools are mainly concerned about feces accidents, and not urine accidents.

The picture to the left shows disposable swim diapers.

Disposable swim diapers are made from a non-absorbent foam sandwiched between 2 layers of polypropylene fabric. They are pull-on/off, but the sides can be torn to open if the child has an accident. Can be worn alone or under a regular swimsuit (bulky under swimsuit). Not very breathable, so can be hot in the summer sun. Throw away after use, or when child has an accident. The most expensive option.

Pull-on/off cloth swim diaper (pictured to the left) made from waterproof fabric that will hold in feces accidents. Elasticized legs & waist for a snug fit. Can be worn alone or under a regular swimsuit (trimmest option under swimsuit). Wash & reuse after use. The least expensive option.

Velcro/snap cloth swim diaper is the same as the pull-on one, but it can be opened right up if the child has an accident, for easy changing. The con is that a Velcro/snap style is bulkier than a pull-on style, so if you use it under a regular swimsuit there is added bulk. Wash & reuse after use. More expensive than a pull-on style, but still cheaper than disposable.

Many children never have a feces accident while in the pool, so most parents will choose a reusable swim diaper over disposable swim diapers. If the child never has an accident in the pool, throwing out a disposable swim diaper is wasteful and costly. However, because of public pool requirements a swim diaper is a necessity.