The Best Swimming Nappies for Your Baby in 2024

13 August 2024 | Admin

Sharing water fun with your little one is delightful, whether it’s splashing in a pool or dipping toes in the ocean. But to make those moments worry-free, choosing the right swim nappy is vital.

From personal mishaps, I know the chaos a 'poonami' can cause—like that one time my toddler turned the pool into a no-swim zone! Thanks to advancements in baby swimwear, swim nappies are designed to make such embarrassing moments preventable. Modern reusable swim nappies are a game-changer, especially with swimming schools now often requiring robust, leak-proof solutions.

Initially, I opted for reusable swim nappies for their sustainability—a core value since launching Cheeky Wipes in 2008. It turned out to be economically wise too, as one set served multiple children, saving a small fortune compared to disposables.

Whether planning a holiday dip or if you're taking your baby swimming regularly, we've looked at the best options from disposables to multi function reusables.

Here’s our roundup of the best swimming nappies for your baby in 2024:

Best Double Swimming Nappy System: Splash About Happy Nappy Duo, £17.95

Best Premium Disposable Swimming Nappy: Bambo Nature Premium Swim Nappy Pants, £6.49 for 12

Best Newborn Swimming Nappy: Splash About Happy Nappy, £12.95

Best Birth to Potty Swimming Nappy: Bells Bumz Pull Up & Swim Nappy, £9.95

Best Budget Disposable Swimming Nappy: Huggies Little Swimmers Swimming Nappies, £21.02 for 80

Best Swimming Nappy For 3 / 4 year olds: Splash About Jammers, £16.95

Best Reusable Swimming Nappy Set, Alvababy £11.95

Best Double Swimming Nappy System

Splash About Happy Nappy Duo, £17.95

The Happy Nappy Duo is the ultimate swim nappy from the Splash About, one of the UK's most loved brands! This nappy is a double swim nappy system which many UK swim schools require for its superior protection.

It consists of a happy nappy liner (which can be used standalone), plus an additional outer neoprene layer for extra protection.

Category: Reusable Double Pull Up Swimming Nappy, including Popper Closing Liner

Fabric: Neoprene Elastane Outer Layer, PUL Lining Nappy

Size: Available from Newborn to 3 years old

Poo Control: Top marks for poo control. The double layer system means if a poonami escapes the inner layer, the neoprene outer forms a fail safe barrier.

Score: 8/10 We like this a lot because the inner layer means it's really easy to change if your child has done a poonami, without smears everywhere as you remove the outer.

Customer Reviews: "No leaks so far (used numerous times) and great quality. Fit nicely - not too difficult to pull up although I haven’t used all the way to the top end of the size yet. Cute pattern. Seem comfortable for my little one." Amazon Review

Best Premium Disposable Swimming Nappy

Bambo Nature Premium Swim Nappy Pants, £6.49 for 12

Designed with a special absorbent material that won't swell up like a nappy, your baby will be comfortable and protected during water play. Bambo Nature disposable swim nappies are chlorine free which means your little one is safe and protected from harsh chemicals.

If your local swimming pool needs a double layer swim nappy system, these can be worn under a reusable swim nappy. If you're on holiday and don't tear the side portion, apparently they can be dried on a sunny balcony and reused - who knew!

Category: Disposable Pull Up Swim Nappy

Fabric: TFC Fluff technology

Size: Available in size small, from 15lb to 26lbs and medium which is 26lbs+

Poo Control: Has a double leak barrier, however for public swimming lessons would need an additional outer layer for peace of mind.

Score: 7/10 Stretchy sides means it's easy to change, but if your baby does a poo you could be in trouble!

Customer Reviews: "I bought these for my autistic 4 year old for going on holiday and I loved them. They were soft and kind to her skin, held any accidents every time and didn’t end up holding the pool water and going saggy like most brands I’ve previously used. I would buy these again before buying the usual leading brands and highly recommend them" Amazon Review

Best Newborn Swimming Nappy

Splash About Happy Nappy - £12.95

Ideal for the smallest swimmers, providing excellent containment and comfort from the very first splash.

It's difficult to find disposable swim nappies in newborn sizes, but when Splash About nappies are so good, you'll never want to use disposables!

The Splash About Happy Nappy has a waist size of 34cm to 41cm, so is great from newborn to 3 months old. If your swim school requires a double layer swim system, you can use this with a happy nappy liner which will be amazing for containing runny newborn poo.

Category: Reusable Pull Up Swimming Nappy Pants

Fabric: Neoprene / Elastane

Size: 0 to 3 months upwards

Poo Control: Fabulous super soft nappy and great if worn with the nappy liner for extra containment. Used by itself could cause leaks.

Score: 6/10 If your baby poos, this will be messy as you'll have to peel down the poop covered nappy which isn't ideal. For easy poo clean up, add the liner.

Customer Reviews: "We love the happy nappy range. We have bought a swimsuit and separate happy nappy pants in every size for our little one whilst she has been attending Water Babies swimming lessons. The pants can be worn under swimming costumes or as their own individual piece and it fits all of the requirements for ‘double nappies’ as set by many pools. The pants don’t provide as much coverage as the swimsuits, but my daughter has been perfectly warm in hydrotherapy pools. It’s also been nice to use with a separate rash vest.

The pink colour on these pants was as lovely as pictured and the quality of the material is really excellent. I love the bold colours, which make my little one even more visible in the water. They’re a little stiff to get on, there isn’t much stretch, so it’s obvious when you need to size up, but it gives reassurance that no little accidents could possibly leak. The inner lining is black, so there’s no risk of any unpleasant staining either. The sizes are reasonably generous though; my 26 month old is still in her 12-24 month pair.

They do require handwashing, which is a little bit of a downside - people with young children don’t have much time for this sort of thing, but the colour and pants themselves have lasted really well, probably as a result. Hand-wash cycle in the washing machine has been fine fortunately!" Amazon Review

Best Birth to Potty Swimming Nappy

Bells Bumz Pull Up & Swimming Nappy, Price £9.95

Versatile and adjustable, doubling as both swimwear and potty training pants. This is a one size birth to potty swimming nappy with adjustable tab poppers which means you'll get great value for money out of it.

You can wear it alone as a swim nappy, and side snaps which make it easy to remove. Add a Happy Nappy Neoprene Outer or disposable swim nappy underneath to create a two part system.

This nappy is truly versatile, as it doubles up as toddler training pants when used with a reusable nappy insert or booster!

Category: Combination Reusable Pull Up Nappy & Swimming Nappy

Fabric: PUL

Size: Birth to Potty

Poo Control: Not bad, but really needs a neoprene cover on top, or disposable nappy underneath

Score: 9/10 This is simple to use and really useful as it can also be used as toddler pull up nappy. No potential poo smearage.

Customer Reviews: "These nappies have a complete lifesaver for my little boy. They give him the independence and freedom of using a pull up whilst still being reusable. Love that you can buy them without inserts too as I could just use the ones I already had at home from nappies." Product Review

Best Budget Disposable Swimming Nappy

Huggies Little Swimmers Swimming Nappies, £9 for 36

Offer a snug fit and dual leak-guard barriers for a mess-free swim experience. These nappies feature all-round stretch waistband carefully elasticated for a perfect fit and easy-tear sides, for quick and easy nappy changes.

Can be worn under a reusable outer layer to create a double layer swimming nappy system.

Category: Stretchy Disposable Pull Up Swimming Nappy

Fabric: Not specified

Size: Nappy Size 2 to 3 (13lbs to 24lbs) to size 5 to 6 (31 lbs+)

Poo Control: Great for solid poo but needs an outer layer to prevent any potentially messy accidents.

Score: 7/10 The easy tear sides mean these are easy to change, but not the best for loose stools.

Customer Reviews: "First time using these and they are amazing. Doesn't matter how long we swim for, these do not swell up! Fits well and isn't bulky under the swimming costume. He hasn't tested them for holding in big jobbies but, I'm sure it will work. Will definitely purchase again." Amazon Review

Best Swimming Nappy for 3 / 4 Year Olds

Splash About Toddler Jammers, Price £16.95

Fashion meets function in these swimming shorts designed for older toddlers who still need reliable poo containment.

These jammers are super cute and can be worn with the happy nappy liners underneath as a double layer swim nappy system if needed.

Category: Reusable Toddler Swimming Nappy

Fabric: PUL

Size: Age 2 to 3 and 3 to 4

Poo Control: Good, but ideally need the nappy liner to guarantee poonami control

Score: 7/10 If your child has a poo in these jammers, it will be messy to change! Adding a liner will make it much easier to change

Customer Reviews: "These shorts are absolutely perfect. Great quality, I don’t think it’s possible to ‘wear out’ a Splash About product. Lovely colourful design which my toddler and his swimming friends always comment on. My son has sharks and his friend has boats. The longer shorts make him look really grown up but still offer the same protection as the original Happy Nappy. Couldn’t be happier with them." Amazon Review

Best Swimming Nappy Set

Alva Baby Reusable Swimming Nappy Set, Price £11.95

If you're looking for sun protection and poonami containment, look no further than the Alva baby swim nappy set, which is a bargain at £11.95. Available in two designs, Cars or Pineapples.

Category: Reusable Swimming Nappy

Fabric: PUL

Size: Age 0 to 1 and 1 to 3

Poo Control: Good, but double up with an neoprene outer layer or disposabloe swim nappy underneath if you need two layers of protection.

Score: 8/10Easy to change and the matching tshirt is super cute!

Customer Reviews: No customer reviews yet

Choosing the right swim nappy involves weighing up many factors like how often you'll use them, convenience, and eco impact. While disposables offer convenience, reusable baby swimming nappies options offer long-term savings and are kinder to our planet.

If you’re new to swim nappies or have any concerns, please drop us a line. Kirstin on our team is a qualified swimming teacher and is always ready to support your swim adventures!

Don't forget to check out our related posts for more insights and advice:

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable incontinence pants. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now teen periods with their daughters!

The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.