What Are Swim Nappies​? Our Comprehensive Guide

Swim nappies are specially designed nappies that let babies and toddlers swim without having accidents in the water. Swim nappies are made to contain solid waste without soaking up water. This keeps the pool clean while allowing your little one to splash around comfortably.

Regular nappies absorb and swell up in water, making babies heavy and become a drowning risk. It is important to never enter the water in a normal disposable nappy. They will only absorb so much before they split filling the pool with their absorbing material.

Swim nappies come in two types: reusable and disposable.

In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about swim nappies, including whether they can be reused, how many you’ll need for a holiday or swimming lessons, how well they contain waste, and when to stop using them.

Reusable swim nappies

Washable swim diapers are made from fabric materials like PUL, polyester or neoprene and can be used over and over making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.

Once worn, they can be rinsed in tap water, dried and reused - machine wash if they become soiled. 

Many styles will will have poppers designed to last from birth to potty. If you already use cloth nappies, an old nappy wrap can be used as a swim nappy.

Check out Cheeky's collection of swim nappies here!

Disposable swim nappies

These are designed for single use and are useful for parents who prefer not to wash nappies. They cannot be left at swimming pools but need to be brought home to be disposed of in your household waste.

Most swim schools require a double nappy system so a neoprene swim nappy cover or reusable swim nappy can be put over the top.

Can You Reuse Swimming Nappies?

Yes, you can absolutely reuse swimming nappies if they’re fabric and designed to be reusable - making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to disposables.

In contrast, disposable swim nappies are designed for one-time use and must be discarded after each swim session. While they offer some convenience, they generate more waste and can become costly over time. Unlike regular disposable nappies, they do not swell in water but still need to be changed immediately after swimming. They will contain poo but are wax coated and will not hold urine.

How Many Swim Nappies Are Needed for a 1-Week Holiday?

The number of swim nappies you’ll need for a week away will depends on how often your baby will swim, whether you’re using reusable or disposable swim nappies, and access to laundry facilities - these would only be needed for poops in reusables!

If you’re using reusable swim nappies you may only need 2-3 nappies, as they can be rinsed and dried between swims, if baby pooes in them you can rinse, turn inside out and wash in the shower or sink in the hotel - or use the hotels washing machines.

If laundry facilities are limited, packing 4-6 reusable nappies ensures you always have a fresh one available. Single use nappies will take up lots of space in your luggage if you will be swimming lots over the break.

For disposable swim nappies, estimate how many swim sessions your baby will have per day. If they swim twice daily, you’ll need at least 14 nappies for the week. Taking a few of each reusable and disposable is a good idea in case of unexpected changes.

Do Swim Nappies Hold Poo?

Yes, swim nappies are designed to hold poo.

Unlike regular nappies, swim nappies do not absorb liquid, but they are structured to contain solids. This prevents accidents from leaking into the pool, always hop out and change straight away if baby poops, they need to be snug fitting to be leak proof - any gappy leg rounds will let water in to make a dastardly concoction that will be hard to stop leaking, and messy to get off while you are both wet!

Swim nappies are not designed to hold urine, as they do not have the absorbent core of a regular nappy. Therefore, it’s best to put them on just before your baby enters the water to prevent unnecessary wetness outside the pool. Don't get ready at home!

When to Stop Using Swim Nappies

You can stop using swim nappies when your child has fully potty trained and they are reliably accident-free. Some swim schools will ask for extended nappy wearing to avoid pool closures.

Here are some signs that it might be time to move onto regular swimwear:

• Your child can hold their bladder for longer periods, especially around water.
• They communicate clearly when they need to use the toilet.
• They are consistently dry between bathroom visits.
• They understand and follow pool rules regarding bathroom breaks.

Every child is different, so there’s no fixed age to stop using swim nappies. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to have one on hand just in case!

Swim nappies are an essential item for little swimmers whether you choose reusables or disposables, or a combination of both.

If you have any questions about swim nappies or want to share your experiences, feel free to drop a comment below! For more helpful parenting tips and product recommendations, explore our blog or get in touch with us today - 

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For more tips on making the switch to cloth wipes, reusable nappies and eco-friendly parenting, explore our other blogs, or reach out to us with any questions—we’d love to hear from you!

If you would like more information, please email the team or find us on the website chat function. We all use the products ourselves and LOVE to chat pee poo and periods. Nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences. About the Author: Kirstin on our customer services team loves spending her days helping customers with their reusable period product needs and advising cloth nappy using families. Kirstin lives with her three teenagers and loves walking, cycling and sea swimming year round in our beautiful bay.