It’s finally happening - you’re going to start swimming with your baby! And you can’t help but wonder - But do they need nappies in the swimming pool? Do regular nappies even work in water? What can you do to prevent your little one from leaving an unpleasant surprise during pool time?

Knowing that your little one is secure can make swimming a lot more relaxing, for you and for them! So, when you start swimming with your baby, they must use a swim nappy.

But there are a lot of different swim nappies, and not all of them may be right for your baby. In light of this, we want to provide you with the facts, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve made the right purchase for your little one.

What are swim nappies?

Swim nappies are nappies specifically made for swimming. Regular swimwear provides no protection against leakages, and regular nappies will soak up water and weigh your baby down.

Swim nappies should fit snugly around your baby’s legs and waist, making sure that there are no leaks. Swim nappies come in two main types:

Disposable swim nappies. These nappies come in packs and are meant to be thrown away after a swimming session. These come with an absorbent core to soak up accidents, but do not soak in any of the water around you.

Reusable swim nappies. These are meant to be reused, not thrown out. They’re usually made from soft, stretchy material that allows water to flow freely, but they hold solids, protecting against faecal leaks. Some reusable swim nappies come with a waterproof layer or a mesh layer. Parents who are trying to be mindful of eco-waste usually opt for these kinds of nappies. All they need is a thorough wash and they’re ready to go again!

So, which nappy is right for your little one?

How do I know which nappy is right for me?

Using the information above, you can come to your own conclusions as to which type is right for you. Most parents decide to put a reusable swim nappy over a disposable one for extra security.

Check the recommended height and weight for specific nappies. These should be easy to find on the product and packaging. Consider how easy it would be to take the nappy on and off, whether it can be fully opened or pulled up and down. Either way, make sure that the swim nappies snugly fit on your baby’s legs because baggy nappies with gaps are no good at all!

What rules do swimming pools have about swim nappies?

The most important thing is to always check a particular swimming pool’s rules before using it. Here are a few general rules that can be expected:

Pools will always ask that your baby wears a swim nappy. Any accidents that leak out into the pool can be very costly to clean.

Many pools ask that you use a disposable nappy underneath a reusable nappy, providing double protection against accidents.

You should be able to swim with your baby at any age. If your baby is younger than 6 months, it’s important that the pool temperature is about 32 degrees C. This is the perfect temperature for young babies.

What do I need to know about swim nappies?