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How to buy the best swim nappies
In this article
- Disposable swim nappies - which brands are there?
- Reusable swim nappies - which brands are there?
- How do swim nappies work?
- Can you use a reusable swim nappy on its own?
- Can you wear a normal nappy under or instead of a swim nappy?
- Can you reuse a disposable swim nappy?
- What age should a child stop wearing swim nappies?
Swim nappies are essential when taking your baby into a pool or the sea.
The best swim nappies should be able to contain any solids and shouldn't soak up lots of water. You can choose whether you use disposable swim nappies or reusable nappies.
Read on for information on the typical swim nappy brands and how they work.
Compare disposable nappies from popular brands including Pampers, Boots, Aldi and Asda
Disposable swim nappies - which brands are there?
Boots Baby Swim Pants
Only available at Boots: £3.50 per pack (from 29p per nappy)
Type: Pull-up
Sizes available: 2-3 (3-8kg), 3-4 (7-15kg) and 5-6 (12-18kg)
Pack size: 12 nappies (size 2-3), 11 nappies (size 3-4) or 10 nappies (size 5-6)
Huggies Little Swimmers
Cheapest price: £5.25 per pack (from 44p per nappy) available at Sainsbury's, also available at Amazon, Boots and Tesco.
Type: Tabs and pull-up
Sizes available: 2-3 (3-8kg), 3-4 (7-15kg) and 5-6 (12-18kg)
Pack size: 12 nappies (size 2-3 and 3-4) or 11 nappies (size 5-6)
Morrisons Nutmeg Swim Pants
Only available at Morrisons: £3.50 per pack (from 29p per nappy)
Type: Pull-up
Sizes available: small (3-7kg), medium (7-15kg) and large (12-18kg)
Pack size: 12 nappies (small), 11 nappies (medium) or 10 nappies (large)
Pampers Splashers
Cheapest price: £5.25 per pack (from 44p per nappy) available at Ocado, also available at Amazon.
Type: Pull-up
Sizes available: 3-4 (6-11kg), 4-5 (9-15kg) and 5-6 (14kg+)
Pack size: 12 nappies (size 3-4), 11 nappies (size 4-5) or 10 nappies (size 5-6)
Looking for more disposable options? Read all of our nappy reviews to compare the 20 disposable nappies we tested from Pampers, Boots, Aldi, Asda and more brands.
Reusable swim nappies - which brands are there?
Bambino Mio Swim Nappy
Cheapest price: £9.99 per nappy available at Bambino Mio.
Type: Pull-up
Sizes available: small (up to 6 months), medium (6-12 months), large (1-2 years) and extra large (2 years+)
Pack size: 1 nappy
Splash About Happy Nappy Duo
Only available at Splash About: from £11.99 per nappy
Type: Pull-up
Sizes available: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, 2-3 years, 3-4 years and 4-5 years
Pack size: 1 nappy
TotsBots Swim Nappy
Cheapest price: £10.95 per nappy available at Babipur and The Nappy Lady.
Type: Tabs
Sizes available: size 1 (10-20lbs) and size 2 (20-35lbs)
Pack size: 1 nappy
Not sure where to start when choosing a reusable nappy? Read our guide on whether reusable nappies are really worth it.
How do swim nappies work?
While standard nappies are designed to contain liquids and solids, swim nappies work a little differently. They don't absorb as much liquid as a standard nappy, so that they don't soak up water from the pool and weigh your baby down. This means swim nappies will only contain solid stools, not urine.
Keep in mind they aren't designed to hold in solid stools for an extended period of time, so you should leave the pool as soon as you notice your baby's nappy needs changing.
Can you use a reusable swim nappy on its own?
Yes. Reusable swim nappies are designed to be worn on their own. As long as they fit securely, they should contain any poo until you're able to take your child out of the pool.
However for extra reassurance, you can wear a disposable swim nappy underneath a reusable swim nappy. Some swimming pools will insist you wear both, so it's worth checking their rules before you visit.
Looking for more top-scoring baby products? See our guide to the best baby carriers and slings.
Can you wear a normal nappy under or instead of a swim nappy?
You shouldn't put a normal nappy on your baby if they're going swimming, as they're designed to soak up liquid. This can result in a bulky, heavy nappy that'll weigh your baby down when they're in the water.
Can you reuse a disposable swim nappy?
Disposable swim nappies are designed to be single-use. However because of their durable, water-resistant material, it's possible to dry out and reuse a clean disposable swim nappy providing all the seams are still intact.
Disposable swim nappies tend to cost more and come in smaller pack sizes than standard disposable nappies. So if you're taking your baby swimming regularly, this could be a handy way to save money on them.
Keep in mind that manufacturers don't directly recommend this, however we have spoken to parents who've told us this has worked well for them.
What age should a child stop wearing swim nappies?
Your child should be fully potty trained before they stop wearing a nappy in water, and they should be able to reliably tell you when they need the toilet. There's no set age for this and varies between children.
Some swim schools may insist on your child wearing a swim nappy until three years old, even if they're fully potty trained, just to be safe. Check with your swimming pool or swimming lesson provider to confirm.
Looking for more information on nappies? See all of our nappy advice for product recommendations, tips on how to use them effectively and the best ways to save money.