First things first: why use swimming nappies at all? If you are a first time parent, you might not realise that a regular nappy will not work in the pool.

A standard nappy absorbs water. In the pool it soaks up water from the surrounding water, swells, becomes heavy and pulls down. It still will not reliably hold in an accident. It can also feel uncomfortable for your baby and it can even become a drowning risk.

Swimming nappies solve this problem. This Swim Nappy Guide explains how they work, how to choose the right one and what to expect at your first swim.

Does a swimming nappy hold in urine?

A swim nappy, whether disposable or reusable, does not hold in water. That means it does not hold in urine either.

The benefit is simple:

The nappy does not swell in the pool

Your baby stays more comfortable in the water
The nappy focuses on containing faeces

Many parents feel surprised the first time urine leaks from the swim nappy on the way to the pool. This is normal. Put the swim nappy on just before you get into the water. Change it as soon as possible after any faecal accident.

There are currently no waterproof swim nappies on the market. Anything that tried to hold in all liquid would quickly become too heavy and uncomfortable in the water.

Does your baby need a swim nappy?

Yes. Pools require a swim nappy for any child who is not potty trained.

Choosing one can feel confusing. Do you go for disposable or reusable? How tight should it feel? Do you need more than one?

We have created this Swim Nappy Guide to answer those questions and to help you avoid the stress of leaks in the water.

In this guide you will find:

Disposable and reusable swim nappy comparison

Swim Nappy Guide to sizes and fit
Five top tips for using swim nappies
How many swim nappies you need
Swim nappy FAQs for babies, toddlers and older children

Disposable and reusable swim nappies

Reusable Swim Nappy

Reusable

Can be reused multiple times so are more eco-friendly than disposables
Leak Protection
Feature tightly woven fabric and secure but comfortable leg and tummy cuffs to fully contain any faeces
Swimming Lesson Approved
Can be worn alone for swimming lesson or with the Nappy Wrap and liners
Quality
Made from super soft Neoprene with soft waist and thigh rib
Brands
Splash About Happy Nappy™ is the leading reusable swim nappy

Disposable Swim Nappy

Single Use

Will last for the duration of a swimming session but can only be used once
Leak Protection
Although disposable swim nappies have leak guards around the legs, they offer very limited protection when it comes to preventing faeces from entering the pool
Less Sustainable
Made from single use plastics and cannot be recycled
Cheaper Upfront
Less initial cost but potentially more expensive over time. Approx. £7 for a pack of 12
Must be worn with over nappy
The disposable swim nappies must be worn with something over the top for organised swim classes

We at Splash About design the Happy Nappy™ range to give you reliable protection. The Happy Nappy™ uses a patented shape that fits your baby’s bottom and moves with them. It helps prevent gaping and keeps faeces out of the pool. Swim schools worldwide recommend the award winning Happy Nappy™ and we have not had a reported faecal leak in the Happy Nappy™ for over eight years. It comes in a wide choice of designs so you can pick one you enjoy.

Swim Nappy Size Guide

Getting the size right makes all the difference. A good fit reduces the risk of leaks and helps your baby feel comfortable.

Disposable swim nappy sizes

Brands size disposable swim nappies in a similar way to standard nappies. You will usually see sizes like:

Size 2 to 3: for babies who weigh approximately 3 to 8 kg

Size 3 to 4: for babies who weigh approximately 7 to 15 kg

Size 5 to 6: for babies who weigh approximately 12 to 18 kg

These numbers refer to nappy size, not age. Choose a size close to your baby’s usual nappy size. Aim for a snug but comfortable fit at the waist and legs to reduce leaks.

Some smaller disposable swim nappies have adjustable tabs so you can get a more secure fit on tiny waists.

Reusable swim nappy sizes

Brands usually size reusable swim nappies by age, for example:

0 to 3 months
3 to 6 months
6 to 12 months
12 to 24 months and so on

Use age as a guide, then check measurements. For the best fit:

Measure your child’s waist
Measure the tops of the thighs
Compare those measurements to the size chart

Swim nappies should look like fitted swim shorts. They need to:

Sit snugly at the waist and thighs
Stay tight enough to avoid gaps
Avoid leaving deep red marks

When you look at a Happy Nappy™ on our website, you can use the ‘Check Size Before You Buy’ link for a size calculator.

Five top tips for using swim nappies

Want your swim to feel calm and relaxed? Follow these simple tips from our Swim Nappy Guide.

1. Skip swimming after diarrhoea

Disposable swim nappies often struggle with loose stools. If your child has had diarrhoea, skip the session until they are fully better.

2. Do not put the swim nappy on too early

No swim nappy can contain urine. Put it on just before you enter the pool. Urine in the pool is not a problem because chlorine kills any pathogens in it.

3. Never use a regular nappy in the pool

A regular nappy absorbs a lot of water. It becomes heavy, pulls down and can be unsafe for small children in the water.

4. Check and change often

Check your baby’s nappy regularly and change it straight away if it is soiled.

5. Plan regular potty breaks

Give toddlers a potty or toilet break every 30 to 60 minutes. Many leaks come from toddlers who get excited and forget to go in time.

How many swim nappies do you need?

Disposable swim nappies

Disposable swim nappies are single use. You need to pack enough for:

Each planned swim
Any time your child leaves the pool and then goes back in

If your child spends time out of the water, for example exploring the beach or eating lunch at the pool, change them into a dry swim nappy before they go back into the water. Wearing a wet disposable swim nappy out of the water can feel uncomfortable and may cause chafing or nappy rash. If your child already has a nappy rash and you feel unsure about swimming, our Happy Nappy™ helps protect delicate skin.

Reusable swim nappies

Reusable swim nappies work like normal swimwear, so they usually do not cause chafing. They do not hold in urine, so change your baby into a regular nappy as soon as they come out of the water.

Reusable nappies dry quickly. You can:

Rinse the nappy in cool water
Leave it to air dry out of direct heat

Use a second nappy while the first one dries if you plan another swim

For most families, two reusable swim nappies are enough. You can use them on rotation so you always have a clean, dry one ready.

Remember: disposable and reusable swim nappies do not hold in urine. Take your child for regular toilet breaks or change to a standard nappy when you finish in the pool.

Caring for reusable swim nappies

Reusable swim nappies are simple to look after.

Rinse them in cool water after use

Hand wash in cool water if needed
Leave them to air dry

Always follow the care label on the nappy. This protects the fabric and helps it last longer.

The Happy Nappy™ range uses soft neoprene around 1 mm thick. This fabric is water resistant and fits closely, so your baby can move freely without gaps at the waist or thighs. It is much thinner and softer than the neoprene that manufacturers use for wetsuits.

Older children and incontinence swimwear

Most disposable and reusable swim nappies suit children up to about 3 years old. Some older children also need swim nappy support. This might be because:

Potty training takes a little longer
Your local pool asks all children under a certain age to use swim nappies
Your child has faecal incontinence

Toddler Jammers

Toddler Jammers suit children from around 2 to 3 years and 3 to 4 years. They offer the same level of leak protection as the Happy Nappy™, in a more grown up short design.

They use:

A snug waist rib
Medical grade silicone around the inside of each leg

This creates a discreet seal that keeps solid leaks out of the pool. Swim schools worldwide recommend Toddler Splash Jammers for toddlers who still need protection.

Learn More

Happy Nappy™ and Happy Nappy Duo™ in larger sizes

We now offer the Happy Nappy™ and Happy Nappy Duo™ in selected styles for ages 3 to 4 years and 4 to 5 years. This gives you another option if your toddler still needs nappy support and you already trust the Happy Nappy™ system.

Kids and adult Jammers

Kids and Adult Jammers extend that support to older children and adults. Kids sizes go up to around 9 years. Adult sizes run from extra small to extra large.

They:

Look like regular swim shorts
Have a snug waist rib
Use a silicone seal on the thighs

You can wear them on their own or under other swimwear. Designs suit boys, girls and adults who want a practical, discreet solution in the pool.

Swim nappy FAQs

When should you stop using swim nappies?

You can stop using swim nappies when your child is potty trained and you feel confident that they will tell you when they need to go for a poo. Our Happy Nappy™ range suits children up to around 3 years old. The nappies look like regular swimwear, so if your child has only recently trained, they still give you quiet peace of mind in case of accidents.

How long does a swim nappy hold faeces?

Swim nappies hold faeces long enough for you to leave the pool and reach the changing area without leaks. They are not designed to hold faeces for long periods, so leave the pool and change your child as soon as possible.

Will a swim nappy hold a loose stool?

A disposable swim nappy may not hold a loose stool. It can leak around the seams because it is less robust. The Happy Nappy™ uses wide cuffs made from specialist fabric around the thighs and tummy. These create a snug but comfortable seal that helps keep solid and semi solid faeces in the nappy. If your young baby is exclusively breastfed, very loose stools can be normal. If an older child has diarrhoea, keep them out of the water until they feel better.

Can your child wear a regular disposable nappy under a reusable swim nappy?

No. Regular disposable nappies soak up liquid, so they quickly become bulky and uncomfortable in the pool. You can use a disposable swim nappy under a reusable swim nappy if your pool or swim school asks you to do that.

What should your child wear under a reusable swim nappy?

Most reusable swim nappies work on their own. For extra protection you might choose: A disposable swim nappy A Nappy Wrap A liner Some pools and swim schools ask for a disposable swim nappy under a reusable one. Others ask for the Happy Nappy Duo™ or a double layer nappy system. Check your local pool policy before you go.

Are swim nappies suitable for boys and girls?

Yes. Swim nappies suit both boys and girls. Our Happy Nappy™ range includes designs for boys, designs for girls and unisex designs for any child.

Lesley Beach

Group Managing Director

Splash About has been developing ground breaking swimming products for babies and children for over 20 years. With its invention of the first float jacket through to the award winning Happy Nappy range of products, Splash About is now a world class supplier to thousands of swim schools, leisure complexes and parents in over 45 countries.

Your Guide to Swimming Nappies