Your Guide to Swimming Nappies

First things first, why should you use swim nappies? As a first-time parent, you might not be aware that if you want to take your baby swimming, a regular nappy just won’t do!

Regular nappies are designed to absorb liquids, which means they will also soak up water from the pool. This causes the nappy to swell and become heavy. Not only will it fail to contain any accidents, but it can also be uncomfortable for your baby and pose a drowning risk.

  • Does a swim nappy hold in urine?

    A swim nappy, whether disposable or reusable, does not hold liquids. This means it won’t contain urine, but it also won’t swell up and cause discomfort while in the water. Many first-time users may not be aware of this and can be alarmed when urine leaks from the nappy on the way to the pool! Swim nappies should only be put on just before entering the pool and should be changed as soon as possible after a faecal accident. Currently, there are no waterproof swim nappies available on the market.

  • Does my baby need a swim nappy?

    A swim nappy is required by all swimming pools for any child who isn't potty trained. Finding the right swim nappy for your baby can seem like a minefield, so we have devised this in-depth guide to swim nappies to help you avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment of your child having an accident in the water.

This guide features:

Disposable and reusable swim nappies comparison chart

Swim nappy size guide

5 Top tips for using a swim nappy

Step-by-step guide to using a reusable swim nappy

How many swim nappies do I need?

Swim nappy FAQs

Disposable Vs Reusable

  • A disposable swim nappy looks like a regular nappy and is worn once before being thrown away.
  • A reusable swim nappy, such as the Splash About Happy Nappy™, can be worn and washed multiple times and usually comes in a variety of cute and colourful prints
Reusable Swim Nappy Disposable Swim Nappy
Will they soak up urine? Do not soak up urine Do not soak up urine
Are they reusable? Yes. Can be worn and washed multiple times, making them more eco-friendly than disposables No. They will last for the duration of a swimming session but can only be used once
How do they stop leaks? Feature tightly woven fabric and secure yet comfortable leg and waist ribs designed to fully contain any faeces. While they have leak guards around the legs, these are quite limited in preventing faeces from entering the pool.
What swimwear can they be worn with? Can be worn on their own, underneath regular swimwear, or over the top of a disposable swim nappy. Can be used underneath regular swimwear or underneath a reusable swim nappy to form a double nappy system
How expensive are they? More expensive upfront than disposable nappies but can be more cost-effective if used regularly. Approx. AU$30 per pair. Cheaper to buy. Approx. AU$17 for a pack of 12 but will need replenishing.
What brands should I look for? The Splash About Happy Nappy™ is the leading reusable swim nappy.  Huggies Little Swimmers is one of Australia’s best known brands.

 

Swim Nappy Size Guide

Disposable swim nappies tend come in set sizes which cover a specified weight range:

S (to fit babies who weigh approx. 7-12kg)

M (to fit babies who weigh approx. 11-15kg)

 L (to fit babies who weigh approx. 14kg+)

Try to choose a size that corresponds to your child’s regular nappy weight. Opt for a snug yet comfortable fit to minimise the risk of leaks. Some disposable swim nappies designed for smaller children come with adjustable tabs for a more secure fit.

Reusable swim nappies are generally sized by a
child’s age: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, and so on. While your child’s age can serve as a guide when purchasing a reusable swim nappy, it's important to also measure your child’s waist and thighs to ensure the best fit.

A Splash About Happy Nappy™ must fit snugly around your baby’s thighs and waist to create a secure seal that holds in solids. However, you should be able to run a finger around the inside of the ribbing to ensure it's not too tight.

5 Top tips for using swim nappies

  1. Swim nappies, especially disposables, are not effective at
    containing loose stools. If your child has had diarrhoea then skip the swimming session until they are completely better.
  2. No swim nappy can contain urine, so don’t put them on your child too soon! Urine in the pool is not a problem because the chlorine will kill any pathogens that may be present.
  3. Regular nappies should not be used for swimming as they absorb too much water, making them extremely heavy, which can be dangerous for little ones.
  4. Check your baby’s swim nappy regularly and change immediately if soiled. This is true for both disposable and reusable nappies.
  5. Ensure toddlers take a potty break every 30 to 60 minutes. Most leaks in pools occur when toddlers either can’t hold it or are too excited and forget to.

The Happy Nappy™

Splash About is the leading brand in reusable swim nappies. Our flagship product, the Happy Nappy™, is award-winning worldwide and recommended by baby swim schools across the globe. Its patented, unique shape is designed to fit snugly around your baby’s bottom and move with them, preventing gaping and stopping
faecal leaks into the pool. Made from neoprene, it features unique ribbing that you won’t find in any other swim nappy brand.

Step-by-step guide to using a reusable swim nappy

Reusable swim nappies, like the Happy Nappy™, are simple to use. Just follow these steps:

  1. Put the reusable nappy on your child. Most reusable swim nappies work efficiently without any other nappy underneath; however, some swim schools insist on a double nappy system. In this case, reusable nappies can be worn with a disposable nappy underneath or, even better, a reusable Nappy Wrap. If you choose the Happy Nappy Duo™, which incorporates a second layer, there is no need for any additional under nappy at all.
  2. Put your child’s regular swimwear over the reusable swim nappy, or simply use the nappy on its own. The Splash About Happy Nappy™ is designed to look like regular swimmers, so it can be worn without any additional swimwear on top.
  3. Regularly check your child’s swim nappy for soiling. If your child has a bowel movement then change them immediately in the baby change facilities, not at the side of the pool. If using the Happy Nappy™ on its own without an under nappy, carefully remove it, then tip the faeces into the toilet and flush it away
  4. Rinse the swim nappy in cool water and store in a wet bag. If you want to continue swimming, simply rinse the reusable swim nappy, and your child can put it back on.
  5. To clean a soiled reusable swim nappy, we recommend hand washing in cool water and leaving to dry away from direct sunlight. If it is heavily soiled or stained, you may machine wash occasionally. Wash at no more than 30°C and do not use biological detergent. Do not tumble dry.

How Many Swim Nappies Do I Need?

Disposable swim nappies are designed for single use. If your child will be spending long periods out of the water (e.g. exploring the beach or having lunch at the swimming pool), pack enough nappies to ensure they have a clean, dry swim nappy every time they get back in the water. Wearing wet disposable swim nappies for extended periods can be uncomfortable for children and may lead to nappy rash or chafing.

Reusable swim nappies are generally made from neoprene, which is soft and naturally antibacterial, so they shouldn't cause soreness or
chafing. As they do not hold in urine, they should be swapped for a regular nappy as soon as the baby gets out of the water. They dry quickly, allowing them to be left to dry while out of the pool and reused when the baby returns to the water. In most cases, you should only need two reusable swim nappies to use on rotation, ensuring you always have a clean, dry nappy on hand in case of accidents.

Remember—disposable and reusable swim nappies are NOT designed to hold in urine, so make sure to take your child for regular potty breaks or switch to a regular nappy when they’re not in the pool.

Swim nappy FAQs

When should I stop using swim nappies?

Once your child is potty trained and you’re confident they’ll let you
know when they need a poo, you can stop using swim nappies. Splash About’s Happy Nappy™ range is suitable for children up to 3 years old and looks just like regular bathers. If your child has recently been potty trained, this range can give you peace of mind that there won’t be any leaks in case of an accident.

How do I clean and care for reusable swim nappies?

Hand wash the nappy in cool water using a gentle, non-biological detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals and fabric softeners, as these can damage the material. If the nappy is heavily soiled or stained, you can machine wash it occasionally at a maximum temperature of 30°C. In both cases, allow the nappy to air dry out of direct sunlight and do not tumble dry. Excessive machine washing and heat exposure can damage the nappy’s elasticity and fit.

What are reusable swim nappies made from?

Different brands use various materials, but the Splash About Happy Nappy™ range is made from super-soft, 1mm-thick neoprene. The Happy Nappy™ is contoured to fit snugly around your baby's bottom, allowing them to move freely without any gaping. The neoprene used is much thinner and softer than the material used in wetsuits, making it warm and effective without being restrictive.

How long will a swim nappy contain faeces for?

Swim nappies are designed to contain faeces long enough for you and your little one to leave the pool without any leakage. However, they are not meant to hold faeces for an extended period, as water can infiltrate and break down the poo. It's important to leave the pool as soon as you become aware that your baby has soiled their nappy. With a reusable nappy, you can empty it, rinse it in cold water, and return to the pool if you wish.

Will a swim nappy contain a loose stool?

Disposable swim nappies may not effectively contain loose stools, as they are not very robust and can leak around the seams. In contrast, the Happy Nappy™features wide cuffs made from specialist fabric, creating a tight, but comfortable, seal around the thighs and tummy, effectively keeping solid and semi-solid faeces contained.

While very loose stools are completely normal for young babies who are exclusively breastfed, it’s important to keep older children experiencing diarrhoea away from the water until they feel better.

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

No, regular disposable nappies (non-swim nappies) are designed to soak up liquid, which means they become bulky, uncomfortable, and ineffective very quickly when worn in water. However, disposable swim nappies can be worn under a reusable swim nappy.

What should my child wear under a reusable swim nappy?

Most reusable swim nappies can be worn on their own; however, you may want to combine them with a disposable swim nappy or a reusable nappy wrap—whichever you prefer—to make cleaning and changing easier.

Some organised swim classes require a double-layer nappy system, which can consist of a disposable swim nappy under a neoprene reusable nappy or a reusable swim nappy with a nappy wrap underneath. Alternatively, a Happy Nappy Duo™ is accepted at many swim schools in Australia to comply with the double nappy requirement.

Are swim nappies suitable for boys and girls?

Absolutely! While disposable swim nappies tend to stick to a unisex design, the Splash About Happy Nappy™ comes in a variety of designs suitable for both boys and girls. Our Happy Nappy™ range offers even more options, such as the Happy Nappy™ Swimsuit, which provides a bit of extra coverage for little girls.

Swim Nappies for older children

Happy Nappy™ and Happy Nappy Duo™ 3T and 4T

Our well-loved Happy Nappy™ and Happy Nappy Duo™ are available in selected styles in sizes 3-4 years and 4-5 years. This provides an additional option for parents of toddlers who still need swim nappy support and who know and trust the benefits of the Happy Nappy™.

 Toddler Jammers

Available in sizes 2-3 years and 3-4 years, Toddler Jammers are designed to provide the same leak protection as the Happy Nappy™ but in a grown-up boardshort style. While they still feature the specialist rib around the waist, the Jammers replace the thigh rib with medical grade silicone around the inside of the leg, forming a discreet seal that prevents leaks. The Toddler Splash Jammers are recommended by swim schools worldwide as an alternative to the Happy Nappy™ for older children.

Alternatively, the Splash Jammer Duo™ is available in sizes from two to six years. It features a unique silver lining that kills germs from faeces, making it highly effective at containing solids while also neutralising pathogens that can cause tummy bugs. This helps keep your toddler and other swimmers protected in the pool.

Kids & Adult Jammers

Teens and adults can also require bowel incontinence support, and there is no reason why this issue should prevent them from swimming. That’s why we offer an extended range of sizes for the Splash Jammers to cater to older children and adults. Carefully designed to be discreet yet reliable, they can be worn alone or under board shorts,
depending on what is most comfortable for the wearer.