Best Baby Swim Nappies 2024

Spending time in the water with your baby is something to treasure, whether that's the pool or the beach. Of course it's also the foundation of the valuable life skill that is learning to swim.

However when it comes to enjoying pool or beach time with your little ones, choosing the right swim nappy is crucial. Swim nappies are designed purely for poo containment. Think about it - if they were absorbent, they would absorb water and your little one would sink!

I speak from shameful experience on the poo containment front. My little ones all enjoyed pool time from 3 months old. But I have to hold my hand up and say we were responsible for clearing the pool after a poonami incident resulting in poo sliding down the mini water slide...hang my head in shame!!

Thankfully now there's no excuse for that with some truly poonami proof double layer swim systems available which just weren't around then. In fact, many swimming schools insist on double layer reusable baby swimming nappies.

I chose reusable swim pants back then because having launched Cheeky Wipes, our bestselling reusable wipes kit back in 2008, sustainability was important for me.,

However it also ended up saving me a fortune as it could be passed from child to child and this is definitely something to consider too. Plus 2 swim nappies take up so much less space in your suitcase than a bulky packet of disposable swimming nappies.

Whether you're taking your little one on holiday soon or are taking your baby swimming regularly , we've got a nappy for you. We've researched the market, comparing supermarket disposables to reusables from online reusables specialists like ourselves.

Here's our list of the best swim nappies 2024:

• Best Double Swim Nappy: Splash About Happy Nappy Duo, £17.95
• Best Disposable Swim Nappy: Pampers Splashers, £5.25 for a pack of 12
• Best Budget Swim Nappy (Disposable): Aldi Mamia Ultra Fit Swim Pants, £3.29 for a pack of 12
• Best Newborn Swim Nappy: Splash About Happy Nappy 
• Best Multipurpose Swim Nappy: Bells Bumz Pull Up & Swim Nappy, £9.95
• Best Toddler Swim Pants: Splash About Jammers, £16.95

Best Double Swim Nappy

Splash About Happy Nappy Duo, £17.95

The Happy Nappy Duo is the ultimate swim nappy from the well loved brand Splash About! Designed by experts, loved by swim schools, it is the only reusable swim nappy you will need to go swimming with your little ones at the swimming pool whilst also ensuring a leak free and safe experience!

It's made from a happy nappy liner which can be worn on it's own, plus an super soft outer neoprene layer for extra protection.

Type: Reusable Pull Up Swim Nappy, with Poppered Adjustable Liner

Material: Neoprene Elastane Outer, PUL Liner

Sizes: Age Newborn to 3 years old

Poonami Containment: Excellent. If your child poos, most of it will be caught in the liner, with the neoprene outer forming an extra layer.

Convenience: 8/10 Again, the inner layer makes it super easy to change if your child has done a poo, without it smearing everywhere as you pull down the pull up outer.

Customer Reviews: "Fabulous product, an absolute must for baby swimming, contains the nasties without being extremely tight. Baby seems very comfortable in recommend size" Feefo Review

Best Disposable Swim Pants

Pampers Splashers, £5.25 for 12

Pampers Splashers disposable swim pants are designed for water fun. With dual leak-guard barriers they fit snugly around baby's legs to help contain messes. There's also a super stretchy waistband and easy-tear sides, designed to make removal quick and easy. These disposable nappies can be worn under a reusable outer layer if your swim school / pool requires a double layer system.

Type: Stretchy Disposable Pull Up Swim Nappy

Material: Not specified

Sizes: Nappy Size 3 to 4 (13lbs to 24lbs) to size 5 to 6 (31 lbs+)

Poonami Containment: Works well for solid poo. Really needs an outer layer to prevent messy accidents with loose stools.

Convenience: 7/10 Easy to change, but if your baby has a poonami there's every chance of a leak which could result in pool closure.

Customer Reviews: "These are great because they don't expand when your baby's in the water like regular diapers do. They catch solid poop well." Ocado Review

Best Budget Swim Nappy (Disposable)

Aldi Mamia Ultra Fit Swim Pants

Designed with a special absorbent material that won't swell up like a nappy, your baby will be comfortable and protected during water play. These nappies don't come with adjustable tabs and are only available in larger sizes.

Again, if your swimming pool needs a double layer system, they can be worn under a reusable swim nappy.

Type: Stretchy Disposable Pull Up Swim Nappy

Material: Not specified

Sizes: Nappy Size 3 to 4 (13lbs to 24lbs) to size 5 to 6 (31 lbs+)

Poonami Containment: Works well for solid poo. Really needs an outer layer to prevent messy accidents with loose stools.

Convenience: 7/10 Easy to change, but if your baby has a poonami there's every chance of a leak which could result in pool closure.

Customer Reviews: "These Mamia Swim Pants are excellent. They have a nice design on, they didn't leak at all and they were easy to put on and take off. All in all a great product." Mother & Baby Review

Best Newborn Swim Nappy

Splash About Happy Nappy - £12.95

We've already mentioned this once but it's getting a second mention here as it's one of the few swim nappies available in teeny tiny sizes! None of the disposable swim nappies are available in sizes this small, but we reckon that isn't a bad thing. Start with the Splash About nappies and you'll never go back to disposables!

The Happy Nappy starts from just 0 to 3 months with a waist size of 34cm to 41cm. You may also need a happy nappy liner with it which you can buy separately if your swim school has a double layer protocol. This is probably the age when the double layer is really needed most for that runny newborn poo. (If you haven't got to that stage yet, poo does firm up as soon as you start weaning!)

Type: Reusable Pull Up Swim Nappy

Material: Neoprene / Elastane

Sizes: 0 to 3 months upwards

Poonami Containment: Great, especially if worn with the nappy liner for extra containment.

Convenience: 6/10 If your baby has a poo, the liner will make it much easier to change than just the outer layer on it's own, so if you value convenience, add a liner.

Customer Reviews: "Love this nappy. Great design. We’ve had a poo in it and had no leaks. Looks tight but it needs to be and my daughter has never been in discomfort. I would say the sizing is spot on too, I bought the 0-3 month one. She’s now 3.5 months and I’m about to buy her the next size up. Great quality. Would definitely recommend. I didn’t use a disposable underneath and still no leaks." Amazon Review

Best Multipurpose Swim Nappy

Bells Bumz Pull Up & Swim Nappy, Price £9.95

If you're looking for a great value multipurpose reusable option, you should check out this nappy! It's one size birth to potty with adjustable snaps and can be worn alone as a swim nappy but doubles up as toddler training pants when used with a reusable nappy insert or booster!

The side snaps make it easy to remove too. Can we worn with a Happy Nappy Neoprene Outer or disposable swim nappy underneath to create a two part system.

Type: Combined Reusable Pull Up & Swim Nappy

Material: PUL

Sizes: Birth to Potty

Poonami Containment: OK, better if worn with the nappy liner for extra containment or neoprene cover on top.

Convenience: 9/10 Really simple to remove at the end of the day without potential poo smearage

Customer Reviews: "These nappies have a complete lifesaver for my little boy. They give him the independance and freedom of using a pull up whilst still being reusable. Love that you can buy them without inserts too as I could just use the ones I already had at home from nappies." Product Review

Best Toddler Swim Pants

Splash About Toddler Jammers, Price £16.95

As your little one gets a bit older, they'll get too big for swim nappies, but still probably need some level of poo containment until they're fully potty trained. That's where the Splash About Jammers come in. We stock them in a pretty pink or blue options and of course they can be worn with the happy nappy liners underneath as a double later swim nappy system if needed.

Type: Reusable Toddler Swim Pants

Material: Neoprene

Sizes: Age 2 to 3, 3 to 4

Poonami Containment: Great, especially if worn with the nappy liner for extra containment.

Convenience: 7/10 If your toddler has a poo, the liner will make it much easier to change than just the outer layer on it's own, so if you value convenience, add a liner.

Customer Reviews: "Love these little swim shorts. Got the 3-4 years for my 2 year old to allow more use but as he is on the bigger side they fit him well, even now.

They have a tight fitting legs to prevent possible accidents escaping and the waistband is soft and stretchy to comfortably sit on the tummy. Love the design and they are well made. A must have item for the peri-potty training toddler." Amazon Review

When choosing between disposable and reusable swim nappies, consider your priorities. If you don't swim often, disposable swim nappies might be the best choice, but they'll usually need an extra layer for peace of mind.

Reusables have a higher up front cost but can be used over and over again and passed from child to child. Plus of course they're a more sustainable option too.

As with regular nappies, if you suspect a poo, change the nappy as soon as possible to reduce the risk of nappy rash and protect that sensitive baby skin.

We hope you found this useful, you may also enjoy 'All you need to know about reusable swim nappies'. As always, if you've got any questions, please do feel free to contact us. The team chat pee, poo and periods all day long and are always happy to help!

For more insights and tips from our experts, head over to our nappy blog page, including blogs such as:

• 5 Reasons to Choose to Reuse
• Everything You Need to Know About Swim Nappies
• Avoid Plastic Waste When Travelling with Babies
• How to Become a Greener Parent
• Is Baby Wearing Good for Babies?

About the Author: Helen Rankin, an advocate for sustainable living, embarked on her journey with reusable products when her first child was born in 2004. Facing limited options in cloth nappies, Helen’s passion only grew, leading her to launch Cheeky Wipes in 2008, right before welcoming her third child.

Helen's commitment to promoting sustainable solutions led to her taking over The Nappy Gurus in 2024. Today, she is excited to share her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for reusable swim nappies, helping a new generation of parents navigate eco-friendly choices for water-based activities.