9 Best Swim Diapers to Keep Your Baby’s Poop Out of the Pool

An overwhelming majority of parents in the What to Expect community swear by Green Sprouts swim diapers (formerly i play). The rebranding only improves upon the original — thin enough to wear under a swimsuit without the extra bulk and side snaps for easy changes. Still available in a whole rainbow of shades and patterns, these swim diapers include three different layers of material: A wicking liner that helps pull moisture away from baby’s skin, a second absorbent layer that keeps messes in, and a third outer waterproof layer to help prevent messes from leaking out. The gussets, a new feature on this year’s diapers, add extra leak protection. Many caregivers appreciate the triple-layer design to mitigate accidents while maintaining a reasonable price point. (It’s also machine washable, and can be put in the dryer on low.)

What really stands out, however, is the snap design, with three on one side of the diaper. This makes taking them off after an accident much easier than pulling the whole thing down and potentially making a mess. The snaps also allow for quick diaper checks. 

Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect, has used this swim diaper with her daughter, Olivia. “It was easy to put on because it snaps only on one side,” she says. “Olivia was in a wriggly stage so you have to hold her down to get things on, it made it easier that it was just one side and not both sides. Would use again!"

Another bonus: the fabric is UPF 50+, which helps block out harmful UV rays from the sun — crucial for protecting your baby’s sensitive skin. One important thing to note before buying is that some parents said these diapers run small and that they had to size up for their child, especially for bigger babies.

Huggies’ Little Swimmer Disposable Swim Pants feature double leak-guards that wrap around your baby’s legs to help contain messes. But the material is stretchy so it won’t squeeze their legs or waist. Many parents appreciated the easy-to-open sides that allow you to make a quick change in case of an emergency, adjust the fit or check that your baby hasn’t gone potty. Others noted that the side tabs were easier to maneuver than pull-up diapers when cleaning up after an accident in the pool. 

Such was the case for Olivia DeLong, Senior Health Editor, who used the Huggies swim diapers with her daughter. “They are easy to use, slide right on — and pull off — and seemed to do the job very well, which is the most important part,” she says. “My daughter liked them because they weren't bulky and felt just like a normal pull-up so there was no fussing about putting them on.”

For Stephanie Porter, Creative Director at What to Expect, the Huggies Little Swimmers provided total convenience. “We liked how similar they were to the regular diapers,” she says. “It was also nice for travel because we could buy them when we got to where we were going instead of having another thing to pack.”

The Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper from Beau & Belle Littles can be adjusted to fit babies from 6 to 35 pounds. This means that you can buy just one swim diaper (or a couple to have on hand!) and adjust it as needed to properly fit your baby for years. The Nageuret diaper is also made of PUL polyester material, a special soft, waterproof fabric that’s easy to clean in the washing machine. Each diaper also has comfortable elastic waist and leg openings that will contain messes without chafing baby's delicate skin. If your little one has an accident in the diaper, all you have to do is knock solids in the toilet and toss the diaper in the washing machine and dryer. Also nice: The patterns are super cute, so baby can wear the diaper with a rash guard and still look adorable.

Esembly’s waterproof outer covers — part of a reusable cloth diaper system — also deserves an honorable mention as a highly recommended adjustable option by the What to Expect community. “Esembly is definitely fool-proof, which I love. Never had any leaks,” one mom shares. They’re also widely available at Amazon and Target for $18 and sold in two sizes (for those between 7 and 17 pounds or 18 and 35 pounds) that can be tightened or loosened thanks to the side snap-lock mechanisms.

For toddlers who have yet to perfect potty training, there aren’t many options of swim diapers large enough to fit the 3-and-older crowd. Enter: Hudson Baby. Sold at Target in 2-packs, sizes are available in 3T, 4T and 5T. The waterproof nylon material is machine-washable and offers a slim fit more similar to underwear. The cute, nautical-inspired patterns are also a big perk (sharks, turtles, sea horses, flamingoes!), and while totally fine to wear on their own, parents love that these fit comfortably underneath trunks without noticeable bulk. 

Charlie Banana swim diapers are made with a lyocell fabric that’s known for being incredibly soft and smooth, on top of stretchy and absorbent, making it a super comfortable pick for baby. Parents appreciate that the snaps on both sides of the diaper make it easy to take off when there’s a mess to clean up. And, it holds in number two just as well as any other option thanks to its snug back and leg elastics. Eco-minded parents might also appreciate that lyocell fabric in the lining is made with sustainably-sourced wood pulp, making it an even more environmentally-friendly option than other reusable swim diapers on the market. 

The downside? This diaper is not adjustable, meaning that this may only last you one summer depending on how fast your kiddo grows. 

A big concern of parents — aside from accidents in the pool or ocean! — is sensitive skin. Rashes and irritation from chlorine in the pool or salt and sand at the beach can also shorten the length of time you spend posted-up by the water. For a one-and-done solution, Splash About built its popular swim diaper system into a wet suit (just don’t forget the Nappy Wrap liner!). 

A bit pricier in comparison ($35 versus $17), this 2-in-1 swimsuit replaces the need to deal with three-plus layers when it comes time to change. The neoprene material is rated UPF 50+, keeping your little one’s entire core covered and warm while still preventing leaks. Parents love the snug fit at the thigh and elastic waistband that isn’t as tricky to remove as you may think. Plus, the top attached layer can be zippered off. 

If you want your little one’s swim diaper to look less like a diaper and more like swimwear, you’ll love these lightweight Green Sprouts trunks (formerly i play). Beneath each adorable pattern is a convenient built-in, reusable swim diaper that will help contain any accidents. And just like the i play diaper already featured, the swim diaper inside these trunks helps wick away moisture and keeps messes securely inside. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection built-in and is machine washable.

If you’re of the mindset that swim diapers are plastic-y and scratchy, Coterie may be a welcome reprieve for rash-prone little ones. The premium brand has been described by the What to Expect community as the softest, most absorbent diaper out there (perfect for overnight protection) and totally “worth the hype.” So it’s no surprise that its swim diapers are just as great. The original’s hypoallergenic design has been re-imagined as a water-resistant disposable, featuring the same plant-based material (no fragrance, lotions or other additives), but reinforced with leak-guard leg cuffs and interior side barriers for a secure fit. While they certainly cost a pretty penny, one mom shares they held up for five-plus hours at the beach, and I can’t think of a better seal of approval than that.

Spoiler: our favorite top-rated, pocket-style cloth diaper also comes in a waterproof, moisture-wicking version. And it’s just as affordable. Scoop up this three-pack of reusable swimmers for just $15, and you’ll always have a clean back-up at the ready. The outer shell is almost entirely covered in easy-to-use snaps that can accommodate babies as they grow anywhere from a mere 6 pounds to over 30 pounds (or roughly 0 to 2 years). Between the price point and that level of adjustability, further extending the usability, this trio is a no-brainer. But parents also appreciate the thick, durable material and some even swear these hold liquids as well as solids.