skip to main content
The Best Swim Diapers for Summer (That Won’t Explode)
Updated on
June 7, 2024

The Best Swim Diapers for Summer (That Won’t Explode)

Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you. If you buy something through links on our site, Babylist may earn a commission.
Pinterest logo.
The Best Swim Diapers for Summer (That Won’t Explode).
Photo by @merimura80

Have you ever thrown a regular diaper in the wash on accident? Or perhaps you’ve seen the TikToks of the aftermath of said incident. Regular diapers and water just don’t mix. That’s where swim diapers come in! They allow your baby to participate in all of the summertime fun, with no saggy diaper bums in sight. They come in two types: reusable and disposable, and we rounded up our favorites in each category to help you figure out which ones are right for your baby. Because diapers don’t have to hold you back from enjoying the water—just grab your sunscreen, swimsuits and swim-ready diapers and you’re ready to go.  

Do you need swim diapers?

If your child isn't potty trained and they want to dip toes (and more) into a public body of water, yes, you need swim diapers. Ordinary diapers won't cut it—not only is their ability to absorb rendered useless once they soak up water, but their weight makes them super saggy to the point of falling off And they definitely can't hold anything inside once they're stretched out. 

Swim diapers are designed to withstand water and contain solids. They aren't meant to absorb. (Yep, that means pee will pass through to the water.) But swim diapers should keep number twos inside, eliminating what public pools fear most: fecal contamination. (Swim diapers should fit snug on the leg cuffs for the best containment.) What about when your child is out of the water for snack breaks or nap? Since swim diapers don’t hold liquid, you’ll have to change them into a regular diaper until they go back in. (Which is a good idea anyway, because sitting in a wet swim diaper can cause a rash.) For some reusable swim diapers, you can purchase absorbent inserts for the diaper while they toddle around on land. Note: Swim diapers aren't designed for newborn poop (which tends to be liquidy until they start solids).

Here are our picks for the best swim diapers for babies and toddlers:

Best Disposable Swim Diaper

Pros: Coterie’s new disposable “Swimsuit” pants have the same luxurious softness as their parent-loved diapers. These feature a soft, breathable material—that even you’d be comfortable wearing on a hot day. And the no-swell core doesn’t get heavy when saturated (no saggy butts here). Leak-guard leg cuffs keep things contained in the case of a poop incident while swimming.

Cons: They come with a higher price tag, and since they just launched, you might see them go in and out of stock.

Additional Specs
Size Small (14-26 lbs), Medium (2 -34 lbs), Large (30-40 lbs)

Best Affordable Swim Diapers

Pros: Low cost and featuring tear-off sides for removal, these disposables are a great, no-hassle option.

Cons: Getting these disposable swim diapers on isn’t as easy as getting them off. The pull-up style can be frustrating as it sticks to sweaty, sandy kids.

Additional Specs
Size Small (13-24 lbs) to Large (31+ lbs)

Best Reusable Swim Diaper

Pros: These reusable swim diapers have a light absorbency (i.e., will catch a tiny bit of urine outside the pool) and are less expensive than other reusable options

Cons: Be sure to buy the version that has snaps at the side since this brand also makes a pull-up style reusable swim diaper. Some parents say these run small so you may want to size up.

Additional Specs
Size 6M, 12M

Best Pull-Up Swim Diaper

Pros: We love Primary’s clothes and swimwear for their array of rainbow-colored basics—these swim diapers are no exception. They’re lightweight, featuring a UPF 50 nylon outer layer and a thin yet absorbent water-resistant lining that contains the mess without becoming bulky.

Cons: These swim diapers don’t have snaps, so you’ll have to pull them off (which can be tricky after a poop).

Additional Specs
Size 3-6M to 3T

Best Swim Diaper that Grows with Baby

Pros: Two words: adjustable snaps. This reusable swim diaper has lots of snap closures at varying levels for a bunch of different fits in one (this diaper fits kiddos from eight pounds all the way up to 36 pounds), and you can easily readjust them to fit a growing baby or size them down for a new addition. Soft mesh inside and a trim fit means they’re super comfortable for your little one and they hold all the messy stuff in.

Cons: Since one size fits all with this diaper, the smallest babies will need to have all of the snaps fastened, which leads to bunching and bulking fabric and can make it a little difficult to fit the diaper under swim clothes.

Additional Specs
Sizes One size fits 8-36 lbs

Best Built-In Swim Diaper Swimsuit

Pros: These swim trunks have a built-in swim diaper and help your little one move freely without feeling weighed down. The whole suit is machine washable, and no other diaper is necessary—which saves money and is super convenient. Another great feature? The UPF 50+ fabric offers much-needed sun protection. Pair these trunks with a rash guard, sunnies and sun hat and your little one is ready for a day at the beach or pool. We also love this one-piece swimsuit option.

Cons: Since there are no snaps, these aren’t the easiest when changing after a poop.

Additional Specs
Sizes 6 months-4T


Briana Engelbrecht

Assistant Editor

Briana Engelbrecht is Babylist’s Assistant Editor, where she brings her passion for early childhood development and the perinatal period, plus experience as a mom of two to Babylist articles and guides. She’s also a certified lactation counselor. A former preschool teacher, she loves children’s picture books, cats, plants and making things.

This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and review products, as well as the Babylist Health Advisory Board.