Pool season is here! Shop these parent-tested toddler swim diapers

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Whether you’re planning a family pool day or a trip to the beach, swim diapers are a must for babies and toddlers who aren’t potty trained. No matter which you prefer to use, a swim diaper should offer a snug fit and be durable enough for all-day play.

There are two types of swim diapers: disposable and reusable. Because disposable diapers are designed for one-time use, they’re not as eco-friendly as reusable diapers. But, there’s no denying the convenience that disposable diapers offer, especially when it comes to quickly (and easily) cleaning up poop.

The main purpose of swim diapers is to keep poop contained while kiddos swim and splash around. While regular diapers are made to absorb liquids, swim diapers are made to withstand water and keep solids contained, so they don’t contaminate swimming areas. If you’re wondering if that means that pee can escape, well, yes. Unless your baby is wearing a waterproof outer shell, pee will pass right through.

While no one likes to think about swimming in pee, the reason why poop is the main issue addressed by most swim diapers is that fecal accidents are the main cause of waterborne pathogens in public pools, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Particles of poop are what is going to make people sick when they are swimming.

That said, you should never, ever take your baby to a pool (public or otherwise) if they have diarrhea or if they are still taking liquidy newborn poops. No matter what type of protection you have on them, it’s best to keep any water play to the bathtub or a kiddie pool at home for young babies and children of any age that are experiencing liquid stools.

Our writers and editors have rounded up not only the most top-rated reusable and disposable swim diapers but also our very favorites. Whether you’re headed to the pool or beach, read on for the best buys to give you a mess-free summer swimming with your little one.

These reusable swim diapers are hailed as a best parenting purchase by our experts.

The Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper is a high-quality reusable swim diaper that grows with your child year after year. Enjoy multiple years of mess-free use of this durable and machine-washable swim diaper. Available in a variety of colorful designs kids will love, this is a favorite find of parents at Reviewed.

“The Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper might be one of my best parenting purchases. My son wears the diaper to swim lessons almost every day of the week. He’s in his second year of wearing it thanks in part to the adjustable [snaps] that accommodate children that weigh between 8 and 36 pounds.” —Rachel Murphy, Home editor

No-fuss and always popular, Pampers Splashers are a perennial favorite.

If you’ve visited a diaper aisle, you’ve seen Pamper’s Splashers and have probably wondered if they are a good buy. We’re here to let you know these familiar diapers work great. The disposable toddler swim pants are sold in three sizes: small (13-24 pounds), medium (20-33 pounds), and large (31 pounds and up). Built with two leak-guard barriers and a 360-degree snug waistband, Pampers swim diapers can be worn for any water activities.

"Pampers Splashers are no-fuss swim diaper my kids wore for all sorts of water play activities like splash pads and beach days. Easy on the wallet, these are a great back-up to have on hand when you forget the reusable swim diaper at home." —Murphy

Hello Bello's Swim Dipes are an affordable and hypoallergenic disposable swim diaper.

Celebrity couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are behind Hello Bello, a brand that makes plant-based premium products for children. The disposable Swim Dipes offer good design for all-day fun and affordable value.

The hypoallergenic diapers feature a plant-derived, high-integrity bonded fiber core to help keep the diaper from ballooning when wet. Swim Dipes are covered in an adorable swimming sloth print and come in three sizes: small (16-28 pounds), medium (18-34 pounds), and large (32-40 pounds).

"These hypoallergenic disposable diapers offer a lot of value for parents seeking a plant-based way to diaper up their kids in the water. The water-friendly diapers also offer a comfortable, snug fit with minimal sagging."—Murphy

A stylish swim diaper that is virtually mess-free!

Thirsties reusable swim diapers have a soft mesh interior to keep young children comfortable while they splash and play in the water. The diaper is designed with leg gussets that prevent messes from leaking out.

Since there's no absorbency with this diaper these are, in our opinion, best used as an extra layer over disposable swim diapers. Thirsties swim diapers are available in a variety of super cute designs and come in three sizes: size one (6-18 pounds), size two (18-40 pounds), and size three (35-55 pounds).

"Thirsties are awesome. They're just as easy to put on as a regular diaper, plus the adjustability meant they lasted multiple summers! And those gussets are key - they really do hold in what would otherwise be a big mess!” — Danielle DiSiato, Cooking editor

Huggies Little Swimmers sport a snug fit for littles who may not fill out other brands.

Huggies are well known in the diaper world, so it comes as no surprise the longstanding brand makes a great swim diaper, too.

Huggies Little Swimmers are designed with double leak guards and feature an adjustable fit and sides that re-close. The diapers are free of fragrances, parabens, elemental chlorine, and natural rubber latex, making them a good pick for little ones with sensitive skin. Sizes include small (16-26 pounds), medium (24-34 pounds), and large (32 pounds and up).

“Huggies Little Swimmers were a godsend for my skinny kid. Their waist and legs have a great snug fit for little kids who may not fill out other brands.” — Janelle Randazza, Parenting staff writer

These reusable diapers by iPlay are a good pick for skinny babies.

With over 7,700 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it's easy to see that the iPlay by Green Sprouts reusable swim diapers are a popular pick among parents and caregivers. Available in a range of sizes from 6 months up to 5T, the water-friendly diapers are built with a snap-close design for easy wear and removal. The diapers are made from breathable 100% polyester, offer UPF 50 protection, and feature three absorbent layers.

“Another shout out for a great brand for skinny babies! iPlay swim diapers are soft and easy to put on, and they really keep explosions contained. However, their one-sided snap closure can sometimes mean a messy cleanup.” —Janelle Randazza, Parenting staff writer

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