Quick answer
Put the cloth swim diaper on directly against your child's skin, then pull the swimsuit over it. Bring a spare diaper and a wet bag for the ride home. At the pool, check the fit around the legs before entering the water, and change out of the wet diaper as soon as you leave.
What a cloth swim diaper does and does not do
A cloth swim diaper is designed to hold solids in the water, not to absorb pee like a regular diaper. That is why swim diapers feel thin and why you should not expect them to stay dry. The snug fit around the legs and waist is what keeps accidents contained.
Because they do not absorb much liquid, cloth swim diapers are usually allowed at public pools where disposable swim diapers are banned. Always check your pool's specific rules before you go.
How to layer a swim diaper under a swimsuit
The swim diaper goes on first, directly against the skin. The swimsuit goes over it. If the swimsuit has a built-in lining, you can still wear the cloth swim diaper underneath, but make sure nothing bunches at the leg openings.
For easy changes, choose a two-piece swimsuit or a suit with a wide neck opening. A one-piece with a snug leg can make diaper checks harder when you are standing at the pool deck.
What to pack for a pool or beach day
Pack one swim diaper for every two hours of water time, plus one extra. Bring a wet bag or a large zip-top bag for the used diaper. A small towel for drying your child before the diaper change helps keep the clean diaper from getting soaked.
If you are going to the beach, bring a mat or blanket to change on. Sand sticks to damp cloth, so a quick rinse or shake before bagging the diaper makes cleanup easier at home.
How to wash and dry a reusable swim diaper
Rinse the used swim diaper in cool water as soon as you can, then wash with your regular cloth diaper load or a small load of baby clothes. Use a detergent without fabric softener, which can leave a coating that reduces absorbency over time.
Hang dry or tumble on low. High heat can break down the elastic and the water-resistant lining. Most cloth swim diapers dry quickly, so they are ready for the next swim day.
Pool day steps for cloth swim diapers
- Check the fit before you leave home: Put the swim diaper on your child and slide two fingers under the leg elastic. It should feel snug but not leave red marks. A loose leg gap is the most common cause of leaks at the pool. If the elastic gaps, size down or choose a trimmer style.
- Put the diaper on first, then the swimsuit: The cloth swim diaper goes against the skin. Pull the swimsuit over it and smooth any folds at the legs. For a baby, lie them down to avoid twisting the diaper. A bunched swimsuit leg can push the diaper out of place.
- Do a pre-swim bathroom check: Take your child to the bathroom right before entering the water. A swim diaper is not a toilet replacement, and a quick try can prevent a solid accident in the pool. Make this a habit even if your child says they do not need to go.
- Change out of the wet diaper right after swimming: As soon as you leave the water, remove the swim diaper and put on a dry cloth trainer or regular diaper. Leaving a wet swim diaper on can irritate skin. Keep a dry trainer in your bag so you are not caught without one.
- Bag the used diaper and rinse at home: Put the wet swim diaper in a wet bag or zip-top bag. At home, rinse in cool water, then wash with your next cloth load. Do not let it sit for more than a day. A quick rinse now prevents stains and smells later.
Product facts
- Beach Bound: Beach Bound swimwear is available in sizes from 0-3 months up to 10-12 years. You can match the swimsuit size to your child now and replace it less often as they grow.
- He Can Fly-Trainer (old style): He Can Fly-Trainer (old style) fits roughly 12-50lbs and has snaps plus an opening to add extra absorbency. The snaps make changes faster at the pool, and the extra absorbency option helps during travel or long outings.
- Cottage Pups-Trainer (old style): Cottage Pups-Trainer (old style) is lined with bamboo terry and comes pre-padded with 3 layers of bamboo. Bamboo terry feels soft against skin and the pre-padding gives a bit more coverage for the ride to and from the pool.
