Before the invention of the swim nappy, little ones weren’t allowed in the local pool until they could reliably use the potty. Now kids can get into the local public pool and have swimming lessons at a much younger age, which is great news for moms and dads looking for fun activities.
While swim nappies are essential for entry to public pools for non-toilet trained youngsters, you might also like to use them in your own pool or at the beach. Swim nappies are your insurance and protection against embarrassing little accidents occurring in the water!
What is a swim nappy?
A swim nappy is essentially a waterproof version of a regular nappy with a few important differences:
It’s put on like swimsuit bottoms or undies.
It’s made of materials that won’t swell up and expand in the water, and thus is more comfortable for your little one.
It has tear-away sides, so that it can be removed easily and with a minimum of fuss.
Swim nappies are available in disposable and re-useable versions.
Features to look for
You’re mostly going to be using swim nappies at a public pool or beach, so you don’t want to compromise on the choice of product. As the old adage says “better safe than sorry” and the public pool or beach is not the place you want to find out that you chose the wrong one. Swim nappies should also be used in backyard pools to ensure water hygiene during every swimming occasion.
These features will make sure your kids’ swimming experience is the best it can be:
Elastic side guards to contain little accidents.
Stretchy leg and waistband sides for a comfortable and secure fit.
Absorbent material that won’t swell up in the water.
Easy to get on and off.
Labels to help identify front and back of the nappy (they work better the right way round).
Above all, going for a quality brand will ensure that you’re not let down by an embarrassing little accident turning up in the water.
Read more about the benefits of swim nappies from Huggies® Little SwimmersSwimpants
How to use a swim nappy
Swim nappies are designed to make your swimming experience as easy as possible. By following these simple instructions, you can get the best out of their features (and keep you in the good books with pool staff):
1. Make sure you buy the right size for your child. Swim nappies are a tighter fit than regular nappies to ensure a watertight seal, so it may be tough to get on the first couple of times.
2. If convenient, put the swim nappy on just before you get in the pool.
3. When it comes to time to change, go into the change rooms instead of doing it by the poolside – after all it is only good manners.
4. Bring some nappy disposal bags with you to put the soiled nappy in after a shower off.
5. When you’ve finished changing, wash your hands thoroughly before you get back in the pool.
See the Huggies® Little Swimmers page for more features of swim nappies and answers to some frequently asked questions.
