Do Swim Diapers Hold Pee?

Swim diapers are a necessity for little ones who haven’t yet mastered the art of potty training but will be spending time splashing around in swimming pools or natural bodies of water.  

While swim diapers will NOT hold pee, they can trap solid waste and aid swimming. Once soaked and stretched, the material of regular diapers no longer absorbs or contains messes. Their absorbent material, while great for everyday use, becomes soggy and useless once fully submerged, not to mention heavy and uncomfortable for your baby. Also, if submerged long enough, the diaper can start to disintegrate, creating a yucky mess in the water.  

Why Use Swim Diapers If They Can’t Hold Pee? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocates for swim diaper use in all public swimming facilities. While swim diapers won't contain pee, they play a crucial role in trapping solid waste, safeguarding against contamination risks posed by infection-causing bacteria like E. coli, hepatitis A, giardia, and crypto.  

Although chlorine works its magic to eliminate most of these germs, it's important to note that it takes varying durations—from just one minute for E. coli to a lengthy 10 days for crypto—to render bacteria harmless.  

So How Do You Prevent Pee in the Pool?  

When chlorine interacts with urine, it forms chloramines, which can emit that familiar “pool smell.” Although chloramines can irritate the eyes and skin, swim diapers won't help in this regard. Your best bet? Encourage regular potty breaks or diaper changes every hour to keep pool water clean and safe. 

Built for Comfortable Wear in the Water  

Swim diapers are super comfy and functional in the water. By allowing liquids to pass through the material, they enable your little one to glide through the water like a sleek baby seal.  

PLUS— with adjustable waistbands and stretchy leg elastics, they’re a breeze to slip on and off a wet child. And as the parent, you can have fun choosing different patterns and colors in a range of sizes. Little flamingos? Ducks wearing sunglasses? Maybe some sharks and whales? The options are endless.  

Plan Ahead So You Can Have Some Poolside Fun 

Before heading to a public swim area, be sure you call ahead and ask about their requirements for kids still in diapers. Some facilities may allow your little one to live freely in a diaper, while others may require a bathing suit over the swim diaper. What’s more, some cruise ships do not allow children to enter the pools unless they are fully potty-trained.   

Of course, in addition to calling the establishment beforehand, double check that your diaper bag is stocked with everything you’ll need to have a successful pool day. From extra swim diapers, regular diapers, plastic bags, dry clothes, snacks, wipes, sunscreen, and whatever else you might need— when the necessity arrives, you’ll want to be ready to handle it with ease.  

 Get Stocked Up on Swim Essentials While You’re Here 

While you’re here, why don’t you check some of these items off your list? Trust us, future you will wish they could give current you a big hug. Check out Hello Bello’s single packs of swim diapers, and check out our diaper subscription service, which saves you money on regular diapers, and time spent running to the store to buy them. From one parent to another, we’ve got you covered when it comes to potty time!  

 Have any other tips or suggestions for the other parents out there? Let us know in the comments below!