Reusable Swim Diapers Make Pool and Beach Time Greener
The advances in cloth diapering over the last few years, not only in availability of handy diaper services, but also the quality and simple use of the diapers themselves, have converted many a disposable diaper user to “greener” ways. But while many cloth diaper enthusiasts and flushable diaper users have strong opinions about which cloth diapers work the best, I’ve yet to see commentary on reusable swim diapers.
If you’re already a cloth diaper user, than the concept of using a resuable swim diaper is probably not a far stretch. But if you use disposables or ’sposies, then you might be glad to know that reusable swim diapers are a fantastic budget conscious choice, particularly since disposable swim diapers are super expensive.
Truth be told, disposable swim diapers are more for easing our minds and less about containing bodily fluids and bowel movements. Basically, they just don’t contain all the chemicals that regular disposables do, therefore keeping them trim and less saggy when they hit water. But, they certainly don’t hold urine well. And, while they might hold a bowel movement for a good five minutes, you do not want your kid swimming around with a swim diaper full of poop.
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So, a logical consideration would be a reusable swim diaper, particularly if you’ve got an older child with more predictable bowel movements. And quite frankly, you probably don’t want your newborn and infant in the pool for very long anyway, so it’s perfectly feasible to try reusables with them as well.
As far as choices go, you’ll be glad to know there are a plethora of reusable swim diaper options, all of which are generally under $15. Considering you’ll spend around $8-10 on a pack of regular disposable swim diapers, it’s a great deal. And if you frequent the pool or beach, like we do, it’s practically a must have. Here are some options that I’ve found (and used) that might work well for your kids:
- The Baby Swim Pack (pictured) from Konfidence USA (reviewed at Cool Mom Picks) includes a reusable diaper, changing pad, and an essential wet bag (which is great for the used diapers AND wet swim suits). ($29.99)
- The Imse Vimse Swim Diaper seems to be a popular recommendation on various Cloth Diaper and EC review sites and message boards ($14).
- Well-known cloth diaper maker Bummi also has a swim diaper called the “Swimmi” which uses velcro instead of the typical snaps. ($14).
You can also find a few different kinds at your local Whole Foods Market as well. I purchased one (pull-on style) and it works well!
Depending on the age of your child, make sure to snag a couple of diapers to last you for the season, and don’t forget to add a wet bag to your arsenal. You can find them in various places, or even make your own, but my personal favorites are the wet bags from Happy Tushies. Wash and care of reusable swim diapers is simple; for best results, follow the manufacturer’s directions, but know that nothing special need be done to keep them working the whole summer long.
It’s nice to know that even if you don’t feel able to cloth diaper full time, you can make a bit of greener difference this summer! Who knows? Maybe it will make the transition into regular cloth diapering a lot easier.
If you’re a cloth swim diaper user, share your favorites! Have a happy, healthy, and green Fourth of July!
[Photo via Konfidence-USA]
[...] up on a few reusable cloth swim diapers is my favorite eco friendly beach tip. You’ll save yourself so much money by doing this, and [...]