Before the summer totally gets away from me, I wanted to talk about swim diapers and a few options. I want to share my favorites with all of you. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy writing for All About Cloth Diapers and what a blessing it has been for me to be able to connect with all of you and share our love of cloth diapers! Ok, now that I’m done with the smooshy stuff, let’s get down to business!
First, and most importantly, swim diapers are not absorbent. They are made to hold in solids. What this means is that solid poo should be contained in a swim diaper and pee will pass through. But, so will exclusively breastfed poo. Just be aware. Here is a link to a great post, The Truth about Swim Diapers and Exclusively Breastfed Babies, written by Stephanie Beck for thegreennursery.com. It is an amazing explanation of exactly how swim diapers work and exactly what they will and won’t hold in. If you have a second, you should check it out!
My daughter Sophia is 23 months old. Her favorite swim diaper right now is… naked. Thankfully, we mostly swim at home and she hasn’t had any accidents yet.
When she does have a swim diaper on it is either an AppleCheeks Washable Swim Diaper or the Blueberry Freestyle Swim Diaper. AppleCheeks are made in Canada and Blueberry is made in the USA. I love them both for different reasons.
AppleCheeks Washable Swim Diapers come in two sizes (size 1: 7-20 lbs and size 2: 18-35+ lbs). It is a snapped diaper so a litter harder for you baby to get off and also you don’t have to worry about the Velcro wearing out. It’s made of two mesh layers that does an amazing job at keeping poo in. I like that it has multiple hip and waist snap options so you can get a really good fit. This has always been our go to swim diaper and is always the one I recommend when asked.
The Blueberry Freestyle Swim Diaper has a thicker feel to it than the AppleCheeks. This is because it is very slightly padded to contain any possible leaks on the way to the pool or the beach. The thing with Blueberry is that this swim diaper only has one set of snaps on each side. It does come in three sizes though. But you can’t customize fit like you could if you had multiple snap settings. I think that this makes it possible that your little one might not get a good snug fit in the when in the in between size area. But when this fits, it fits. It’s very sturdy and won’t have the baggy butt look.
Just to throw it out there. You can also use a PUL or TPU cover as a swim diaper. Just be aware that chlorine can cause delamination or shorten the life of the elastic. So use a cover that you don’t care about or that already has delamination issues. It won’t matter for what you are using it for. It will still hold solids in and because it has no absorbency won’t suck up all the pool water.
If you have a favorite cloth swim diaper I’d love to hear from you!
Jenn is a long-time cloth diaper educator and a passionate small business advocate. She has worked in the reusable diaper industry for over a decade, helping millions of families via her websites All About Cloth Diapers, Thinking About Cloth Diapers and Cloth Diaper Geek as well as hundreds of small businesses during that time. Her goal always to provide simple, reliable information.
Catherine W says
I love the info on cloth wipes!
Gretchen M says
I’m in need of a new swim diaper. I had an iplay one which was good but my daughter is out growing it and I haven’t found one I like and can afford. We don’t swim often living in Alaska but I do like to take her to the pool when I can
Nicole C. says
I actually really need a swim diaper. But it’s a little overwhelming. I love my applecheeks diapers so I could only imagine that their swim diaper is good also.
Rebecca T says
I’ve gotten some useful advice for getting diapers clean.
Kadie says
Such a great resource for finding new brands to try!
Alexandra M says
we are new to cloth diapering and realy need to find out what brand we like and build a stash. Our son is 13 month to the day ;) and he loves to swim, so i am realy hoping for a win. I love the way you write i just read a bit here and there since i just subscribed but it is easy reading which i like with not to much time at times ;)
jessica Long says
over the last few years I have gotten a lot from your blog! Answers to questions, explanations and ideas about cloth!
Samantha L says
All About Cloth Diapers has taught me a lot about the care of cloth diapers… getting out stains was a huge pain before I found your site.
Aurora P says
Great info about cloth diapers. It could be overwhelming some times and having a page where you can all together is great.
Carissa Joslyn says
All About Cloth Diapers has just tout me more in general! I went into cloth knowing absolutely nothing, and this has helped a lot. still helps! I’ve been cloth diapering for a year and a half and still learning new stuff!
Amanda Young says
Great info on diapers in general, gets us interested in trying new things (like swim diapers).
Laura Word says
I am new to this and hope to try everything I can!
Justine says
I would love to win a swim diaper. We currently don’t have one and just used a cover!
Erika Summers says
I’ve liked a few of the articles pertaining to diaper wash routines and also reviews on fit with certain diapers I was on the fence about. thanks!!
Sarah Hayes says
the info on this site has helped me learned more about cloth so I can better choose what is best for us
Dani B says
Great source of info about cloth diapering!
kaydi lynn says
You’ve helped me learn alot more info in cloth diapers
Julia W. says
I would be really excited to try a cloth swim diaper and stop spending so much on ones I have to throw away! Especially since we live in FL and practically live in the water!
Keisha F says
Thanks for all the great info! Still trying to figure out my favorite brands and getting the fit just right. So far I love BG, but really need to expand my collection.
Khali Anderson says
We loooove going swimming and could really use a new swim diaper. We’ve never tried either of these brands but would love to!
Jennifer says
Love this site!
Beth VB says
AllAboutClothDiapers was the first blog I came across that made cloth diapering seem less intimidating! There is so much info out there to sort through when you first start out, but this blog always has been the easiest resource for me to turn to for answers to any question I have!
Erin B. says
I read your post about Bac-out. I was having major ammonia issues all of a sudden with 2 year old’s cloth diapers. Bought some and gave it a try and love it! I do have to keep using it as you said you do but it works wonders :) Thanks!
Beth Ann says
I love coming here and reading about your latest how to, or tips on washing, lanolizing, or even showing your favorite nighttime solution! :D
I appreciate you! <3
Erin says
AACD has helped me learn about washing my diapers. Thanks!
Beki Lozano says
i love everything about cloth diaper this site tell you everything you need to know very helpful and easy to use!
Katie says
I have a 3 month old and have done cloth since he was about 2 weeks old. This site was and still serves as a great resource for a first time cloth diaperer.
Tara C. says
All about cloth diapers reminds me that we are all human! You aren’t judging, you offer advice, and give your opinions. One of my favorite resources!
Allison says
AACD has helped me know I’m not alone in my struggles and JOYS of cloth diapering.
Wanda says
In swim lessons now, would really like to try a swim diaper! I would start by trying Applecheeks. Thanks for the recommendations.
Meredith says
Thank you for this giveaway and all you do on AACD! I am about to be a new mom (baby girl due this Fall, yay!) and I’ve done a lot of cloth diaper research across what seems like thousands of websites. When I landed on your site (thank you, random Pinterest pin!) I immediately read about 15 posts and learned more than I had in months of reading other website content! Thank youuu!
Rhonda Moore says
Thanks for the blog post. We need new cloth swim diapers. I would love to win one!
Krys Fernandes says
Thanks for the swim diaper recommendations, I’m new to the CD’ing and still trying to figure out what diaper is good for what use/situation. All knowledgeable input is greatly appreciated!
Hannah Bailey says
I love this blog! I became a fan on Facebook and have recommended it to many of my friends! Thanks for all the awesome info!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Thanks so much Hannah! Being recommended is the highest compliment someone can pay us.
Nichole Sellers says
Love the Applecheeks cloth diapers
Sarah M says
I love AACD! I found it through FB and now it’s my go-to resource for anything I need to know. The nighttime diapering series was awesome and convinced me to finally pull the trigger on wool!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Awesome Sarah! I hope the wool didn’t disappoint! I started with soakers and then loaded up on longies and shorties just because they are so cute!
Margaret Harmon says
Thanks for all the great articles!
paulena says
That’s good to know! I didn’t know they made cloth diapers for swimming. Awesome!
Jess says
Thanks for the review. I have an Apple Cheeks swimmer I’m waiting for my little guy to grow in to!!!
Kristina says
The link to the article on EBF poo in swim diapers was EXACTLY what I’m been googling for for days. I couldn’t find any answers to this. THANK YOU!
Lindsey Simpson says
Thank you – love chance to receive a gift! Super sweet!
Tiffany D says
Can’t wait to try CD with my LO!
Angel says
I love cloth diapers but have never tried the swim diaper. I need to try these my girls are just starting in the pool this year.
Melissa Marie says
Thank you – love chance to receive a gift! So nice!
Kirstie Walton says
AACD has been so helpful to me, figuring out exactly what to do to CD my daughter :) thank you!!
Brandi Senkus says
Expecting baby 2 in October & have been using CD’s on our toddler who will be 3 in Sept.
Laura Alcantar says
I love how you have review a lot of cloth diaper brands its helpful.
krystle b says
Cant wait to cloth baby #2
Michelle O. says
Hi mamas! What actually makes a “swim diaper” a swim diaper? Is it the fabric on the outside? Thanks!
Trish McCurdy says
I love the things you didn’t know lists that you just sent out maybe a week ago. Love getting my fluff email.
Sarah Eidt says
I’m waiting to receive a few diapers,inserts and wipes from my sweet sister in law. I have been doing lost of reading and trying to prepare for cloth diapering my 9 week old chunk. I’m so excited to begin. ; ) I would love a swim diaper and would put it to good use as we live near a creek.
Sarah Eidt says
Forgot to include I was reading on all about diapers! Lol
Thea says
Brand new to cloth diapers and it’s been great so far! So many options to choose from!
Cheyanne Williams says
This blog has really helped me decide which diaper system would work best for our household as well as good wash routines for hard water.
Sara Strum says
I love all of your posts. Even if one is not immediately helpful I know at some point in my cloth diaper career it will be!
E. Diane Macauley says
The 5 Simple Steps That Can Help to PREVENT Ammonia Issues was great to read. our little one has only shown just the start of a diaper rash a couple of times and it correlated with the couple of times I noticed her diapers starting to stink when wet. I am diligent about washing more often and no more problems. ( it helps that she has started using more diapers in a day so I NEED to wash more often. :-D ). So, Thank you! :-)
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I’m so happy to hear that. It makes me feel good to know that I helped.
sara leslie says
Love love love cloth diapers!
Katrina H says
I have checked back on your site for tons of information. It is one of my main cloth resources. You have saved me a few times.
may says
I couldn’t have continued to cloth diaper if it wasn’t for this site. I also refer this site to anyone slightly interested in using fluff!
Tammie says
Applecheeks – recommended by the shop owner I always purchase from and I love it. But I should have purchased a size 2. The size 1 was a little snug.
Judith Martinez says
I’m really appreciating all of the many articles on laundry the blog has. I actually discovered bac out because of this blog and although I don’t actually use it on my diapers all the time I love having it on hand for other uses!
Shera says
I loved iplay for my odd. They have swimsuits with the dipe built in.
Bailey says
I’ve been looking for a swim diaper! Wondering about the ebf poo leaking though. This could be super embarrassing at the public pool. Anyway to prevent leakage?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Check out the link to the blog I mentioned in the beginning Bailey. She shared her tips on how she prevented it.
Sharon says
Love Apple Cheeks and Blueberry!
Would love excellent swim diapers for my little one so we can finally have some fun in the sun!
Lori says
My favorite right now are fuzzibunz. I have several that had delamination issues. I use them for swim diapers and love the way they fit.
Tracy Gordon says
I have learned a lot about different brands of cloth diapers. Plus washing tips and tricks.
Melanie Hooks says
Thank you for this! I am in the market for a cloth diaper right now. My LO hasn’t been born yet, but we are planning a trip to Disney for Christmas. I want to be prepared!
Rehannon Miller says
I love your site, it has helped research different cloth diapers. Plus I had an amonia issue which your site was helpful in getting it fixed.. thanks.
Hannah says
Swim diapers were what started my interest in cloth dipes!
Heather heald says
I have been wondering about swim diapers and the breastfed baby! My baby just turned 1, and she still doesn’t eat much solid food – not enough to really change her poo! We have a pool, my mom has a pool, and we’ve been to big waterparks with the kids. I worried about her poo in the swim diaper I bought for her (which, BTW, she has already outgrown, despite it being the “right” size and I wish i knew about Apple Cheeks instead of buying the one I did on sale!). My solution all summer has been to time it right to avoid yellow leaking!
Brianna Flanagan says
Great info! I love reading your blog to gain more knowledge about cloth diapers !
Nikki says
I hadn’t even thought about the fact that I could use a cloth diapering system for swimming! I’m ordering one today because we have started our swimming class and I hate the idea of having to use those chemical filled swim diapers! Thank you!
joani says
I love cloth diapers
jeni says
Awesome!
Audra Rae says
I have a 6 week old and I’m planning to use a Charlie Banana swim diaper next summer when she is bigger.
Sarah says
I love learning about all things cloth ! Your blog helps me to learn!
Ashley Dryja says
I love that I can save money an help out WAHM’s <3
Rita O says
I have learned a great deal about trouble shooting diaper issues from the blog.
Delacey says
Great blog to introduce yourself to terms for CD. Lots of great reviews and giveaways.
Stephanie W says
Love using our Grovia she as a designated swim dipe! Serves its purpose!
Denise kellepouris says
I love learning new things on your blog! My 3rd baby is 3 months old and we are cloth diapering for the 1st time. It’s a new adventure and I love it!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Congrats Denise!
beth c says
oh my goodness i’ve been reading your blog for years and it has helped me immensely through the ups & downs of cloth diapering! :) i think some of the most helpful things that i learned through this site was how to strip diapers, nighttime diapering and just learning about the different types and brands of diapers. thanks! :)
Christi says
So funny that you should be talking about swim diapers! We have been using cloth swim diapers for over a year (probably two) now on our oldest. Today we couldn’t find the other swim diaper, only could find the wet one. And when I had offered to my husband one of the random disposable swim diapers for him to put on her instead, he just grabbed the wet (clean) one and said that it would work! I love how much he loves using cloth diapers on our kids! :)
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Christi! That’s great, I love it. I agree I’d rather use the wet one than the disposable one. :)
Christi says
I wasn’t blaming him for it, I agree that it is SO much nicer to use the cloth (wet or dry)! But now we have all these stupid disposables that we bought two years ago that we need to figure out what to do with! :)
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Donate them Christi!
Brittany shiver says
I hope I win!
Carrie W. says
I cannot possibly tell you all the ways All About Cloth Diapers has helped me! From doing research pre-baby to solving a few issues after and learning as I see posts. Everyone who asks me for input when trying to make a decision about whether to cloth diaper, I send to this site.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
To be recommended is the biggest compliment! Thanks so much Carrie!
jenn mcclearn says
I love all the reviews and I love to see a diaper up close before I choose to buy. Personally I love my charlie banana swim diapers :)
Amber says
I’ve been using iplay and love it so far
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Amber lots of people like it, it just wasn’t one of my favs.
Danielle says
I would love to have a new diaper to try out! We have a bunch of different brands but not enough diapers to go more than a day without washing and we have only one swim diaper. We love our Blueberry diapers and haven’t tried AppleCheeks yet.
Andrea says
I’ve learned about how to care for my cloth diapers and have been introduced to different brands that I may not have tried otherwise
cora says
I like all the great and helpful reviews.
Reilly says
I never thought to use a plain cover. Thanks for the idea!
Jessica says
Cute! I have imse vimse swim diapers and they are the only ones I’ve tried but they have NO absorbency so don’t put them on til you’re ready to get in! haha! I would like to try either of these!
Jennifer Hite says
Love the blog! I have definitely learned a lot :)
Laura j says
We’re in the market for a swim diaper now. I’m happy you mentioned the bib might be harder to get a good fit than the AC. Those are the 2 brands I’ve been considering & my lo seems to have a small waist/large thigh problem with some diapers
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I would definitely go with the Applecheeks then Laura! :)
Jennifer says
I’m going to use my first swim diaper this weekend. Applecheeks!
Kimberly says
Thank you for all that you do. This site has helped me so much
Amandakking says
What a great blessing the resources on this website has been for me! Thank you so much!
Brandi Powell says
There are too many informative blog posts I have read to pick out just one! I love that I was able to CD my daughter and thank you for helping me along the way!
Kim says
Thank you for your post. So informative! I am searching to buy swim diaper for my baby and found your post. :)
Alicia Dempsey says
I’m about to try a swim diaper for the first time. Just going to use an old newborn Alva shell that barely fits, and put her swimsuit over. I hope this works. I don’t care if it leaks in the ocean, but the hotel pool is another issue!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Alicia, You should be fine as long as the elastic is still good and get a good fit. Enjoy!
Andrea says
I have the bummis swimmi and really like it. However, my daughter is sensitive to synthetic material in the diaper area and I would love a swim diaper that had a cotton mesh lining. Know of such a thing?
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Andrea, I honestly, can’t find any covers at all that have cotton. They all seem to have polyester mesh. Have you thought of having a WAHM make one?
Ashley F says
All about cloth diapers has introduced me to different brands of diapers that I might not otherwise hear about.
Kim O says
I’ve learned so much in preparation of my little one arriving.
Heather Lee says
Your website is awesome and I love getting help from other cloth diapering Momma’s via your Facebook page!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Thanks so much Heather! That means so much to hear it.
Kristina says
2 words: wool care.
Jennifer Reinhardt says
I’ve got three words for you Kristina…I…Love….Wool! :)
Lindsy Doucette says
Thanks for the tip! We are restarting swim lessons soon and this was aptly timed!
Tamara says
You have helped me so much! I was having such a problem with ammonia & your tip
About OxyClean solved our issue. Thank you :)
Nicole says
I’m pregnant with my third and getting ready to cloth diaper for the first time!
Stephanie McDowell says
I’m the only one in my family and friend group that I needed a place to learn and understand the world of CDing! I love the posts here and love how easy it was to find you!
Brecklyn says
Please pick me! I’ve spent my diaper budget and then some!
Kiersten says
It’s been such a useful resource as I have tried to figure out cloth diapering for the last two years. With washing routines, brands, etc.
Genevieve says
Any recommendations for a swim diaper for my 8 week old? I’m a little worried poo will come out! I may just use a disposable!
Jennifer Reinhardt says
Any cove that fits would work. Just remember a disposable diaper will soak up ALL the water. It’s only a big deal if you actually go in the water with them.
Whitney says
We love swimming!
Jutta P. says
I have loved learning about new products!
Melanie F says
I use allaboutclothdiapers.com as a reference for myself (what WAS the recipe for that wipe solution??) and for friends who are new to cloth and need some help. It’s a great library of info!
Jennifer Symonds says
I am learning more every day and am loving the money I am saving!
Anne Perry says
I’ve been introduced to so many cool diapers.
kristin says
First time Mom and CDer!
Jessica Clarke says
I learned a lot about cleaning my cloth properly
Danielle Jones says
I’m finding all kinds of different brands, although we use WAHM since PUL isn’t our friend unless it’s swim diapers