Swim diaper

Packages of swim diapers (left).

A swim diaper or swim nappy is a diaper that is made for those who have fecal incontinence (usually babies or toddlers), which is worn underneath a bathing suit, or as a bathing suit. Swim diapers can be reusable and disposable. They are not intended to be absorbent,[1] but only to contain solid waste (feces); the lack of absorbency prevents the swim diaper from swelling with water.[2][3][4]

Types

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Often reusable swim diapers are lined with a fiber which encourages the solid waste to cling to the fiber without an absorbency layer. A snug fit in the legs and waist are key to function. Brands such as Splash About and The Honest Co.[5] use tightly knit polyester or neoprene as their material. One disadvantage of a reusable swim diaper is that they must be washed to be reused. On the other hand, a disposable swim diaper is only partially biodegradable and repeated purchases may cost more than reuse. A popular brand of disposable swim diapers is Little Swimmers, marketed under the Kimberly-Clark Huggies brand. Procter & Gamble produces the rival brand Pampers Splashers. Both are sold in three sizes: small (16–26 lb or 7–12 kg), medium (24–34 lb or 11–15 kg) and large (over 32 lb or 14 kg+). Due to their design for swimwear, they are not as absorbent and not intended for regular diapering.[citation needed] Splash About offer the 'Happy Nappy' reusable neoprene swim nappy which can be washed and reworn.[6][7]

Swim diapers at public pools

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Some public pools require swim diapers for use by young children and the incontinent out of hygiene concerns. For the same reason, other pools do not allow swim diapers at all. Sick people who are incontinent, including babies and children, who do not wear swim diapers may transmit E. coli from their fecal matter.[8][9]

When not used properly, or when using inferior products, health experts[who?] caution that swim diapers may not protect pool water against communicable diseases, such as norovirus.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Schultz, Hollie. "Pull-Ups® and Swim Diapers are Not the Same Thing". Baby Gizmo. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Buying a swim diaper". The Baby Center. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  3. ^ "Pregnancy, Birth and Babies – Myths and Misconceptions". Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Swimming Nappies Explained". 18 October 2018. Archived from the original on 19 November 2018. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  5. ^ "Airports Get More Friendly for Parents With Young Children". Archived from the original on 2018-07-29. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
  6. ^ "What swimwear do babies need? An age-by-age guide from newborn to 18-months". Archived from the original on 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  7. ^ "Swim Nappies Australia". Archived from the original on 2021-04-22. Retrieved 2021-04-22. Friday, 23 April 2021
  8. ^ "Prevent e.coli with swim diapers". Essortment.com. Archived from the original on 2010-09-13. Retrieved 2010-09-08.
  9. ^ "Swim diapers may not keep pool water clean, UF experts say". University of Florida. Archived from the original on 28 April 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  10. ^ "University of Florida News - Swim diapers may not keep pool water clean, UF experts say". News.ufl.edu. 2007-07-10. Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2010-09-08.