Can You Use a Cloth Nappy as a Swim Nappy?
Pool day? Beach day? Paddling pool taking over the garden? Before you buy a separate swim nappy, have a rummage through your Little Lovebum stash… because you might already have one.
Our Popper & Pocket can double as a reusable swim nappy.
Simply whip out the absorbent inserts, pop the empty shell onto your little one and you're ready to make a splash.
Clever, right?
Wait… Don't Swim Nappies Need to Absorb Wee?
Nope!
This is probably the biggest misconception about swim nappies.
Swim nappies aren't designed to absorb wee. Their main job is to help keep poo contained while your little one is splashing around.
Think about it: if you put a super-absorbent cloth nappy into a swimming pool, it doesn't know the difference between a wee and several thousand litres of pool water.
It's going to try its very best to absorb it.
The result? A very heavy, very soggy nappy.
That's why proper swim nappies don't contain absorbency — and why your Popper & Pocket shell can be used without its inserts as a reusable swim nappy.
How to Use Your Popper & Pocket as a Swim Nappy
This bit couldn't be easier.
Take the inserts OUT.
That's it.
Before swimming, remove all the absorbent inserts from your Popper & Pocket and put the empty shell onto your little one.
Use the poppers to get a comfortable but snug fit around the legs and waist. You don't want any big gaps, as the nappy needs to be able to contain any unexpected number twos.
Then…
SPLASH!
When swimming is finished, take the Popper & Pocket off and change your little one into their normal absorbent cloth nappy.
The Golden Rule: Inserts OUT for Swimming
We'll say this one again because it's important.
Never use your Popper & Pocket with its absorbent inserts in the swimming pool.
The inserts will absorb the surrounding water and become incredibly heavy.
So remember:
Everyday nappy = inserts IN.
Swimming nappy = inserts OUT.
Easy peasy.
It's All About the Fit
When using a reusable swim nappy, a good fit around the legs and waist is really important.
Remember, the aim isn't to keep water out. Water will naturally move in and out of a swim nappy.
What we're trying to keep in is something else entirely.
Check that there aren't any obvious gaps around your little one's legs and that the waist is comfortably snug before they get into the water.
Going for the Day? Pack a Couple
If you're heading to the beach, pool or splash park for the whole day, we'd recommend taking two or three Popper & Pockets.
Because if there's a poo…
That swim nappy's shift is officially over.
Pop it into your wet bag, grab a clean one and let the splashing continue.
Unlike disposable swim nappies, your Popper & Pocket can simply be washed, dried and used again.
And again.
Don't Forget Your Wet Bag!
There is one universal truth about taking children swimming:
Everything comes home wet.
Swimming costumes. Towels. Reusable swim nappies. Random socks that somehow weren't even near the pool.
A Little Lovebum Wet Bag or POD is therefore your pool-bag best friend.
Use it to keep your wet Popper & Pockets and swimming costumes safely contained until you get home.
No soggy surprises at the bottom of your bag.
What to Pack in Your Little Lovebum Swimming Bag
Here's our quick checklist for a day of splashing:
- 2–3 Popper & Pockets for swimming
- Normal absorbent cloth nappies for before and afterwards
- Reusable wipes
- Little Lovebum Wet Bag or POD for wet items
- Changing mat
- Towel
- Spare clothes
- Sun hat
- Suitable sun protection
- Snacks and drinks
- Swimming or beach toys
And approximately 47 other things your toddler insists are absolutely essential.
Obviously.
One Nappy. Two Jobs.
We're big fans of baby products that work a little harder.
And being able to turn a nappy you already own into a reusable swim nappy simply by removing the inserts is exactly our kind of thing.
No separate disposable swim nappies to keep buying.
No extra swim nappy sitting forgotten in a drawer for 11 months of the year.
Just grab your Popper & Pocket, take the inserts out and go.
Pool. Beach. Holiday. Splash park. Paddling pool.
Same Popper & Pocket. Very different adventure.
Happy splashing!
Little Lovebum x
Quick FAQs
Can I use a cloth nappy as a swim nappy?
A suitable cloth nappy shell can be used as a reusable swim nappy without its absorbent inserts. The Little Lovebum Popper & Pocket can be used this way — remove the inserts before your little one enters the water.
Do reusable swim nappies hold wee?
No. Swim nappies aren't designed to absorb urine. Their purpose is primarily to help contain poo while allowing water to move through rather than being absorbed.
Can I leave the Popper & Pocket insert inside for swimming?
No. Always remove the absorbent inserts before swimming. Otherwise they'll soak up the surrounding water and become extremely heavy.
Do I put a disposable nappy underneath a reusable swim nappy?
No. The swim nappy should replace your little one's normal nappy while they're in the water. Change them into it immediately before swimming and back into an absorbent nappy afterwards.
How many reusable swim nappies should I take swimming?
We recommend taking two or three if you're going to be out for several hours. If one gets soiled, you'll have a clean one ready to go.