Swim diapers
Kerri Stalton

When you think of a day out at the beach with your little baby, public rest rooms and common sinks naturally come into the mind. In such a scenario, diapering your baby can get uncomfortable as well as unhygienic. Swim diapers offer a clean and safe solution. Many public swimming pools even make it mandatory for babies who are not toilet trained to wear swim diapers.
Why disposable diapers do not foot the bill:
Modern disposable diapers have super absorbent crystals that turn into gel when they become wet. These gels absorb a tremendous amount of water. The more water the diaper absorbs, the heavier it becomes. Sagging diapers squishy with water and poop are not comfortable or hygienic. If the gel material bursts, it can cause extensive damage by clogging drains.
Bacterial contamination into the water is another reason why disposable diapers cannot be used in water. Swimming, relaxing or recreational activities in water bodies like swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers and water parks is one of the most popular activities across the world. Both young and old alike enjoy these activities, and now, it is not unusual to see a baby barely 6 months old getting into the pool with his parents. However, it might probably come as a shock to you that more than 15,000 people became ill from swimming or frolicking in these kinds of water bodies in the last few years alone. Most of these illnesses were diarrheal diseases that people get by accidentally swallowing water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. Baby poop is one of the surest ways in which feces get into water.
Most disposable diapers allow both the fecal matter as well as water to escape through the sides. If feces get into the pool water, immediate evacuation is a must. The water will have to be treated to make it safe.
Advantages of swim diapers:
Since community pools are used by a large number of people, outbreaks of waterborne diseases can be very large. Any setting in which a number of people share the same water is prone to an outbreak. Even the fountain-style attractions where little children play can be contaminated. That is why many public utilities like a swimming pool or a water park make swim diapers a must. A swim diaper is basically a tight fitting plastic pant with a rubber or plastic lining worn under a swimsuit. Swim diapers are designed to hold in solid waste, even though urine may seep through. This is especially useful if your baby has not been potty trained and gets a bowel movement when in the pool. Many States make it mandatory for children below 30 months to wear swim diapers.
Swim diapers hold solid waste inside, thus preventing the spread of bacteria like E.Coli
Swim diapers do not burst in water. So there is no danger of clogging pool filters
Since swim diapers do not absorb water, they do not become heavy
Swim diapers can be washed and reused throughout the season.

Many people assume that they cannot get sick in water that has been treated by chlorine. But this is not completely true. As such it is advisable to wash your children thoroughly before and after they come from the pool. Take your children for bathroom breaks often. Do not use the poolside for changing diapers. Always use swim diapers, or swimsuits that have swim diapers stitched into them. This not only ensures your child's safety, but also helps you do your part to ensure the safety of the water.