Accidents happen – but when a ‘Code Brown’ strikes in a swimming pool, it can lead to water contamination, pool closures and cancelled lessons, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for everyone involved. 

That’s why at Turtle Tots, like most swim schools, we require every baby and toddler to wear a double-nappy system at every class. This protects all our swimmers and ensures everyone can enjoy uninterrupted lessons and focus on having fun and building water confidence.  

What is the double nappy system? 

The double nappy system consists of two layers of protection: 

1. An under-nappy – either a reusable swim nappy or a disposable swim nappy. 

1. A correctly fitting neoprene swim nappy worn on top. 

This combination creates a snug seal around your baby’s waist and thighs, helping to contain solids and prevent leaks into the water. 

But – and we can’t stress this enough – even with the double-nappy system in place, if you even suspect that your little one is filling their nappy, it’s crucial that you hop out of the pool for a quick check and change before returning to your session. It’s all about preventing disruption and keeping everyone in the water safely. 

 Your under-nappy options 

When it comes to your baby’s under-nappy, you can choose between a disposable or a reusable option – here’s how they compare: 

 

Disposable under-nappy	Reusable under-nappy
A single-use, non-absorbent nappy that won’t swell in water.    ✔️Convenient for travel or holidays.     ✔️Easy for quick changes.  ❗️Creates ongoing waste and higher long-term cost.	A washable, eco-friendly under-nappy made from soft, quick-drying fabric.    ✔️Sustainable and gentle on skin.  ✔️Long-lasting and cost-effective.  ❗You’ll need two or more to rotate between washes.

 

At Turtle Tots, we encourage the use of reusable under-nappies whenever possible, as they have a lower environmental impact. But we understand that every family has different circumstances, so whether you use reusables or disposables, the most important thing is that you adhere to the double-nappy system and ensure your baby’s outer swim nappy is a snug, secure fit. 

Getting the perfect fit 

A correctly fitting baby swim nappy may feel like a bit of a struggle to get on the very first time you use it, but a snug fit is essential – this is the key to keeping your little one comfortable and the pool clean. 

Here’s what to look out for when fitting your baby’s neoprene swim nappy: 

• The Lycra bands at the legs and waist should sit snugly against baby’s skin with no gaping. 

• You should be able to fit one finger inside and around the leg cuff – but no more. 

• The waistband should sit comfortably high. 

• The neoprene nappy should completely cover the under-nappy. 

It’s also important to look out for signs that it’s time to size up or replace your swim nappy. If it keeps slipping down, it may not fit correctly, or the Lycra fibres in the waistband could have degraded. To test this, gently pull the waistband and let go – it should snap back snugly against the skin. If there’s any looseness, it’s time for a new one. 

All Turtle Tots teachers are trained to spot a poorly fitting swim nappy and can help you check the fit before your lesson, so you can enjoy happy splashing with complete peace of mind.

How to care for your neoprene swim nappy 

With the proper care, a neoprene swim nappy can last until your little one outgrows it – and can often be passed on to a sibling or friend.

Smaller sizes are outgrown quickly due to frequent growth spurts, but once your baby reaches the larger sizes, they’ll last much longer.

Follow these simple steps to help your swim nappy last longer: 

• After use, hand rinse in cold water as soon as possible to remove chlorine. 

• If your nappy has been soiled, wash it at 30°C with a gentle detergent. 

• Do not use fabric softener. 

• Dry away from a heat source and in the shade. 

• Do not tumble dry. 

• Do not iron. 

 

Swim Nappies FAQs 

Q. What’s the difference between a swim nappy and a regular nappy? A swim nappy is designed to hold solids, not liquids. Unlike regular nappies, it won’t absorb water or swell up in the pool, allowing your baby to move freely and comfortably. Swim nappies help keep the pool clean while ensuring your little one can splash and play without restriction. 

Q. How do I know what size swim nappy to buy for my baby? Disposable swim under-nappies are sized for your baby’s weight, just like regular nappies.  

Many reusable under-nappies are adjustable for different sizes, but always check the specific sizing of the brand you’re buying. 

A correctly fitting neoprene outer nappy should be snug at the waist and thighs with no gaps. You should just be able to slide one finger comfortably between the Lycra band and your baby’s leg. If it feels loose or slips down, it’s too big. For more help, ask your Turtle Tots teacher to help you find the perfect fit. 

Q. Can I use a normal nappy for swimming if I forgot the swim nappy? No – normal nappies aren’t suitable for swimming. They quickly fill with water, become heavy, and can leak. If you forget your swim nappy, please speak to your teacher before class, as they may have spares available to buy. 

Q. How many reusable swim nappies do I need for regular swimming lessons? Most families find that two reusable swim nappies work well – one to wear and one spare (always have it with you when you go swimming, in case of accidents).  

Q. What happens if my baby has a bowel movement in the pool? Don’t panic! If you think your baby might be filling their nappy, leave the pool straight away for a quick change. If your swim nappies have done their job, there should be no cause for concern, but always check for leaks and let your teacher know immediately if the poo has not been fully contained, as the pool water may need to be treated for contamination.   

Q. How do I wash and care for reusable swim nappies? Rinse your baby’s reusable swim nappy in cold water as soon as possible after each swim. If it’s soiled, wash it at 30°C with a mild detergent, but don’t use fabric softener. Dry flat and out of direct sunlight, and avoid tumble drying or ironing as heat can degrade the neoprene. 

Q. Do swim nappies work for breastfed babies with runny poos? Yes – and that’s exactly why we use the double-nappy system. The snug neoprene outer layer forms a seal around the legs and waist to help contain even runny poos, providing effective protection for breastfed babies. 

Q. Why do some pools require specific colours or types of swim nappies? Some venues ask for particular colours or brands so teachers can easily see that every baby is wearing the correct double nappy system at a glance. 

 

Ready to jump in? 

You’ll find a full range of swim nappies and accessories in the Turtle Tots Shop, including reusable under-nappies, neoprene outer nappies, and the innovative Happy Nappy DUO – an all-in-one solution that meets our double-nappy policy while being simple to use and more environmentally friendly. 

Our collection includes a variety of colours, sizes and fits for every stage, along with neoprene wraps and baby swimwear to help keep your little one warm and comfortable in the water. 

👉 Explore the collection: CLICK HERE

👉 Find a Turtle Tots baby swimming lesson near you: CLICK HERE