The 'Double Nappy System'

What Is The Double Nappy System?

When it comes to swimming with your little ones it is incredibly important to get your swim nappy combination right. Even the smallest poo accident in a pool will lead to it being evacuated and closed, with hours then being spent on cleaning it. Swimming lessons would need to be cancelled and this would disrupt a lot of people’s routines. In order to prevent these events from happening the best swim nappy combo to opt for– and one that is often now compulsory in most pools– is the double nappy system.

What Is The Double Nappy System?

The double nappy system is just that, 2 nappies to give double the protection from leaks. This should consist of an under nappy which could be reusable or disposable, with a snug-fitting neoprene nappy over the top. The first nappy should, in theory, do the job on its own but we all know how those occasional poo explosions can happen out of the blue which is why the neoprene nappy over the top is essential.

The Under Nappy

The nappy you choose to use underneath is just as important as the neoprene you opt for. These need to fit correctly, not have any signs of wear or tear and also need to be reliable. Disposables have been a very popular option in the past but they are often known to be flimsy. The sides have the feature of being able to rip easily which is perfect when you are finished with your swim and you want to get your little one dry and warm as quickly as possible but they do also run the risk of ripping at other times especially when you are getting them on and if any pulling occurs. Another downside of using disposables is the fact that they are only used for a very short space of time and are then thrown away. The impact on the environment is a negative one with disposables causing 1.5-2.5 more CO₂ production during manufacturing, use and waste processing compared to reusable swim nappies.

Choosing a reusable will not only help the environment but will also save you money in the long-run as the nappy should last your child until they grow out of it and it can then be passed down to a sibling, to a friend or sold on. The Splash About under nappy is not only soft and comfortable for your child to wear, it also comes with velcro fastenings which make getting them on and off a breeze. And if you are concerned about dealing with a pooey situation, you can team it up with a nappy liner which is designed to catch any waste for you to easily dispose of.

The Neoprene Nappy

The neoprene nappy is added over the top of the under nappy to keep any leaks contained, preventing them from entering the pool. This nylon reusable nappy needs to fit snugly around their tummies and legs in order to work correctly which means it is extremely important to get the right size and not to purchase a nappy for them to grow into. To begin with, it may seem like the neoprene feels too tight but once on, you will know if it fits by testing that you can happily pop a finger into the bands. The waistband should sit over the top of the belly button and not slide down. If you do see movement it is an indication that your nappy is too big. You need to feel confident in the fact that your nappy will stay in place during the swim.

Recommended: The Splash About Happy Nappy is endorsed by parents worldwide and is recommended by 90% of UK swim schools making it a perfect choice to go over your under nappy.

“Ergonomically designed to move with the baby as they kick and move about in the water, the Happy Nappy is shaped to cup baby’s bottom, whilst specialist waist and thigh ribs fit snugly to the child’s body, forming a seal that prevents any solids leaking out.”

You will need to regularly inspect your neoprene nappy for any signs of wear and tear but these are usually fairly obvious with the most important areas being the lycra bands. Once these deteriorate it is time to purchase a new nappy in order to provide a nappy system that will allow your little to swim happily in without leaving any accidents behind!

It is also very important to remember that this double nappy system needs to be worn for all children who are not potty trained and for those who still are not fully confident in letting you know when they need to go to the toilet. Providing them with this swimwear ensures that everybody can enjoy their swim without the worry of any little accidents.

Article by Emma Reed – Author, Blogger and Freelance Writer.

Lasted checked for accuracy and updated 23rd April 2023.

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