Reducing the Environmental Impact of the Double Layer Diaper System
✅ In this blog you'll discover:
- Why the double diaper system matters for keeping pools clean, safe, and comfortable; and how it supports your baby's water adventures.
- Practical eco-friendly alternatives to single-use swim diapers; from Happy Nappy™ and Jammers™ to reusable under diapers and the clever Duo range.
- Tips for choosing, layering, and caring for your baby's swim diapers, plus why this system makes a real difference for every little swimmer and their families.
The double diaper system consists of an inner layer, a disposable or preferably reusable swim diaper, which will contain solids in the case of a “code brown”; and an outer layer, which during your Water Babies lessons will be a neoprene swim diaper, to protect both the swimming pool and the families swimming in it.
As a baby swimming school, we believe it's our responsibility to provide families and caregivers with sustainable alternatives that prioritize both safety and eco-friendliness when it comes to finding the best swim diapers. That's why we partnered with our friends at Splash About, to develop innovative products that keep our pools clean and your little one safe and comfortable in the water, while minimizing reliance on disposable diapers and making pool prep and changing routines as easy as possible.
By offering reusable swim diapers and other eco-friendly solutions, we aim to make life easier for caregivers while staying true to our sustainability goals. Through collaboration and innovation, Water Babies and Splash About are dedicated to facilitating environmentally conscious choices for all families, without compromising on the safety and comfort of their children.
So, let's explore the most eco-conscious ways we can all follow the double diaper system, to keep our pools clean and safe without relying on single-use swim diapers.
1. Choosing your waterproof outer layer
Let’s start with the outer layer. During your Water Babies lessons, this will be your Original Happy Nappy™ or Happy Nappy Duo™ for newborns and younger children, and Jammers™ or Jammers Duo™ for toddlers or whenever your child outgrows the Happy Nappy™ sizes available. Both options are fully reusable and chlorine resistant, so they won't lose their shape or protective elasticity when worn again and again.
There are many brands of reusable swim diapers out there, but Happy Nappy™ products and Jammers™ are the only ranges allowed as the outer layer for the double layer diaper system during your Water Babies lessons. After more than 20 years in the water, we know it's the most reliable swim diaper in the world against solid leaks into the pool, while prioritizing comfort and freedom of movement for young children. This is essential so you and your child can focus on what really matters — bonding and enjoying your time in the water, while progressing their swimming skills.
Developed by Splash About, the award-winning Happy Nappy™ is made from 1mm thick neoprene. This neoprene is much more stretchy and supple than wetsuit material, and because it's polyester-coated neoprene, using recycled polyester, it's also available in a wide range of colorful prints. The Happy Nappy™ includes rib fabric with high rubber content at the waist and thigh cuffs, providing a snug fit. Its unique ergonomic design and patented shape is tailored to fit little ones and move with them, preventing any gaps.
Available from newborns to 3-year-old toddlers, the Happy Nappy™ can be worn for a whole day of water activities, like beach outings. The super soft neoprene is gentle on delicate skin, plus it offers UPF protection from harmful sun rays during outdoor use, making it ideal for summer holidays.
Happy Nappy™ products are also easy to clean and care for. If there weren't any accidents, just rinse with cold clean water after your Water Babies lesson. If needed, you can also wash it in the machine with the rest of your laundry, using a cold cycle and non-bio detergent, then air dry.
Jammers™ are ideal for toddlers and older children, offering the same solid leak protection as Happy Nappy™. They're basically a reusable swim diaper, but in a sporty grown-up short design. Because they look like swim shorts, your little one won’t feel like they're wearing a diaper at all. Jammers™ are also made of super soft and flexible 1mm thick neoprene, featuring the same rib waistband as the Happy Nappy™, but instead of thigh cuffs, they include a medical-grade silicone band inside the leg, forming a discreet seal.
Jammers™ are unisex, available in a wide range of prints and designs. At the beach, they can be worn on their own, but remember for your Water Babies lessons, an under-diaper is required. To be used in conjunction with Jammers™, we recommend the Silver Lining Diaper Wrap, now available up to size 4–5 years.
Just like the Happy Nappy™, Jammers™ can be rinsed in cold clean water or machine washed with the rest of your laundry using a cold cycle and non-bio detergent, then air-dried. You can also roll them in a towel and dry flat away from direct sunlight. Never tumble dry or iron Happy Nappy™ or Jammers™.
2. Choosing your inner layer
The inner layer in the double diaper system is the first layer little ones wear to protect against leaks. If you’re using biodegradable or cloth liners, the inner layer will hold them securely. Your little one will wear this under their Happy Nappy™ or Jammers™. Most baby swimming schools with a double diaper system policy allow either a disposable or reusable swim diaper. Opting for a reusable swim diaper is the most eco-conscious and cost-effective choice, particularly if reused for siblings.
There are plenty of reusable swim diapers available that your little one can wear under their Happy Nappy™ or Jammers™ during Water Babies lessons. On our online store, you can find multiple options designed by Splash About.
- Cotton Diaper Wrap: A gentle cotton layer next to baby's skin, machine washable, with soft Velcro fastening for an adjustable fit.
- Size Adjustable Under Diaper: Features rows of poppers to grow with your child, providing up to one year of use.
- Silver Lining Diaper Wrap: Woven with silver ions proven to kill germs like Cryptosporidium & E.Coli before they enter the water. Helps prevent diaper rash and adds protection beyond chlorine.
If you don't have a reusable swim diaper available as the inner layer, or need an emergency option, you can use an empty pocket diaper. Just remember it must be empty so it doesn't absorb water. This should only be temporary, as chlorine will damage it over time.
3. The DUOs™: a Double Layer Diaper System in one product
The easiest way to follow the double layer diaper system is by choosing a Happy Nappy Duo™ or Jammers Duo™. Why? Because they're a double reusable swim diaper in one! DUOs™ feature a built-in Silver Lining Diaper Wrap, eliminating the need for another layer underneath. It took 4 years of development with virologists and Splash About to create this technology, destroying pathogens like Cryptosporidium, E.Coli, and COVID-19 in its unique silver lining.
Both Happy Nappy Duo™ and Jammers Duo™ are approved as a double diaper system in one, making them the only swim diapers or shorts you'll ever need, while keeping pools safer for everyone.
You can also add biodegradable or cloth liners inside for easier changing and cleaning. Bamboo liners are recommended if your little one tends to poop during swimming.
And that's it! Now you've seen several reusable alternatives to single-use swim diapers, you can perfect the technique of layering reusable swim diapers. With easy instructions and tips, you'll be a pro at getting your little one ready for the water in no time.
4. Why do we insist on the Double Layer Diaper System?
By providing an extra barrier against leaks and containing solids, we’re not only promoting a cleaner swimming environment but ensuring your kiddo’s comfort and safety throughout their water adventures.
In a busy baby swimming school with dozens of children dipping in and out daily, the importance of embracing the double layer diaper system becomes even more significant. By following the double diaper system, we not only prioritize children's well-being, but also help maintain a clean and safe pool for everyone.
Other helpful measures for keeping the pool clean include:
- Shower before entering the pool
- Encourage bathroom breaks
- Wash hands thoroughly after diaper changes or restroom use
- Avoid swimming when sick or experiencing diarrhea
By prioritizing these precautions alongside the double layer diaper system, we can all help create a safer swimming environment for everyone.