Whether using an outdoor wading pool, a home pool, the beach, or a public swimming pool, nothing feels better than cool water on hot skin. Since most public pools now require an approved swim diaper be worn by babies and toddlers, parents need to find an effective diaper for their child.
E. Coli outbreaks have become a real threat to our society, creating extreme illness and sometimes death to vulnerable children and elderly. The bacterium, Escherichia Coli, or E. coli, is found in the fecal discharge of animals and humans. Unfortunately, many of these outbreaks have been linked to public swimming pools. Even the smallest amount of E. Coli in open water can cause infection to anyone if they swallow contaminated water, or there is an open sore on their skin. The CdiaperDC (Center for Disease Control) reported over 15,000 cases of E. Coli infections in the past 10 years. With proper education and prevention those figures should be decreased by the next decade.
For children who are not potty trained, they are the biggest cause of outbreaks in public pools. Leaks from diapers or swimming suits can easily infect a pool. According to how well a pool is maintained, E. Coli can live for only minutes, or for hours in the water. There are many excellent swim diapers on the market that can prevent accidents from happening and allow a family to enjoy a fun pool day with no worries.
When searching for an approved swim diaper, do not buy regular disposable diapers for your child to swim in. Regular diapers are designed to be water absorbent. If a child is wearing a regular absorbent diaper in the water, the diaper will soon become water logged and fall apart. This not only clogs up a pool’s water filter, but it is a hazard to other swimmers, and also dangerous for the child since it can weigh them down in the water.
Swim diapers are made especially for wearing in the water. The package or tag should clearly state the item is approved for swimming. A waterproof layer on the outside prevents water from entering the diaper, while a soft lining inside keeps the child comfortable. Leg openings should be snug around the child’s legs, but not so tight it cuts off circulation.
There are two different types of swim diapers:
- Disposable swim diapers
- Reusable swim diapers
Disposable swim diapers are meant to only be worn once. They are water proof and will help prevent leakages from happening, but they are not washable and should be thrown away after each use. Also, wearing a disposable swim diaper multiple times will cause it to stretch and make it vulnerable to leakages. Disposable swim diapers can usually be purchased anywhere other disposable diapers are sold. The disposable swim diapers can also be used with a pair of rubber pants for added safety measures. Most public pool areas will also sell disposable swim diapers in case a parent runs out, or forgot to pack them.
Reusable swim diapers come in many different colors and patterns and can be worn over and over since they are washable. Elastic leg bands make the leg and waist openings secure from leakage. You should always have several pairs with you in the case of accidents. For the budget conscious parent, reusable swim diapers make more economical sense because of their durability.
Even when wearing approved swim diapers a child should be checked often for accidents and changed immediately if they have soiled the diaper. Please use the restroom areas for changing diapers and not the pool benches or picnic tables. Also a child should never be allowed to enter a pool if suffering from diarrhea.
All these preventative measures and proper swim attire will help promote a fun and safe family outing at the public pool, or beach,or even in your own backyard.
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