I’ve been a regular user of disposable swim diapers with all of my girls. Not only do I feel guilty about adding even more diapers to landfills, but I really don’t have confidence in them, even though they are “pool approved” everywhere we go. I find it suspicious that they remain very flat even after much swimming. I’d think that if diaper technology had really advanced that far, there would be no need to regular diapers to swell so immensely with size…

So, I’ve been on the lookout for a reliable, reusable, swim diaper for my infant. I am currently leaning toward this Sun Smarties model. It is made of soft microfiber with a  terry liner. They are available in several colors and can be purchased for $12.95 each at onestepahead.com. I’m hoping this will take a little of the worry out of my summer!

Here is a way to bring a whole new level of fun to bath or pool time. These Monster Towels from Yikestwins are as cute as can be. They are designed for kids from 2-8, and cut generously, so you will get a lot of use out each towel. They are made from 100% cotton, so they are super-cozy, and they absorb water well. We have some similar animal towels that are a favorite at our house, but these are far cuter. You can purchase one for $38 at ittikid.com. One of these would make a fun gift too.

With summer just around the corner, many children’s thoughts turn to fun in the water. And many parents begin worrying about water safety. For the child who can’t swim yet or is just learning to swim, Stearns has a new line of life jackets especially made for children, PuddleJumpers. Designed to give kids stability and at the same time allow kids to have free movement in the water, PuddleJumpers are U.S. Coast Guard-approved. They come in Green Frog, Orange Smile, and Red Ladybug, and accommodate children from 30 to 50 lbs. You can view them at StearnsFlotation.com, where they sell for $28.99. Not only do they look like they’d keep your child safe and happy in the water, they’d also allow parents to relax a bit more when their children are in the water.

The Baby Giraffe Monokini Swimsuit by Le Top is a fun swimsuit for little ones. The giraffe applique is cute but also serves to keep this two-piece in one piece. I remember my little girl playing at the beach and inevitably having to pull her swimsuit up or down, depending on which way it was slipping. This suit by Le Top is also fully lined with 100% nylon, the shell is made from 92% cotton and 8% spandex (a little needed give and take).

Sizes range from 12 mos to 4T. It can be purchased for $24.49 at SophiasStyle.com.

Besides being completely darling, these sunsuits contain UPF 50+, the highest level of sun protection AND the bottoms have built-in swim diapers. Usually I’m a disposable diaper mom but at the beach, disposable is soggy and messy PLUS you get to be environmentally responsible & friendly!

The Sun Smarties Tankinis & Swim Diaper is made of quick-drying nylon/spandex that’s softer and silkier than other UPF fabrics and comes in a variety of sizes. Price: $12.99 at onestepahead.com.

With swim season upon us and a not quite potty trained two year old, I’m on the lookout for an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposable swim diapers which, in my opinion, don’t seem to work very well anyway. This may well be the most beautiful swim diaper I have ever seen.

Made by Luna Luna Copenhagen, it is absorbent, reusable, and decorated with beautiful flowers. I’m a little afraid that my daughter wouldn’t leave those flowers alone, but the pool may be a big enough distraction. This piece usually retails for $36, but you can buy one on sale now for $25 at itsaragdollslife.com.