Enter the Happy Nappy System: a three part package that includes a stylish pair of UV-protective swim pants, an absorbent cotton nappy wrap and also biodegradable liners, that can be flushed down the loo. The Happy Nappy is £8.35, the Nappy Wrap is £4.99, and the nappy liners are £1.99 for a pack of 25.
The Happy Nappy swim pants work perfectly well on their own to contain any disasters, but the wrap and liners are recommended so your child is easier to clean as you’ll only need to throw the liner down the loo and wash the wrap, rather than the actual swim pants.
You can buy the Splash About Happy Nappy from Splash About.
What we love
I love the look of the Happy Nappy swim pants – very St Tropez. I’m also impressed by how snug the pants are, which leaves me feeling confident that an accident in the pool won’t spell the end of our swimming lesson – or frowns from pool staff.
Despite how tight they are (it is a bit of a heave to get them on – a two man job, we found), my son seems very comfortable in the Happy Nappy. It doesn’t leave red marks or pinch his skin. Crucially, he has worn the Happy Nappy over a dozen times and despite his best efforts, there hasn’t yet been any leakage.
What to watch out for
My main complaints are that the Happy Nappy System is fiddly to put on and that it doesn’t protect from the sun as much as an all in one-suit, so you’re left doing your best to smear on sunscreen.
While on holiday abroad, I found Owen’s UV suit was vital when he was playing outside. It was too sweaty and tricky to squeeze Owen into the Happy Nappy System and the all-in-one UV suit, so I gave up on the nappy part and prioritised the suit. Most of the week, he simply wore the suit and I went back to my old method of trying to catch him before he did a poo. If the company designed a UV suit with an in-built nappy system, then we’d be talking.
When we did go to a public pool, I decided to use the Happy Nappy System, but I didn’t bother with either the liner or the wrap. Getting an overexciting wriggly toddler to lie still so you can fit three layers on his nether regions is easier said than done. For me, it seemed enough to put him in the swim pants - it was certainly a lot quicker, even though it means frequently washing them.
Who is the Splash About Happy Nappy System best for?
Anxious parents who fear the disapproval of other mums and pool staff at baby swim classes.
The Splash About Happy Nappy System is an affordable way to relax at swimming pools, knowing leakage will be avoided. That said, it is fiddly to get on and less suitable for the beach, where sunburn becomes a priority and a full UV suit may be preferable.