Charlie Banana Swim Diapers: Drawstring vs. Snap — Which One Is Right for Your Child?
Charlie Banana Swim Diapers:
Drawstring vs. Snap
Same TENCEL®-lined comfort, same leak protection — the closure is where these two styles really differ. Here's how to pick the right one for your child's age and stage.
- Age & mobility: Younger babies who can't yet stand still need a closure that's fast and secure for a caregiver to fasten. Older toddlers who wriggle away benefit from a style they can help pull on themselves.
- Potty training stage: If your toddler is learning to use the potty, a diaper that pulls up and down like underwear makes practice changes much easier.
- Fit customisation: Side snaps let you fine-tune the leg and waist opening for a snugger seal, which matters most for younger, less mobile babies.
- Ease of changing: Both styles are designed for quick changes poolside, but each shines at a different age.
Drawstring Swim Diapers
An adjustable drawstring at the waist lets these pull up and down like a regular swim bottom — just cinch and go. The wide back and leg elastics keep solids contained, and the quick on/off design makes them a favourite for wriggly babies and potty-training toddlers who don't want to lie still for a change.
Reusable Swim Diaper Drawstring — Hello Sunshine
TENCEL® Lyocell lining and a waterproof outer layer, cinched with a simple pull-cord waist. No fumbling with snaps when your toddler is already halfway to the pool.
Best for: 18 months – 4 years
Reusable Swim Diaper Drawstring — Banana Fiesta
A fun, bold print with the same easy pull-up design. Great for toddlers who are already dressing themselves and want to help with swim time too.
Best for: 18 months – 4 years
Reusable Swim Diaper Drawstring — Mr Dragon
Same wide elastic waist and leg openings for solid containment, with a playful dragon print. A solid pick for confident, mobile toddlers.
Best for: 18 months – 4 years
Snap Swim Diapers
Side-opening snaps let a caregiver lay baby down and fasten a snug, customisable fit around the waist and legs — no need for baby to stand or step in. That makes snaps the easier, more secure choice for younger infants who are still being changed lying down and can't yet cooperate with a pull-up style.
Reusable Swim Diaper Snaps — Seally
Opens fully flat on both sides for a lie-down change, then snaps closed for a snug, adjustable fit. Ideal when baby isn't yet standing on their own.
Best for: 3 – 18 months
Reusable Swim Diaper Snaps — Hello Sunshine
The same soft TENCEL® lining as the drawstring version, in an easy-snap design that's simple for grandparents and caregivers to fasten correctly every time.
Best for: 3 – 18 months
Reusable Swim Diaper Snaps — The Whale on White
Available down to an XS fit, making it one of the few options sized for the smallest swimmers on their very first pool day.
Best for: 0 – 12 months
Sizing & Age Guide
Charlie Banana swim diapers are sized by weight, not age, since babies grow at very different rates. Use this as a starting point, then check the fit around the legs and waist before heading into the water.
| Size | Weight | Approx. age | Recommended closure |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | Under 14 lbs (~6.5 kg) | 0 – 6 months | Snap |
| S | 11 – 16 lbs (~5 – 7 kg) | 3 – 9 months | Snap |
| M | 16 – 21 lbs (~7 – 9.5 kg) | 9 – 18 months | Snap or Drawstring |
| L | 21 – 27 lbs (~9.5 – 12 kg) | 18 months – 3 years | Drawstring |
| XL | 28 – 55 lbs (~12.5 – 25 kg) | 3 – 6 years | Drawstring |
Not all colourways are available in every size — XS is currently only offered in select snap prints. Check each product page for in-stock sizes.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both styles share the same materials and leak protection — the right pick mostly comes down to your child's age and how much they can do for themselves.
Choose snaps for younger babies
If your little one is still being changed lying down, isn't standing independently yet, or you want the most secure, customisable fit around the legs, snaps are the easier and more reliable choice. They're also the better option for first-time swimmers and smaller sizes, since XS is only available in snap styles.
Choose drawstring for mobile toddlers
Once your toddler can stand, walk, and is starting (or has finished) potty training, a drawstring diaper that pulls up and down like underwear makes changes faster and lets them participate. It's also the more forgiving option for a squirmy child who won't lie still for snaps.