When you're shopping for newborn clothes, you probably pay attention to the fabric, the size and of course, how cute everything looks. But there's one detail that's easy to overlook until your baby arrives: how the outfit opens and closes.
I don't think I paid nearly as much attention to this before becoming a mom. Then you start changing diapers several times a day, sometimes in the middle of the night and suddenly those little zippers and snaps become much more important than you expected. So, is one option actually better than the others? I think they all have their advantages, depending on what you're looking for.
Baby Clothes With Zippers
There's a reason so many parents love zip-up sleepers. They're quick and easy to open, which is especially helpful when you're changing diapers throughout the day. Instead of fastening several snaps, you simply pull the zipper up or down. Some sleepers also have two-way zippers, allowing you to open the outfit from the bottom without completely undressing your baby.
But there are a few things I would pay attention to. A zipper should have a fabric covering near the neckline so it doesn't rub against your baby's chin. It should also move smoothly without catching the fabric. Another thing to consider is that many zip-up footies have a zipper that goes down only one leg. This isn't necessarily a problem, but it can make getting the other leg out a little more difficult, especially if your baby is sleeping.
Baby Clothes With Snaps
Snaps are another popular option, and personally, I think they have some advantages that people sometimes overlook. One thing I really like is that, on many footies, the snaps continue all the way down both legs. This means you can open the bottom completely and gently take your baby's legs out for a diaper change without having to move them too much.
I find this especially useful during nighttime changes when you're trying not to wake your baby. With many zip-up footies, the zipper goes down only one leg, so getting the other leg out can be a little trickier. Of course, snaps have their downside too. When you're tired and trying to dress a moving baby, fastening several snaps can take a little patience. And I think almost every parent has experienced getting to the last snap and realizing something doesn't line up. 😅
But for me, being able to open both legs easily is worth those few extra seconds, especially at night.
What About Buttons?
Buttons are something I associate more with classic baby clothing. They can look lovely on cardigans, knitted outfits and special occasion pieces. I especially like how they complement traditional designs.
But for everyday newborn clothes, I wouldn't necessarily choose an outfit with lots of small buttons. They take more time to fasten and when you're changing diapers frequently, practicality matters. It's also important that buttons are securely attached, since loose buttons can become a choking hazard. I think buttons have their place, but I would pay attention to where they're used and how easy the outfit is to put on and take off.
What Would I Choose for the First Few Weeks?
If I were preparing a newborn wardrobe again, I would probably have a combination of footies with snaps and zippers. I think zip-up sleepers are very convenient during the day when you want to change your baby quickly. But for nighttime diaper changes, I actually prefer snaps. They might take a little more patience to fasten, especially when you're tired, but being able to open both legs makes it easier to change your baby without moving them too much.
When your baby is sleeping, the last thing you want is to wake them up just to change a diaper. Of course, every baby is different, and every parent eventually finds what works best for them. But sometimes the option that takes a few extra seconds can make the whole diaper change a little easier.
Don't Forget About the Fabric and Fit
As much as the closure matters, I wouldn't choose baby clothes based on zippers or snaps alone. The fabric should feel soft, the outfit should fit comfortably and there shouldn't be anything unnecessarily bulky or uncomfortable. I also like to look at how easy it is to get the baby's arms and legs into the outfit. A cute footie isn't very useful if dressing your newborn becomes a struggle every time.
At Baby Fil, we chose snaps for our footies because they work well with the classic designs we love. I also appreciate that they allow the outfit to open down both legs, making diaper changes easier without having to move the baby too much. But I wouldn't say that means snaps are the right choice for every parent.
So, Which One Is Best?
I don't think there's one answer. Zippers are convenient, snaps give you more flexibility during diaper changes, and buttons can be a nice detail on certain outfits. Our Baby Fil newborn gift sets include a footie with snaps, a matching hat and a blanket, all made from Peruvian Pima cotton.”
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that the best newborn clothes aren't necessarily the ones that look the cutest on the hanger. They're the ones that are comfortable for your baby and practical for you.
And sometimes, you won't know which style you prefer until you've changed a few diapers at three in the morning. 😊
With love,
Mariana
Heart of Baby Fil