The Great Debate: Zippers vs. Snaps for Baby Clothing

As you prepare for the arrival of your bundle of joy, one decision that often comes up is the choice between zippers and snaps for baby clothing. It may seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact your daily routine. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the zipper vs. snaps debate and the practical considerations to help you make an informed decision that suits your baby's needs and your parenting journey.

UpChoose offers sustainable, high-quality, organic baby clothing that caters to your unique needs and preferences. If you're looking for personalized options on the best fastener for your baby's clothing, UpChoose has got you covered. Whether you prefer zippers, snaps, or a mix of both, you can curate your ideal collection with us.

Take our style quiz to curate a set just for you!

A Brief History: From Snaps to Zippers and Back

Zippers were first patented in 1851 by Elias Howe, who is also credited with inventing the sewing machine. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that zippers became more commonly used in newborn clothes and baby onesies. The simplicity and efficiency of zippers made them a convenient fastening option for various garments, including onesies, sleepers, and jackets.

Snaps, on the other hand, have a longer history and were introduced earlier than zippers. The precise date of their introduction in children and baby clothing is more challenging to pinpoint. Today, both fasteners have their place in the baby clothing industry, catering to different needs and preferences.

So, What’s the Difference?

So, what sets zippers apart from snaps? Zippers offer speed and simplicity, making them an ideal choice for easy diaper changes and active babies. They provide a secure fastening that keeps pace with your little one's movements. Conversely, snaps offer a level of customizability that zippers don't. They provide a gentle closure, adjustable to fit your baby as they grow. Snaps are particularly useful when you need to accommodate medical equipment or aim for a snug fit without disturbing your newborn baby's comfort. While both fasteners have their unique advantages, the choice between zippers and snaps ultimately boils down to your individual needs, preferences, and your baby's comfort.

Recent UpChoose polls consistently show that over 80% of parents prefer zippers for their ease of use and time-saving benefits. This highlights how important zippers are to busy parents who want to make the most of their time and keep their little ones happy and comfortable.

The Practicality of Zippers: Convenience at Your Fingertips

When it comes to those late-night diaper changes or dressing a squirmy baby, zippers offer a world of convenience. A single smooth zip can save you precious minutes and keep your little one comfortable.

In fact, zippers offer more benefits than just convenience. They also provide a more secure fastening for your baby's clothing, ensuring that they are safe and comfortable at all times. Additionally, zippers are perfect for active babies who are always on the move, as they can keep up with their energetic movements.

UpChoose baby wearing a zipper footie—zippers are often found on footed pajamas (credit: @corrinaveee)

The Versatility of Snaps: Gentle and Customizable

While zippers are favored by many parents for their convenience and efficiency, snaps can be a great option in certain situations. For example, snaps provide a gentle closure and adjustability that can ensure a snug fit without compromising your baby's comfort. This adjustability also means that snaps can be customized to fit your baby as they grow, making them a practical choice for long-term wear.

In addition, snaps can be particularly helpful in situations where you need to dress your baby quickly, but without the stress of a zipper, or when you require easy access during diaper changes. Snaps also provide a flexible closure that can accommodate wires, tubes, and other medical equipment your baby may need, especially in the newborn size.

Overall, while zippers may be the preferred option for many parents, having some outfits with snaps can be a good idea, especially at the newborn size, as they offer a gentle and customizable option that can cater to your baby's unique needs and growth.

UpChoose baby wearing a snaps onepiece—snaps are often found on baby onepieces and baby rompers (credit: @ivonne_montano_studio)

Use Case Spotlight: Finding the Right Fastener for Every Situation

Let's take a closer look at some real-life scenarios where the choice between zippers and snaps can make a difference:

• Quick Diaper Changes: Picture this - it's 3 a.m., and your baby needs a diaper change. Zippers come to the rescue, allowing you to swiftly unzip and replace the diaper in the middle of the night without disturbing their sleep.

• NICU/Nursing Needs: For parents with babies in the NICU or those who need constant medical care, snaps offer flexibility and accessibility, making it easier to accommodate wires, tubes, or other medical equipment.

• Dressing on the Go: If you're always on the move, juggling multiple tasks, zippers provide the speed and efficiency you need. They're perfect for dressing your little one in a flash during busy mornings or while out and about.

UpChoose's Personalization: The Best of Both Worlds

At UpChoose, we believe in empowering parents to make choices that best suit their needs when it comes to baby products. That's why we offer the flexibility to customize your organic baby clothing sets. Whether you prefer zippers, snaps, or a mix of both, you can curate the best baby clothing for your ideal collection. As your baby's needs evolve, you can easily update your preferences to ensure they always have the perfect clothing options.

The choice between zippers and snaps for baby clothing is a personal one, influenced by practicality, preferences, and individual parenting styles. Both fasteners have their unique advantages and can cater to different situations. At UpChoose, we understand that every parent's journey is unique, and we're here to support you with personalized options. Whether you're team zippers or team snaps, we have you covered. Join us in creating a more sustainable future for our little ones, one clothing choice at a time. Take our style quiz to curate a set just for you!

Read next: Why Is Organic Cotton Better for Babies?