Every parent has a story about the outfit with fourteen snaps, all slightly misaligned, fastened at 3am in the dark. Baby clothes can be adorable and practical at the same time, and in the first year practical tends to win.
Here's what makes baby clothes easy to change, and what to look for when you're shopping.
Zips vs. snaps
Snaps aren't bad. They're just slower, especially with a wriggly baby. A zipper opens and closes in one pull, which is why so many parents end up reaching for the same zip-up outfits over and over.
- A front zip is quick and easy for grandparents and babysitters too. The Sprig hooded zip romper zips down the front and is made from 95% cotton, with ribbed cuffs and a little pouch pocket.
- A zip that runs down one leg to the foot opens the whole romper wide for diaper changes. The Critter fleece romper works this way, with a tab at the neck.
Footed or footless?
Footed rompers keep toes warm with nothing to lose. Babies are experts at kicking socks off somewhere between the car and the park. Critter has covered feet for exactly that reason.
Footless styles are better once your baby starts pulling up and cruising, since bare feet or soft shoes grip better than fabric. Sprig is footless, open at the ankle.
Pull-on bodysuits for quick outfits
A pull-on bodysuit with gathered leg openings goes on over the head in seconds. Look for a wide, ribbed neck that stretches easily. The Rex dinosaur bodysuit is a relaxed, long-sleeve cotton knit with a ribbed crew neck, in sizes 1–3M to 9–12M.
Soft shoes for early walkers
Once your baby is cruising and taking first steps, soft-soled shoes protect little feet at home without restricting them. The Kick soft-sole sneakers have a flexible cotton sole and a high-top cut with a heel pull tab. Soft soles are for indoor and light use, and barefoot is still great whenever you can.
How to size baby clothes
- Go by length and chest, not age. Babies grow at their own pace, and sizes vary by brand.
- Between sizes, size up. A little room lasts longer and makes changes easier.
- For shoes, measure the foot from heel to longest toe and add a little room.
A quick word on sleep
Everyday playwear like hoodies and fleece rompers isn't meant as sleepwear. For sleep, follow current safe sleep guidance and dress your baby in sleep-appropriate clothing. Take hoods down in car seats and for naps.
Questions parents ask
How many outfits does a baby need?
Plan for a few outfits a day in the early months, since spit-up and blowouts happen. Many parents find 7 to 10 everyday outfits per size is plenty.
Are zip rompers better than snap rompers?
For speed, usually yes. Snaps can be handy for quick diaper-only access on some styles, so plenty of families keep a mix.
When should babies start wearing shoes?
Barefoot is great indoors. Soft-soled shoes help once babies cruise or walk on cooler floors or short outings.
Keep them soft for longer with our guide on how to wash baby clothes.
Ready for first steps? Read when babies need shoes and what to look for.
Browse rompers, bodysuits and first shoes in our Clothing collection.
