It's 2am, the room is dark, and you're mid way through the forever terrifying, middle of the night nappy change. One rogue popper and everyone is awake.
What if we told you we had the perfect way to solve this never ending problem, making night-time routines that little bit easier.
In this guide, we’ll explain why two-way zip sleepsuits are becoming a must-have for new parents, why so many parents are switching, and how one small design change can mean fewer disruptions, and a lot more precious sleep for everyone.
Contents:
- What are Two-Way Zip Sleepsuits?
- The Benefits
- The Features
- Are there any Downsides?
- Zips Vs Poppers
- Things to Look For
- Questions People Ask Before Choosing
What are Two-Way Zip Sleepsuits?
Picture standard babygrows. Soft. Cosy. Covered in tiny poppers that seem to multiply in the middle of the night.
Now swap them for an easy to use zip that opens from both the top and bottom. These are two way zip up sleepsuits.
With quick and easy access to the lower half of the sleepsuit, they make nappy changes a breeze, without having to fully undress your baby.
Ideal for newborns who need regular night time changing, wriggly babies who make poppers feel like a puzzle, and parents who want to simplify their routine, these sleepsuits are designed with speed, warmth and convenience in mind. Win win!
The Benefits
Faster Night Changes
Less fumbling, less crying, and more importantly, less wake up time. Instead of undoing multiple poppers, you unzip, change, zip back up. It feels too good to be true, right?
Keeps Baby Warmer
Baby’s chest and arms stay cosy and covered when changing, which helps prevent that wide eyed “well I’m awake now” moment.
Easier for New Parents
No more misaligned poppers. We all know the feeling discovering at the top that you missed one at the bottom.
Less Likely to Open
Poppers can sometimes pop open under pressure from kicks and wriggles. A good quality zip tends to stay secure, keeping everything neatly in place.
The Features
Zips from the Top and Bottom - a dual zip system allows you to open from either direction.
Specific Access - you can unzip from the feet upwards, change the nappy, and zip back down without removing the entire sleepsuit. You can also unzip from the top too if needed!
Designed for Quick Nappy Changes - everything about the design supports speed and simplicity. Changing your baby has never been quicker.
Easy Peasy - no popper puzzles and no midnight rebuttoning marathons. Just zip, change, zip, done.
Top tip:
Use zip babygrows for travel.
Quick changes in prams, car seats and on the go trips become much simpler. You can access what you need without fully undressing your baby.
Are There Any Downsides?
Ok, so we know that zipped sleepsuits are a game-changer for new parents, but nobody's perfect, right?
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Some parents simply prefer traditional poppers. They like the familiarity and the ability to open just specific sections.
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Poor quality zips can be stiff or scratchy. This is why soft zip guards and smooth, well stitched finishes matter.
Like most parenting choices, it often comes down to preference and product quality.
Zips vs Poppers
Poppers have been the long standing staple of baby sleepsuits. They work, they are familiar, and many parents grew up with them.
A babygrow zipper streamlines the process. One smooth motion replaces multiple fastenings.
| Zips | Poppers | |
| Pros |
• Faster to open and close • Easier for night-time changes • Two-way zips keep baby’s top half warm • Less likely to come undone • Simpler for new parents |
• Can open specific sections • Familiar and traditional • If one popper breaks, the suit may still be usable |
| Cons |
• Quality matters • If the zip breaks, the suit is usually unusable |
• Slower during changes • Fiddly in low light • Easy to misalign poppers • Can pop open with wriggly babies |
At the end of the day both do the same job. The difference lies in how smoothly you want those 3am moments to unfold.
Things to Look For
Not all baby zip sleepsuits are created equal. A few thoughtful details can make all the difference between “why didn’t we do this sooner?” and “back to poppers we go.”
Soft, breathable fabric
Babies cannot regulate their temperature as easily as adults, so thermoregulating materials like bamboo is ideal.
Top Tip:
Also try hypoallergenic fabrics as they are perfect for sensitive skin!
Zip guard to protect baby’s chin
Look for soft fabric at the top of the zip to cover it. This small guard sits between the zip and your baby’s skin, protecting delicate chins and necks from rubbing or pinching.
True double zip design
Some sleepsuits have a zip, but only in one direction. A genuine two way zip opens from both the top and the bottom.
Wash durability
Sleepsuits live hard lives. Frequent washes, milk spills, nappy leaks and repeat wear are part of the job description. Look for fabrics that hold their shape, and zips that remain smooth even after many spins round the washing machine.
Top Tip:
Be sure to get the right size. Too tight and it can be uncomfortable, and too loose may bunch up or twist.
Questions People Ask Before Choosing
How many sleepsuits does a newborn need?
Newborns go through frequent outfit changes thanks to nappy leaks and spilt milk (pun totally intended). As mentioned by the NHS, most parents find 6 sleepsuits in the first few weeks is a practical starting point.
If you prefer less frequent washing, 8 to 10 offers more flexibility. Babies grow quickly in the early weeks, so avoid overbuying in newborn sizes.
What to dress baby in for sleep?
Dress your baby based on the room temperature, rather than the season. In a room between 16 and 20°C, a breathable bamboo or cotton sleepsuit with an appropriate tog baby sleeping bag usually works well.
Top Tip:
Check baby’s chest or neck rather than hands or feet. If they feel sweaty, remove a layer. If their chest feels cool, add one.
Do sleepsuits with a zip have any other features?
Many zip sleepsuits include great extras. Some features include fold over scratch mitts (in smaller sizes), and built in feet for warmth.
If you are craving smoother night changes, fewer wake ups and a little less 2am frustration, a two way zip sleepsuit could be a simple upgrade worth trying.
Of course, some parents will always prefer traditional poppers, and that is completely fine. What matters most is what works for your baby and your routine.
Still curious? Explore the collection and see how a small change can make a surprisingly big difference.