Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Baby clothes that open at the front, unzip from the bottom or slide down over the shoulders make dressing and nappy changes far quicker when one of your hands is busy holding, feeding or steadying your baby.
With a newborn you rarely have two free hands. One rocks or feeds; the other answers the phone, grabs a burp cloth, pushes the pram or reaches for tea before it goes cold. Then a nappy needs changing right now, and the outfit either helps you or gets in the way.
Why dressing a baby feels so hard
Babies wriggle, kick and grab at everything within reach, so a simple change can turn into a small wrestling match. Some clothes make it harder than it needs to be:
- buttons at the back
- rows of tiny snaps that never line up
- tight neck openings that are awkward to pull over a small head
- layers that bunch and twist
- fabric that does not stretch when your baby does
Add broken sleep and it is no surprise that outfit changes feel like a lot. The features below take some of that effort away.
What makes baby clothes easy to manage one handed
Front opening designs
Clothes that open all the way down the front let you lay your baby down, place the garment and fasten it without flipping or turning them. The American Academy of Pediatrics advice on dressing your newborn suggests choosing clothes that snap or zip down the front rather than the back, with snaps or zips down the legs for nappy changes. The traditional front open jabla your mother or grandmother may suggest does exactly this, and it means less handling at night.
Two way zippers
A two way zipper opens from the bottom, so you can change a nappy without undressing your baby completely. That keeps them warmer and calmer during night changes. The Lavender Twinkle Infant Zipper Romper, for example, is 100% cotton with a two way zipper, full sleeves and built in footies.
Envelope necks
Overlapping envelope necklines let you slide a bodysuit down over the shoulders instead of pulling it over the head, which is a real help after a leaky nappy.
Stretchy, soft fabric
The same AAP page recommends stretchy fabric and warns against tight bands around the arms, legs or neck. Soft, breathable cotton that gives a little makes it easier to guide arms through sleeves. A tip from the AAP: put your hand into the sleeve from the outside, hold your baby's hand and draw it through, rather than pushing the arm in.
Simple waistbands and no strings
Soft elastic waistbands slip on and off in seconds. Skip clothes with ribbons or strings, which the AAP warns can wrap around the neck.
Tag free labels
Printed or tag free labels avoid a stiff tag rubbing against your baby's neck or back.
Ready made sets or mix and match basics?
Both work; it depends on your routine.
- Ready made sets need no planning and look put together for outings and daycare.
- Mix and match basics in neutral colours give more outfits from fewer pieces and suit everyday wear.
A small wardrobe that you repeat often is easier than a big one. Front open jablas, zipper rompers and simple infant sets cover most days.
When easy clothing helps most
- Night changes: dim lights, a half awake parent and a baby who should be asleep. Quick access outfits get everyone back to bed sooner.
- Busy mornings: doctor visits, vaccinations or a family outing. Easy outfits remove one delay.
- Travel and errands: car seat straps and small changing rooms are easier with fewer fastenings.
- Your own recovery: in the weeks after birth, clothes that are quick to manage mean less fiddling while you heal.
Small habits that save time
- Keep a grab and go drawer with everyday basics within reach of the changing area.
- Choose rompers that work for both naps and play.
- Pack a spare outfit or two in the nappy bag.
- Pick fabrics that handle frequent washing.
If dressing your baby feels harder than you expected, that is normal while you both learn a rhythm. You can browse styles in the infant and newborn clothing collection.
