Having a baby and finding adorable baby clothes that are both cute and comfortable for babies can sometimes be confusing. I remember back to when I first became a mom, I was so excited to buy adorable little outfits for my newborn. But then, I realized that some of those adorable clothes came with buttons that were super tiny, I couldn’t help but worry about them coming loose or becoming a choking hazard. As I tried to dress my baby, I also found that those buttons weren’t the easiest to fasten with one hand (which you’ll quickly become an expert at when you’re juggling multiple other things with your little one!). This caused me to start my search for alternatives to buttons that were safe, practical, and still stylish.

Snaps: A Simple and Secure Solution

Snaps are a fantastic alternative to buttons. I can personally vouch for how much easier they are to use, especially when you’re trying to dress a wiggly baby who might not be too thrilled about getting dressed. Unlike buttons, which require precision to fasten, snaps are simple to line up and secure with a gentle press. They also come in a variety of sizes and colors, so you can find snaps that match the outfit and blend seamlessly with the design.

When I used snap-closure onesies for my baby, I appreciated how quickly I could get her dressed and undressed. Plus, I never had to worry about small buttons coming loose or posing a risk of choking. Snaps also tend to be durable, so they hold up well even after many washes.

Zippers: Fast and Efficient

If you’re looking for an option that’s even quicker than snaps, zippers are an excellent choice. Zippers are easy to pull up and down, even with one hand—an essential feature for parents. Whether it’s a full-length zipper or one that runs from the neck to the ankle, zippers are secure and fast, making them great for baby clothes like sleepwear and outerwear.

I used zipper bodysuits during the colder months when it was time for naps or bedtime. The zipper made it super easy to get my baby into her cozy pajamas without any hassle. And the best part? I didn’t have to worry about small fasteners or extra steps. A smooth zipper is all it takes to get the job done.

Velcro: A User-Friendly Option

Velcro fasteners are another alternative that I found to be incredibly practical, especially for those early months when babies are in and out of outfits for diaper changes. The sound of the velcro ripping apart might be a bit alarming at first, but it’s one of the most convenient and secure alternatives to buttons that I came across. Velcro can be found on everything from baby shoes to jackets, and it’s quick and simple to fasten.

There’s something so satisfying about just pulling two pieces of Velcro together, and it’s nice to know that you won’t be struggling with buttons when you’re trying to dress your baby in the middle of the night. I loved that I didn’t have to worry about misaligning fasteners or taking extra time to get it just right. Velcro also doesn’t fade or stretch out easily, so it’s a great long-lasting choice for baby clothes.

Magnetic Closures: A Modern and Sleek Solution

If you want something high-tech yet simple, magnetic closures might be the perfect option for your baby’s clothes. These closures work by using small, discreet magnets sewn into the fabric that “snap” together effortlessly. I remember seeing some baby clothes with these magnetic closures in a boutique, and I was amazed at how smooth and easy it was to get them fastened.

Magnetic closures are especially useful for parents who are always on the go or need to change their baby quickly. The process is fast, and there’s no need to fiddle with small pieces like buttons. Plus, the magnets are usually hidden, making the clothes look sleek and modern without any bulky fasteners. I loved how stylish yet functional these pieces were—especially in newborn outfits where convenience is a must!

Elastic Waistbands and Drawstrings: For Comfort and Flexibility

When dressing your baby, comfort should always come first. Instead of using buttons or zippers, many baby clothes, especially pants and skirts, use elastic waistbands or drawstrings. These offer flexibility and ease of wear, as they don’t require any fastening, but they still provide a secure fit.

When my daughter was learning to sit up and crawl, I used a lot of elastic waistbands in her clothes because they allowed for freedom of movement. They also made diaper changes easier since there were no buttons or zippers getting in the way. Whether it’s for pants, dresses, or rompers, elastic waistbands are a fantastic solution that gives your baby the comfort they need throughout the day.

Ties and Bows: An Adorable Touch

For a more traditional look, ties and bows are an excellent option, especially for dresses or rompers. These can be tied in a way that is both secure and stylish, giving your baby’s outfit a touch of personality. I remember picking out cute dresses for my baby with a bow tie closure at the back, and it was such a cute look.

Tying a bow or knot doesn’t take much time, and it’s a more aesthetic option than traditional buttons. Whether it’s a bow on the back of a romper or a knot on a jacket, ties and bows are charming and customizable. You can also adjust them for comfort, making them a great alternative to rigid fasteners.

T-shirt Style Pull-Ons: A No-Fuss Option

Some of the easiest outfits I found for my baby were T-shirt style pull-ons, where the fabric simply stretches to fit over the head and pulls down without any fasteners at all. These are perfect for a no-fuss day when you don’t want to deal with buttons, zippers, or snaps. Many baby clothes, such as basic onesies or casual shirts, are made this way for convenience.

I loved using pull-on styles during playdates and casual outings. They were quick to get on and off and kept my baby comfortable throughout the day without any interruptions.

Dressing Your Baby Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

As you can see, there are so many great alternatives to buttons on baby clothes. There are so many options to buttons for baby clothes such as zippers, snaps, and elastic waistbands. As a parent, I know how important it is to balance practicality with style, and thankfully, these alternatives provide the best of both worlds.

When you’re shopping for baby clothes or planning your next wardrobe update, keep these options in mind. You’ll be able to dress your baby with ease, comfort, and a lot less stress. After all, there’s enough to juggle as a parent—buttoning up tiny clothes shouldn’t be one of them!