If you’re searching for baby pajamas, you’ll quickly notice one style shows up everywhere for a reason: the zipper footie (also called a zip sleeper or zipper baby sleeper). It’s a one-piece pajama with covered feet that keeps baby cozy and makes changes faster—especially when you’re running on very little sleep.

This guide is designed to make your choice feel easy. We’ll focus on what truly matters when buying baby pajamas with a zipper-footie mindset: fit, fabric, and the zipper details that make real-life routines smoother. We’ll also share a simple way to shop Nellapima favorites, so you can go from “researching” to “ready” without overthinking it.

Why zipper footies are a top pick for baby pajamas

Zipper footies win because they solve everyday problems in the newborn and baby stage:

• Quick on and off: one piece, no matching sets

• Cozy coverage: feet stay warm without extra socks

• Faster diaper changes: especially with two-way zippers

• Easy day to night: works for naps, bedtime, and slow mornings

Nellapima’s Zipper Footies are designed as a signature essential made with 100% Peruvian Pima cotton for a soft, breathable feel. Most styles include a two-way zipper to make diaper changes quicker while keeping baby covered and comfortable.

Fit: how baby pajamas should fit (without guesswork)

Fit is the number one reason pajamas get returned or sit unused. The best baby pajamas look polished and feel effortless — no tugging, no bunching, no tight spots.

The ideal zipper footie fit

Your baby pajamas should feel:

• Snug, not tight: comfortable, not compressing

• Roomy at the diaper area: enough space for movement and changes

• Easy through shoulders and torso: no pulling when baby stretches

• Natural at the feet: toes should not press into the end

Two quick sizing rules that reduce returns

1. If baby is between sizes, choose comfort. A slightly roomier fit tends to be more forgiving and extends wear time.

2. If your baby is long, prioritize torso length and foot room over “age on the label.”

Red flags it’s too small

• The zipper looks strained across the belly or hips

• Shoulder seams pull when baby kicks

• Feet look crowded or toes press at the end

Red flags it’s too big

• Fabric bunches around the neckline

• Feet twist or slip

• Sleeves cover hands unless the design is meant for that

Fabric: what makes “good baby pajamas” feel better

When parents say a pajama is worth it, they’re almost always talking about fabric. Baby pajamas are worn constantly in the first months, so the material needs to feel gentle from day one and stay soft through frequent washing.

Why Pima cotton is a strong choice

Pima cotton is often chosen for baby sleepwear because it’s known for a smooth feel and breathability. Nellapima highlights Peruvian Pima cotton as a premium long-staple cotton valued for softness, comfort, and durability — exactly what you want in everyday pajamas.

When Pima cotton matters most

• Newborn stage: sensitive skin and frequent outfit changes

• All-day wear: sleep, play, cuddle time

• Gifting: quality you can feel immediately

Zippers: the features that actually change your routine

Not all zippers are equal. If you’re comparing baby pajamas, zipper design is one of the highest-impact details — because it affects every change.

Two-way zipper: the “get it” feature

A two-way zip sleeper opens from the top or the bottom. That means you can access the diaper area without fully undressing baby, which helps keep baby comfortable — especially at night. Nellapima notes that most Zipper Footies include a two-way zipper for quicker changes while keeping baby cozy and covered.

Protective zipper tab

Look for a zipper finish that prevents rubbing at the neck. Nellapima mentions protective zipper tabs on zipper footie styles, which is a small detail that makes a difference over time.

Smooth glide

A quality zipper should move smoothly and avoid snagging near seams. This matters more than you’d expect when you’re doing changes one-handed.

Nellapima picks: how to shop baby pajamas by need

If you want the simplest way to shop, think in “use cases.” Choose the situation first, then the piece.

For the easiest everyday baby pajamas

Start with Zipper Footies. They are the go-to option for naps, bedtime, and cozy mornings — made with 100% Peruvian Pima cotton, and most styles include a two-way zipper for easier changes.

Shop Zipper Footies: 

For the easiest nighttime routine

Add a Converter Gown. A converter gown is designed to simplify nighttime diaper changes without fully undressing a sleepy baby. Nellapima’s Converter Gowns are made with Pima cotton and built around that calm, nighttime-friendly routine.

Shop Converter Gowns: 

A simple way to decide

• If you want day-to-night versatility, start with a Zipper Footie.
  

• If you want the easiest overnight changes, add a Converter Gown early.
  

• If you are gifting, pairing one zipper footie plus one converter gown is thoughtful and genuinely useful.

How many baby pajamas do you really need?

A practical baseline depends on laundry frequency, but these ranges work well for most families:

• Newborn to 3 months: 5 to 7 baby pajamas

• 3 to 9 months: 4 to 6 baby pajamas plus a few daytime outfits

If laundry happens every 2 to 3 days, plan for the higher end. If you wash daily, fewer can work.

Zipper footies vs snaps: which baby pajamas are better?

Zippers are typically faster for changes and easier at night. Snaps can be useful if you prefer a full flat opening. Many parents keep mostly zipper footies for daily use and add a few snap styles for variety.

What to look for before you buy (quick checklist)

If you only remember one thing, make it this:

• Fit: snug but comfortable, roomy at diaper area

• Fabric: breathable cotton that stays soft

• Zipper: ideally two-way, smooth glide, with a comfortable neck finish

• Use case: everyday (zipper footie), night routine (converter gown)

If you’re shopping baby pajamas that feel soft, breathable, and made for real-life routines, start with Nellapima Zipper Footies — then explore Footies and Heritage to build a pajama drawer that covers everyday + elevated moments.  

 

FAQs 

Are zipper footies good baby pajamas for newborns? 

Yes, zipper footies are one of the easiest newborn pajama styles because they’re quick to put on and simplify diaper changes. 

Is Pima cotton good for baby pajamas? 

Pima cotton is often chosen for softness and breathability. Nellapima describes Pima cotton as premium, long-staple cotton known for softness, breathability, and durability.  

How do I choose the right size? 

Use the size guide on the product page; if between sizes, consider sizing up for longer wear (per Nellapima’s guidance).