Many cute baby attires have tiny buttons, but most moms would agree that buttons on baby clothes are not safe because a button could come loose and become dangerous when swallowed. Babies tend to put everything in their mouths, posing a real risk of choking. Thankfully, there are fasteners that are safe and efficient, making buttons on baby garments almost rare nowadays. Keep reading to know what to use instead of buttons on baby clothes.
How Safe Are Buttons on Baby Clothes?
Buttons are always slightly in danger of being pulled off, inhaled, popped in an ear, or sucked like candy. Babies and toddlers will pull and chew buttons with ease – even if you think you’ve sewed them on securely, they could still pose a choking hazard if a thread becomes loose enough to pull. Some babies are determined to find something to stick in their mouths, so you have to use a fastener with almost zero chance of being removed to avoid becoming a chew toy.
Another reason has something to do with practicality. Trying to button up a romper suit on an energetic wiggling baby is a hard work, that makes you ask what to use instead of buttons on baby clothes. Fastening with other alternatives like snaps is a piece of cake.
Babies were traditionally kept in gowns that closed at the bottom with a drawstring or had a snap closure at the top. Many clothing manufactures switched to Velcro after it was invented. But in any event that you’d prefer using buttons on baby clothes, always keep your baby under close supervision.
Alternatives to Buttons on Baby Clothes
There are available baby garments in the market that don’t use buttons that you could readily buy. But as moms, you could also have them stitched on your own. On what to use instead of buttons on baby clothes, here are a few alternative fasteners.
Velcro
The term Velcro is a brand name, but it is known as hook and eye tape. They are easily sewn, too, and a great button alternative. If you are adding Velcro to clothing, it is best to use 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch widths. If you can’t find the width you would like, cut down the sides to make your desired sizes look a little prettier. Smaller stitch lengths are also recommended, and it best to use a strong polyester thread in a matching color to your Velcro. It is easy for younger children to do up using Velcro, and it is relatively cheap.
Kam Snaps
Kam Snaps is a brand of plastic snaps designed for home use. They can be purchased in a kit of assorted colors and come with a simple hand setting tool. You also buy them online. The snaps come with different length posts, so make sure you get the correct size for the fabric you are using. Kam snaps are cheap, easy to install and come in lots of beautiful and fun colors. You have to take your time setting them correctly, so the pins don’t bend.
Sew on Press Studs
They are commonly known as snaps. Sew-on snaps are traditionally metal round disks with holes around the outside for sewing. Make sure you are using a matching thread to your fabric and try to sew them through the lining layer only so there are no stitches visible on the outside. They are cheap and easy to attach.
Snap Tape
It is a tape made from twill with the snaps already attached. If you have to sew it yourself, you can pull your tape apart and sew one piece on each side of the opening. It is essential to make sure your bobbin thread matches the color of the dress. It is so easy to sew on, and there is no extra work in attaching the snaps. They can be expensive, and you will see the stitching on the outside.
Hook and Eyes
Sewing hook and eye is often found on vintage clothing at the top of zippers. However, larger-sized hooks can be used as alternatives to buttons. They are also cheap and easy to attach but a little trickier to sew than other methods.
After learning a lot of alternatives, you won’t be confused now, and you will have peace of mind knowing you have different options on what to use instead of buttons on baby clothes.
Conclusion
The use of buttons on baby clothes has long been an issue. Other alternatives, such as different types of snaps or Velcro, are preferable than buttons. Aside from safety, they are also practical ideas that solve efficiency issues; that is why it is essential to know what to use instead of buttons on baby clothes. Although babies develop at different stages, it’s generally advisable to avoid using buttons on their clothing until they reach three years old. Find out more about baby clothes.