Disclosure: We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue.
As a new mom to Lucas, now six months old, I’ve been on a quest for sleep solutions that actually work. Despite his talents in smiling, army crawling, and sitting, sleep has been elusive. Numerous mom websites praised the Zipadee Zip as a helpful swaddle transition product, so I was eager to give it a try. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the Zipadee Zip on Amazon—my usual go-to for Prime shipping! Instead, the Love to Swaddle Up caught my attention and I decided to compare both products in my first post for Sherpa Jr. Rest assured, these opinions are my own, and I’m not receiving compensation from either brand.
Unpacking the Zipadee Zip
The Zipadee Zip, offered by Sleeping Baby, retails for $36.95 plus $7.95 in shipping, totaling $42.90. This cost might initially seem steep, but let’s delve into what makes the Zipadee Zip stand out.
This innovative product is made of mid-weight cotton and features a unique design with triangle points at the ends of the sleeves. Upon trying it on, Lucas was initially puzzled by the limited access to his hands, but he surprisingly took to it and napped well. One of the highlights of the Zipadee Zip is its generous sizing, which allows for plenty of growth as your baby develops.
However, I did feel the texture of the fabric fell short for the price point. It’s not the warmest of materials, which could be a drawback for those in colder climates, yet it’s ideal for warmer weather. The thoughtful design includes a fabric covering over the zipper to prevent any pinching, which is a welcome feature compared to numerous snaps found on baby clothing.
Here’s Lucas showcasing the triangle points on the arms!
Exploring the Love to Swaddle Up
On the other hand, the Love to Swaddle Up, produced by Love to Dream, is priced at $26.40 and is widely available on platforms like Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, and Target (with the convenience of Prime shipping!).
Before I dive into the specifics of this product, I want to highlight a crucial detail: the warning on the packaging indicates “Do not tumble dry. Line dry in shade.” I, unfortunately, misread this and dried it on high heat, leading to significant shrinkage. It’s perplexing why the company wouldn’t pre-shrink the material. Following sizing guidelines, I purchased the large size for Lucas, who is around 18 pounds. Yet, he looked a bit cramped the first time I zipped it up!
Look closer at the back of the box: avoid drying to keep the fit intact!
On the upside, the Love to Swaddle Up is crafted from high-quality, breathable cotton. It has zip-off wings that provide flexibility as babies transition from being swaddled to having their arms free. Lucas, however, is in a phase where he enjoys having his hands out, so I quickly unzipped the wings; he instantly appreciated the extra freedom. The snug design mimics the comfort of a traditional swaddle, which is comforting for many babies.
The genius twin zipper feature makes diaper changes a breeze, allowing you to unzip from both the top and bottom. This is particularly handy when transitioning a sleepy baby into a car seat, as the legs remain free. It also includes a covering for the top zipper to avoid any chin pinching—something I wish more brands would incorporate.
However, the little hole for checking diaper status seems a bit excessive. I think a simple sniff test works just fine!
The Final Verdict: Zipadee Zip vs. Love to Swaddle Up
After comparing both products, I would recommend the Zipadee Zip over the Love to Swaddle Up. The triangular arm points are excellent for preventing scratches, and its roominess is certainly a plus. Despite the fabric not feeling luxurious, the variety of patterns available compensates for this shortcoming. I chose the “Roar!” dinosaur pattern, which, while a little more girly than I had hoped, is still cute.
The price of the Zipadee Zip may be on the higher side, especially with slow shipping times, but the quality is commendable. Conversely, my disappointment with the Love to Swaddle Up primarily stemmed from its shrinkage issue and the inconvenience of needing to line dry.
Both products have their merits during the swaddle transition, but if you’re leaning toward one, the Zipadee Zip provides a more forgiving fit and thoughtful design.
Good luck finding the perfect swaddling solution for your little one!
Check back soon for more Sherpa Jr. reviews that aim to improve your parenting journey and help your little angel catch some much-needed slumber!
Disclosure: We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue.
