The Ultimate Guide to Carter’s Sleep & Play™

If you could only buy one style for your baby's first few months, what would it be? New parents and gift givers, we'll let you in on a not-so-secret secret — our 5-star Sleep & Play™ does it all!

Updated March 27, 2025

Bodysuits collection

The 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play

This is your go-to style for quick diaper changes. Trust us. When instinct tells you you'll be up in the middle of the night, reach for this one. The 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play has an inverted zipper which allows you to unzip from the bottom up. No need to uncover your baby’s little body and arms when it’s time for a change, keeping them cozy. They may even fall back asleep before you're done. 

Carter’s the Sleep & Play with 2-way zip includes a safety tab at the neckline to protect your baby’s neck and chin from being pinched or poked by the zipper. Built-in footies keep tiny toes toasty.

2-way zip sleepwear

Snap-Up Sleep & Play

Another one-piece designed for all-day comfort is the snap-up Sleep & Play, which snaps from ankle to chin. This is our most-accessible style, great for a little one in the NICU. The Sleep & Play’s nickel-free snaps are strong enough to keep up with frequent wear and washings and snaps at the leg for easy diaper changes. This style is available in super-soft cotton, cozy terry or cotton pointelle for a more delicate look. 

Side-Snap Sleep & Play

For baby's very first tummy times, our side-snap Sleep & Play styles are a love. Extra easy on baby's belly — especially while the cord is still intact — these pieces snap from underarm to ankle so the only thing touching baby's belly is soft, certified organic cotton. For preemie babies, we’ve partnered with NICU nurses to design a special side-snap style to better meet the specific needs of premature babies.

2-Piece Sleep & Play Sets

Complete your baby’s look for the day with a 2-piece headwrap or cap and Sleep & Play set. These adorable sets include a silky-soft headwrap for your baby girl or cap for your baby boy to keep your little one looking stylish by day, but cozy enough for a nap at any time.

baby sleeping

Tips for Managing Your Baby’s Daily Schedule

During the first several weeks, your baby will eat and sleep on demand, but it’s never too early to begin introducing a schedule into your little one’s daily routine. Just keep in mind that an infant’s schedule should be natural, so observe your baby’s tendencies and be flexible by setting approximate times for feeding, sleeping and playing. 

While your baby’s daily schedule may change frequently as your little one grows, here’s a look at a sample routine for a newborn: 

Wake

Eat 

Play 

Morning nap 

Eat 

Play 

Afternoon nap #1 

Eat 

Play 

Afternoon nap #2 

Eat 

Play 

Bedtime 

Newborn babies typically sleep 16 hours or more each day, with an average of two-hour sleep periods. When a day with your baby consists of a continuous cycle of sleeping, feeding and diaper changing, don’t worry about changing your little one’s clothes for each new activity.  

Keep things simple for yourself and make the transition from sleep to tummy time to nap time as smooth as possible for your baby by dressing them in one versatile outfit that’s perfect for all-day wear.

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