How to help a child fasten zips

Children usually learn to fasten zips before any other fastening. It’s likely they’ll have a zip on their jacket and will need help initially to put the zip together.

From the age of 3 children, can usually pull up the zip once they put the pin in the box.

How to teach your child how to fasten a zip

Step 1

Slide the zipper down to the box.

Step 2

Keep the zipper and the box held together.

Step 3

Push the pin down into the zipper and into the box.

Step 4

Pull both sides of the garment down to straighten zip line.

Step 5

Holding the garment at the bottom with one hand, use the other hand to zip up.

Strategies to help your child

Start practicing with zips by opening and closing a variety of bags.

It’s also a good idea to start practicing a jacket zip by laying it out on a table. Once the child can follow the steps above with the jacket on the table, ask them to practice while wearing the jacket.

Backwards chaining

This method helps to break the task down into smaller steps. You teach the child the last step of the process first.

Step 1

Once your child has their jacket on, engage the zip for them and pull it up a little.  Hold down the bottom of the zip and ask your child to pull it up the rest of the way.

Step 2

Once they can do step 1, engage the zip and get your child to pull it up completely whilst you continue to hold the bottom of the zip.

Step 3

Guide your child’s hand to engage the zip themselves and get them to pull it up.  Place your hand on top of theirs to hold the bottom of the zip steady. Let them use their other hand to pull the zip up.

Step 4

Once they can do this, ask your child to engage the zip without your assistance and pull it up independently.

More tips to help your child fasten zips

Before buying a jacket or coat for your child, test the zip. The ease of the fastening can vary.

Attach a piece of cord, ribbon or a key ring to the zip . This will make it easier for your child to grasp and pull.

Get your child to put the jacket on over their head with the zip fastened part way at the bottom. Or get them to step into the jacket and pull it above their shoulders.

For skirt, try fastening the zip at the front where the child can see it, then turn the skirt around.

Replace any zips on trousers with Velcro or elastic bands where necessary.