I don't have any ties, but I know that holding my sqirmy 7 mo. old long enough to even snap is difficult-couldn't imagine trying to tie. I don't like the elastic gowns either b/c they ride up her legs. Like zippers best.

I didn't know they still sold tie gowns. My parents had them with my younger siblings (20+ years ago), but I've not seen them since. We use the elastic gowns and they do ride up, but I found that when ds was little that the zipper outfits with feet didn't work too well for us either since ds could pull his legs out of the outfit legs.

I know you didn't ask this, but whatever outfits you get, don't get the kind where the front is really cute so all the openings are in the back. I hated those with ds because they were a pain if I wanted to do a quick diaper change. I'd have to roll him on his tummy or do some manuevering. If you have a baby that's about to fall asleep, you'll want to jostle him as little as possible.

I used the tie ones I had once, then the strings got so tangled up in the washer/dryer it just wasn't worth the hassle. I agree with natalienj on finging the gowns that zip.

I HATE the elastic gowns. I spend more time pulling it back down over DD's bum because it rides up so much. I like the zippers best!

Zippers (usually they are the fleece kind)are good for winter, especially if you can find them with the bottom access or a double zipper pull (from the top and bottom) to keep their little arms, chest and tummies warm. I had a summer baby and I loved the cotton, elastic bottomed ones. They are wonderful, especially for those 2AM changes - no fussing with feet holes or snaps. (I thought my mother was nuts for buying me some, but definitely changed my mind (humblely (sp?)) after a few sleepless nights : ) Laya

P.S. The fleece made ones are also good to use instead of blankets when they are infants. I'd get a few at resale shops and remove the sleeves so they don't get too overheated and zip them in with their sleepers on : ) No worries about pulling blankets over their heads.

i didn't like gowns either b/c they ride up. everytime hubby was holding daughter her gown would be by her chin. it is also impossible to strap baby into anything, such as bouncy or swing with a gown.

I don't like any of the gowns either, but then again, my tastes in baby clothes are different than most people's - I don't like gowns or footed sleepers or even the zippered up pouches. I really prefer baby clothes with no feet - get much more use out of them than anything and can adjust DS's temperature better - add socks when cold, take off when hot. The gowns I didn't like because they rode up and the zippered pouches made the baby all bunched up inside.