“Zipping Up Success!”
Ever watched your child wrestle with their jacket zipper and felt the urge to jump in and “just do it for them”? You’re not alone! Zipping up a coat might seem like a tiny everyday task, but it’s actually a big developmental milestone packed with fine motor coordination, bilateral hand use, attention, and confidence.
In occupational therapy, we love turning moments like these into learning opportunities. With a few playful tricks and some behind-the-scenes skill-building, kids can go from “Mom, help!” to “I did it myself!”—and beam with pride every chilly morning.
Step-by-Step Jacket Strategies
Practice the “tag to toes” trick:
Lay the jacket on the floor with the tag near the child’s toes. Have them slide their arms into the sleeves and flip it over their head — a fun way for younger kids to self-dress independently!
Teach zipping in two parts:
Step 1: Match the zipper box and pin together (fine motor precision + visual motor skill).
Step 2: Hold the bottom tight with one hand (“helper hand”) while the other hand pulls the zipper up (“worker hand”). Labeling these hands helps reinforce bilateral coordination.
Stabilize the jacket:
Practice keeping the jacket still by pressing it against their tummy or a table while connecting the zipper. This gives extra proprioceptive feedback and improves motor control.
Strengthen the underlying skills:
Zipping and jacket dressing require:
Fine motor control: Use play with tweezers, clothespins, or buttons.
Bilateral coordination: Try stringing beads or peeling stickers.
Postural control: Practice sitting or standing balance while dressing.
Use visual and tactile cues:
Color-code the sides of the zipper with a small piece of colored tape (e.g., “red goes into blue”).
Place a small charm or bead on the zipper pull for easier grasping.
Add a mirror so the child can check their progress visually.
Break it into practice sessions:
Practice just the connection (inserting the zipper) several times before adding the full pull-up motion.
Start with larger, easier zippers before moving to smaller ones.
Model first, then use hand-over-hand or fading physical cues.
Make it fun:
Turn it into a game—race to “zip up before the timer,” sing a “zip-up” song, or pretend to be superheroes putting on their “power jackets.”
At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.