Mom Creates Adaptive PJs for Son With Down Syndrome | Independent.ie

Aoife Cotter began making adaptive clothing for her son, Ted, after repeatedly finding him without his pyjamas and nappy during the night. The eight-year-old, who has Down syndrome, would remove standard children’s sleepwear, prompting his mother to seek a solution beyond what was commercially available.

Cotter’s initial response was to use a swimsuit for Ted to sleep in, a temporary fix that highlighted a gap in the market for comfortable and secure clothing designed for children with additional needs. Recognising the need for more appropriate options, she decided to design and create her own.

This personal experience led to the launch of Born Zippy, a clothing range specifically designed for neurodivergent children. Cotter, from Kerry, Ireland, identified a lack of suitable clothing options for children with a range of needs, including those with sensory sensitivities or physical disabilities. The brand focuses on creating pyjamas and other clothing items that are both functional and stylish, addressing a previously unmet demand.

“I thought why doesn’t someone make adaptive clothing stylish and cute? Ted deserves to have cute pyjamas!” Cotter explained, according to reporting in The Irish Independent. The clothing line aims to provide practical solutions for common challenges faced by parents and caregivers, such as preventing children from removing their clothes during the night.

Other parents have echoed Cotter’s experience. One mother, speaking to The Irish Sun, described starting a business to ensure her autistic son had access to clothing suitable for his nighttime needs. Another parent, featured in rollercoaster.ie, similarly found herself creating a brand after being unable to find clothes that accommodated her son’s additional requirements.

Born Zippy’s designs incorporate features such as flat seams, soft fabrics, and secure fastenings, catering to children with sensory sensitivities. The range also includes options designed to prevent self-removal of clothing, offering peace of mind to parents. The company’s website details a variety of adaptive features designed to address specific needs.