Why Kids Pajamas Shouldn’t Be Tight
Children shouldn’t be forced to sleep in tight-fitting pajamas. In 1996, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), relaxed the flame retardant standards and exempted tight-fitting sleepwear. But the world has changed. I recently did a Google search on “burn injuries pajamas,” and while I found dozens of pajama recalls, I found no actual news stories about burns. What’s the problem?
Comfortable
While most children’s pajamas can be flame resistant, you should look for one that is more comfortable. Cotton blends can be stiff at first, but should be softened after several washes. Cotton pajamas can wrinkle so be sure to remove them from your dryer as soon as the cycle is over. You should order one size bigger if you are looking for cotton pajamas. Children with long torsos or tall parents should avoid cotton blend pajamas, which tend to run small.
Less flammable
Children’s sleepwear is regulated by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Pajamas made from flame-resistant materials such as cotton and polyester are best. The fabric is not susceptible to fire because of its woven structure. This means that there are no flame retardants or chemicals required. A sample of polyester pajama fabric can self-extinguish in less than 2 seconds. This means it won’t catch on fire in an open flame.
Less chance of suffocation
For infants, snug-fitting children’s pajamas are safer. They decrease the risk of suffocation by limiting the amount of air that can trap under the garment. An increased risk of suffocation is present when pajamas are too large. This is because air trapped between skin and garment is more likely to catch on fire. Tight-fitting pajamas provide comfort for infants due to their ability to conform to their bodies and to stretch. Snug-fitting pajamas also decrease the chance of SIDS.
Cotton
For decades, the CPSC banned children’s sleepwear made of cotton. The federal government lifted the ban last year and cotton pjs are now permissible for children. Even so, they must still be skin-tight. However, tight-fitting PJs are not always safer. Some experts say that oversized cotton shirts can catch fire, especially when worn near space heaters or fireplaces.
Flame-resistant
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has strict standards for children’s sleepwear. One of these is flammability. Pajamas must fit within a certain range to be considered flame-resistant, and materials must be made of a quality that can resist flames without any chemical treatments. However, not all pajamas will be the same. While some brands claim that they are flame-resistant without the use of chemicals, others simply cannot withstand heat.