There were 3,788,235 births in 2018. And one thing every new parent quickly learns is that it's not always easy getting a baby to sleep.
Thankfully, there are several solutions to help your baby fall asleep sooner, however, ensuring your baby is dressed appropriately is the best solution to keep them feeling comfortable and cozy.
Many outfits that look like infant sleepwear aren't actually classified as such. Quality baby pajamas aren't inexpensive, nor do busy parents have the time to constantly shop, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase.
If you're looking to buy the perfect sleepwear for your little one, keep reading. We're sharing with you our guide to buying baby sleepers you and your child will love.
What to Look for When Buying Baby Sleepers
You'd think buying baby pajamas would be easy. Unfortunately, not everything on the market is designed with both parents and baby in mind, and in some cases, can actually be unsafe for your child.
While a great print might be fun to look at, it's how the pajamas function that's most important. Here are a few design functions to look for:
- Easy access to the diaper area for day and night time diaper changes
- Comfortable and soft for baby
- Safe for your child
Unfortunately, manufacturers don't always make clothing with these features.
How Baby Pajamas Should Fit
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the guidelines on how baby sleepwear should fit. Unless the fabric is treated with flame retardant chemicals, baby sleepwear should fit snugly. Oftentimes, manufacturers will have different sizing for sleepwear vs daytime kids clothing. Make sure to check the sizing chart whenever making a purchase to ensure you're purchasing the correct size for your child's height and weight.
What to Avoid When Buying Infant Sleepwear
While it would be great if there was an agreed-upon method for making infant clothing, there's not. Each manufacturer has its own process. Each brand chooses which materials to work with, how to size their clothing, and what features to include and omit.
Unfortunately for buyers, that makes it harder to find and buy the right sleepwear. Once you find a few brands you like, stick with them to make the buying process easier.
Typical Design Flaws
When shopping for baby pajamas, it's not uncommon to find hazardous and/or uncomfortable design flaws such as:
- Hand-sewn buttons
- Zippers without a skin protection liner
- Hoods or drawstrings that could pose a choking hazard
- Loose-fitting styles
The worst flaw of all (in our opinion) are the millions of snaps that some pajamas include. Trying to line up those snaps on a screaming, kicking baby in the dark of night is impossible! Two-way zippers aren't much better since you have to undress more than half of your child's body to access the diaper, leaving your little one cold and exposed in the middle of the night.
Avoid Clothing with these Potential Choking and Suffocation Hazards
If you buy clothing that has attached details like little buttons, pull on them. If they're loose, cut them off so your baby won't put it in their mouth or nose.
Completely avoid baby clothing with strings or fringe as they're choking hazards. Hoods and clothing that's too loose can cause suffocation.
Choose Infant Sleepwear that's Fitted
It may seem logical to buy oversized sleepwear because your baby can grow into the outfit. It may even seem as though oversized sleepwear would be more comfortable.
However, babies are different than adults. Their pajamas should fit them snugly.
Read the Label
Always read the label before you purchase anything, including baby p.j.'s. And while some items of clothing may look appropriate, if it's not labeled as actual baby pajamas, your child shouldn't sleep in it.
That includes loose t-shirts and sweatshirts as well. The reason being that if there's too much air space between a baby's skin and their clothing, it increases the risk of the fabric catching flame.
Even worse, wearing improper clothing while sleeping can increase the risk of suffocation.
Note the Yellow Label
If a baby or kinds pj contains a yellow hang tag, it means the clothing is free of chemical flame retardands and should fit snugly. The hang tag will read: "for child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garment is more likely to catch fire."
Check the labels to see if the baby sleepwear says it's flame retardant or resistant. You can also find out more information on the rules and regulations for baby and children's sleepwear on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions website.
Beware of the Chemicals
Some of the chemicals used in flame retardants have been found to be dangerous and even toxic to children. These chemicals have been linked to lowered IQs in children and increased hyperactivity.
If you're concerned about exposing your child to chemicals, buying untreated, tight-fitting pajamas are best. Certain materials such as bamboo are naturally flame-retardant.
Optional Choices
Some parents prefer to put their kids in footed sleepers. However, if you have slippery floors, footy pajamas aren't a great idea. Buying a pj with a foldover foot cuff gets you the best of both worlds!
Always consider the weather when dressing your child. If it's cold out, opt for a thicker pajama, sleep sack or wearable blanket. To prevent possible suffocation, do not put a blanket in the crib with your child.
If it's warm out, dress your baby in lighter layers to prevent them from overheating.
When to Buy Sleepwear for Your Baby
From the time your child is a newborn, frequent diaper changes are going to rule your schedule. Finding a pajama that gives you easy, quick access to the diaper area while keeping your baby warm and cozy is key.
Know Where to Shop
You want the best for your baby, whether that's buying baby sleepers or food.
And that's why you want to shop at companies who have you and your baby's best interests in mind. Our clothing is made from natural, buttery-soft, chemical-free materials.
Our bamboo fabric is comfortable, sustainable, and washable. Make our site your trusted source when it comes to dressing your baby. Click here to start shopping.
