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How Do I Choose the Best Children's Pajamas?

K. K. Lowen
K. K. Lowen

When selecting pajamas for children, there are a number of different factors to consider. The gender of the child may play a role in the decision-making process, but many styles of pajamas are suitable for both girls and boys. Price may be an important factor, and it can be helpful to determine the amount of money you want to spend before going shopping for children’s pajamas. The age of the child who will wear the pajamas can also be a significant consideration, because this can play a part in the size, color, and style of the garments.

Choosing the type of children’s pajamas can be a vital part of buying a suitable garment because there are many different kinds. Pajamas are either one-piece or two-piece. One-piece pajamas, sometimes called sleep suits, are very common for babies and younger children, but are sometimes available for older children and adults. Other styles feature matching pajama tops and bottoms.

Babies and young children often wear one-piece pajamas, also called sleep suits.
Babies and young children often wear one-piece pajamas, also called sleep suits.

The material used to manufacture children’s pajamas also can play an important part in the selection process. Pajamas are made from a variety of fabrics and fibers. You may wish to consider the season as well, and purchase light fabrics for summer and thick materials for winter. It is also a good idea to find out if the child is allergic to specific types of clothing materials.

Think about whether you require the children’s pajamas to have buttons or other types of fasteners. Some pajamas may have no buttons at all, a short row of buttons near the neck, or a row of buttons running the length of the pajama top. Velcro®, zippers, or buttons that snap together may be easier for young children than traditional button holes. Many two-piece pajama sets have no fasteners or buttons of any kind, which may be most comfortable and easiest for children learning to dress themselves.

Fabric designs, logos, and patterns can be important as well. Some children may want night-time wear that features imagery related to a favorite cartoon, TV show, or sports team. Pajamas that display licensed designs are widely available, but depending on what you are looking for, some items may be harder to find or more expensive than others.

The cost of children’s pajamas may be quite important to some people. Buying used pajamas may be a good idea if you have a strict budget. Many communities have stores that sell gently used children’s clothing, which may be worth investigating. Another way to save money is to purchase items that are a little larger than necessary, allowing the child to grow into the pajamas.

Discussion Comments

browncoat

@Fa5t3r - I've never really thought of that before. I basically just get whatever is on sale and has pictures the kids are going to like.

But I think it's generally illegal to sell anything that's potentially dangerous when it's intended for children.

Fa5t3r

@Ana1234 - The only problem I would have with that is the safety factor. Children should be able to pick their own clothes, of course, but only within reason. Kids' sleepwear needs to be of a fairly high standard because you want to make sure that it's safe. They'll be wearing it next to heaters and electric blankets and they will be wearing it all night close to their faces without much ventilation. You don't want any kind of fabric that is going to catch on fire, scorch or melt at the drop of a hat. And you don't want anything that could potentially harm their lungs or set off an allergic reaction.

If nothing else, I would make sure to wash the clothes before letting the kids wear them and try to use certified brands.

Ana1234

Let your kids choose their own pajamas if you can. I find it really helps to explain to them how much they are allowed to spend and how many pairs they need then send them off to investigate. That way it becomes a kind of game and you don't have to worry about them spending too much money.

If they pick out their own pajamas then they are much less likely to object to changing into them when bedtime comes. In fact you might have the opposite problem if they grow really fond of their pajamas. I can remember never wanting to change out of them when I was a kid.

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    • Babies and young children often wear one-piece pajamas, also called sleep suits.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Babies and young children often wear one-piece pajamas, also called sleep suits.