Shopping for baby clothes is expensive but exciting. There are hundreds of adorable patterns in the softest fabrics, but there is more to baby clothes shopping than finding the cutest garment. You want a pair of pajamas that are as darling as they are safe, like Carter’s Newborn Koala 2-Way Zip Cotton Sleep & Play pajamas. This onesie is footed with an animal pattern and has a full-body zipper to make midnight diaper changes convenient.
Baby pajamas come in different styles, appropriate for different seasons and climates. You don’t want to overdress your baby at night and cause them distress and discomfort.
Most baby clothes are machine-washable, but check the tags for wash instructions. High-cotton blends should always be washed in cold water and air-dried to avoid shrinkage.
Whether machine- or hand-washed, use a baby laundry detergent that is hypoallergenic and free of common irritants. Avoid drying baby clothes with fabric softener and dryer sheets that can irritate your baby’s skin.
The law requires that baby clothes be either flame-retardant or tight-fitting. Fire-resistant garments are treated with the same chemicals found in baby strollers and car seats; bromine and chlorine. These chemicals are not entirely resistant to fire and do not guarantee a child’s safety. Many parents prefer their baby’s clothes be tight-fitting rather than flame-retardant due to having less chemicals.
Cotton is the most popular fabric for baby clothes because it is soft, absorbent and gentle. Organic cotton pajamas are guaranteed to be free of pesticides and chemicals, making them the best choice for baby sleepwear.
Jersey knits, bamboo rayon and fleece are also choice picks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises to never put a blanket in a baby’s crib; a pair of pajamas must suffice for warmth and comfort. Avoid strings, cheap fasteners, ribbons and loose clothing that can become tangled with the baby during the night and cause harm. Baby sleepwear should be outfitted with a reliable snap, button or zipper closure. It should make diaper changes easy and be loose enough to fit your finger between the clothing and your baby’s skin.
Overall, a proper pair of pajamas will be secure and keep your baby cozy throughout the night.
Any designs, detailing or fasteners should be on the front of your baby’s pajamas. You do not want details on the back of baby pajamas that are uncomfortable to lay on. When babies are uncomfortable on their back, they roll over and sleep on their stomach during the night, possibly leading to accidental suffocation.
Baby pajamas cost $15-$20. You can save money by buying sets discounted to around $10 per pajama piece.
A. It is recommended to buy pajamas that cover your baby’s arms, legs and feet to regulate temperature. For this reason, footed rompers and onesies are the recommended choice.
A. Check if the pajamas are keeping your baby warm by feeling their chest, back and stomach. As long as they are warm to the touch, your baby is fine.
Carter’s Newborn Koala 2-Way Zip Cotton Sleep & Play
What you need to know: This is a cute koala-patterned footed onesie made from 100% cotton.
What you’ll love: This onesie is practical and cozy, guaranteeing your baby comfort and safety through the night. It has a safety tab at the chin and an inverted two-way zipper. The onesie is also machine washable.
What you should consider: It’s white and stains easily.
Where to buy: Sold by Buy Buy Baby
Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Boys’ 3-Pack Pajamas
What you need to know: This pack of three romper pajamas features dinosaur and firetruck patterns.
What you’ll love: These rompers are cotton, guaranteed to be soft and cozy for your baby. They are machine washable and have a zipper running from neck to ankle for convenient diaper changes. There is also a girl version.
What you should consider: The material is thin and will not suffice in cold weather.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Owlivia Organic Cotton Baby Pajamas
What you need to know: This cute footed onesie is light green with a white feather pattern.
What you’ll love: It’s made of organic cotton, guaranteeing it’s free of chemicals and pesticides. It has a neck-to-toe zipper and a protective tab that keeps your baby safe and allows for convenient diaper changes.
What you should consider: The material is thick, too warm for spring and summer.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Gwen Swanson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.