As a parent, you do everything you can to make the best choices for your little one's safety and well-being. You read labels, research products, and ask other parents for advice. You do this to make sure that what touches your child's skin is safe and gentle.
That's why many in the Little Sleepies community ask about the safety of sleepwear, especially flame retardants. Why don't we use them? Do kids' pajamas absolutely need them? And how can you tell if someone has treated a product with these chemicals?
When we design and make your favorite Little Sleepies jammies, your child's safety is our top priority. We believe it's important for you to understand why we don't use flame retardant chemicals in our products. So, let's break it all down in a way that's simple, reassuring, and (most importantly) helpful for your family.
The history of flame retardants in kids' pajamas
Once upon a time, most children's sleepwear was loose-fitting. This type of sleepwear had a higher risk of catching fire near open flames, like cigarettes or candles. In 1953, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) passed the Flammable Fabrics Act.
In 1967, lawmakers moved this act to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In 1975, the sleepwear portion of the act was enacted which required children's sleepwear - ages 9 months to 14 years - meet a standard to create flame resistant products.
This requirement was for childen's sleepwear only. The idea was that children were in their pajamas during morning and evening hours when they were likely closer to open flames on stoves.
Cotton and cotton-blend garments do not meet this standard unless they are treated with a chemical that makes them flame retardant. By doing so, the product slows down ignition or combustion if it catches fire.
Studies found that some flame retardant chemicals in products are toxic. These include brominated and chlorinated tris, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned. PBDEs may also cause learning disabilities and lower fertility. Similarly, researchers found these chemicals in carpets, furniture, and toys, some of which remain in homes and products.
Further studies showed that brominated tris could damage DNA and probably entered the body through the skin. And parents were sending their kids to bed in pajamas treated with the stuff!
In 1996, the CPSC amended the requirement that tight-fitting pajamas do not need to be flame retardant. This is because the tighter-fitting product has no air between the child's skin and the fabric. This means the fire gets less oxygen to spread.
This rule does not apply to children who are 9 months old or younger. These little ones are not mobile enough to get close to an open flame.
Featured Style: Blue To The Moon and Back Zippy
Are Little Sleepies pajamas treated with fire retardant chemicals?
Your child's safety is at the heart of everything we create. That's why all Little Sleepies pajamas are:
•Made to fit snugly - Our toddler pajamas are designed to fit closely and comfortably. They meet all safety standards without using chemical treatments.
•Independently lab-tested - Every pajama set is rigorously tested to ensure it's free from harmful substances, including lead and flame retardants, and are compliant with all CPSC regulations.
•Crafted from buttery-soft bamboo viscose - A naturally breathable, hypoallergenic fabric that's gentle on sensitive skin.
You might also notice that we don't make nightgowns for kids. That's because loose-fitting sleepwear, like nightgowns, must legally be treated with flame retardants, something we're simply not comfortable with. So, we choose not to sell them.
And for the grown-ups? Our relaxed-fit women's bamboo pajamas and men's bamboo pajamas are 100% free from flame retardants. Safe, chemical-free comfort should not end with childhood!
Featured Style: Blue Cookies & Milk Two-Piece Pajama Set
But do we absolutely need flame retardants in pajamas anymore?
These standards were implemented at a different time and are outdated for today's households and lifestyles. Flame retardant laws were made for a time when cigarettes, open flames, and candles were common. Today's homes have:
•Better fire safety measures - Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and early warning systems help prevent fire-related accidents.
•Flameless alternatives - Electric stoves, LED candles, and modern heating systems reduce fire hazards.
•Fewer smoking households - With stronger awareness of smoking risks, there's less exposure to open flames.
In short? The fire risks that caused the use of flame retardants years ago are much less common now. This makes chemical treatments in kids' pajamas seem unnecessary at best and harmful at worst.
How do I know if kids' pajamas have flame retardants?
Here's what to look for if you're wondering if a pair of pajamas has been treated:
•Check the label - The CPSC requires clear labels on kids' sleepwear. If you see a tag or a note saying "flame resistant," the fabric has likely been treated.
•Look for snug-fitting designs - If the label says "You must wear this garment close-fitting," it likely contains no flame retardants.
•Be careful with polyester fleece - These pajamas usually do not have flame retardants. This is because polyester is a man-made fabric that does not catch fire easily.
But polyester is a plastic and although it may not ignite into flames if it touches an open flame, it will melt unless there are flame retardants. Some brands describe their product as "flame resistant without any chemical treatment" because of the polyester used in the fabrication.
Featured Style: Desert Sunrise Crescent Zippy
What size pajamas should I get for my child?
To choose the right size for your little one, we recommend referring to our size guides.
Baby Pajamas
Zippies Size Guide
(Regular, Crescent, and Shorty)
Toddler Pajamas
Zippies Size Guide
(Regular, Crescent, and Shorty)
Two-Piece Pajama Set Size Guide
(Long Sleeve & Pants, Short Sleeve & Pants, and Short Sleeve & Shorts)
Kids' Pajama Sets
Two-Piece Pajama Set Size Guide
(Long Sleeve & Pants, Short Sleeve & Pants, and Short Sleeve & Shorts)
If your child's measurements are between two sizes, opt for the smaller size to ensure a snug fit.
At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that makes you feel confident about your child's safety and comfort. Avoid pajamas that say "flame resistant" or have chemicals. Choose snug-fitting sleepwear made from natural, breathable fabrics. Stick with brands that value safety and transparency, like us!
We know how much love and thought goes into every decision you make for your little one, and we're honored to be a trusted part of their bedtime routine.
If you have any other questions about Little Sleepies' safety standards, email hello@littlesleepies.com for more details.
