Finding the perfect fit for young children's pajamas can be quite the conundrum, especially when there are footies and growing children involved. Finding the right fit can be tricky! We've done a bit of research to find out what the 'standard' is for safe, comfortable sleepwear for your baby and toddler!
Should I size up and 'buy big'?
No. Never 'buy big' because you think it looks more comfortable.
Pajamas that are too big can easily become tangled around the child, which may result in breathing complications for your little one. Young children can wiggle themselves out of their ill-fitting pajamas, which increases their risk of suffocation or other unintentional injuries. Loose-fitting pajamas are also considered a fire hazard. If your child is wearing snug-fit pajamas, it is less likely that they will have a fire-related accident. So while it is tempting to buy bigger so your child can get more use from the pajamas as they grow into them, remember that safety, not economy, should be your top priority!
Is it okay to let my child sleep in snug-fit pajamas?
Yes. In fact, all children's pajamas should fit snugly. Infant and toddler sleepwear should fit like a pair of long underwear.
Snug-fitting pajamas are important for a few reasons:they are not required to be treated with flame retardants, which is healthier for your baby. Atight-fitting outfitensuresthere is no air between the garment and the child's skin to feed flames, which is how they keep your baby safe.
Anotherbenefit of tight fitting pajamas is that they are usually made of natural, high-quality fabric like bamboo or organic cotton, unlike loose fitting pajamas, which can be made of scratchy synthetic fabrics. This keeps snug fitting pajamas soft and stretchy too.
How snug is too snug?
If your child verbally tells you it is too tight, or if you see him pulling on his pajamas in the tighter areas, it is probably too snug.Make sureyour baby can still comfortably move, that the zipper or snaps can be easily done up, and that the thicker parts of their body aren'ttoo tightly constricted.
If you aren't sure, run your fingers beneath the collar of the neck, wrists, and ankles. Are your fingers able to move around the circumference of the area with ease? If so, the tightness of the garment is probably okay. If you find it's hard to even get a finger beneath the cuff of the garment, then it's probably too tight. Use your best judgement given your baby's size.
How loose is too loose?
If your child is easily twisted in his pajamas while playing, he will most likely have that same issue while sleeping. Watch your child play while he's wearing his pjs to see if they shift in a worrisome way.
For footie pajamas, if the cuffs of the sleeves are hanging past your child's hands and/or his feet are not staying put in the footie, then they are probably too big. Rolling the sleeves will not fix this problem. Hold off for a few weeks and try them on again for a better fit.
As with everything parenting related, use your best judgment. Finding the right pajamas for your little one can be a task! If you are having trouble finding sleepwear that fits correctly, try exploring different brands for the best fit! The Baby Cubby offers many options when it comes to children's clothing. Take a peek at our website to see what sleepwear options we have for you!
Written by Lindsay Helm
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