The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Pajamas

Considering how much time babies spend sleeping, it’s no wonder that you’re on the search for the best baby pajamas for your little one. After all,  how you dress your baby for sleep  can influence how well—and how long—they sleep. Even when they’re not enjoying a snooze, baby sleepwear is a practical and versatile option that can be worn during play, too, making it the ultimate wardrobe staple. 

But where do you start? 

Between choices in fabric type and style options, certifications, and safety considerations, it can be a little overwhelming to know which pajamas to stock up on for baby’s comfort and optimal care. But don’t worry—we’ve put this guide together to simplify the search! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to find the perfect sleepwear for your little one.

The best fabric choice for baby sleepwear is going to be one that is ultra soft and breathable. Soft materials help babies feel cozy and comfortable as they drift off to sleep—and stay asleep. Breathable fabrics help regulate a baby’s body temperature by allowing adequate airflow and preventing overheating while they sleep. Additionally, since a baby’s skin is far more delicate and sensitive than an adult’s, it’s important to prioritize fabrics that aren’t just soft and breathable but gentle and hypoallergenic as well. 

TENCEL™ Lyocell  and organic cotton check all the boxes, making them both ideal fabrics for sleepwear. Both fabrics are made from natural, plant-based fibers that provide superior softness without the harsh chemicals many other fabrics rely on. They are also highly breathable, hypoallergenic, and extremely eco-friendly. Pajamas made with either fabric are sure to help minimize discomfort and protect your child's sensitive skin for sweet dreams all night.

Let’s take a closer look at the properties that make Tencel lyocell and organic cotton fabrics a great choice for baby pajamas. 

Babies are prone to eczema and generally sensitive skin, making them more susceptible to allergens and irritations. Therefore, baby clothing, especially pajamas, is best when made using hypoallergenic fabrics that are gentle on the baby's skin. Popular synthetic fabrics like polyester and rayon can trap heat and moisture, exacerbating skin conditions. Conversely, natural fibers like TENCEL™ Lyocell and organic cotton offer soothing, irritation-free comfort that is gentle on delicate skin.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is naturally antibacterial and resistant to dust mites, mold, and allergens, making it a safe choice for babies prone to skin sensitivities. Similarly, organic cotton is a skin-friendly choice. It's grown and processed without harsh chemicals, so parents can feel good knowing that no pesticide residues or toxic dyes will come into contact with their baby’s delicate skin.

While conventional cotton is one of the most chemically treated crops in the world and can potentially irritate delicate skin, organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and processed with non-toxic dyes and finishing agents, making it a safer choice.

TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced through an award-winning, closed-loop process that recycles 99% of water and solvents, ensuring no harsh chemicals or toxic residues remain. This makes it one of the cleanest, most skin-friendly textiles available for little ones.

Why Certifications Matter

Unfortunately, some fabrics may "appear" more skin and eco-friendly than they are. When shopping for baby pjs, look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), EU Ecolabel, or OEKO-TEX, which ensure that the fabric meets certain standards for safety and sustainability. 

These certifications can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are choosing higher-quality fabrics that are better for your baby, their skin, and the planet. 

Both Tencel lyocell and organic cotton fabrics help regulate your baby’s body temperature during sleep, minimizing chances of overheating—a common concern among parents and a risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The natural fibers in both fabrics promote air circulation, helping your little one maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night. 

Airflow also enhances a fabric's ability to wick moisture away from the skin. Moisture-regulating fabrics keep dampness at bay, reducing the chances of discomfort from sweat during warmer nights.

Soft fabrics help create a cozy and soothing sleep environment for your little one while promoting quality sleep. Tencel and organic cotton are both naturally soft fibers, so there is no need for harsh chemicals and added softeners. As a result, they naturally prevent skin irritation and rashes. The ultra soft and soothing feel of these fabrics creates a comforting bedtime routine, helping your baby associate pajamas with sleep time. Meanwhile, pajamas made from rough or synthetic materials can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep, leaving your baby (and you!) feeling unrested. 

Long story short, choosing the softest baby pajamas can lead to restful nights and happier mornings for everyone. 

Whether you need to keep tiny toes warm, make nighttime diaper changes easier, or support safe sleep, there’s a style of baby pajamas that meets your needs. From footed pajamas to two-piece sets, gowns, swaddles, and sleepsacks, each style has unique benefits and practical uses. 

Wondering which style of baby pajamas suits your little one best? Keep reading to find out! 

Footie Pajamas

Footed pajamas, also known as footed pjs or footies, are a one-piece sleepwear option that keeps babies cozy without needing extra socks or blankets. They cover the entire body without restricting movement, making them ideal for keeping babies warm in cooler environments. This style is a great option for parents looking for comfort and convenience. Look for styles with two-way zippers for easier diaper changes. For newborns, opt for styles designed with fold-over mittens to help prevent scratches during sleep. 

Footless sleepers, on the other hand, might be a better option in warmer weather. This footie-free style may also be ideal for older babies, as it provides freedom and mobility as they begin to stand or walk.

Convertible footies  offer the best of both worlds. The fold over fabric can cover your baby’s toes or be folded up for footless wear. 

Two-Piece Pajamas

As babies develop and start moving more, two-piece pajama sets might be a more practical option.  Two-piece pjs  offer separate tops and bottoms, offering better flexibility and freedom of movement that is ideal for older babies and active toddlers. These seats also help simplify nighttime bathroom trips for potty-trained toddlers who can easily pull down the bottoms instead of dealing with zippers or snaps. 

For those looking to maximize their child’s wardrobe, pajama sets offer versatile wear. You can mix and match options for tops and bottoms for endless combinations or give your little one a way to express their own sense of style. 

Gowns and Swaddles

Gowns and swaddles are ideal pajama options for newborns, as they promote restful sleep and practical care. Knotted or draw-string  gowns  feature an open bottom, allowing for quick and easy diaper changes without snaps or zippers. This design is ideal during the newborn stage, when diaper changes are frequent. 

Swaddles  offer newborns a sense of comfort and security. They wrap snugly around the baby, mimicking the feeling of being in the womb. This snug burrito-like wrap supports rest and comfort while helping prevent the startle reflex that often disrupts baby sleep. 

Sleep Sacks

A  sleep sack , also known as a wearable blanket, is a sleeveless, zip-up sleeping bag that provides warmth while maintaining a safe sleep environment. Unlike traditional blankets, which pose a suffocation risk, sleep sacks stay securely in place while allowing free movement of arms and legs. This eliminates the need for loose blankets in the crib and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) without sacrificing warmth ( 1 ).

 Safety is a top priority when selecting baby pajamas, especially considering most instances of SIDS occur during sleep ( 2 ). Therefore, the best baby sleepwear options are those that fit properly. Consider the following tips to ensure utmost safety during sleep: 

• Avoid loose-fitting pajamas that may increase the risk of suffocation or entanglement. 

• Choose snug-fitting sleepwear that minimizes fabric bunching when lying down.

• Avoid overly large neck and arm openings to minimize suffocation risk.

• Avoid too small neck and arm openings that may restrict movement during sleep. 

• Check labels for compliance with flammability standards. While many pajamas are treated to be flame-resistant, snug-fitting pajamas are often naturally flame-resistant due to reduced airflow.

Being aware of these standards protects your baby in case of an emergency.

The bottom line? Choosing the right pajamas benefits both you and your baby. Not only will your baby enjoy optimal comfort and coziness, but you will also have peace of mind knowing your baby is sleeping safely and soundly. 

Just remember that not all pajamas are created equal. The best baby pajamas are made with soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic fabrics, keeping your little one snug and comfortable all night long. Additionally, look for materials made with natural fibers that adhere to strict safety and sustainability standards. Trust us, your baby, their overall comfort, and their quality of sleep will greatly benefit—and so will the planet! 

Here’s to sweeter dreams and sounder sleep for all.