Most parents focus on what their child sleeps on — but what their child sleeps in can be just as critical to their safety. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has established mandatory federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear to protect young children from burn injuries when they come into contact with open flame sources such as matches, lighters, candles, space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves. These incidents typically occur at night or in the early morning hours when children are unsupervised. Federal regulations require all children’s sleepwear in sizes above 9 months and up to size 14 to be either flame resistant or tight fitting.
What the Standards Require
CPSC’s flammability standards for children’s sleepwear — codified at 16 CFR part 1615 for sizes 0 through 6X and 16 CFR part 1616 for sizes 7 through 14 — require that:
- The fabric and finished garments must pass specific flammability tests, meaning flame-resistant sleepwear will not continue burning when removed from an ignition source; or
- The garment must be “tight fitting” as defined by specific body dimension requirements, reducing the risk of the loose fabric catching fire.
Garments sold with a label stating they are not flame resistant must bear a hang tag warning that the garment should be worn snug-fitting because loose-fitting garments are more likely to catch fire.
What Is Considered Sleepwear
Parents should be aware that CPSC’s definition of sleepwear is broader than just traditional pajamas. The following product types are subject to the flammability standard:
- Pajamas and nightgowns
- Children’s robes and bathrobes worn at home
- Loungewear and comfort wear marketed for sleep-related activities
- One-piece footed or non-footed garments with front or back openings extending to the waist or longer
What You Should NOT Put Children to Sleep In
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, or other oversized, loose-fitting cotton or cotton-blend garments. These garments can catch fire easily and are associated with burn injuries to children.
- Garments that do not carry a flame-resistant label or a tight-fitting designation.
Checking for Recalls
CPSC regularly recalls children’s sleepwear that violates the mandatory flammability standard. Recent recalls have included pajama sets sold at major retailers including Sam’s Club. Before purchasing or putting children to sleep in any sleepwear garment, check SaferProducts.gov to verify the product has not been recalled.
To report dangerous children’s sleepwear or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
