I have always wondered if fire resistant pajamas were toxic. Both Birch and Willow have a lot of hand-me-down pajamas that are all fire resistant. To be honest, I have been slow in researching this because it is so convenient to have all these second-hand pjs. But, today I bite the bullet.

First, a quick history: In 1971, the Consumers Safety Product Commission adopted a rule that children’s pajamas that were submitted to an open flame must self-extinguish in 3 seconds. A lot of manufacturers then wove flame retardant materials into the pajamas. In 1997, the CPSC changed the ruling slightly by allowing for “snug fitting” pajamas that weren’t flame resistant and permitting untreated sleepwear for infants  (0-9 months).

The lowdown: The Daily Green :”Some clothing companies produce cotton flame retardant pajamas by adding something called PROBAN (from the chemical tetrakis hydromethyl phosphonium chlorida, or THPC) to the fabric or garment in the finishing stages. The flame retardant is trapped in the fiber, but the cotton still feels soft. If flame touches PROBAN treated cotton it extinguishes quickly, but there’s plenty to worry about. The THPC has been linked to genetic abnormalities and damage to the liver, skin and nervous system. It also promotes the growth of cancerous tumors.” YIKES! The Green Guide does say this though:”Is fire-retardant sleepwear toxic? Most likely not, but it might be uncomfortable because synthetic”

Okay, I am going to switch to all organic cotton then.

New Jammies Owl pjs

New Jammies

I did buy 2 pairs of “snug fitting” organic pajamas for Birch a few months ago. (You can see, I have been thinking about this topic a while now!) My favorite is New Jammies. They are 100% organic cotton, designed by a mom and are available in long johns or shorties.  Her fun collection includes nature’s critters (we have the owls and stars) and fruits and veggies to promote a LOVE for carrots, peas and more. Great idea. What I like best about these is that they do stay “snug fitting” through repeated washes, whereas others do not (see Hannah Anderson below).  The arm cuffs seem are a little tight for Birch when they first go on, but otherwise the fit is perfect. Prices run from $28 to $35.

Hannah Anderson

The other option I chose were Hannah Anderson’s organic cotton long johns. These are more expensive at $39.50, but I got a prison stripe black pair on sale for $20. Hannah Anderson has sales all the time- so check that out first. The fabric is lovely: super soft and thick but gets floppy after a couple of nights wear.  The cuffs are made of great stretchy fabric that fits snugly.

PurFlo Sleep Sac

My last nod to sleepwear is for Willow. It is the most fabulous sleep sac from PurFlo (a British company).  It is 100% cotton outside, and super silky Bamboo inside!   The filling is a fiber that supposedly reduces the amount of dust mites that take up residence.  The best part to me is that they have zip-off arms and anti-scratch mitts that keep her hands warm.  The different sizes can fit a child up to 3 years.  (By the way, you have to check out PurFlos organic mattresses- they are unlike any you have ever seen- they are completely washable mesh!)  You do have to order it from Britain though- and, yes, the price is steep. The price is 34.96 pounds.

Related Posts:

• Misconceptions about Child Safety
• New and Tested Carriers
• Green Stores
• Green Home
• Toxic Playgrounds
• How Toxic is Your Paint
• Organic Mattresses- More Research
• Shower Curtains Can Cause Health Problems
• Organic Mattresses- Worth It?
• Astroturf and Children
• What Are The Best Organic Milk And Dairy Products?
• Organic Snack Tray For Toddlers
• Lead In Baby Bibs

Related Posts:

1. Mrs. Meyers Cleaner- the Cheap Way in Brooklyn (May 14th, 2009)
2. Green Home (October 22nd, 2008)
3. Organic Mattresses- more research (August 11th, 2008)
4. Organic Mattresses- more research (July 31st, 2008)
5. Organic Mattresses- Worth It? (February 4th, 2008)