Fire Resistant Pajamas and Sleepwear: are they safe?
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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, I bit the bullet. After all, free pjs aren’t free if they are toxic.
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 following from The Daily Green was widely restated all over the internet.
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. ” That seems like strange advice considering their research.
Result for me:
Okay, I am going to switch to all organic cotton then.
Where to find organic pjs?
I did buy 2 pairs of “snug fitting” organic pajamas for Birch a few months ago. 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. The arm cuffs are a little tight for Birch when they first go on, but otherwise the fit is perfect. Prices for New Jammies run from $28 to $35.
New Jammies Owls pattern
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 do try and buy on sale times. 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. Hannah Anderson’s pjs are warmer than New Jammies- so I use these for colder nights.
Hannah Anderson's stripes
How about sleep sacs?
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. But sooo worth it.
PurFlo Sleep Sac
The other sleep sac that I covet, but never tried was Woolly Boo’s wool sleep sacs. Wool is naturally flame retardant and is also anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic (since wool resists mold and mildew). The ticking is 100% cotton, so you know the whole thing is safe for your baby. These are much more expensive than the PurFlos at $150- but they sure are luxurious. You have to touch one to believe me! I am eyeing one of their Toddler Pillows for $50.
Woolly Boo's sleep sacs
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@Selma- we love the toddler pillows, but you know that since I talk about them all the time. My only question: after 1 year the pillow are getting patchy in areas. I think the wool is bunching up. Is there a way to respread the wool so it is even again?
Tracy- ooh- good find on the Costco pjs!
Just wanted to let you know we’ve found economical ORGANIC cotton PJs at Costco, here in Brooklyn. They are Costco’s Kirkland brand for $11.99. Can’t beat that! Just know that once they are washed they shrink up quite a bit, so I’ve been buying 1-2 sizes up.
Thanks for including our sleep sacks. Let us know how your kids are enjoying the pillows
You could also make your own sleepwear. My mom was just trying to to find sleepwear fabric and had no luck. I have determined the flannel she did use is better anyway.
Thank you for the great write up Karen! In response to Heather, yes organic cotton is more expensive than conventional cotton and more so than polyester. Buying organic is the short term price we pay for hopefully having a long term impact on our health and well being. Still, I understand how costly it is to raise a family in this modern world. We do offer sales throughout the year to our customers, Facebook followers and through Twitter. If you would like to join our mailing list please mail me at info@NewjammiesShop.com. I’d love to extend savings to anyone interested in purchasing New Jammies for their children.
Thanks Tracy. I love the Children’s Place pjs too- they always seem especially long-legged and I like that that makes them easy to zip them in and out of …
Great article, Karen. I’ve been preaching about the flame retardants for years (among many other things!). Those poly jammies are just plain yucky against the skin. Although not organic cotton, I’ve always bought the one piece zip-up cotton stretchie jammies from The Children’s Place. Snug-fitting & NO flame retardants. They wash nicely & have feet with the grippies on the bottom (a big plus in this house with hard wood floors & a staircase).
Heather,
Very good point. I guess having grown up in poly pjs I don’t consider them as an option: the feel of them drove me crazy and I always was sweating in them. Birch had the same problem with his poly pjs from last winter- he would wake up sweating and call for us. But, yes, they are less expensive.
http://www.onlypajamas.com
has a great selection of poly pjs for kids and adults.
Some of the kids pjs on their site are listed for $15.
The last paragraph of the article you link seems significant, at least for those of us that can’t afford to spend $40 on pajamas.
“Most sleepwear made from synthetic fiber is polyester, and according to the CPSC, under 1% of either polyester or cotton sleepwear garments are treated with flame retardants. Clearly the best pajama choices are polyester or snug fitting cotton, organic if possible. I prefer sort of tight onesies that zip up the leg because getting a tired child into tight fitting two piece pj’s can be a wrestling match.”
In other words, while organic cotton is certainly a good choice, polyester is also an option. As long as you aren’t ideologically opposed to it.
What a coincidence? Is the owner in Brooklyn?
Yes, this freaks me out as well! Good post, definitely something to pay close attention to.
And how funny that you talk about new jammies, my daughter “modeled” for them as a favor for Andrew’s friend! Here she is in those cute pj’s
http://www.newjammiesshop.com/easyfitonesie.aspx
Can I just say how cute these photos are? I love babies in jammies!