Let’s be honest: your baby probably spends more time in pajamas than any other outfit. It’s their uniform for sleeping, eating, and those cute early morning snuggles.
But not all PJs are created equal. Some fabrics trap heat, causing your little one to overheat, while others might not meet vital fire safety standards. Plus, we’ve all dealt with zippers that stick or snaps that seem impossible to line up at 2 a.m.
We scoured the market to find the safest, softest, and most practical pajamas for babies and toddlers. Whether you need footless options for a tall toddler, breezy cotton for summer nights, or cozy fleece for winter, we found the best sleepwear to keep your baby safe and sound.
Save your energy for bedtime stories and check out our list of top-rated pajama sets below.
- Free of flame retardants
- Non-slip bee grip footies
- Cribsie Award Winner for Snuggliest PJs
- Designed for safety
- Natural, chemical-free cotton
- Grip material on the feet
- Handy neck-to-knee zipper
- Ready-to-grow cuffs
- Certified GOTS organic cotton
- Snug fit
- Breathable material
- 100% organic, GOTS certified cotton
- Zips from neck to feet
- Has fold-over wrist cuffs
- Machine washable
- Ankle-to-chin zipper
- Set of 2 gripper-foot pajamas
- Fabrics free of chemical treatments
- Pull-on closure
- 100% cotton
- Safety neck tab over zipper pull
- Front zippers
- Washing machine friendly
- Cotton/ polyester diamond quilt
Are Specific Baby Pajamas Necessary?
While you might get away with a onesie and pants during the day, nighttime calls for specific sleepwear.
For newborns and infants, one-piece sleepers (often called Sleep ‘n Plays) are the gold standard. Loose clothing is a major safety risk because it can ride up over your baby’s face while they sleep. One-piece options keep everything contained and safe.
Layering is key. When it’s chilly, you can pop a wearable blanket or sleep sack over the pajamas. This keeps them warm without the suffocation risk of loose blankets (1).
A good rule of thumb? Dress your baby in one more layer than you need to be comfortable (2). If you are sleeping in a t-shirt and light blanket, your baby likely needs long pajamas and a sleep sack.
The Truth About Flame Resistance
Safety regulations for children’s sleepwear can be confusing. Once your baby is older than nine months (or a size 9 months), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires tight-fitting sleepwear to reduce fire risks.
Here is the breakdown:
- Snug-fit: These pajamas are made of breathable fabrics like cotton but are cut to fit very close to the body. Because there is no loose air between the fabric and the skin, they are less likely to catch fire. They do not contain flame retardant chemicals.
- Flame-resistant: Loose-fitting polyester or fleece pajamas often fall into this category. They are chemically treated or made with fabrics designed to self-extinguish if exposed to a flame (3).
Things to Consider
Material Matters
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so breathable fabric is non-negotiable.
Cotton is the classic choice. It is soft, washes well, and prevents overheating. Bamboo rayon is another favorite for modern parents; it is incredibly stretchy and cool to the touch. Fleece is excellent for warmth but does not breathe well, so save it for very cold nights or drafty rooms.
Size and Fit
Because of safety regulations, “snug fit” pajamas will look tiny when you take them out of the package. This is intentional. The sleeves and legs should be tight.
If your baby is tall or has chunky thighs, you might struggle with snug-fit sizing. In that case, look for brands known for stretchier fabrics or consider sizing up, provided the length isn’t a tripping hazard.
Diaper Access
Trust us on this one: at 2 a.m., you do not want to be matching up a dozen metal snaps in the dark.
Look for zippers. Even better? Two-way zippers (also called inverted zippers). These allow you to unzip from the foot up, keeping your baby’s chest warm while you change a diaper. Magnetic closures are another fantastic, albeit pricier, option for lightning-fast changes.
Product Reviews
We tested fabrics, zippers, and fit to bring you the coziest, most parent-friendly pajamas on the market.
Burt's Bees Baby Organic Cotton Pajamas
Best Organic Baby Pajamas
If you are trying to avoid synthetic chemicals on your baby’s skin, Burt’s Bees is a go-to. These are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, which feels substantial yet breathable. They are great for temperature regulation, preventing that sweaty-neck feeling some babies get during naps.
The fit here is strictly “snug-fit,” meaning they will look long and skinny. This is great for leaner babies, but if you have a chunky baby, you might find the arms a bit tight. The zipper is sturdy and runs diagonally down the leg, and the tab at the neck prevents chin scratches.
One detail we love is the “bee grip” on the feet. It is surprisingly effective at preventing slip-and-slide accidents on hardwood floors.
Leveret Baby Girls Footed Pajamas
Best Footed Baby Pajamas
Socks are the enemy of sleep (because they never stay on). Footed pajamas solve that problem instantly. Leveret makes some of the best cotton footies on the market, with a huge variety of prints that do not fade easily in the wash.
These are 100% cotton and adhere to the snug-fit safety standards. However, parents often find them slightly more forgiving and stretchier than other organic brands. The zipper runs from neck to ankle, making access easy.
Another bonus? No itchy tags. The label is printed directly onto the fabric, so you won’t have to worry about cutting out tags that leave sharp corners behind.
Owlivia Footless Sleep 'n' Play Set
Best for Chunky Babies
If your baby has adorable rolls or is taller than average, footed PJs can be restricting. Their toes might get crunched, or the legs might be too tight. Owlivia’s footless rompers are the perfect solution.
Made from certified organic cotton, the fabric is thicker and softer than many budget brands. Because they are footless, you get a longer lifespan out of them; the cuffs can just ride up the calf as your baby grows.
The zipper runs the full length of the body, and the zipper garage at the top is generous enough to actually protect your baby’s neck. Just toss on some socks if it is a particularly cold night.
Simple Joys by Carter's Snug-Fit Pajama Set
Best for Summer
When the temperature rises, you don’t want your toddler overheating in fleece or heavy knits. This set from Carter’s is a massive value win, usually giving you a mix of short-sleeve tops, shorts, and long pants.
They are designed for mixing and matching. If it is a sweltering July night, use the shorts and tee. If the AC is blasting, swap in the long pants. The cotton is lightweight and holds up well to repeated washing.
Note that these are snug-fit (not chemically treated), so size up if your child doesn’t like tight clothes.
Burt's Bees Baby Non-Slip Pajama
Best Non-Slip Baby Pajamas
Learning to walk is hard enough without slippery socks sabotaging the process. Burt’s Bees puts significant non-slip texture on the soles of their footed PJs, giving new walkers much-needed traction on tile or wood floors.
Like their other products, these are 100% organic cotton with a very slim cut. The “loose” fit PJs of the past are gone for safety reasons, so expect these to hug your baby’s arms and legs tight.
The zipper is high quality, which is crucial when you are wrestling a wiggly toddler into their bedtime gear.
Little Me Unisex Footed Pajama
Best Unisex Baby Pajamas
Whether you are waiting to be surprised by the gender or just prefer neutral colors, Little Me has adorable options that aren’t aggressively pink or blue.
These cotton sleepers feature snaps rather than zippers. While zippers are generally faster, some parents prefer snaps because they don’t bunch up in the center, and you can expose just the bottom half for a diaper change without unzipping the chest.
The fabric feels substantial and soft, and the included hat makes this a perfect “going home” outfit or shower gift.
Simple Joys by Carter's Holiday Fleece Footed Pajamas
Best for Christmas
Nothing says “Christmas Morning” like matching red buffalo check or reindeer prints. Carter’s fleece pajamas are a staple for cold winter nights.
Because fleece is synthetic, it traps heat very effectively. This is great for drafty houses, but be careful not to over-layer. A simple bodysuit underneath is usually plenty. These are chemically treated to be flame resistant, as fleece cannot meet the “snug fit” requirements (it’s too bulky).
The zipper goes from ankle to chin, making it easy to get a sleepy toddler dressed after bath time.
Gerber Baby Sleep 'n Play
Best Baby Girl Pajamas
Gerber Sleep ‘n Plays are a classic for a reason: they are affordable, cute, and functional. This set features adorable ruffles and feminine prints without being overly fussy.
The zipper is covered by a fabric flap, which keeps the aesthetic clean and adds a tiny layer of protection. They are made of soft cotton jersey, so they breathe well.
A heads-up on sizing: Gerber tends to run a little smaller and shorter than brands like Carter’s. If your baby is long, definitely size up.
Gerber Baby Boys 2 Pack
Best Baby Boy Pajamas
Just like the girl’s version, these Gerber sleepers are a budget-friendly staple. You get two in a pack, which is helpful because, well, blowouts happen.
The 100% cotton fabric is soft right out of the package. The safety tab at the neck is essential for keeping the zipper pull away from your baby’s chin.
These are lightweight enough to be worn under a sleep sack without causing overheating, making them a great base layer for year-round sleep.
Baby Deedee Cotton Quilted Pajama
Best Quilted Baby Pajamas
If you want the warmth of fleece but the breathability of natural fibers, quilted cotton is the answer. These PJs effectively have two layers of jersey cotton with a light fill in between, trapping warmth while letting skin breathe.
They are perfect for cooler homes where you don’t want to rely on polyester. The zipper is sturdy, and the footies have grips.
They are pricier than standard sleepers, but the quality difference is noticeable in the thickness of the fabric.
Gerber Baby Girls' 4 Piece Pajama Set
Best Cheap Baby Pajamas
Babies grow incredibly fast, so spending a fortune on PJs they will wear for three weeks hurts. This 4-piece set is the ultimate budget hack.
You get two full sets of pajamas (tops and bottoms) that you can mix and match. The waistbands are covered elastic, so they are gentle on little tummies.
Since these are two-piece sets, they are best for older babies and toddlers who have outgrown the need for one-piece sleepers.
Carter's Unisex Baby Halloween Glow-In-The-Dark
Best for Halloween
Holiday pajamas are irresistible. This skeleton glow-in-the-dark set is fun for toddlers who are starting to understand the concept of Halloween.
They fit very snugly (standard for Carter’s cotton sets) and hold their shape well. The glow effect works surprisingly well after being “charged” under a light for a few minutes.
It’s a fun novelty that actually functions as a high-quality pair of pajamas once the candy is gone.
Carter's Boys' Cotton Pajamas
Best for Winter
For older babies and toddlers, a two-piece set with ribbed cuffs is excellent for keeping warmth in. The cuffs on the wrists and ankles stop the sleeves from riding up during the night.
These are 100% cotton, so they are great for layering under a duvet or blanket (if the child is over 12 months). The waistband is stretchy and comfortable, preventing that red ring around the belly.
They come in a huge variety of stripes, animals, and vehicle prints, so you can likely find something your picky toddler will agree to wear.
Baby Pajamas FAQs
How Often Should You Change Baby’s Pajamas?
You should change your baby’s pajamas every night as part of a consistent bedtime routine. However, if they wake up dry and clean, it is perfectly fine to reuse them for one more night to cut down on laundry. Always change them immediately if there is a diaper leak or spit-up.
Should You Put a Onesie Under Baby Pajamas?
It depends on the room temperature. In winter, a short-sleeve bodysuit (onesie) under pajamas adds a nice layer of core warmth. In the summer or if you are using a heavy sleep sack, you can skip the onesie to prevent overheating.
Is It Ok for a Baby to Sleep In Fleece Pajamas?
Yes, but be careful with overheating. Fleece traps body heat very well. If your home is kept warm (around 70°F or higher), fleece might be too hot, especially if you also use a sleep sack. Fleece is best for drafty rooms or cold winter nights.
What Is the Difference Between Footed Pajamas and Onesies?
A onesie (bodysuit) usually has no legs and snaps at the crotch; it is an undergarment or daywear. Footed pajamas cover the entire body from neck to toe and are designed specifically for sleeping.
What Are the Best Baby Pajamas for Summer?
Look for 100% cotton or bamboo. These natural fibers breathe and wick moisture away from the skin. Short-sleeve rompers or a simple diaper-and-sleep-sack combo are great options for hot nights.
At What Age Should Babies Stop Wearing Footie Pajamas?
There is no strict age limit. Many toddlers wear footie pajamas until age 3 or 4. However, once your child starts potty training, footie pajamas become difficult to manage. Switching to two-piece sets usually happens around age 2 or whenever potty training begins.
Why Are Baby Pajamas So Tight?
Baby pajamas are tight to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) fire safety regulations. Loose fabric catches fire easily because there is oxygen between the cloth and the skin. Snug-fitting cotton pajamas reduce this risk without the need for flame-retardant chemicals.
