By Laura Motley
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The sun has set. Your kid has nibbled just enough broccoli to be excused from the dinner table. Their “relaxing” bath, which was punctuated by alternating shrieks and sobs, is over, and it’s finally time for the ultimate bedtime cue: a soft, cozy pair of pajamas.
Great jammies will keep kids comfortable and warm (but not too warm) and last through years of washes as they pass from kid to kid. We tested 32 pairs of kids pajamas and 21 footies, and we found a wide variety that are comfortable, durable, and available in playful, kid-approved colors and patterns.
What we looked for
- Coziness
Kids pajamas should be soft, comfortable, and warm, with no itchy seams or tags.
- Kid-approved patterns
Bedtime can be tough. A pair of PJs with a playful print that delights your child may help your cause.
- Durability
The best pajamas can be passed from kid to kid (to kid). We looked for pairs that can survive countless wears and washes.
- Safety
In order to meet the CPSC’s strict flammability standards, kids pajamas must be either tight-fitting or flame-resistant.
A silky, lightweight, extra-snug pair of PJs: Little Sleepies Two-Piece Pajama Set
Top pick
These bamboo-derived pajamas are sleek and supple, and they come in a multitude of prints that are vibrant, playful, and kid-approved.
The Little Sleepies Two-Piece Pajama Set uses a plush fabric derived from bamboo, which results in exceptionally soft, stretchy, and lightweight pajamas. A fun and varied collection of eye-catching prints add to their kid appeal.
They have a luxurious, supple feel. Little Sleepies’s signature fabric is 95% bamboo-derived viscose and 5% spandex. The pajamas are especially soft and silky, and the printed tags and smooth seams help make them extra comfortable. They’re uniquely stretchy in comparison with others we’ve tried, and during our testing, the fabric remained impressively supple even after several wears and washes.
They work for all seasons. Viscose, which is made from bamboo or wood pulp and considered semi-synthetic, is notably breathable and lightweight, so it works well in the summer months. But we had some 45-degree October nights during our testing, and the Little Sleepies PJs kept our kid testers warm and cozy, too. (Little Sleepies also makes a short-sleeve and shorts two-piece pajama set, but as of October we haven’t tested it.)
They come in a wide range of lively prints. The Little Sleepies Two Piece Pajama set is available in dozens of prints, many of which feature classic kid-friendly images such as unicorns, dinosaurs, and trucks. The colors seem especially vibrant, which may be due to viscose’s unique ability to hold dye without fading.
Little Sleepies offers one of the widest size ranges among our picks. They’re available in sizes from 12–18 months to 16. Just like Hanna Andersson, Little Sleepies also sells matching family pajamas, though we haven’t tested any of the adult pairs.
They feel well made and durable. The four pairs of Little Sleepies pajamas we tested are still in great shape after half a dozen wears and washes. Some of the other tested pajamas with synthetic or semi-synthetic fabrics began to pill after just two or three washes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They’re very snug and very long. Little Sleepies takes the CPSC’s sleepwear regulation seriously: Because the PJs’ fabric is not flame-resistant, they’re made to be tight-fitting, and they are indeed quite tight. On the flip side, the legs are “designed with extra length to fit up-to-3x longer,” according to the Little Sleepies website.
Because of those extra inches, my relatively short 7-year-old prefers the fit of the size 5/6 pajamas over the size 7/8, but they’re so tight that yanking them over her feet takes her quite a bit of effort. Once they’re on, they’re comfortable, but this particular fit might not work for all kids.
Fabric: 95% viscose derived from bamboo, 5% spandex
Sizes: 12–18 months to 16
Fit: run true to size on top but long in the legs
All-cotton PJs with the largest variety of prints: Hanna Andersson Kids Long John Pajama Set
Top pick
Offering extra-durable organic-cotton fabric and an impressive variety of prints and patterns, these pajamas are beloved by kids and parents alike.
For high-quality cotton long-johns-style pajamas that can pass from kid to kid to kid, look no further than the Hanna Andersson Kids Long John Pajama Set. These comfy yet nearly indestructible pajamas have been beloved by Wirecutter families for years. While parents appreciate the durability, kids love the wide and ever-changing variety of fun prints on offer.
They’re comfortable and warm. Hanna Andersson’s “100% organic combed cotton rib knit” fabric feels thicker than the material of nearly all the other pajamas we tested, but it’s still soft and cozy. And it did a great job of keeping my kids warm on cool nights. Thanks to their smooth seams and extra-wide cuffs, these pajamas are comfortable for even the most sensitive kids. (Though my younger daughter did ask me to cut off the fabric tags.)
They’re high quality and exceedingly durable. That extra-thick cotton fabric likely helps the pajamas retain their shape and vibrant color, even after years of wearing and washing. They’re also pre-shrunk—they barely shrank in our wash tests, unlike other brands’ cheaper cotton pajamas.
I’ve seen a single pair of Hanna Andersson long johns in continuous action for four straight years, moving from older to younger daughter and then passed along to a friend, with few signs of wear and tear. Because the PJs last so long, it’s also common to see them sold secondhand.
Though the jury is out on whether organic cotton is better, some parents may prefer it for their kids’ garments. These pajamas check that box. They’re also Oeko-Tex certified free from harmful substances.
They come in an impressive variety of prints and patterns. These pajamas are available in prints for almost every season, holiday, and interest. From Halloween to Hannukah, and from Minnie Mouse to Spider-Man, Hanna Andersson has an option for just about every kid out there. Also available is a “short-john” version, with short sleeves and shorts, for warm climates or the summer months; we’ve found that it holds up just as well as the long johns over years of wear with multiple kids.
These PJs come in sizes from 2 to 14–16. And Hanna Andersson makes a wide variety of adult pajamas, so they’re a great option for that classic matching family pajamas holiday card—even Fido can join in the fun.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They run big. My 7-year-old daughter is short but sturdy, and she’s much more comfortable in Hanna Andersson’s size 5 pajamas than in the size 6–7, especially the pants. Some kids just don’t like clothing that bunches around the wrists and ankles, even more so when the fabric is on the thicker side. And while it can be economical to buy clothing that kids can grow into, it’s important to remember that cotton pajamas are not flame-resistant and should be tight-fitting.
The prices fluctuate. With a list price of $49 to $52, depending on the print, Hanna Andersson long johns pajamas can feel like an investment. Sales are frequent, though, so it can be worthwhile to wait for a better deal; we’ve found that you can regularly snag a pair for under $30.
Fabric: 100% organic cotton
Sizes: 2 to 14–16
Fit: run large
Solid colors, sold separately: Primary The New Organic Long Sleeve PJ Top and The New Organic PJ Pant
Top pick
With more than a dozen colorful solids and prints to choose from, these soft organic-cotton snug-fit tops also work beyond bedtime.
Make it a set with comfy bottoms in a coordinating color.
Primary’s mix-and-match solid-color pajamas work just as well paired with a sweatshirt and sneakers as they do with slippers and a stuffed animal. The versatile New Organic Long-Sleeve PJ Top and New Organic PJ Pant come in a wide array of bright colors, and though they’re not as thick or plush as pricier pajamas, they’re built to last.
They can double as daytime clothes. My older daughter didn’t start wearing jeans until she was in second grade—and she still prefers leggings most days. Primary’s PJ pants double as a soft, comfortable pair of leggings that she happily wears day or night. And the long-sleeve PJ top (we have it in purple) is a favorite for layering on chilly days.
While all long-johns-style pajamas can technically be worn as, well, long johns, Primary’s solid-color PJs feel like a life hack: Your kid gets to wear pajamas to school, but to the world they appear properly dressed. Everybody wins.
They’re soft, comfortable, and tag-free. Primary’s New Organic PJs are made with 100% GOTS-certified organic-cotton interlock fabric. Double-knitted for softness and sturdiness, as well as a little stretch, interlock fabric creates snug and comfortable pajamas that are easy to put on and take off. The printed tags are a bonus for sensitive kids—no itchy fabric tags to cut off. And just like the makers of our other tight-fitting pajama picks, Primary also sells short-sleeve tops and shorts for warm weather, but they seem to have limited availability during the winter months.
Their bright colors and patterns are kid-friendly. For families who reject the current trend of sad beige clothing, Primary’s fuschia, blueberry, and grass solids, among others, offer an ebullient rejoinder. Primary usually offers around 10 solid colors, in sizes 2 to 14. It also makes a rotating cast of cheerful seasonal and holiday prints, all of which are sold as separates, just like the solid-color pieces. You can bundle the PJs into a complete set, but there are no cost savings to doing so. Primary makes photo-worthy holiday PJs for the whole family, too, but as of October , we haven’t tested any adult pairs.
They’re solid and durable—and affordable. “I appreciate that after endless cycles in the wash, years later they still looked cute on my younger nephew,” said Wirecutter editor Joanne Chen, whose son wore Primary pajamas as jammies and as a base layer, including for multiple Halloween costumes, before handing them down to his cousin. In our testing, the bright colors didn’t fade—though we were careful to always use cold water in the washing machine.
With a list price of less than $35 for the set, they’re slightly cheaper than our other tight-fitting pajama picks, and they frequently go on sale for much less.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They’re very snug, and a little long. Just like the Little Sleepies Two-Piece Pajama Set, the Primary pants and long-sleeve tops run quite snug but also provide a good amount of length. While this fit works for certain body types, it may be less comfortable for others. After size 5, Primary offers sizes only in even numbers: 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14. The size 8 pants and sleeves were far too long for my short but sturdy 7-year-old—I wish we’d tried them in size 6.
Fabric: 100% organic cotton
Sizes: 2 to 14
Fit: run true to size
Luxe, loose-fitting pajamas: Petite Plume Kid’s Twill Pajama Set
Top pick
Classic prints, high-quality fabric, and charming details such as piping give these loose-fitting pajamas a timeless feel.
Not every kid wants to wear long-johns-style pajamas to bed. For a precocious child with discerning taste, a loose-fitting adult-style pair of pajamas may be in order. The delightfully traditional Petite Plume Kid’s Twill Pajama Set is made of a high-quality cotton blend and feels luxuriously soft. All it’ll need is a pretend pipe and a velvet smoking jacket to round out the look.
These PJs are elegant and nostalgic. For years, I assumed that Petite Plume was based in the UK and had been making high-quality sleepwear for the better part of a century. I came to find out that the company was founded in Chicago in . I suppose it was a combination of the tasteful patterns, the high-quality fabric, and the nostalgic branding that planted the misguided thought in my mind.
Nevertheless, the Kid’s Twill Pajama Set is evocative of another time. Classic gingham, floral, and seasonal prints, along with plentiful piping and a sweet little front pocket, make these pajamas feel like they were borrowed from the set of The Crown. For added charm, you can have them monogrammed, which costs around $20 extra.
They’ve available in a wide range of sizes. These PJs are available in infant sizes (starting at 6–12 months) through teenage sizes (14 years). We found that the size 14 PJs were quite snug on an average-size 14-year-old. Most young teenagers would likely find a better fit in the adult XS size of the same pajamas (which are even more expensive, are 100% cotton, and are not flame-resistant, since they are meant for adults).
They’re well made. Everything about these pajamas feels top-notch. The stitching and piping are high quality, and the elastic waist and seams are smooth and comfortable. The fabric, which is a 50-50 blend of cotton and modacrylic, is lightweight but sturdy. They get softer with successive washes but maintain their structure and quality, a winning combination for a garment.
They’re comfortable and breathable. Most of the loose-fitting pajamas we tested are made with polyester, presumably because it is naturally flame-resistant. But polyester PJs tended to make my kids sweaty and uncomfortable. Petite Plume’s blend of cotton and modacrylic meets CPSC children’s sleepwear flammability standards, but it’s also breathable, which makes these pajamas cool and comfortable. The soft seams and thoughtfully designed proportions add to their plush feel—and even though the fabric has zero stretch, my kids could freely wiggle and boogie in these PJs.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They’re expensive. Their price of nearly $60 (plus shipping, unless you spend over $125) makes these pajamas one of the most expensive sets we tested. But they feel like a luxury item worthy of a special-occasion splurge.
They run a bit small and shrink in the wash. Even though we washed them in cold water and tumble-dried them on low heat, the pants lost about an inch of length during our testing. (Petite Plume warns that “while the fabric is preshrunk, cotton will typically shrink 3-5% upon washing.”) And our testers helped us determine that their sizing is on the smaller side to begin with. So you may want to size up, especially if you have a bigger or taller kid.
Fabric: cotton and modacrylic blend
Sizes: 6–12 months to 14 years
Fit: run small
A high-quality cotton-blend nightgown: Boden Printed Long-Sleeved Nightie
Top pick
This soft, cotton-blend nightgown is comfortable and durable, and it features fanciful and charming prints.
$54 $42 from BodenUse promo code 3V47, price includes shipping
If you love the ease (and cuteness) of a nightgown, we recommend the Boden Printed Long-Sleeved Nightie as a reliable and adorable option. It’s made with blended cotton-modacrylic fabric that feels nearly as soft as 100% cotton but meets the CPSC’s children’s sleepwear flammability standards. And a selection of whimsical prints helps make this nightgown fun, not frumpy.
It feels nearly as good as cotton. Ever since the CPSC set its children’s sleepwear flammability standards in the s, 100%-cotton nightgowns for kids have been virtually nonexistent (unless they were treated with flame retardants, but that has largely fallen out of favor). The Boden nightgown’s blend of cotton and modacrylic fibers feels soft, breathable, and sturdy. Though it isn’t exactly the fabric of our lives, we prefer its feel to that of the itchy, hot, and flimsy polyester nightgowns we tested.
It’s durable. I bought a secondhand Boden nightgown for my older daughter three or four years ago, and it’s still popular with both my kids. The color has faded, but I’ve probably washed it 50 times—and it has zero pilling or obvious signs of wear. I plan on giving it to a friend’s kid once my own daughters are willing to part with it.
By all signs, the new Boden nightgown we tested is of the same high quality. The secondhand nightgown was a 50-50 blend of cotton and modacrylic, whereas the newer model is 56% cotton and 44% modacrylic—but that may not impact its durability.
The prints are delightful. Gone is the dowdy, Victorian-era nightgown. Along with the standard fare of unicorns and fairies, Boden’s prints feature fanciful, unexpected detail images such as toadstools, cats wearing bows, and winged pigs. (You have to examine the Blue Unicorns print nightgown for the winged pigs, but I promise they’re there, and they’re cute.)
It will grow with your child. The Boden nightie is cut in such a way that it’s likely to last your child for a few years. It may go from being ankle length to knee length, but the arms allow for plenty of movement, the neck opening is cut generously, and the fabric is supple and has enough stretch to accommodate a lot of growth.
The nightgowns have elasticized ruffles on the end of the sleeves, but my sensitive kids don’t find them too tight or uncomfortable, and the sleeve lengths work for both my short 7-year-old (who wears size 7/8) and my tall 5-year-old (who wears size 5/6).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s pricey. $45 is a lot to spend on a kid’s nightgown, and unless you spend over $49, you have to pay an additional $5 for shipping. And Boden sales are less frequent than, say, Hanna Andersson sales, which are seemingly ever-present. But because these nightgowns last for so long, we don’t think the price is a dealbreaker.
Fabric: cotton and modacrylic blend
Sizes: 12–18 months to 11–12
Fit: runs true to size
A warmer, flannel nightgown: Petite Plume Kid’s Flannel Nightgown
Top pick
Petite Plume’s luxurious flannel nightgown is warm and cozy but breathable. Ruffles and other delightful details give it a timeless silhouette.
For a luxe, cozy, utterly charming flannel nightgown, your best bet is the Petite Plume Kid’s Flannel Nightgown. It’s a splurge, but it holds up well and conjures dreamy thoughts of times long ago. (But don’t worry, it’s made out of a modern fabric and adheres to children’s sleepwear flammability standards.)
It’s super soft, comfortable, and just warm enough. Petite Plume’s flannel is made of the same cotton-modacrylic blend that Boden uses for its nightgowns, but with a slightly higher cotton-to-acrylic ratio. It feels luxuriously soft, unlike the polyester flannel pajamas we tested, most of which feel like a far cry from cotton flannel.
My daughters found this nightgown warm but also breathable. The polyester flannel pajamas we tried, on the other hand, made them hot and sweaty and usually ended up in a heap on the floor before I turned out the light.
It has charming design details. The Petite Plume flannel nightgowns have subtle but lovely accents that distinguish them from other kids nightgowns, such as soft ruffle collars, intricately designed plackets, and three-quarter-length bell sleeves, also ruffled. Even the buttonholes feel well made and special.
Petite Plume offers its variety of flannel nightgowns in a handful of solid colors and seasonal prints. The company also makes twill nightgowns that come in a wider assortment of prints and patterns.
It’s long-lasting. My mother-in-law is a woman of discerning taste, and my lucky daughters have been receiving Petite Plume flannel nighties for Christmas for years. They’ve lasted remarkably well, with minor pilling. Some pilling is normal for flannel—and I’ll confess that I’ve washed them in warm water and tumble-dried them on medium heat more often than not. (Petite Plume recommends washing this nightgown in cold water and tumble-drying with no heat.)
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It shrinks in the wash. Petite Plume warns that flannel garments are prone to shrinkage, and in my testing, this nightgown lost about an inch of length. This typically isn’t as problematic with nightgowns as it is with pants, but you may consider sizing up. These nightgowns are offered in a wide range of sizes, from 6–12 months to 14 years, so you have plenty of options.
It’s a little hard to don and remove. Because its fabric doesn’t stretch, some kids might need help putting this nightgown on or taking it off. Also, it has buttons on either the back or front placket that they’ll probably need help with. If your kid prizes independence above all else, this might not be the best pick for them.
It’s expensive. At a list price of just under $55, plus tax and shipping (unless you spend over $125), this nightgown is one of the most expensive children’s sleepwear pieces we tested—and Petite Plume rarely offers sales. Plus, you might be tempted to purchase the luxury gift box, complete with tissue paper and a ribbon, which would set you back another $10. But the quality matches the price, and this nightgown seems worthy of special-occasion gifting.
Fabric: cotton and modacrylic blend
Sizes: 6–12 months to 14 years
Fit: runs true to size but shrinks in the wash
A luxe footie for easy diaper changes: Kyte Baby Ribbed Zipper Footie
Top pick
This stretchy and plush footie features a two-way zipper that’s invaluable for round-the-clock diaper changes.
The Kyte Baby Ribbed Zipper Footie is super soft, stretchy, and parent-friendly. Its two-way zipper makes diaper changes a breeze, and the bamboo-based fabric is cozy and flexible, perfect for easing on and off wiggly babies.
The fabric is plush and supple. This oh-so-stretchy footie is made of a blend of 97% rayon derived from bamboo and 3% spandex. As anyone who has changed a diaper can attest, a little flexibility in fabric can go a long way when you’re trying to wrangle a wayward arm into a garment.
We recommend the ribbed version of this footie because we find it a little thicker and plusher than the original version, though it comes in fewer prints and colors. The original and ribbed fabrics are made of the same materials and are Oeko-Tex certified to be free from harmful substances.
It’s warm but breathable. Though no single pair of pajamas will magically make your child go to sleep, a high-quality fabric can help regulate their temperature. Kyte Baby’s bamboo-based fabric seemed to keep our littlest tester warm on cool nights, but she never seemed uncomfortably warm.
The two-way zipper is key for diaper changes. While two-way zippers seem to be the new thing in footies, some of the footies we tested had only one-way zippers or even (gasp!) snaps. For a bleary-eyed parent fumbling with a flailing baby in the middle of the night, we found no closure system as simple and stress-free as a two-way zipper. Unzipping from the bottom keeps your baby warm and cozy on top while you get to work down below. The zippers feel high quality and likely to earn these pajamas hand-me-down status.
Sizes preemie, newborn, and 0–3M have fold-over cuffs to prevent scratching, and sizes 6–12M and up have grips on the soles for aspiring walkers.
It comes in calming, modern colors. The Kyte Ribbed Zipper Footie is available in about 11 muted and soothing colors. For parents with a modern aesthetic, Kyte Baby’s subtle design hits the right notes.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It’s pricey, and infrequently on sale. The list price, a little under $40 (plus shipping), is on the higher end of the footies we tested, and Kyte Baby’s sales are less frequent than those for other footie makers.
Fabric: 97% rayon derived from bamboo, 3% spandex
Sizes: newborn to 18–24 months
Fit: runs slightly larger than average
A cozy, convenient, and affordable footie: Carter’s Baby Zip-Up PurelySoft Sleep & Play Pajamas
Top pick
This soft, stretchy, and parent-friendly footie rose to the top of a large group during our testing. Its low price is the cherry on top.
We were pleasantly surprised by the quality and coziness of the Carter’s Baby Zip-Up PurelySoft Sleep & Play Pajamas. Although it’s as soft and stretchy as Kyte Baby’s Zippered Footie, it’s significantly cheaper. But it comes in fewer colors and prints, it feels less durable, and the sizing is more limited.
The fabric is super stretchy and breathable. Like Kyte Baby’s plant-derived fabric, Carter’s blend of 96% Lenzing Ecovero viscose and 4% elastane is luxuriously soft. We reached for it again and again during our testing because that stretchiness made for easy diaper changes, and the breathable fabric was supple to the touch. It’s also Oeko-Tex certified free from harmful substances.
It has a two-way zipper. Carter’s two-way zipper doesn’t feel quite as high quality as Kyte Baby’s, but it’s functional.
It’s affordable. This footie costs less than $20, but it’s often on sale for even less. For a garment that is destined to be soiled repeatedly and outgrown quickly, this is a very approachable price.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It feels less durable and well made. Because this footie is not as thick as Kyte Baby’s version, it may not last as a hand-me-down.
It comes in a minimal amount of colors and prints, and the sizing is limited. Carter’s makes this footie in only about six colors or prints, and its sizing goes from preemie to 9 months, a more limited range than for most of the other footies we tested.
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Fabric: 96% Lenzing Ecovero viscose, 4% elastane
Sizes: preemie (up to 6 pounds) to 9M
Fit: runs slightly smaller than average
A cozy, long-lasting robe: L.L.Bean Kids’ Fleece Robe
Best for...
This snuggly, warm robe can serve the same kid for many years. Bonus: The attached belt will never go missing.
Sometimes chilly mornings and evenings call for the extra coziness of a warm robe. The L.L.Bean Kids’ Fleece Robe has been a Wirecutter staff favorite for years—and the adult version is a pick in our guide to the best robes for adults.
It’s extra cozy. This robe is made with a super-soft polyester fleece that feels cozy and comfortable. My daughters love to bundle up in their L.L.Bean robes on winter weekend mornings while they wait for pancakes.
Because the CPSC considers robes to be sleepwear, they must adhere to the same strict flammability standards, so cotton flannel is out of the question. Not all polyester fleece is alike, though, and we find L.L.Bean’s fleece especially warm and pleasing to the touch. It may be a bit too cozy if you live in a warmer climate, though.
It has thoughtful details. Roomy pockets are helpful for holding Barbie shoes, Lego pieces, and all manner of unidentifiable treasures your kid may like to carry around. My favorite detail is the belt, which is attached at the back and therefore impossible to lose.
It can grow with your kid. This robe comes in sizes 4 to 18. You can buy a size or two up, and the same kid will get many years of wear out of it—with the robe evolving from ankle length to knee length—before it’s ready to be handed down.
L.L.Bean also makes a hooded animal-themed robe in toddler sizes 2T to 4T, as well as big-kid sizes. But we didn’t find the material or construction of this robe as good as those of the classic fleece version.
It’s easy to wash and durable. We’ve had one L.L.Bean fleece robe, passed from older to younger daughter, for around four years. It’s been through countless wash cycles (with zero attention paid to temperature settings) and basically feels as good as new. Polyester doesn’t shrink in the wash, so laundering is foolproof.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It comes in only five colors. The color choices for this robe are on the mature side—more jewel-toned than neon.
Fabric: polyester
Sizes: little kids small (4) to large (6X–7) and big kids small (8) to x-large (18)
Fit: runs true to size, but size up for longer use
What to look forward to
We plan to test summer pajamas, as well as a few more pairs of kid slippers, over the next few months. We previously recommended the Haflinger Kids’ Boiled Wool Slipper Boots, sold by Garnet Hill, as a pick in this guide. As of winter , these slippers are completely out of stock. A representative from Garnet Hill told us they expect them to be available again in fall . We will re-publish our review when the slippers are available.
Other sleepwear worth considering
Kids pajamas
If you’re looking for a super-soft jammie you can shop for in person at the mall: The Gap Kids Organic Brushed Cotton PJ Set comes in around five playful prints and is frequently on sale. But these pajamas shrank during my wash tests, so you may want to size up.
If you want a stretchy bamboo option that comes in cozy solid colors: The Kyte Baby Long Sleeve Pajamas are made of bamboo-based fabric, similar to our pick from Little Sleepies. They’re just as soft but not quite as snug, so they may be a good option for sturdier kids. While Kyte Baby has lots of fun prints on offer, it also makes these pajamas in several soothing, solid colors such as almond, apricot, and thyme.
If you love pima cotton: The Lake Kids Long-Long Set is hands down the softest pair of cotton kids pajamas we tested—the pima cotton makes them feel like a high-end adult T-shirt. But these pajamas are more expensive than most of our picks, and my kids weren’t drawn to the available prints, which are a little bland compared with some of the super-fun pajamas we tested. The seasonal holiday prints are brighter and more cheerful.
If your kid is a nature lover: The Lewis Pajama Set, a recommendation in the previous iteration of this guide, features artful prints of koalas, porcupines, and arctic foxes, among others. The pajamas are made of thick, soft organic cotton and feel well constructed. But Lewis has only a few prints available at any given time, and though they cost the same as the Hanna Andersson Kids Long John Pajama Set, they’re less frequently on sale.
If you’re looking for a budget pair of cotton pajamas: The Old Navy Graphic Snug-Fit Pajama Set for Kids is a solid choice, especially considering its affordability. These PJs are available in only five sizes (XS to XL, or 5 to 12), and the prints on offer seem to change frequently, but they’re often on sale, and they feel relatively well made.
If you’re looking for an extra-warm pair of high-quality merino wool long-johns-style pajamas: Polarn O. Pyret’s tops and leggings, which we also recommended in a previous iteration of this guide, can keep kids cozy in bed and can also serve as a base layer on the slopes or playground. “The fabric is very soft; neither of my girls ever complained about them being at all scratchy,” said Wirecutter editorial director Christine Cyr Clisset. “My girls wore them through multiple winters, thanks to the stretchy fabric, and the PJs held up well after dozens of washings.” (Keep in mind that you must wash them in cold water and lay them flat to dry.)
Baby footies
If your baby likes bare feet from time to time: The Dreamland Baby Baby Bamboo Pajamas with DreamCuffs offer versatility because you can keep the cuffs folded back for a barefoot option or tuck them over your baby’s feet for a cozier, footie option. But we found them harder to put on than the Kyte Baby Ribbed Zipper Footie, our bamboo-based footie pick.
If you’re looking for a thicker merino wool pajama: In our testing, the Baby Adventure Zippy and Kid Iksplorer Set from the Jackson Hole, Wyoming–based Iksplor felt slightly thicker than the Polarn O. Pyret versions. Also made of merino wool, they kept our testers warm during chilly fall mornings hanging around the house and when used as a base layer outside.
If you’re looking for super-easy on-and-off: The Magnetic Me CloudStretch Magnetic Footie, which is made with a soft and stretchy blend of Tencel modal sustainably sourced from trees and organic cotton, features especially easy magnetic closures. But one downside is that if your baby likes to tug on their clothes, they can pull the magnets open.
If you’re looking for a truly soft cotton footie: Norani Footies, made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex, are supple and stretchy. They come in lots of cute and unexpected prints, feature that beloved two-way zipper, and are often on sale.
If you’re looking for a solid-color footie: Primary’s The New Organic Zip Footie comes in around 15 colors, and the newest design has a two-way zipper. It’s made with 100% organic-cotton interlock, which has a little more stretch than other cotton fabrics but isn’t as stretchy or supple as the materials of other footies we tested. And it’s a little tight around chubby arms.
Slippers
If you want extra-hygge slippers for your kid: The Glerups Shoe Junior is the kids version of Wirecutter’s favorite felted-wool adult slipper, and this version is just as warm and durable (the kids slippers also come in a more bootlike style). They’re not nearly as colorful or fanciful as the Haflinger slippers, so our kid testers didn’t reach for them as often, but we love their chic and elegant look, and we think they’re ultimately the most durable option.
If your kid loves to be silly as much as they love to be cozy: The Lazy One Animal Paw Slippers check both boxes. They come in close to a dozen styles, from black bear to dinosaur to tiger. They have slip-resistant soles, and they’re made of polyester, so you can toss them in the washing machine. We consider them a great gift for 6-year-olds and plenty of other ages. But they’re far less sturdy than other slippers we’ve tested, and some kids found them to be hot.
Why you should trust us
I’m a mom with two young children, and I’m a big believer in the power of a bedtime routine: bath, jammies, books, bed. Whether we’re on a camping trip, in a hotel, or at home, my daughters, ages 5 and 7, have always known that when I lay their pajamas out, it’s time to start the wind-down process.
Winters are long and cold in Maine, where we live, so my daughters and I know the importance of super-warm and cozy pajamas. And I’m a huge fan of hand-me-downs, so quality and durability matter to me too. Along with pajamas, I’ve tested kids bikes, kids bike helmets, and adult and kids lunch boxes for Wirecutter.
For this guide:
- I consulted with Wirecutter parents, friends, and the internet at large to find the most popular, durable, and appealing pairs of kids pajamas.
- I researched the CPSC regulations on children’s sleepwear and learned about the different fabrics, fits, and styles that are currently available.
- I tested 32 pairs of kids pajamas (with my daughters’ help, of course) to assess their comfort, quality, and general kid appeal. Wirecutter editor Rachel Hurn tested 21 footies with her second baby to assess their comfort, quality, and ease of use with a wriggly tester. And Wirecutter senior editor Kalee Thompson tested 16 pairs of pajamas, as well as four pairs of slippers, with her two sons.
- Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.
How we picked and tested
Kids pajamas should be comfortable, durable, and available in kid-friendly colors and prints. They also must meet the children’s sleepwear flammability standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they must be either be snug-fitting or flame-resistant. I made sure to test both kinds.
A great pair of kids pajamas should have the following features:
- Soft and comfortable feel: Kids pajamas should be cozy and enjoyable to wear, with no itchy seams or tags.
- Solid construction: Just like any other garment, pajamas should feel well made, with tightly woven fabric and high-quality stitching.
- Durability and longevity: Pajamas should retain their shape and bright colors after years of washing and be able to pass from kid to kid.
- Easy on and off: Kids pajamas should be easy to put on and take off, and footies should be easy to open and close for quick diaper changes.
- Kid-friendly prints and colors: I looked for brands that offer lots of bright colors and fun prints that appeal to a wide variety of kids.
- Snug fit or low flammability: According to the CPSC, kids pajamas must either be tight-fitting or flame-resistant.
Before my kids started wearing the pajamas, I measured, washed, and remeasured each pair to check for shrinkage. I made sure to follow any washing instructions, which for most pairs were to wash in cold water and tumble-dry low. (Petite Plume recommends tumble drying with no heat or line drying, and Polarn O. Pyret recommends laying its garments flat to dry.)
I also inspected the pajamas for loose threads, uneven stitching, and other imperfections. Then I let my daughters loose on the stacks of folded pajamas. They tried on each pair at least once, slept in most of them, and made clear which ones they preferred by reaching for them over and over. I enlisted the help of two Wirecutter editors with kids, which helped broaden my assessment of each pair’s sizing and fit, as well as general appeal.
For robes and slippers, we did not do the same level of comparison testing, but we have tried many options over the years. The models we recommend have proven to be durable, comfortable, and appealing to many kids.
Fire safety and CPSC regulations
Ever wonder about that bright yellow tag that comes on cotton kids pajamas? Or the fact that it’s impossible to find 100% cotton flannel pajamas for kids? Due to standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, all children’s pajamas (sizes 0 to 6X and sizes 7 to 14) must be either flame-resistant or tight-fitting.
“Burns often occur when children, who are dressed for bed, play with fire (matches, lighters, candles, burners on stoves) just before bedtime and just after rising in the morning,” the CPSC states.
In the s, when the standards were issued, all kids pajamas had to be treated with flame-retardant chemicals or made of inherently flame-resistant material, such as 100% polyester. In , the CPSC amended the standards so that tight-fitting all-cotton pajamas could also be sold and worn legally.
The idea is that “snug-fitting sleepwear is less likely than loose T-shirts to come into contact with a flame and does not ignite as easily or burn as rapidly because there is little air under the garment to feed a fire,” according to the CPSC.
If you prefer 100% natural fibers such as cotton for your kiddo, tight-fitting pajamas are your only option for legal purchase in the US.
The competition
Our kids liked the fanciful prints of the Boden Snug Long John Pajamas, but they’re not quite as sturdy as the Hanna Andersson Kids Long John Pajama Set and less frequently on sale.
The Burt’s Bees 2-Piece Snug Fit Organic Cotton Pajamas are among the more affordable cotton pajamas we tested, but our kids didn’t love the prints (and we felt the same way).
We were unimpressed by the Carter’s Kid 2-Piece Buffalo Check Coat-Style Pajamas, which were made of a thin polyester flannel and felt clingy and staticky.
The Carter’s Kid 2-Piece Floral 100% Snug Fit Cotton Pajamas felt cheaply made, and the thin cotton quickly stretched out and became baggy.
The Carter’s Little Planet Kid Organic Cotton Pajamas were flimsy, and they shrank quite a bit during our wash tests.
As much as we love Hanna Andersson’s long johns, we found that the Hanna Andersson Baby 2-Way Zip Sleeper, which is 100% organic cotton, was a little too snug and not quite stretchy enough to wrangle onto a baby with any regularity.
My daughters adored the patterns of the Hanna Andersson Short Sleeve Nightgown, and the cut was sweet and swingy, but the polyester was a little scratchy compared with the cotton-modacrylic nightgowns we tested.
The Lewis Zip Sleeper comes in a variety of fun prints that will make your baby look cool instead of cutesy, but like the Hanna Andersson sleeper, it’s made with 100% organic cotton and isn’t as stretchy as we’d like.
The L.L.Bean Kids’ Flannel Pajamas feature a soft and sturdy polyester top—with graphics that look like an L.L.Bean ad. The polyester flannel pants felt thin and clingy.
The L.L.Bean Kids’ Organic Cotton Fitted Pajamas felt soft and well constructed, but they come in far fewer prints and colors than the snug-fit pajamas we recommend.
Our testers disliked the feel of the L.L.Bean Kids’ Wicked Good Slippers. They didn’t care for the texture of the lining and found them too tight with socks.
The Leveret Button Down Plaid & Prints Pajamas have the same static-cling issue as the Carter’s polyester-flannel pair and cost almost twice as much.
Mabo makes high-quality, chic kids and adults clothing, and we used to recommend its Organic Cotton Pajamas. But as of October , the pajamas are sold out after being in and out of stock over several years.
The version of the Petite Plume Baby’s Pima Ruffle Collar Romper we tested in had a sweet design with a special collar, but it felt like the least stretchy of all of the footies we tested.
The Petite Plume Girls’ Twill Delphine Nightgown is just as well made as Petite Plume’s other kids pajamas, but we preferred the feel of Boden’s Printed Long-Sleeved Nightie, which has a bit more stretch.
The Petite Plume Kid’s Flannel Pajama Set is just as charming as the company’s twill pajama set we recommend, but one Wirecutter editor has found that they shrink significantly in the wash and don’t hold up as well over time.
Although the Pottery Barn Organic Kid Pajama Set is well made and available in cute seasonal patterns, it feels thinner than the Hanna Andersson Kids Long John Pajama Set and has more limited sizing (2T to 8).
The Tea Collection Dream On Nightgown feels bulky due to its faux-wrap design feature, and its polyester fabric is a little too thick.
The Tea Collection Goodnight Pajama Set comes in several cute prints, but the bottoms shrank considerably during our wash tests, and they’re expensive for non-organic-cotton PJs.
We used to recommend the Under the Nile Side Snap Kimono, which is made of super-soft, 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and is designed specifically for newborns. Ultimately, we decided that zippers are far easier to wrangle than snaps, and the crossover style of this garment can make knowing which snap goes where a bit of a guessing game.
This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.
Meet your guide
Laura Motley
What I Cover
Laura Motley is a writer, gardener, and cook whose work spans cookbooks, recipe development, product reviews, and, mostly, parenting. She lives with her two young daughters, her husband, and their dog, cat, and chickens in Portland, Maine.
Further reading
Our Favorite Summer Pajamas for Kids
by Laura Motley
These warm-weather jammies offer the same fun prints and soft fabrics as their long-sleeved cousins.Spooky Season Is Here. These Are the Kids Halloween Pajamas We Love.
by Laura Motley
We found five pairs of cozy Halloween pajamas to help your kids lean into spooky season—and layer under their costumes for extra warmth.
The 37 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids
by Ellen Lee, Caitlin Giddings, and Wirecutter Staff
Whether you’re looking for one special gift or a project to complete together, we’ve gathered ideas to help spread the love this Valentine’s Day.15 Tools That Have Helped Our Kids (Finally!) Get to Sleep
by Wirecutter Staff
A full night’s sleep sounds like a dream to parents with young kids. We’ve found that with the right tools, there’s hope that everyone gets a bit more shut-eye.
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