The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Baby Pajamas
Among other factors, your baby’s nighttime comfort is directly connected to how well they actually sleep. (And how well you sleep too!) From hitting the sweet spot with the room temperature to finding the right type of white noise, creating the best sleep environment for your little one can be a matter of some trial and error. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that we’ll help you figure out: How to choose the perfect baby pajamas for ensuring sweet dreams.
Here at Monica + Andy, you could say we are experts in all things baby clothes–and that’s not just because thoughtfully creating the very best organic baby pajamas, onesies, pants, and more is our job. About 80% of our team is made up of moms who’ve had plenty of experience dressing their own babies!
So let’s dive into everything you need to know about choosing the perfect baby pajamas…
Baby Pajamas Basics
While building your baby clothes wardrobe, include several sets of baby PJs that are comfortable for varying temperatures. We recommend you have at least five pajama sets in every size.
As for which style of pajamas are best, there is some matter of personal preference—meaning both for you and your baby. Some parents prefer zip-up one-piece baby pajamas, which are available with open toes or as footed pajamas. Others are fine with two-piece pajama sets, although we find those are harder to get newborns and babies dressed in since you have to pull the top over your baby’s head.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you should never put loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or toys in your baby’s sleep space during the first year. As an alternative, you can give your baby an added layer of warmth with a swaddle (until they can roll) or sleep bag (just not weighted).
Baby Pajama Features to Consider
- Fit: Pajamas that are too loose can pose a safety hazard, as they can bunch up and cover your baby's face. On the other hand, pajamas that are too tight can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Look for pajamas that fit snugly but allow for some freedom of movement.
- Design: It's also important to choose pajamas that are easy to put on and take off, especially for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes. For example, pajamas with zippers or snaps may be easier to put on and take off than those with buttons. And baby PJs that zip from the bottom upwards? Elite!
- Weight: If you’re a real planner, think ahead to what size your baby will be in the summer months versus in the winter months and pick your pajamas accordingly.
Why Organic Cotton Baby Pajamas are Best
When evaluating baby pajamas, it’s especially important to think about the quality of the fabric—and what it means for your baby’s sensitive skin.
And when we say “sensitive skin,” we don’t just mean that it’s soft and kissable. Did you know that infants don’t fully develop their skin barrier until close to the age of two? Before that point, their skin is prone to overreactions caused by the environment, chemicals, and ill-fitting clothes. The National Eczema Society specifically recommends seeking 100% cotton rather than “cotton blends,” as the latter may include irritating materials.
With Monica + Andy, our certified organic baby pajamas exceed the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the leading environmental standard for organic textiles. Not only are these pajamas made with 100% organic cotton, but they are also free from yucky materials, chemicals, and scents.
At the end of the day–pun intended!–the best baby pajamas fit your little one well, keep them feeling comfortable, and are soothing on sensitive skin. Bonus points when the PJs come in cute prints. Then all that’s left to do is settle in for some sweet dreams!