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The Best Pajamas for Babies and Toddlers
The Best Pajamas for Babies and Toddlers
Photo by @thejonescru

The Best Pajamas for Babies and Toddlers

From one-piece breathable cotton to extra-soft bamboo, these PJs will help set the mood for bedtime (and a long snooze).

author-Latifah Miles
By Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
Updated On
Updated On
Our editors independently test and curate products. If you make a purchase via our links we may earn a commission.
Photo by @thejonescru

In This Article

Best Bamboo Pajamas
Best Cotton Pajamas
Best Footed Pajamas
Best Pajama Gowns
Best Two-Piece Pajamas
Best Magnetic Pajamas
Best Warm Weather Pajamas
Best Cool Weather Pajamas
What about flame-resistant warnings on baby pajamas?
How to choose baby pajamas

Aside from being adorable, a comfortable pair of pajamas can help your baby or toddler maintain a comfortable body temperature while they sleep. This is especially true for babies who have transitioned out of a swaddle but aren’t ready for blankets (or if your toddler is anything like mine, they kick their blanket off while tossing and turning). 

When it comes to babies who are still in the swaddle age range (under 6 months old), traditional pajamas aren’t totally necessary. Since they’re already wrapped up and will require middle-of-the-night diaper changes, a layer of pajamas isn’t necessarily practical, and a pair of PJs under a swaddle blanket can make them too warm. A one-piece body suit (either short or long sleeve) under a swaddle or a wearable blanket for warmth will do the job and make for quicker diaper changes. 

Some babies don’t like to be swaddled, so in that case, you can opt for a gown when they’re newborns instead. My son hated being swaddled, and night gowns with the elastic, cinched bottom were my go-to. You can just pull the gown up, change the diaper and you’re done—no zippers or snaps.

And if you’re wondering when to make the leap to real pajamas at night, the general rule is when your baby is moving more, rolling over or breaking out of their swaddle, it’s time to put them in some jammies. 

Here are our picks for the best pajamas for babies and toddlers, organized by materials, style and closure types. 

Best Bamboo Pajamas

Parents love bamboo pajamas because the natural material is among the softest on the market, stretchy, breathable and thermoregulating—all features you’d want in a comfy set of PJs. While some spendier brands are out there, you can grab bamboo pajamas at a budget-minded price point, too. And because they’re so stretchy, parents say that a single pair can last through growth spurts. We have a few pairs of Little Sleepies bamboo pajamas and they’re truly the softest pajamas I’ve ever used for my toddler. One Babylist parent described them as “long-lasting, comfortable no matter the season, sizing extends beyond age range.” Another Babylist parent described Kyte Baby PJs as making such a difference for her baby’s quality of sleep.

Best Cotton Pajamas

Cotton pajamas are readily available, easy to care for, and super durable. They’re naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and comfortable on delicate skin, making them a go-to option. I have 5 pairs of the Primary footless organic cotton pajamas for my toddler and the material feels weighty and high quality. I’ve washed them dozens of times and they still look like new (as in the material is stretched out or misshapen and the colors are still vibrant).

Best Footed Pajamas

Perfect for babies and younger toddlers, footed pajamas cover all of the basics in a single package. Diaper changes will be a breeze if you choose a pair with a double zipper, and they can also be worn as a daytime outfit.

Best Pajama Gowns

Arguably a newborn essential, pajama gowns can have a slightly gathered elastic bottom or a knotted bottom that can be tied or left open. The major plus about these is that, since you’re changing their diapers every couple of hours, you don’t have to fumble through zippers, buttons or snaps to do so. And their tiny feet and legs naturally curl up, allowing them to sleep comfortably. 

Best Two-Piece Pajamas

Once your child hits toddlerhood, it’s time to break out the two-piece pajama sets (though it’s not a requirement. If your toddler still fits their footed pajamas, those work too). The benefit of having two separate pieces is the ability to add or remove layers, depending on the temperature of your environment. If it’s chillier in your home, you can throw on a bodysuit under their shirt. If it’s a bit warmer at night, you can nix the pants and go for a top and a diaper for bedtime. And if you’re in potty training territory, being able to pull down their own pants to use the bathroom will be helpful for your toddler.

Best Magnetic Pajamas

Instead of snaps or zippers, well-secured magnets allow you to open and close one-piece pajamas easily. If you’re worried about catching your baby’s skin in a zipper but the thought of lining up buttons in the middle of the night makes you cringe, magnetic pajamas are a great option.

Best Warm Weather Pajamas

When the temperature starts to rise outside, long sleeves and long pants can be uncomfortable to sleep in. Pajama shorts and short-sleeved sets can keep your toddler cool and comfy all night. As far as the fabric you should opt for, lighter, breathable materials like cotton, tencel or bamboo won’t trap body heat, keeping your toddler cooler.

Best Cool Weather Pajamas

On the opposite end, when the weather starts to dip, it'll be time to break out the warmer knit material that'll help regulate your toddler or baby's body temperature. For babies, a wearable blanket or swaddle on top of their onesie or footed pajamas is enough. For your toddler, waffle knits and thicker cotton will keep them cozy and comfortable.

What about flame-resistant warnings on baby pajamas?

The warnings found on children’s pajamas are a bit scary, but here’s the deal: children’s pajamas are required by law either to be treated with fire-retardant chemicals (from size 9M upward) or to be tight-fitting. Because the flame-resistant chemicals used on pajamas have been linked to increased hyperactivity and lowered IQ in children, we recommend buying only untreated, tight-fitting pajamas and avoiding flame retardants in pajamas.

How to choose baby pajamas

There are a few things to consider when shopping for baby jammies:

Fit. The most important thing when shopping for baby pajamas is to make sure there are no hoods or loose-fitting tops that could pose a suffocation hazard. And, as noted above, the pajamas should have a snug fit.

Weather. Blankets in the crib are a big no-no because they can potentially ride up over your baby’s face. Instead, opt for thicker pajamas, wearable blankets or sleep sacks to keep your baby warm and safe. During warmer seasons, dress your little one in lighter pajamas so they don’t get overheated. If your baby is flushed or sweaty, shed a few layers.

Closure style. Baby pajamas come in lots of different styles, including one-pieces with snaps/buttons, zippers or magnets, two-piece separates and gowns with openings at the feet. When considering any set of PJs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll access baby’s diaper for those middle-of-the-night changes and what’s quickest and easiest to deal with when you’re sleep-deprived at 2 a.m. 

For newborns, a gown or onesie inside of a swaddle allows for quick and easy diaper access, which you’ll need for those frequent changes. When your baby is out of the swaddling, newborn stage, one-piece pajamas with two-way zippers will allow you to unzip their bottom half to get to their diaper without totally undressing them (we also like magnetic closures for this age too). And for toddlers, two-piece sets are the most practical choice since you’re likely not doing middle-of-the-night changes. 

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