Few things feel as cozy as putting on favorite pajamas at the end of a busy day of play. After a bath and lotion, a comfortable pair of pajamas is the next step in a relaxing bedtime routine that can help a toddler wind down for the (hopefully) long snooze ahead.
How to Choose Toddler Pajamas
Shopping for toddler pajamas is very similar to shopping for baby pajamas. In fact, many parent-loved brands like Hanna Andersson, Cat & Jack and Little Sleepies that offer a wide variety of adorable prints and breathable fabrics, actually carry sizes into the toddler years.
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for toddler pajamas:
Fit: Pajamas should always have a snug fit, so avoid anything too loose and flowy or sizing up for longevity.
Material: You’ll want to look for breathable, soft fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo blends that are gentle on sensitive skin.
Style: You can find a wide range of styles in toddler pajamas, from footed bodysuits to two-piece sets. You’ll also need to keep diaper changes in mind if your little one isn’t potty trained just yet. Fumbling with buttons and zippers while changing a busy toddler can be tricky, so this is where two-piece PJ sets come in handy.
Season: Your toddler might not sleep with a blanket yet, so you’ll want to consider the climate where you live to make sure they’re not too warm or cold. Wearable sleep sacks are a great option for layering in extra warmth in colder months. For warmer weather, two-piece short-sleeved pajama sets with shorts are a great option.
What about Flame-Resistant warnings?
All children’s sleepwear, from 9 months to size 14, is required by law to meet certain flammability standards—they must pass certain flammability tests or be tight-fitting according to specific guidelines. Some garments are treated with flame-retardant chemicals; however, we recommend skipping the harsh chemicals and only choosing untreated pajamas that follow snug-fitting guidelines.
How We Chose Our Best Toddler Pajamas
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best pajamas for toddlers.
Here are our favorite pajamas for toddlers.
Best Affordable Toddler Pajamas
Target’s Cat & Jack line is parent-loved for good reason. They have a wide variety of baby, toddler and kid clothing that is not only affordable, but it’s also well-made (even backed up by their 1-year guarantee!) While this pajama set is 100% cotton, it’s important to note that not all of Cat & Jack’s clothing is. They also have an inclusive, adaptive line of clothing and pajamas with features such as flat seams and no tags for sensory-friendly comfort.
Best Organic Cotton Toddlers Pajamas
There are many organic cotton pajama options for toddlers, but we love these PJs from babyGap’s line. They’re soft and breathable yet durable, standing up to hours of play and wash after wash. They also come in a bunch of cute prints so you’re sure to find something you (and your toddler) will love.
Best Multi-Pack Pajamas for Toddlers
Well known for their multi-packs of baby clothing basics, Old Navy also has a wide variety of 100% cotton pajamas for toddlers. They carry a ton of fun prints and colors and the multi-packs make it easy and affordable to stock up on cozy pajamas.
Best Pajamas with Unique Prints
Hanna Andersson makes really great quality PJs in a variety of unique patterns and colors. Made from 100% organic combed cotton, they come prewashed and just get softer and softer over time. Sets come in long-sleeve or short-sleeve options, so your toddler can wear them year-round. They even have adult sizes for cute parent-toddler matching moments!
Best Toddler Pajamas That Fit Forever
Fans of Little Sleepies will be the first to tell you that their babies and toddlers seem to fit into their pajamas forever. Made of a bamboo fabric blend, Little Sleepies pajamas are buttery soft and will keep your toddler cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They’re also stretchy, breathable and super comfy.
Best Toddler Pajamas for Warmer Months
Carter’s makes some of the best classic baby clothing basics, and their toddler clothing is no different. These 100% cotton short sleeve and shorts PJ sets are great for keeping them cool on warmer nights.
Best Sleep Sack for Toddler
When the weather is a bit chilly but your toddler isn’t quite ready for a blanket, sleep sacks add an extra layer of warmth in the colder months. We love Kyte’s Sleep Bag Walker because it is made from the same buttery soft fabric as their clothing and the leg holes mean they can safely move around.
Briana Engelbrecht
Assistant Editor
Briana Engelbrecht is Babylist’s Assistant Editor, where she brings her passion for early childhood development and the perinatal period, plus experience as a mom of two to Babylist articles and guides. She’s also a certified lactation counselor. A former preschool teacher, she loves children’s picture books, cats, plants and making things.