We’ve been there, friend, and we know good and well how important sleep is when you have a new baby. (Sleep, what sleep?) There is absolutely nothing we want more than a soundly sleeping baby, cozy in the crib, letting us get some good, restful shut-eye.
A big part of achieving that goal means getting little one comfortable in the softest baby pajamas that are appropriate for the temperature and will keep baby cozy through the night.
We’re here to help with all the information you need: from fabrics to styles, to what to look for, we’ve got you covered with the best newborn and infant pajamas of 2022!
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Why are Baby Pajamas a staple for baby’s wardrobe?
Honestly, pajamas are what most babies spend the majority of their time in.
I’ve seen newborns out in adorable outfits with jeans and precious tops. And while I won’t pretend I don’t oggle over them, I also feel a little bad for them.
Baby’s skin deserves to be comfortable, and while there are plenty of soft clothes out there, nothing beats a good pair of newborn pajamas.
When I talk new baby must haves, I don’t put a ton of emphasis on clothing. But when it comes to pajamas, there’s a whole different level of importance!
Tips for choosing the best Baby Sleepers
When you’re choosing newborn pajamas, there are a few key things you really want to keep in mind. Comfort is obvious, but also sizing (those little suckers grow so quickly), material, styles, what will hold up vs. shrink in the dryer, and–get this–safety!
Yes, safety with baby pajamas is a thing. No, I’m not kidding.
Here are all the tips you need for making the best choices for your little one:
1. Baby Pajama Materials
Fabric makes such a huge different in newborn pajamas because it’s what keeps baby comfortable. You want pajamas to be soft, breathable, and appropriate to the season!
We recommend avoiding pajamas with anything sewn onto the front. People adore cute animals sewn onto baby shirts, but are they really comfy for baby’s sensitive skin? I’m guessing no, and I care far more about my baby sleeping than the cuteness of the pjs they’re sleeping in.
The most common types of fabric in baby pajamas are:
- Cotton (comfy, soft, breathable, shrinks in dryer)
- Jersey (soft, breathable, more flexible than cotton, does not shrink in dryer)
- Bamboo (soft, great for sensitive skin, thermal-regulating, does not srink in dryer)
- Fleece (good for winter; moisture-wicking while keeping baby’s body warm, does not shrink in dryer)
2. Infant Pajama Styles
Serious talk here, y’all. Buttons and snaps make baby pajamas much harder to change!
Of course, we know it’s not a one-size-fits-all mold, so here’s the run-down on some different choices in infant pajama styles.
Snaps vs. Zippers vs. Magnets
Honestly, why do companies still make pajamas with 12 different snaps on them? Do they know what fresh hell it is trying to get those things to snap in the right place? And once your kid gets squirmy and grows into a toddler, you lose the possibility of getting that mess on at all.
We love zippers. Soft zippers that tuck in at the top so they don’t scratch baby. But still, zippers!
Another great option–magnets! Magnetic snapping pajamas are super easy and user-friendly, and are amazing for those young ages before baby squirms so much that they unsnap their own pajamas.
(In other words, after about 6 months of age, we’re team zipper!)
If you go with snapped pajamas, make sure they snap and unsnap easily around baby’s bottom. With multiple nighttime changes early in baby’s life, you want to access the diaper as easily as possible.
For zipper pajamas, we especially love the ones that have a two-way zipper that you can unzip from the bottom. That way, you can change baby’s diaper at night without making its tummy cold!
Footed vs. Non-Footed Pajamas
There are serious pros and cons to both, but for newborns, we much prefer footed pajamas.
Why? Baby’s feet need to be warm, and it’s really hard to keep socks on them.
We like to change to non-footed pajamas once baby starts pulling up and standing to decrease the risk of slipping.
Gowns vs. Onesies vs. Separates
This is a personal preference thing. I loved the idea of gowns when my baby was born because they seemed so breathable and easy to access.
But what I actually found was I couldn’t keep socks on his feet, they often bunched at the bottom, and they didn’t feel as soft under swaddles.
We found our way into one-pieces and (mostly) didn’t look back. Separates can be adorable, but for the sake of simplicity, we always preferred onesies or one-piece pajamas.
Separates become much easier in toddlerhood.
3. Sizing
I know it’s hard to resist, but try not to buy too many pajamas ahead of time. You want to match baby’s pajamas to the season, and it’s hard to know exactly what size they’ll be when.
For basic cotton and bamboo pajamas, you can buy a few different sizes to be sure you’re prepared when baby grows. (Just be prepared for the cotton ones to shrink with wash!)
But for fleece pajamas, lightweight materials, or holiday-themed pajamas, wait until you’re closer to needing them.
4. Safety
The National Sleep Foundation gives several guidelines for safe infant pajama practices:
- Don’t dress baby in loose clothing
- One-piece pajamas with feet are a good choice for sleep
- Avoid clothing that can ride up near baby’s face
- Avoid anything with a hood
- Make sure your baby’s pajamas are fire-retardant and snug-fitting
- Cotton clothing is good because it is breathable
Why are Baby Pajamas Snug?
According to the National Sleep Foundation, baby pajamas are snug because loose-fitting clothing can lead to suffocation.
You want to make sure your child’s pajamas are snug-fitting and are not loose around the neck. The main thing to avoid is having pajamas ride up and cover the nose and mouth.
The other reason that pajamas made for babies are snug is because loose-fitting pajamas are more likely to catch fire.
Legally, all pajamas made for babies and children age nine months to size fourteen must be flame retardant, but when they are snug fitting, this also decreases the risk of the pajamas catching fire.
Some parents want chemical-free pajamas for their babies (under age nine months), and we’ll certainly suggest some of these options. But be aware that chemical-free pajamas are not flame resistant, so if you choose this option, make sure baby’s pajamas are snug!
The most popular Newborn Sleepers online and in stores
As you can see, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to picking out PJs for newborns and infants. Don’t let the choice overwhelm you, though!
If you want to feel good about the pajamas you’re putting your baby in, keep reading to learn all about our top 20 favorite sleepwear options for infants.
Want us to make it even easier? If you’re in a hurry, check out these top winners!
- Best overall: Kyte Baby Footies Pajamas
- Best footed pajamas: Kyte Baby Footies Pajamas
- Best winter pajamas: Simple Joys by Carter’s Fleece
- Best summer pajamas: Posh Peanut
- Best sleep sack: Kyte Baby (the higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack)
Best Baby Footed Pajamas
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite pajamas for babies! I’m including links to products that I have personally used with Jack and Branham, so these are products I personally use and trust.
(1) Kyte Baby Footies
I love, love, love Kyte Baby’s pajamas, and their footies are amazing. They zip both directions for easy changes, the zipper tucks in at the top, making it super comfy, and they have fold-over mittens for babies who have a tendency to scratch themselves.
They’re so soft they feel actually luxurious. Seriously amazing.
(2) Little Sleepies
Little Sleepies makes incredibly comfortable and durable bamboo baby pajamas that are soft on baby’s skin and hold up so well. I recently had a conversation in a mom’s group about this brand, with all the moms joking that their babies can still wear their Little Sleepies from two sizes ago because they somehow seem to just grow with the baby.
We didn’t discover this brand until Branham was about a year old, and we definitely missed on in the first year. Their Zippies have a two-way zipper, are tag-less, and have fold-over mittens and footies, so hands and feet can be exposed or covered.
(3) Magnetic Me Footies
We LOVE these footie pajamas for how soft and comfortable they are, but also for being so ADORABLE and easy to use! Magnetic Me has some of the cutest prints I’ve seen, and the magnetic snaps are an absolute dream for parents and caregivers.
We only recommend these up to about 6 months of age. After that, baby moves so much that they can accidentally unsnap their own jammies. But for those early days with your little love–heaven!
(4) Bond’s Wondersuit
With Jack, these were hands down, 100% my favorite baby jammies. If I’m being honest, I think there are companies that have gotten it right even better since then. BUT–they’re also much more expensive. These remain my very favorite bang for the buck.
Because they’re the only ones that don’t shrink in the dryer!!!! You buy them, they fit, and they continue to fit until baby truly grows out of them. Unlike Carter’s, who I love, but whose jammies shrink like nobody’s business.
They aren’t technically footed, but the feet fold over, so you get the best of both worlds!
(5) Kissy Kissy Zip Footies
These pajamas are the epitome of luxury, and the price tag reflects it, but I have to include them because they are THE SOFTEST PAJAMAS IN THE WORLD. I challenge you to find me softer ones. Please.
Sleeping in his special Kissy Kissy Christmas jammies. Truly the softest baby pajamas available, and worth the money for the special occasion!
They’re made of luxuriously soft and breathable Pima cotton. Perhaps the best part about this company is that it’s run by a doting grandmother! Roxana Castillo makes sure that Kissy Kissy’s products are worthy of her own grandchildren. What could be better than that?
(6) Burt’s Bees Footed Pajamas
Soft, comfy, and cute, Burt’s Bees is a trusted name in baby care for a reason. These pajamas are made from 100% cotton, so great for kids with polyester allergies.
Their footed onesies have grips on the bottom to help baby walk, though the grips aren’t as good as the ones on Leveret.
They do shrink in the dryer, though not as much as some pajamas, but probably more than any others on this list.
When Should Babies Stop Wearing Footie Pajamas?
Once your little one learns to walk and become more mobile, footed infant PJs might not be the best choice anymore. This is typically between 12 and 24 months.
Best Baby Pajamas Sleep Gowns
(1) Solly baby sleep gowns
For newborns specifically, these gowns are adorable and amazing! Solly Baby makes the most comfortable babywear you could ever want.
These sleep gowns tie at the bottom, giving super easy access for diaper changes, as well as being adorably photographable.
(2) Copper Pearl Newborn Knotted Gown
We’re obsessed with this gorgeous knotted gown for newborns, which is made of a soft polyester/rayon blend.
The fold-over mittens prevent scratching and the top snaps let you pull the gown down in case of blowouts!
(3) Swaddle Designs Cotton Sleeping Gowns
These simple sleeping gowns have an elastic gather at the ankles to keep them from riding up and to make nighttime changes a breeze. They also have long sleeves with pullover mittens to keep baby safe.
We love all pajama products made by Swaddle Designs, and these cotton gowns pair perfectly with Swaddle Designs sleep sacks for any weather!
Picking the best Newborn Pajamas based on season
When you’re trying to decide on quality sleepwear for infants, one of the first things you might want to consider is season. Take winter, for instance – since your baby is too young to use blankets, you’ll want to ensure their PJs will keep them comfortable on night long.
Whether you’re looking for summertime baby PJs or winter pajamas, below you’ll find some of our favorites.
Best Baby PJs for Winter
(1) Simple Joys by Carter’s Fleece
I know I said Carter’s pajamas shrink, and it’s true for their cotton ones. But for winter months when you need to keep baby warm, their fleece ones are super comfy and easy. Also, they just introduced a two-way zipper!
Also, they just introduced a two-way zipper! We LOVE this!!
(2) Nest Designs Organic Cotton Long-Sleeved Winter Sleep Bag
These organic cotton sleep sacks are perfect for chilly winter nights. They have long sleeves to keep baby warm, plus a Sorona fill for added warmth.
Made from 100% organic cotton, you’ll love this warm, comfy sleep sack with removable sleeves to keep the temperature just right. Oh, and it zips from the bottom, making nighttime changes a breeze!
(3) Swaddle Designs Microfiber Cozy Sacks
Our very favorite sleep sack.
This super warm sleep sack deserves the name cozy–it’s warm for baby and made of one of the softest materials I’ve ever felt. The two-way zipper is a major bonus.
Best Baby Sleepers for Summer
(1) Posh Peanut
Super soft, lightweight bamboo jammies that are really comfortable year-round, but especially in summer.
We also love that their precious clothes are made of the same soft material, so it’s a great way to make baby look adorable while also staying comfy!
(2) Kyte Baby Zipper Footies
We adore Kyte Baby for their soft, thin, but durable fabric. I originally discovered them as I searched for bamboo pajamas for my sensitive-skinned babies, and they quickly became a favorite for so many more reasons!
The softness and coolness of bamboo is unrivaled–a whole 3 degrees cooler than cotton! Not to mention that it doesn’t shrink in the dryer, AND it’s generally considered to be a pretty sustainable resource. Win/win/win. Done.
(2) Swaddle Designs Cotton/Muslin Sleep Sack
This was our favorite summertime sleep sack for its lightweight, comfort, and the ability to unzip from the bottom.
The breathable, open weave is perfect for warm nights when you want to keep baby’s temperature really well regulated. Not joking–I cried when Jack outgrew the largest size.
(3) Convertible Zip Romper from Caden Lane
Not only is Caden Lane one of our top choices for baby pajamas and clothing, in general, but if you’re looking for an outstanding set of summertime PJs for your little one, their convertible zip romper is sure to impress.
Made with soft bamboo fabric that’s a tad thicker than the fabric from Kyte Baby, it’ll give baby an extra hint of warmth while still keeping their little bodies cool and breathable.
The top sustainable materials Baby Pajamas
If choosing sustainable products is a significant deciding factor for your family, you’ll be happy to hear there are several luxurious baby PJ options that fit the bill. Two of the most popular are bamboo cotton baby pajamas and organic cotton PJs for babies.
Softest Bamboo Newborn Sleepers
(1) Kyte Baby Bamboo Zipper Pajamas
Some brands have been around forever, while others feel like they’re the new, hot item. Kyte Baby may feel like the new thing, but it’s got definite staying power.
Founded with your baby’s comfort and safety in mind, this eco-conscious brand brings the softest bamboo sleepwear straight to your nursery.
We love the dual zipper on the pants, making nighttime changes so much easier. The one downside: it’s suggested you hang them to dry.
We love the dual zipper on the pants, making night time changes so much easier. The one downside: it’s suggested you hang them to dry.
(2) MilkBarn Bamboo Zipper Pajamas
It’s hard to beat MilkBarn in comfort or eco-friendliness. Their bamboo pajamas are as soft as you’ll find, and all their products are organic.
Each pajama set comes with a matching reusable drawstring bag–a great way to double up and have what you need for messy baby clothes on the go.
(3) Post Peanut Romper Pajamas
Post Peanut makes all sorts of adorable, comfortable pajamas for babies. But for infants, especially newborn, our favorites are the zipper one-pieces.
Available in a variety of designs, these super-soft, breathable bamboo pajamas will keep baby as cozy as can be. And of course, we love the two-way zipper!
Organic Baby PJs
(1) MilkBarn Organic Cotton Zipper Pajamas
Where organic meets luxury, nothing beats a MilkBarn product. They use soft organic cottons and bamboos (this design is cotton) to achieve ultimate comfort for your little one.
Because MilkBarn products are free of flame-retardant chemicals, they are made to fit snugly. And they’re so comfortable that you’ll want them too!
(2) Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Cotton One-Piece
Available in tons of different styles, we loved this zip-up one piece from Burt’s Bees Baby. There’s a reason parents rave about this brand–it’s functional, eco-friendly, and oh-so-comfy.
The grip footies are great when baby starts learning to pull up, but I do wish they had a 2-way zipper. Still, they’re super soft and comfy for baby.
(3) Organic Cotton Little Sleepers by Hanna Anderssen
These adorable, super soft pajamas are pre-washed, so despite being made of 100% organic cotton, they won’t shrink too much over time.
They get rave reviews from mamas. And they don’t contain flame-resistant chemicals, so be sure to let baby wear them snugly!
Best cotton Newborn Pajamas
(1) Kissy Kissy 100% Pima Cotton Pajamas
I mentioned them earlier, and when I said the softest pajamas, I meant it. They use 100% Peruvian Pima Cotton.
Owned by a doting grandmother, their claim is adorable. “Every outfit feels like a kiss or cuddle on your baby’s skin.”
(2) L’ovedbaby Zipper Footed Pajamas
These 100% organic cotton pajamas are super soft and simple. They offer fold-over mitten sleeves, grips on the bottom of feet, and tagless comfort.
A win for the eco-friendly family, they’re azo-free, non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes.
Baby Footed Pajamas FAQs
Sleepers are designed for babies to wear at any age, beginning as soon as they’re born. I recommend using footed sleepers with zippers or magnetic snaps to keep baby’s feet warm and save you the headache of snaps.
Dress a baby in comfortable pajamas that are fitted to their size. We recommend using pajamas with feet to keep baby’s feet warm. Then, add a sleep sac to help keep baby warm. Sleep sacs come in different weights to fit the season or temperature in your home.
Babies tend to lose heat through their hands and feet, so feel those first if you’re concerned your baby might be cold. If baby’s hands or feet feel cold to the touch, your baby may be chilly.
We recommend footed pajamas for babies because they’ll help keep their feet warm, and you don’t have to worry that they’ll fall off during the night (we’re looking at you, tiny socks!)
What do you think are the best pajamas for babies?
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Maaaaan, that’s a lot of options! I’m about to stop swaddling since I’ve started sleep training with this cool extremely gentle method (it’s called Hold With Love and it super cute – check out here: https://www.parental-love.com/shop/baby-sleep-training ). So I’ve been using muslin swaddle so maybe this muslin sleeping sack would be a good option…