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The 12 Best Kids Pajamas


As a mom of 3, I know pajamas are every bit as important as daytime clothes when it comes to comfort and style. The pajamas I’ve rounded up and researched for you include all the qualities you’re looking for, from softness and durability to adorable patterns and quality material. Below is an extensive list of amazing pajamas for your kids so you can find your next favorite.

Best Kids Pajamas:
Best 100% Organic:
Softest Kids Pajamas:
Best Glow-in-the-Dark:
Best Boutique:


Best Kids Pajamas

The VAENAIT and Posh Peanut pajamas run small and are not as stretchy as the Simple Joys and AVAUMA pajamas. The Simple Joys pajamas offer the best deal as a 6-piece set. 

Simple Joys by Carter’s 6-Piece Set

Simple Joys by Carter's Toddler Girls' 6-Piece Snug-Fit Cotton Pajama Set, Mint Green Rainbow/Pink/White Dinosaur/Stripe/Unicorn, 3T
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

If a great value is what you’re after, then the Simple Joys by Carter’s Set offers just that. You get 6 pieces with a low-tier price tag bringing each piece well under 5 dollars each. There are 7 different combinations you can choose from, each combination comes with 6 coordinating pieces. You can browse the Simply Joys set for Toddler Boys too.

Each set includes 3 shirts, 1 long-sleeved and 2 short-sleeved with 2 pairs of pants and 1 pair of shorts. The tops have a fashionable scalloped crew neck to cover more skin.

Available sizes for these all-weather pajamas range from 6 months up to 5T. It’s fair to say this set caters to younger children. While true to size, these pajamas maintain a snug fit so there isn’t much room to grow. If you’re looking for a looser fit, buy a size larger than you need.

These 100% cotton pajamas are not flame resistant but to help keep kids safe, they have a natural snug fit without any loose fabric.

The tags are made from soft silk so they won’t scratch or irritate your child’s skin. The cotton material is also soft although some of the designs are applique which can be a little stiff at first. It’s recommended you wash these before first use to soften them up.

Some of the designs also have glitter that can rub off over time.

What We Love

  • 7 combinations
  • All-weather
  • Soft cotton
  • Great value
  • True to size
  • Sizes up to 5T

Consideration

  • Snug fit might feel too small
  • Glitter will rub off over time
  • Stiff applique

Posh Peanut Unisex Pajamas Set

Posh Peanut Boys Pajama Sets Bamboo Toddler Pajamas - Unisex PJ for Kids Bamboo Baby Pajamas - Bamboo Sleepers Toddler Pajamas Bamboo Pajamas for Babies (6-12 Months, Sailor Blue)
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Posh Peanut Unisex Pajamas Set is incredibly soft. Made with viscose bamboo, these are maximum comfort pajamas. Stretchy and comfy is how I would describe them. Viscose bamboo is known for its’s buttery softness. There are over 6 patterned options to choose from, including Christmas PJs. The patterns are so detailed they pop.

The neat thing about these pajamas is you can match them with other pieces within the brand including mom’s robe, rompers, crib sheets, changing pad covers, swaddle blanket, hats, and more! How sweet would it be to match the pajamas to a swaddle blanket and hat? These would be great for photo ops. They also come as footed pajamas in smaller sizes.

With sizes ranging from newborn to 6 years, these pajamas are geared for babies and younger children. They also have sleeves that fold over the hands to prevent little fingernails from scratching their own faces.

These pajamas don’t have cuffs, so they can be worn as daytime wear without looking like pajamas. They are also unisex, so so both girls and boys can wear any of the patterns. In order to preserve the detailing, these PJs should be washed inside out.

While these bamboo pajamas are true to size, they have a snug fit so if you want them to fit longer than one season, buy a size up.

What We Love

  • Several pattern choices
  • Can be matched with other pieces in the set
  • Buttery softness
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Unisex
  • Sleeves fold over
  • Can come as footed pajamas

Considerations

  • Pricey

AVAUMA Short Sleeved Pajama Set

AVAUMA Newborn Baby Little Boys Girls Snug-Fit Pajamas Summer Short Sets Pjs Kids Clothes (M/Pink)
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The AVAUMA Short Sleeved Pajama set is ideal for the summer months. Made with Viscose Rayon, these luxurious and silky pajamas are sure to be a favorite. The ribbed material gives them a little flare without being pattered.

These toddler pajamas come in 24 solid, classic earth tone colors. They come in short-sleeved sets as well as long-sleeved sets. These are great for kids who run hot at night, the breathable material will keep them cool.

While these are a snug fit, they’re also stretchy and easy to get on as well as move around in. With sizes ranging from 6 months up to 6 years, these pajamas are geared more for younger kids. They also have onesie options in sizes 0-6 months.

There is no tag or print inside the neck, so it’s a little tricky to know which side is the front.

What We Love

  • 24 color options
  • Ribbed material
  • Snug fit but still stretchy
  • Good for kids who run hot at night

Considerations

  • Hard to tell which side is the front

VAENAIT Modal Sleepwear Pajamas Set 

VAENAIT BABY Kids Girls Long Sleeve Modal Sleepwear Pajamas 2pcs Set shirring Mint S
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

For soft and silky pajamas look no further than the VAENAIT Modal Pajamas Set. This cotton blend Modal cellulose material makes these pajamas super stretchy and silky. Reviewers loved the incredible softness of these pajamas. With sizes ranging from 18 months to 12 years, you’re able to dress your toddler as well as your older child.

There are 19 gorgeous color options for both boys and girls. The boys’ pajamas come with cuffed ankles and wrists and the ribbing is thinner. The girls’ pajamas come with wider ribbing and a scalloped edge.

These lightweight pajamas are great for any season including summertime. A tagless label will keep your children’s skin free of irritation. To keep these looking new, these pajamas need to be washed in either a garment bag or hand washed.

Some reviewers noted that these pajamas run long and had to be rolled at the wrists and ankles. Other reviewers mentioned that the pants would get snagged at the knees when their babies tried to crawl.

What We Love

  • 19 color options
  • Large size range
  • Incredible softness
  • Modal fabric

Considerations

  • Hand wash
  • Gets snagged while crawling

Amazon Essentials Girls’ Pajamas Set

Amazon Essentials Unisex Babies' Snug-Fit Cotton Pajama Sleepwear Sets, Blue, Hearts, 12 Months
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

The Amazon Essentials Girls’ Sleepwear Set is a pajama set that can hold up to any brand name. This 2-pack set is priced competitively with other similar style pajamas and with 4 set options to choose from you’ll find the perfect pair. Each set option comes with 4 pieces, 2 pairs of pants, and 2 shirts. 

Being made with 100% cotton makes these feel like quality material. They are thick and feel very well made. Great to wear in any season. The fit is snug because these PJs are not fire-resistant so they have a tighter fit to provide more safety in a fire.

Adorable patterns adorn these PJs and they are woven directly into the fabric, so they aren’t stiff. These have a crew neck for coverage and comfort. while the ankles and wrists have a wide cuff to keep the pajamas from riding up in the night.

No shrinkage will happen with these quality pajamas after you wash them, so go ahead and toss them into the washer and dryer. With sizes that go from 12 months up to 14 years, you can get matching PJs for all your kids.

Some reviews mention that the cuffs are rather tight and they had to go a size up for comfort.

What We Love

  • Comes in a 2 pack
  • 4 options
  • Quality, thick material
  • No shrinkage in the wash
  • 100% cotton
  • Snug fit
  • Great price point
  • Large size range

Considerations

  • Tight wrist and ankle cuffs

Amazon Essentials Boys’ Sleepwear Sets

Amazon Essentials Unisex Kids' Snug-Fit Cotton Pajama Sleepwear Sets, Pack of 2, Blue/Washed Black, Camo/Dinosaur/Tiger, 6-7
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Amazon Essentials Boys’ Sleepwear Sets is designed with little boys in mind. They come in 7 set options with 2 pairs in each set. With sizes ranging from 12 months to extra large, you can outfit your whole crew.

The designs include things like dinosaurs, camo, space, jungle animals, and they even have several pairs of Christmas pajamas as well. The designs and patterns are woven into the fabric however, some reviewers noted that some felt printed on and they cracked when the fabric was stretched too far.

These 100% cotton pajamas come fitted very snug so you should consider buying a size larger, especially if your child is tall. The thick, quality material comes pre-shrunk so it won’t shrink after the first wash. The crew neck and wide cuffed wrists and ankles make these pajamas extra comfortable to wear at night because they won’t ride up when your child tosses and turns.

Several reviewers stated that even though these PJs start out soft, the material seems to get softer after several washes.

What We Love

  • 7 option packs
  • Large range of sizes
  • Variety of patterns even Christmas
  • Thick quality material
  • Pre-shrunk
  • Doesn’t ride up at night

Considerations

  • Very snug, need a size larger

VAENAIT 100% Cotton Sleepwear Pajamas 

VAENAIT BABY Kids Girls 100% Cotton Sleepwear Pajamas 2pcs Set Prism Pink S
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

Looking for pajamas with a great-looking pattern? VAENAIT Kids Pajamas have you covered. This adorable tye-dye pajama set comes in 16 color options, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your child’s color preference. It also comes in sizes ranging from 12 months up to size 8. This set caters more to young children rather than babies.

A tagless label will be a lifesaver if your child has sensitive skin or just hates the feel of tags. If you need to label these, since there are no tags to write on, you can write on the waistband portion because it’s extra wide.

The high crew neck on this keeps more skin covered. Plus the 100% cotton it’s made with is thick and therefore will keep your little one warmer. It’s not flame resistant but it has a snug fit to help keep your child safe in the event of a fire.

The tye-dye design is printed into the fabric, so there isn’t any of the stiffness that screen printing can have. The unisex pattern makes this a good choice for both little girls and boys. The shirt is made longer which is great if your child is tall or has a long torso.

You can safely buy a size or two larger for room to grow because the cuffs on the pants are cinched. The extra fabric will bunch up at the cuff area rather than slide out the bottom. One thing to keep in mind, some reviews note that this pajama set has a little shrinkage after washing the first time.

What We Love

  • 16 color options
  • Tagless label
  • Wide waistband
  • Thicker material
  • Unisex
  • Good for long torso
  • Cuffed pants

Considerations

  • Shrinks after the first wash

Best 100% Organic Kids Pajamas

While the Burt’s Bees and Owlivia pajamas are very similar to each other, the Burt’s Bees pajamas tend to run a little smaller in the arms compared to the Owlivia pajamas.

Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Organic Cotton Pajamas

Burt's Bees Baby baby boys Pajamas, Tee Pant 2-piece Pj Set, 100% Organic Cotton and Toddler Pajama Bottoms, Indigo Hello Moon, 4T US
Price$$
Quality
Popularity

For a certified organic option, the Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Organic Cotton Pajamas are a fantastic choice. This soft pajama set comes in a record 44 pattern and color options. It’s hard to pick just one, there are so many cute choices. You can buy these in sizes ranging from 12 months to 7 years. This doesn’t cater to babies as much as younger kids. These pajamas won the Cribsie Award for the snuggliest and softest pajamas in 2016, 2017, and 2022.

Ribbed bands at the ankle and wrists keep these pajamas from riding up while your child thrashes around in their sleep at night. Which will also keep them warmer. This organic cotton set is GOTS certified so you can rest assure that your buying authenticity.

If your child has sensitive skin, you’ll love the tagless label on these pajamas. Nothing to rub against your child’s skin.

While these will keep your child warm, they are just average warmth and not thick like winter PJs.

Some reviews note that these pajamas run small and are tight in the arms, therefore getting 1 size larger would be best. Other customers loved the fact that there is no shrinkage with these after being washed. Also that the neck was stretchy so it’s easier to pull over your little one’s head.

What We Love

  • 44 combinations
  • GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Cribsie award winner
  • Ribbed bands
  • Tagless
  • Stretchy neck
  • Won’t shrink

Considerations

  • Runs small
  • Tight in the arms

Owlivia 100% Organic Cotton Pajama Set

Owlivia 100% Organic Cotton Baby Long Sleeve Pajama Sets, Toddler Boy Girl 2-Piece Sleepwear(3 Years, Blue Star)
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Owlivia 100% Organic Cotton Pajama Set is so soft and comfy. These are made with 100% GOTS certified organic cotton which means naturally grown fibers are used without harsh chemicals, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin. Made with 7 different patterns to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one set. The patterns include feathers, bunnies, penguins, solids, they even have Valentine’s Day hearts.

At this time these pajamas only come in 3 sizes, 2T, 3T, and 4T. However, you can also buy 0-24 month sizes in a footed one-piece pajama. Because these are made with cotton, they should have a snug fit since they aren’t fire-resistant. While the pajamas are true to size, the neck hole is a little tight and may require a bit of tugging, or just buy a size up.

Thick and breathable material makes these the perfect pajama for all seasons. The thickness will keep your child warm in the winter and the breathability will keep them cool in the summer months.

These unisex pajamas are ideal for taller children or those with long torsos because the pants run a little long while the shirts are also long. So your child will stay covered at night while they flop around in bed, with no exposed bellies.

One thing to consider, organic cotton shouldn’t be put in the dryer, it will weaken the fabric causing small holes over time. After washing it’s advised to line dry.

What We Love

  • Adorable patterns
  • 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
  • Thick and breathable
  • Unisex
  • Good for tall children

Considerations

  • Small variety of sizes
  • Can’t be put in the dryer
  • Small neck opening

Softest Kids Pajamas

VAENAIT Long Sleeve Sleepwear Pajamas

VAENAIT BABY Kids Long Sleeve Modal Sleepwear Pajamas 2pcs Set Modal Darkblue JM
Price$$$
Quality
Popularity

The VAENAIT Long Sleeve Sleepwear Pajamas are some of the softest pajamas you can get. They are made with Modal which makes them luxuriously soft and comfy. These modal pajamas are lightweight, silky, and stretchy, perfect for your little ones.

There are 26 color options for these PJs including some two-toned colors. With all the colors under the rainbow, you can buy them for any occasion including holidays. These stretchy pajamas range in size from 12 months to 12 years and there is a size chart for you to reference when deciding on the right size. Because these pajamas are cotton, they are made to have a snug fit but the stretchiness helps them not feel too tight.  

The tagless label helps to protect sensitive skin. To keep these pajamas in shape, either hand wash or use a garment bag when washing. These come preshrunk so no need to worry about shrinking after the first wash.

These multifunctional PJs can be worn in any season. They are cool enough for summer and warm enough for winter. They can even be used as a base layer when it’s extra cold outside. These luxurious toddler pajamas are great for taller kids or those with longer torsos because the shirt is nice and long.

What We Love

  • Large range of color options, including two-tone
  • High-quality Modal fabric
  • Tagless label
  • Stretchy and comfy
  • Pre-shrunk
  • Good for tall kids
  • Breathable
  • Use as a base layer when cold

Considerations

  • Hand wash or laundry bag wash

Best Glow-in-the-Dark Kids Pajamas

Glow in Dark Dinosaur PJ Set

shelry Boys Christmas Pajamas Toddler Kids Dinosaurs Clothes Baby Cotton 4 Pieces Pyjamas Set 2t
Quality
Popularity

For a fun pair of glow-in-the-dark pajamas, the Glow in Dark Dinosaur PJ Set is what you’re looking for. These pajamas come in 28 themed options. Including dinos, trucks, space, construction, and airplanes. They even have several different holiday themes for both Halloween and Christmas.

Some reviews noted that ‘charging’ was required to get the pajamas to glow. Meaning holding them under a light for an extended period. Some of the glowing designs are screen printed and therefore it’s best to wash them in cold water with a tumble dry afterward to keep them looking new.

The vibrant graphics and designs on these kid’s pajamas make it so they can be worn as daily wear without looking like pajamas. A tagless label keeps your child’s skin from becoming irritated. The crewneck and cuffed ankles and wrists help keep your little ones warm. With an elastic waistband, your little one can pull these pajamas on and off themselves with ease.

Because these pajamas are made of cotton, they are not flame resistant and, therefore, have a very snug fit. If your child doesn’t like wearing tight clothing, then getting a larger size would be ideal.

These PJs come preshrunk so no need to worry about shrinkage in the washer. With sizes ranging from 12 months through age 16, you can outfit all of your children in these.

What We Love

  • 28 design options including holiday designs
  • Large size range
  • Glow in the dark graphics
  • Can be worn as daily wear
  • Preshrunk
  • Elastic waistband
  • Tagless

Considerations

  • Must charge to glow
  • Snug fit may be too tight

Best Boutique Kids Pajamas

Mud Kingdom Boutique Lace Pajamas Set  

Mud Kingdom Pajamas for Girls Baby Long Sleeve Sleepwear 100% Cotton Breathable Cute Love Blue 2T
Price$$$$
Quality
Popularity

The Mud Kingdom Boutique Lace Pajamas Set are some of the sweetest looking pajamas we looked at. Your child will look like a doll when they wear these. These PJs come in 17 patterns and colors including a Christmas set. Choose between stripes or solids, as well as patterns such as dinosaurs or anchors. With sizes ranging from 2T up to 12, these are geared towards older kids.

These cotton-blend pajamas come in a loose and airy fit. They are lightweight and very breathable. 

Every detail was considered with these toddler pajamas from the button closure to the oversized collar. In lieu of an oversized collar, some sets have delicate lace detailing instead. The look is completed with a single pocket in the front as well as several tiny bows. 

Ruffles are gathered at the wrists and ankles of these pajamas but some reviews noted that they tend to ride up in the night with lots of tossing and turning. They also have a comfortable elastic waistband.

Because these pajamas are made with a cotton blend they may feel stiff when first purchased but will soften right up after a few washes. This particular type of material also tends to wrinkle if left sitting in the dryer after it’s been dried, so you want to pull it out fairly soon after the cycle completes.

These pajamas run a little small so order a size up for a better fit. They also aren’t ideal for tall children or those with long torsos as both the shirt and the pants have a shorter look and fit them.

What We Love

  • Lots of color options including Christmas
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Ruffles and lace
  • Doll-like style
  • Elastic waistband
  • Machine washable

Considerations

  • Runs small
  • Not ideal for tall children
  • Stiff at first

Kid Pajamas Compared

The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.


How We Selected Kids Pajamas 

Pajamas often get overlooked in the wide world of children’s clothing but there are actually quite a lot to choose from. I’ve narrowed down the search to include only the best of the best. Here are some of the qualities I considered when choosing which pajamas to review.

Material

I looked for toddler pajamas made with high-quality materials. All of the ones I’ve listed are either 100% cotton, Viscose, or GOTC certified organic cotton.

Pajamas should have a soft feel to them for maximum comfort during the night. Having thick quality material is important if you want your child’s pajamas to last more than one season. Some materials may feel stiffer at first but after a wash cycle they loosen up.

Look also for breathability, especially if your child runs warm at night. You want the pajamas to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Flame Retardant

Most pajamas these days are not treated with flame retardant because it became widely realized in the ’90s that the chemicals used to make them this way were toxic and absorbed into the skin.

The new rules made at that time required that pajamas for children ranging in ages from 9 months up to 14 be tight-fitting as an alternative to using toxic chemicals. 

You’ll notice in the description boxes, most pajamas are referred to as flame resistant. This is because they are snug fitting and therefore less likely to catch fire than looser styles. It’s best to always buy flame-resistant toddler pajamas.

Style

Pajamas come in all different styles. Some don’t even look like pajamas and can be worn as daytime clothing as well. The glow-in-the-dark Amazon brand pajamas are a good example of that. Wear them at night and keep them on the next day!

Some of the solid color pajamas can also double as a base layer for those cold nights or worn with embellishments for a homemade Halloween costume.

Also, if you have a tall child you want to look for pajamas that have a long shirt or long pants, to keep their bellies covered. Many PJs on my list fit this belly covering requirement.

Another thing to consider, if your child puts things in their mouths still, stay away from pajamas with buttons, pom-poms, or other small pieces that can be sucked off and inhaled.

Girls/Boys/Unisex

Most pajamas on the market are unisex meaning they can easily be worn by both girls and boys. Solid colors and even some patterns can be used interchangeably between both boys and girls. As long as they are comfy and the pajamas keep them safe and warm at night, then you’ve won the battle.

FAQs – Kids Pajamas

What is the softest material for kids’ pajamas?

I have found cotton Modal fabric to be the softest most luxurious fabric for kids’ pajamas. It’s silky, stretchy, and oh so soft.

Organic cotton is also incredibly soft and seems to get softer with each wash, as does is Viscose rayon which is another extremely soft fabric.

How often should you wash kids’ pajamas?

Because pajamas don’t get the intense daytime play that other clothing gets, it’s sufficient to wash your children’s pajamas every couple of days. 

The exception being if your child gets extremely sweaty or plays during the daytime in their pajamas, in which case you should wash after one wear.

Are organic cotton pajamas better for my children?

Whether it’s food or clothing, any material that is deemed organic is always better for your children. This is because organic products are made without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. When it comes to clothing, organic materials are a safer choice. 

Can’t my child just wear daytime clothes to bed?

While in reality, anything soft is nice to sleep in, pajamas are specially made to keep kids safe at night. They do this by being flame-resistant and having a nice snug fit. Not all daytime clothes fit this bill.

Often clothing can have buckles, zippers, ties, and other things that wouldn’t be very comfortable to roll on top of in the night.

Most pajamas also are made to keep from riding up while your child rolls around in their sleep, daytime clothes don’t afford that same luxury and may bunch up and be uncomfortable which may wake them up. And let’s be honest, we as moms, want our children to stay asleep as long as possible.

How should I keep my baby warm while they sleep?

Babies tend to run hotter than adults, especially at nighttime when they are asleep. Because it’s not advised to put blankets in the crib with babies, you have to rely on other ways to keep your little one warm in the cooler months, such as putting socks on them.

Warm pajamas are definitely helpful in keeping babies warm. Here are other ways to keep your baby warm in the crib without blankets to snuggle with. 

Sources

  1. What is Viscose? Understanding this Popular Rayon Type, amerisleep.com
  2. Certification…, certifications.controlunion.com
  3. Children’s Sleepwear Regulations, www.cpsc.gov

Ryann Barnum    

Ryann Barnum is a passionate writer, mother, and wife. Her children who range in age from 19 down to 6, keep her busy. She loves to read and be outside. When they can get away, she and her husband love to hike and camp.



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