Has Anyone Found Toddler Pajamas That Are Actually Comfy?

Updated on November 02, 2010
C.G. asks from Billings, MT
47 answers

I am seriously irritated at how tight they make toddler pajama tops. Carters, Baby Gap, Old Navy, Children's Place, all of them. My 19 month-old little guy can't stand it, tosses and turns and yanks and fusses at how constricting the tops are. (It would drive me nuts if I had to wear something that tight too.) I even tried buying them in bigger sizes, and they are still tight, just longer and tight. I've had to stop using the pj tops altogether, and instead, dress him in long sleeve t-shirts to wear with the pajama bottoms. My little guy is not even a chubby kid.. I can't imagine how contricting they must be for bigger toddlers! I do understand they make the pj's tight apparently to help in a fire hazard, but COME ON! Anyhow, my question is... has anyone found a brand of toddler pj's that are actually comfy?

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C.N.

answers from Denver on

If you have an Osh Gosh outlet near you, they have 2 piece pj's that are super soft and comfortable......and not ridiculously tight. Carters 2 piece ones were always too snug on my little one.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Denver on

Well if they aren't tight, they are treated with that fire retardant chemical, so I pick "tight" over that...
That said I buy Hanna Handersson brand PJs, and I can get them bigger than he is & they last awhile. They are form fitting, but not too tight at all. My toddler is just 22 months, and he wears the 3 yr recommended size. He is also not big for his age. After a year of wear they still look brand new - I love this brand of PJs.
He also has a pair of Gap PJs that are "man style" with loose legs like pants, and a button down top. Those are loose, but treated with the chemical like I mentioned. I bought them for christmas so he'd have a pair of red ones. I didn't trealize they were chemically treated.

2 moms found this helpful
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V.B.

answers from Houston on

I buy Carter's brand, but they make some that aren't tight. In fact, I think they're called something like "Super Comfy PJ's". They usually come in a set with either pants and a top or sometimes they have pants, shorts and a top. My kids both HATE those tight PJ's with every fiber of their being and simply will not wear them, but I get these other ones from Carter's and they are much looser (not tight at all) and soooo soft. If you have an actual Carter's store, you'll be able to tell the difference when you see them hanging next to the other kind. That truly is the only kind I buy now and my kids love them. Good luck! Hope this helps.

2 moms found this helpful

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J.C.

answers from San Francisco on

we really like hannah anderson jammies, but costco has some organic cotton 2 piece jammies right now that are identical to the hanna's but way cheaper. they are comfy, warm and plenty roomy (my daughter is in the 120th percentile for height and weight so we never liked the normal jammies either.)

2 moms found this helpful
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G.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

They're pricey, but Hanna Andersson pjs are the most comfortable ones out there. My kids love them, and so do I. They're made of organic cotton with flatlock seams so there's no chafing, and while they are fitted, they are not tight. Plus they are durable enough to survive through two kids.

2 moms found this helpful
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T.H.

answers from Kansas City on

Well both my kids find them pretty comfy, so it just may be a personal preference thing for your son. Since it's getting colder, I would look for more of the traditional pajama style top and pants for your little one...they are a lot looser and might just be more comfy for him. I know that Target usually sells some by Nick and Nora that are way cute and I've seen them at Baby Gap too...they have the button up shirt with the baggy pants. They are usually flannel or fleece so it's more of a fall/winter thing for sure. I would be that they will be out very soon after Halloween since Christmas, etc. starts going up so early! I hope you find something, I hate that your kiddo isn't sleeping!

2 moms found this helpful
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S.F.

answers from Madison on

Hanna Andersson makes super comfy, not too tight pj's. They are more expensive. I usually wait until they go on sale at the end if the season and stock up.

2 moms found this helpful
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T.W.

answers from Denver on

After three kids I have given up. I buy sweats and a tee shirt or long sleeve tee. Those PJs out there are just too tight. Once in a great while I will come across a pair that are better but I still have to buy a size or two up. Makes me crazy.

I say just go with the sweats and tees.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Denver on

I logged on to suggest the Carter's "comfy fit" pj's & looks like others have suggested it also. Their outlet stores always have great deals on them and Target sells them also. I hope you find something that works for you little guy soon!

1 mom found this helpful
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B.H.

answers from Kansas City on

My kids love the ones from Target, they are usually next to the underwear and socks in the kids dept. They look like long underwear/thermals. My kids want them every year and love them. My kids usually like any of Target's pj's

1 mom found this helpful

J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I hate how tight they are as well. I have a skinny kid and they're too tight on him too. What works best for us are the fire-retardant ones that are baggy - yet I think I only have these in short sleeve. I've put my son in regular long-sleeved shirts with pj bottoms before too. What else can ya do??

1 mom found this helpful
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C.T.

answers from Dallas on

We used Old Navy, but just went up several sizes until they were comfortable for my son. He was a huge baby and toddler.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

I bought the pj bottoms at Target and and buy clearance t-shirts or use old t-shirts for their tops. Also, If you get the short sleeve pj's at Target/Penny's they are not tight but they are not 100% cotton either. Get the kind that are loose at the bottom not the kind that have the band across the bottom of the leg and arm.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.S.

answers from Mansfield on

Awe, that stinks for you little one! We've actually only had a few problems with pj's. I typically buy carter's pajamas. In the cooler months I have him wear the full zipper footed fleece pj's and separates in the warmer months. Of course we've had months in the hot summer where he'd sleep just in a onsie too!

Try maybe looking for fabrics that aren't susceptible to shrinking- (unfortunately they'll be synthetics, but it might help!) Or stretching them slightly out of the wash and before tossing them into the dryer.

Hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

My daughter could never wear those either. I usually could find the button front flannel kind, after she grew out of the one piece sleepers. She's 8 now and I still see those pj's that I can't imagine her arms fitting through. We usually shop at Target or Kohls.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.M.

answers from Johnstown on

We just always went w/ the one-piece footed fleece pjs that you get at walmart...in a pack of 2 for $10.

1 mom found this helpful
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B.F.

answers from Chicago on

My boys have some cool Spiderman PJ's from H&M, but they got them from their grandparents in Europe. I'm not sure if they sell them in their US stores. If I buy PJ's here I buy the flannels that button up at the front. They are looser.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

hannah anderson! costco has them right now. they are wonderful till he begins to potty train then you need the 2 piece ones. they are a little expensive but I get at least a year of wear out of then washing them 3-4 times a week. great product!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.T.

answers from Denver on

Hi Cori - I just found some at Costco that my kids love. I do buy them significantly bigger than their actual size. My skinny 8yr wears a 10 pretty easily and my sorta chubby 4.5 yr old likes the 8s. This style stretches pretty well and they have elastic waistbads and jersey stretch cuffs.

There are plenty of places that sell actual pajama sets with the loose fitting pants and matching button shirt. The most recent place I saw them was at Osh Kosh.

You might also try Lands End. They have really comfy pj's and they wear very well. Maybe you could buy him his size but in a husky so it will fit more loosely? Just a thought.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.H.

answers from New York on

gotta switch to the 2 piece flannel ones from carters..they are very roomy and comfortable. Then you just have to find sock that your little one won't pull of at night! :)

1 mom found this helpful
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R.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hanna Andersson all the way! Our baby has been wearing them since Day 1...and here's a hint. You can call one of the outlet stores (go to hannaandersson.com to find the phone numbers) and they will ship them to you...I buy them when they go on sale for 10 or 15.00 a pair...they last forever, and I buy 3 in her current size and 3 in the size larger!

1 mom found this helpful
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C.P.

answers from Denver on

Yes! Target occasionally sells a Carters or Circo brand that is loose. They only sell them every now and then, but I always buy them for DD. I don't like the tight ones either.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.R.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I second the Hannah Anderson pajamas. You can find them sometimes at Costco. Also look on E-Bay for used ones. I buy used ones and they still look great when my daughter is done with them.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

My son loved the fleece pjs from children's place http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/c...

And the elastic waist loose pants + baseball t (or longsleeve)type jammies from Gap
http://www.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=6397

The flannel button up/ elastic waist ones from Garnet Hill are also long time favs... but they're twice as expensive as anywhere else
http://www.garnethill.com/kids-clothing/little-girls-2-6-...

1 mom found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Boise on

My son loves the pajama pants that I make for him (he is a big kid and is growing out of the fun jammies but those are still what he wants and I can buy fun fabric) with a tshirt. Pajama pants are super easy to make, even for a beginning sewer.

1 mom found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Seattle on

We put our kiddo to bed in soft comfy sweats - he didn't like the tight tops/bottons either.

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

I love the Children's place fleece jammies. Also, there is a brand of Carters that has looser tops and bottoms....I hate those tight one.

Updated

I love the Children's place fleece jammies. Also, there is a brand of Carters that has looser tops and bottoms....I hate those tight ones too.

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B.B.

answers from Denver on

Try the Life Is Good Pajamas, they are loose fitting and super cute. You can get them on kidsportvail.com or in the store locations they have.

J.B.

answers from Houston on

I have a good sized, broad shouldered little man and I have always found Walmart pjs to be good! They are cheap and he sleeps great in them, you can just replace them when they wear out! I think he usually gets that Child of Mine brand or something like that. I have always found that brand runs big, so maybe check it out!

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K.M.

answers from Denver on

We use alot of Carter's blanket sleepers with the feet in them for my 2 and 3 year old boys. They love them. Carter's also makes some winter PJs that aren't tight. I was just reading the other day that if the PJs are 100% cotton they have to be tight (required by law) but if they have polyester in them they can be loose. You might want to look for PJs that are a blend. Good luck!

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G.B.

answers from Dayton on

I think it's only the 100% cotton that has to be so tight. We've found some with a polyester blend that are loose and fit like normal clothes. I know what you mean though - my 20 month old is wearing size 4T pj's. As it gets colder, the blanket sleepers with feet aren't tight.

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A.P.

answers from Denver on

Try the two piece flannel pajama sets that have button tops we use those cause they are like daddy and fit loose. The stretchy cotton ones are tight so they don't get all tangled up when they roll around in the bed.

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S.D.

answers from Washington DC on

TARGET my dear! I looooove Target. We get pijamas for my daughter there. She is 4 years old, and big bonned. She wears 5Ts and she loves them. I also like the light material because even in winter, she gets hot at night. I believe the Circo brand makes them. Sometimes they have the ones with characters on them. Those are comfy too.

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K.J.

answers from Chicago on

Both of my boys love sleeping in footie-pjs (typically just get the Carters ones from Costco or Target). I have experienced the tight tops of some of the 2-piece pjs, but have noticed that if I put my arm in the arm hole (from the bottom of the arm hole) it helps to stretch it out enough to not constrict.

Other pjs that are not very tight are the 2-piece button-front ones that you can find at Kohl's or JC Penney. They are some of my older son's favorites.

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R.Y.

answers from New York on

My son slept in sweat pants and a long sleeve cotton shirt for years from about 18 months to age 3.5. Now he likes the Children's Place cotton pjs a size big as well. My younger one is on the slim side and does okay in the regular pjs. I like the Children's place one piece t-shirt fabric pj on her, though she will need something warmer when it gets colder.

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M.L.

answers from Houston on

My son likes to sleep in the 'wife-beater' tanks by the underwear with socks.

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J.L.

answers from Denver on

Baby Gap has the best!

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M.S.

answers from Boise on

I buy the pajamas that have the button down front, I find them at toys r us, and also at Kmart or Costco I buy the footed Zipper pajamas. They are looser and fit much better than those tight ones.

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

there are 2 kinds of pajamas... tight fitting pjs that are not flame retardant.. or loose fit pajamas that must be treated with flame retardatnt.

most of the pjs that I have are the loose fit kind.. I have carters and target brand and disney..

I do hav tight fit pjsa.. also but just look for the loose fit kind or go with footie pjs.. childrens place makes nice footie pjs.. either thin cotton or thick fleece.

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S.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

my son wears footy jammies in the winter and shorts and a tee shirt in the summer.

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C.V.

answers from Kansas City on

I love carters.And I agree about the tight fitting ones with a very skinny son they're not even comfy on him.And my daughter's always been stocky so even going up a size doesn't help.I just get different styles.Like right now they have the blanket sleepers that are super soft and comfy.And the micro fleece.I was in costco the other day and they had some super cute ones that were micro fleece pants and top sets.I usually shop at JC Penny's and Marshalls.

Updated

I love carters.And I agree about the tight fitting ones with a very skinny son they're not even comfy on him.And my daughter's always been stocky so even going up a size doesn't help.I just get different styles.Like right now they have the blanket sleepers that are super soft and comfy.And the micro fleece.I was in costco the other day and they had some super cute ones that were micro fleece pants and top sets.I usually shop at JC Penny's and Marshalls.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My son was what I consider to be average size...but a solid kid--no toothpick arms and legs and the tight p.j.s never fit him unless they werelike 4 sizes larger than his actual size--the pj's with actual sleeves (long or short) with bottoms like lounging pants fut him well, as did/do 2 piece flannel pjs. Also Target sells cute long underwear that work really well as jammys.

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S.R.

answers from Cincinnati on

We recently bought two-piece fleece pjs at Costco for our two boys. They are really cute and very roomy. In fact, my mom bought a size up, and my 17-month-old is swimming in them. My 3 1/2 year old is very comfy in both his 3T size and 4T size.

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T.J.

answers from Seattle on

Hanna Andersson! They make them for the whole family, cute, and super soft too!

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A.O.

answers from Sherman on

my kids have never complained about jammies from any of the places you mentioned. However, try Target or Wal-mart. Both offer sets that do not have the elastic bands on the wrists and ankles

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I buy the 2 piece sets at the dollar store and have never found them to be tight. They are made of very stretchy fabric. What I don't get are the footy pajamas that are soft and cuddly on the outside, but scratchy and full of seams and other uncomfortable stuff on the inside. Why? Furthermore, why do my kids insist that I buy them? Does anyone know where I can get footy pjs that are actually comfortable for my little ones?

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K.U.

answers from Detroit on

I have fleece pajamas from Carter's that are cut loose, with sweatshirt-like tops and baggier bottoms. I also have flannel ones that have loose pants and button-up tops, and used to use the zip-up footed pajamas that you can find just about anywhere.

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