The Best Baby Pajamas, According to the Bump Community
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from The Bump community and survey responses from almost 350 parents, we chose the Carters Baby 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play Pajamas as the overall best baby pajamas. These PJs stood out because of their balance between softness and durability, their snug fit and their convenient two-way zippers (which make for easy diaper access).
It’s no secret that babies spend the majority of their time sleeping, so you definitely want them to be comfortable in their pajamas. However, baby PJs aren’t just for snoozing. 40 percent of our survey respondents told us that their little ones wore infant sleepwear 24/7 in their first month. Meanwhile, another 32 percent shared that their newborns wear pajamas whenever they’re at home. Needless to say, this versatile baby clothing is a staple from birth up to the one-year mark.
Footie sleepers, two-piece sets and onesies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to infant sleepwear. Sure, you could simply pick an adorable pair—of which there are many—but it’s even better to choose baby PJs that are equal parts cute and practical. Here, discover the best infant pajamas, recommended by parents from The Bump community.
To help you pick out the best infant sleepwear, we conducted exhaustive market research and asked parents from our community for their recommendations. This way, you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers and parenting forums. To create this article:
- We surveyed almost 350 members of The Bump community and asked about the baby pajamas they used with their families. We then asked parents to rate specific brands and styles based on their firsthand experience.
- We checked what was being said about baby sleepwear in The Bump forums to learn what parents liked (and disliked) about certain brands and styles.
- To understand how these pajamas for newborns and infants have worked for families nationwide, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews.
- We looked at the most popular baby girl and boy pajamas on the market and considered several factors—like size range, material, care instructions and price point—when choosing which options to feature in our article.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best baby pajamas
- Easy diaper access, according to survey respondents
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified
- Preemie sizes
- Not available in sizes for older infants
- No non-slip grippers
At the top of our list are the 2-Way Zip Cotton Blend Sleep & Play Pajamas from Carter’s, a brand that stood out as the most popular choice for baby sleepers among our survey respondents. As the name suggests, these versatile jammies can be worn for sleeping and playing, so they’re a great option for parents who plan on dressing baby primarily in PJs for the first few months. Plus, the baby footie pajamas are made from 100 percent OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified cotton, meaning they’ve passed safety tests for the presence of over 1,000 harmful substances. With this in mind, you can count on them to be gentle on your little one’s delicate skin.
Another reason parents love these pajamas is the two-way zipper which offers super simple diaper change access and makes dressing baby a breeze. “I’ve gravitated toward Carters [for sleepwear] just because they are affordable and I like that they have the two-way zipper for middle-of-the-night diaper changes,” mom-of-one Danielle told us. Kendyl, a survey respondent and mom of two, agreed, saying: “The pajamas were super soft and the zipper made it easy to get it on and off and do middle-of-the-night diaper changes.” To top it off, the zip features a snap safety tab to protect your little one’s chin.
Other details you’ll love about these infant footed pajamas are the ribbed cuffs and neckline, the tag-free design and the foldover cuffs on newborn and preemie sizes, all added with comfort in mind. “When [my son] was a teeny tiny infant I liked the foldover cuffs so he couldn’t scratch himself,” Danielle shared. Best of all, they come in a convenient pack of two; after all, it’s always helpful to have a backup pair of baby PJs on hand.
Size range: Preemie to 9 months | Material: 100% cotton rib | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
I love how Carter's Sleep and Play pajamas fit my baby; they are the perfect length and never too tight. I think that Carter's has some of the cutest baby jammies, especially their animal prints. – Catherine, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
I love that they have the two-way zipper and are super soft. The ease of getting diapers changed in the middle of the night is so important! – Christine, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
I'd definitely get some [Carter's] sleep and play (the sleepers with legs and feet)—[my] kiddo wore those all the time (day and night) the first month. – ncbelle, The Bump forum member
Best bamboo baby pajamas
- Breathable, super-soft fabric
- Preemie sizes
- Matching family options available
- Some prints sell out quickly
- No non-slip grippers
Bamboo is a popular material for baby pajamas because of its silky smooth feel, gentleness on sensitive or eczema-prone skin and temperature-regulating properties. This pair from Little Sleepies is made from the brand’s signature custom-milled Lunaluxe Bamboo, a bamboo-viscose blend. Parents love the ultra-soft, lightweight fabric that’s breathable yet cozy so that it can be worn in almost any weather. “The material is really nice. I like the bamboo and how it can be worn year-round without making my baby too hot or too cold,” Faith, mom of one and survey respondent, shared. Mom-of-one Jaclyn also appreciates how stretchy the material is, which makes getting baby changed a lot easier. “The stretch of the bamboo not only is great as they grow, but makes putting them on easier because [my daughter is] currently at her wrestling-a-crocodile-to-get-her-dressed stage,” she told us.
Other details you’ll appreciate include the tagless design (for added comfort) and fold-over ankle cuffs to keep teeny tiny feet warm. What’s more, there are several adorable designs available, ranging from solid hues to retro-inspired prints and everything in between. And if you’re looking for matching family pajamas, Little Sleepies has you covered; many patterns come in a wide range of styles and sizes. “Little Sleepies is my go-to pajama brand for babies, kids and adults alike,” says Martina Garvey, e-commerce editor for The Bump. Compared to other infant pajamas, these zippies come at a higher price point, but The Bump community agrees that they’re definitely worth it. “I love the designs, love the feel of the fabric, and love the quality. While they aren't the cheapest, they last so long,” explains Jaclyn.
If that's not all, Little Sleepies is also known for creating super-soft, charming collections with beloved franchises such as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc. and Harry Potter. We're looking forward to the brand's upcoming collaboration with Finding Nemo, which launches on Monday, March 18th. Join the waitlist (which already has 60,000 sign-ups) to ensure you don't miss out on this adorable collection!
Size range: Preemie to 3 years | Material: 95% bamboo viscose/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our community says:
Little Sleepies pajamas are made from the softest bamboo material - I'm a big fan! The fabric feels light and airy, so the sleep suits are a great shout for kids that run hot at night. – Martina G., aunt of two and e-commerce editor for The Bump
I love Little Sleepies PJs for their adorable prints (seriously, they're all swoon-worthy) and the feel of their bamboo fabric. It's thin, but it's so soft against baby's sensitive skin and super stretchy. – Ashlee N., mom of two and content director for The Bump
I love the brand because of the material and fit! The softest and seemingly most comfortable, durable, long-lasting and not to mention the cutest colors and patterns. They fit great. Amazing quality. - Khari*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best baby pajamas for tall infants
- Longest PJs on our list
- GOTS-certified
- Hand-painted designs
- Non-slip grippers on all sizes
- No two-way zipper
If your little one is in a high percentile for their height, it can be tricky to find footed pajamas long enough for them. Thankfully, Burt’s Bees Baby offers some of the best baby PJs for tall infants; the 12-month size of their Organic Cotton Footed Sleep & Play sleepers fits babies up to 30.5 inches, making them the longest option on our list. Parents love that their kids don’t grow out of Burt’s Bees footed pajamas as quickly as other brands they’ve tried. Even better, they’re made from 100 percent GOTS-certified cotton that’s super durable. According to runnergirl2018, a member of The Bump forums: “I really like their jammies and feel like they lasted a long time! They are still [our] primary jammies for my toddler.”
These baby pajamas have a relaxed, roomy fit with elasticized ankles and cuffs for superior comfort and wear. Each pair includes thoughtful details, such as non-slip grips on the feet so your little one can easily move about. Plus, the front zipper has a snap tab for smooth diaper changes. Newborn sizes also come with no-scratch convertible mittens for added convenience. If that’s not all, these popular baby sleepers come in a wide range of adorable, hand-painted designs. “They have cute patterns and are easy to access for diaper changes,” Joan, mom of one and survey respondent, told us. All in all, it’s safe to say you can count on these footed pajamas to last for many snoozes to come.
Size range: Newborn to 8 years | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry low
Our community says:
Their organic cotton pajamas are quality! Super-soft, breathable, snug fitting. No major frills with these PJs, but adorable and unique patterns that make them feel extra special. – Lauren B., mom of three and associate content director of lifecycle content for The Bump
They're soft and [make it] easy to change diapers. – Cassandra, mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
I’m obsessed with Burt’s Bees pajamas. That [is] all [my child] wore as an infant (and even now, at 3.5). They are soft and wash up really well. […] Highly recommend, especially for warm-climate mamas. – surrenderdorothy, The Bump forum member
Best baby pajamas for hand-me-downs
- Impressively durable over time, according to The Bump community
- Prewashed to prevent shrinking
- Foldover cuffs grow with baby
- OEKO TEX- and GOTS-certified
- Relatively high price point
Hanna Andersson is known for their baby and toddler apparel that strikes the balance between cuteness and practicality, and their 2-Way Zip Sleeper is no exception. Parents praise the brand’s sleepwear for its impressive durability; many even say it’s been handed down more than once. “Hanna Andersson makes some of my absolute favorite baby pajamas,” says Ashlee Neuman, mom of two and content director for The Bump. “Their original cotton is soft and thick, making them quality PJs you can pass down from child to child—I have some in our closets that have been used by three kids and they're still in excellent shape!”
This combination of durability and softness can be attributed to the 100 percent cotton construction that’s been prewashed to prevent shrinking, so you can count on a snug (but not too tight) fit from the get-go. For added peace of mind, the material is entirely organic and even OEKO TEX- and GOTS-certified. Each sleeper also features super-smooth flatlock seams and a protective zipper tab, so they’re sensory-friendly to boot.
But that’s not all—parents appreciate the foldable arm and leg cuffs that make it easy to adjust the fit to meet baby’s changing needs, even after a growth spurt. The tried-and-true style has also recently been updated with a two-way zipper to make changes a breeze. And while the price point for Hanna Andersson baby pajamas is higher than other options on the market, parents from The Bump community agree that these high-quality jammies are 100 percent worth it.
Size range: 0-3 months to 3 years | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Our community says:
You can't beat Hanna Andersson jammies for hand-me-downs. We got a pair from another family that their daughter had outgrown, and we passed it on to a third family when our daughter outgrew them— they still looked good as new. – Daniel C., dad of one and associate director of e-commerce content for The Bump
We love Hanna Andersson PJs. They are expensive, but the cotton is super high-quality and for some reason, have enough give that they last a lot longer than [my child's] other PJs. I buy them one size big so he gets almost a year out of them because of the stretch. – sharrow, The Bump forum member
We love Hanna Andersson when we can find them for cheap. They […] hold up SO well and if you're into resale, they hold their value. – Texascat, The Bump forum member
Best easy-on easy-off baby pajamas
- Unique magnetic closure
- Super easy for changes, according to The Bump community
- Eco-friendly, temperature-regulating fabric
- Preemie sizes
- Relatively high price point
- Parents say they take a while to dry
Some days, dressing baby is no easy feat. With that in mind, it wasn’t surprising that our survey showed that 80 percent of parents look for infant sleepwear that’s straightforward to put on and take off. That’s why we’re fans of this unique baby sleeper from Magnetic Me. In contrast to typical zipper and snap closure styles, these jammies are complete with time-saving magnetic fasteners. Because of this, they can be slipped on and fastened in seconds, making dressing and changes a more seamless process. Mom-of-one Rebecca had high praises for these baby footie pajamas, telling us: “Magnetic Me is my absolute favorite pajama! They’re so easy to put on and off when you need to quickly change them if [baby is] being fussy.”
While these PJs are highly practical, they’re also ultra-comfortable. Each pair is made from silky soft TENCEL modal fabric that’s stretchy and flexible for optimal coziness. Survey respondent Katie, a mom of one, shared: “I love the Magnetic Me [PJs] for bedtime. They’re really easy to put on after my baby’s bath (when he is really wiggly!) and they’re so soft.” If that’s not all, “the closures make nighttime diaper changes easy,” she added. Moreover, the temperature-regulating material is great for year-round wear and for numerous activities, whether that’s snoozing or exploring. One potential downside is that these PJs can’t go in the tumble dryer, which may be a dealbreaker for those looking for easy-care sleepers. That being said, parents say the ease of use afforded by the magnetic closures makes up for it in the long run.
Size range: Preemie to 18-24 months | Material: 100% TENCEL modal | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, air dry
Our community says:
I appreciate that these pajamas are lightweight and soft—they are not too hot under a sleep sack. The magnetic closures make for very easy wear and dressing. – Yarden*, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
The magnets make it for an easy on and off. The sizes extend well past their indicated size/month worn. – Courtney, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
For the little baby phase (<6 mo), I am a big fan of sleepers with feet that either zip both ways, or have magnets. […] At 3 a.m. Zippyjams are great, as [are] MagneticMe. – bumblebee0210, The Bump forum member
Best two-piece baby pajamas
- Foldover waistband allows room for growth
- Parents say they hold up well over time
- Lightweight, stretchy material
- Relatively high price point
Nearly half of our survey respondents said they looked for two-piece infant pajama sets. Some parents say they find it simpler to dress their baby and change their diapers in this style, whereas others say they’re better for older infants who are becoming more active and starting to walk. No matter the reason, the Lou Lou & Company Finley Top + Bottoms stood out as some of the best two-piece baby pajamas on the market. Each set comes with a top that features cute functional buttons and matching bottoms complete with a foldover waistband that allows for room to grow. Newborn sizes also feature built-in footies and foldover wrist cuffs for added coziness and warmth.
Parents love how high-quality these baby pajama sets are and say they wash and hold up well over time. However, they do have to be line-dried, which is something to keep in mind. That said, parents also can’t get enough of the brand’s signature silky soft rayon-spandex blend that’s stretchy and comfy in all the right places. “Another favorite is Lou Lou’s amazing pieces,” shared Rebecca, mom of one. “We live in Florida, so the light material [is] a must!” According to parents in The Bump community, these aesthetically pleasing PJs also make for great baby coming home outfits. Plus, they come in toddler and big kid sizes, so they’re ideal for a matching sibling moment.
Size range: Newborn-3 months to 6-7 years | Material: Rayon/spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry
Our community says:
Lou Lou and Company [is one of my favorites], especially for swaddles and mittens. […] They have other items now, too, like top/bottom sets and rompers, and I have a few of each. They are very soft. – runnergirl2018, The Bump forum member
Best fleece baby pajamas
- Durable and super cozy, according to parents
- Preemie sizes
- Affordable price point
- No sizes for older infants
- No non-slip grippers
Carter’s Sleep & Play footie pajamas also come in extra-cozy fleece options—just like these. The multipack comes with two pairs of footed pajamas that will be in your little one’s constant rotation during the cooler months of the year. “Carter's has a huge selection of comfy cotton PJs at reasonable prices—but I particularly love Carter's for their fleece jammies. We spend a lot of time in Vermont during the winter months and my girls always were toasty in their footie fleece PJs, complete with full zippers for easy on and off,” shares Neuman.
As the mom of two mentions, each is equipped with a two-way zipper to make your life easier and to keep baby comfy when dressing your child or changing their diaper. There’s also a top-snap closure to protect the chins of even the wiggliest little ones. And while the material will keep baby snuggled and warm in chilly weather, it’s also breathable. Moreover, these PJs are available in a range of sizes from preemie to 9 months—so whether you’re looking for newborn footed pajamas or an option for your almost-toddler, Carter’s has your back.
Size range: Preemie to 6-9 months | Material: 100% polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash
Our community says:
I like that [Carter's has] different types of material including fleece for colder nights. I like that they seem comfortable for my baby. – Jamie, parent of one and The Bump survey respondent
Best budget-friendly baby pajama multipack
- Most affordable option on our list
- Parents love the elasticized ankles
- OEKO TEX-certified
- Some styles sell out quickly
- No two-way zipper
- No non-slip grippers
According to our survey, 48 percent of parents keep price at the top of their minds when shopping for baby pajamas. Luckily, teeny tiny PJs don’t have to cost a small fortune just like this convenient multipack from Target’s Cloud Island label. The budget-friendly trio rings in at $15, and just because you’re saving doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on quality. Each pair of these infant and newborn pajamas is made from OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified cotton that’s soft and breathable. Even better, they’re equipped with convenient features like protective snap tabs and fold-over mittens on newborn sizes to prevent scratches. Parents also say they’re fans of the elasticized ankles that help keep the built-in booties in the correct position on baby’s feet.
The sleep-and-play style is ideal for all-day comfort, without sacrificing style. Lauren Barth, mom of three and associate content director of lifecycle content for The Bump wholeheartedly agrees. “The whimsical or eclectic patterns give these everyday jams some flair,” she says, “And I love that you can occasionally snag a matching baby headband or accessory to really elevate the look. You know, in case there's a day you don't get baby out of their pajamas!” Perhaps best of all, they’re also super simple to care for. Simply pop them in the wash and then the tumble dryer to have fresh jammies ready to go again.
Size range: Newborn to 6-9 months | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry
Our community says:
Target can do no wrong in my book. And their inhouse baby clothing brand nails it. The pieces are pretty basic, but in the best way possible. – Lauren B., mom of three and associate director of lifecycle content for The Bump
They're comfortable and soft. They're also stretchy and efficient. – Alex, parent of one and The Bump survey respondent
They're buttery soft and come in very cute colors. But, I wish they didn’t sell out so fast in stores and offered more colors. – Victoria, mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
Baby Pajamas Comparison Chart
| Overall best baby pajamas | Best bamboo baby pajamas | Best baby pajamas for tall infants | Best baby pajamas for hand-me-downs | Best easy-on easy-off baby pajamas | Best two-piece baby pajamas | Best fleece baby pajamas | Best budget-friendly baby pajama multipack | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall Best Carter's Baby 2-Way Zip Sleep & Play Pajamas, 2 Pack | Little Sleepies Zippy | Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Cotton Footed Sleep & Play | Hanna Andersson Baby Print 2-Way Zip Sleeper | Magnetic Me Baby Footie Pajamas | Lou Lou & Company Finley Top + Bottoms | Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Neutral Fleece Footed Sleep and Play, 2 Pack | Cloud Island Cotton Sleep N' Play, 3 Pack | ||
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $ | $ | |
| Size range | Preemie to 9 months | Preemie to 3 years | Newborn to 8 years | 0-3 months to 3 years | 0-3 months to 18-24 months | Newborn-3 months to 6-7 years | Preemie to 6-9 months | Newborn to 6-9 months | |
| Material | 100% organic cotton rib | 95% bamboo viscose/5% spandex | 100% organic cotton | 100% organic cotton rib | 100% TENCEL modal | Rayon/spandex | 100% polyester | 100% organic cotton | |
| Two-way zipper | |||||||||
| Non-slip grippers | |||||||||
| Tagless design | |||||||||
| Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review | Buy NowRead Full Review |
According to 84 percent of our survey respondents, the top priority when choosing infant sleepwear was baby’s comfort. Next up was easy diaper access and having a style that was easy to put on and take off. Below, check out all of our findings and see what parents from The Bump community prefer when it comes to baby PJs:
Most baby pajama styles can be broken into a few categories:
- Zipper vs. snap. This is a matter of preference. Zipper baby pajamas are much easier and faster to get your little one in and out of—especially for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. (Most of our survey respondents told us they’re fans of zippered styles.) Snap pajamas, however, allow you to take baby’s legs and feet out without undoing the upper part of the pajamas, helping to keep baby’s upper body warm; they’re also less disruptive for snoozy infants. That said, there are also zipper PJs with a two-way zipper—meaning they can unzip from the bottom up—which offers the same convenience of snapping without the hassle of actually snapping them.
- Footie vs. footless. Baby footie pajamas, favored by 90 percent of our survey respondents, essentially have built-in socks, which keep those tiny toes toasty without running the risk of baby kicking off their socks. They’re particularly great as newborn pajamas and for cold weather since they keep your little one completely covered. Alternatively, footless baby pajamas can help your little one stay cool during warmer months and can be beneficial if your child is beginning to stand or walk by allowing them to be barefoot. Footless baby PJs are also great for parents with long babies since they offer more room and less restriction in length. According to our survey, half of parents also used footless sleepers and jumpers with their infants.
- One-piece vs. separates. While it comes down to personal preference, one-piece baby pajamas are often the best choice for little ones. Used by over half of our survey respondents, they’re comfortable and easy to maneuver during diaper changes, especially if they’re designed with a front zipper. Baby gowns with knotted or elasticized bottoms are also great for babies 3 months and under. They’re breathable and help baby stay warm and comfortable, giving you easy access for frequent changes. Two-piece baby pajamas, on the other hand, are also convenient for middle-of-the-night changes since you can simply slip the pants down without dealing with snaps or zippers. Plus, some parents find it easier to get baby dressed in two-piece sets.
According to the safety standards set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), baby pajamas should be either made with a flame-resistant material or tight-fitting for safe wear. Snug baby pajamas don’t allow for air between baby’s skin and the fabric, so there’s little oxygen for flames to feed off of. Moreover, tight baby PJs are often stretchier and made with higher-quality materials than loose-fitting pajamas.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content and has spent years researching many baby clothing brands, including all things sleepwear. Based on her extensive market knowledge, Emma strives to create supportive, informative articles to help new and seasoned parents pick out the best PJs for their little sleepyheads.
Plus, more from The Bump:
The Bump March 2024 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of almost 350 parents from The Bump community, and asked what brand and style of baby pajamas they’ve used with their children.
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