When I was first buying pajamas for my boys, I thought I was being picky. I wanted them to be cute, obviously but also soft, stretchy, breathable, tagless, and not weirdly tight or baggy in places. Basically, I wanted them to fit, last, and not fall apart after two washes.
Turns out, that’s not being picky. That’s just…being a parent who’s tired of wasting money.
So if you're currently googling best toddler pajamas or trying to figure out why your kid refuses to wear the adorable ones you just bought, here’s what actually matters, from one pajama obsessed mom to another.
1. Fabric Matters More Than the Print
I love a cute print. But if it’s printed on a stiff, scratchy fabric that pills after a few washes? Hard pass.
Look for:
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Bamboo: It’s buttery soft, breathable, and great for sensitive skin.
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Cotton (the good kind): 100% cotton or a soft blend that won’t turn into cardboard in the dryer.
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Stretch: A little spandex goes a long way for active kiddos.
Our pajamas are made with bamboo and cotton blends that are soft enough for sleep and cute enough for errands because let’s be real, sometimes you don’t get around to changing.
2. Tags, Waistbands & Seams Are a Big Deal
You know those kids who act like they’re being personally attacked by a sock seam? Mine’s one of them.
So when it comes to pajamas:
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Look for flat seams that won’t rub
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Soft, stretchy waistbands that don’t dig in
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And please no itchy tags (ours are printed or super soft, no scratchy surprises here)
3. Fit Isn’t Just About Size
Some brands make pajamas so tight they could double as compression wear. Others run so loose they sag off your toddler’s little frame. Neither is comfy.
What you want:
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Snug but stretchy for safety (especially for babies)
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Room to grow without falling off
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Fold-over cuffs if you're buying for a baby (those little flaps = genius)
We also design ours with flexible sizing in mind, because kids don’t grow on a schedule, and I hate that feeling of having to size up every other week.
4. The All-Day Test
Here’s my rule: If my kid can’t nap, snack, roll around, and wear it to the grocery store, it’s not worth buying.
That’s why our pajamas double as daytime outfits especially when your toddler decides today is a no-pants day and you're just trying to survive until bedtime.
TL;DR:
If you're hunting for the best toddler pajamas, here’s your checklist:
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Soft bamboo or quality cotton
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No itchy tags or weird seams
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Stretchy fit with room to grow
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Cute and functional (yes, it’s possible)
That’s exactly why I created Dear Claiborne — to take the guesswork (and the scratchy stuff) out of kids’ clothes.
Explore our newest pajamas here.
(And if your toddler insists on wearing them three days in a row — same.)
