Safety Information For Children's Sleepwear

Nightwear can burn very quickly, when accidentally set alight. It occurs when garments come into contact with open fires. Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable. Because of this, measures were put in place to control this risk and protect the public. The Regulations apply to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers.

In the UK, it is an offence to supply children's sleepwear (other than pyjamas for children, baby garments and bath robes) that does not meet certain requirements. These are laid down in The Nightwear (Safety) Regulations 1995. These regulations are enforced by local Trading Standards offices.

The regulations refer to treatment of the garment for flammability, after washing, according to British Standard (BS) 5722. This standard also includes labeling requirements, for other nightwear, such as adults.

Children's nightwear has to be treated to comply with flammability requirements, whereas adults does not. It is required, however, for any garments not treated to be clearly labeled as such. A warning stating 'keep away from fire' must be clearly visible on a label in red text. In addition to flammability requirements the garment must be considered safe in other respects.

Washing instructions must also be detailed in a label. If a garment has been treated with flame retardant chemicals it will require specific washing.

Any advertising must also include information about flammability performance, either in the same form as the labelling requirements or using appropriate symbols.

The regulations cover items of clothing designed to be worn by children under 13 years of age except:
- night dresses with a chest measurement exceeding 91 cm and length exceeding 122cm
- dressing gowns, bath robes and other similar items of clothing with a chest measurement exceeding 97 cm and sleeve measurement exceeding 69cm.

All children's nightwear must meet the flammability requirements except:
- babies garments (up to 3 months) and chest measuring 53 cm or less
- children’s pyjamas
- cotton terry towelling bath robes

The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 are also applicable. Children’s Sleep Wear should be safe according to European Standards. European Standards cover flammability performance also. In addition they should be safe in other respects such as risk of strangulation, entrapment and choking hazards. They cover all nightwear, including designer children’s pyjamas, children’s PJ’s, dressing gowns and babies garments.

It is important for parents, friends and family members to be aware of these regulations when buying sleepwear for family or friends. They are designed to keep our children safe and free from risk of harm when getting ready for bed and sleeping. Make sure that any items you buy are clearly labelled and ensure they are washed according to the manufacturers instructions.