The how-to guide for picking the right size for boys’ pyjamas. What you should look out for when purchasing your boy’s nighttime clothing. Here are some pointers to help you will tick all the boxes, from the eczema-free item to a pyjama drawer full of various styles for your little one to try out.
Long before your little cub throws his first pyjama party, he’ll have set ideas on what to wear to bed. Your job is to offer a few sets of fitting nightwear. Sounds easy, right? It will be, with just a little bit of extra thought. Think comfy, safe and practical. What you don’t want is to put your son through a contortionist act each night to get his pj’s on. These few tips will help make bed time a snug wind-down moment he’ll cherish.
Growth chart
The contents of his wardrobe may not rotate as quickly as when he was a newborn, but still. You will have to keep his growth curve in mind for pyjamas too.
Read the care label for an age guide and an indication of the exact size in centimeters. Then match the garment to your child’s actual height.
From the UK-World Health Organisation chart you’ll see that boys typically grow between 5 and 10cm each year. If your bambino is a couple of centimeters under the size indicated, it’s best to choose the next size up. This is so the pyjamas still fit by the time you have them washed and ready! If however you realise the item is way too big when you get home, don’t hesitate to exchange it for a tighter fit.
If that sits nice without gaping at the ankles or squeezing the forearms in, you can safely grab a couple more for handiness.
Shrinkage
Say you are hesitating between a 110cm and a 116cm boys short-sleeved pyjama and fitted pyjama bottoms. The size indicated should take into account the shrinkage of the fabric after wash. Therefore even a cotton fabric in 110cm will fit your 107cm four-year-old. And that’s despite cotton shrinking more than polyester fibre.
The pitfall of too large a piece is that your child’s movements during his sleep will swish the fabric around and over his delicate skin. This can quickly lead to rashes. Any mum of an eczema-prone bambino will thank tight-fitting nightwear for cosy, itch-free nights.
Four seasons
If your little one is quite the sensitive type, it is always best to go with 100% cotton boys’ pyjamas. If you haven’t noticed any reaction to polyester clothes he wears during the day, you can of course opt for this fabric for his nightwear. This will lend extra warmth to the long cold winter nights, as polyester retains body heat. Better still, a mixed fabric garment in polycotton can give you the best of both worlds.
Other than that, you can of course stick with 100% cotton and play with the length of the sleeves and bottoms according to the season. Shorts, tube leggings or a jumpsuit will provide the right warmth at different times of year and will be fun alternatives for your child to change into.
However alluring some prints and offers can be, always keep a close eye on care labels, garment composition, size and finish. Then you can go for several designs and lengths. Your boy’s pyjamas will eventually go through some serious mixing and matching once your mini man decides to run the show. Who said bed time routine was boring?