Footed or non-footed pajamas? This is a common question among parents looking to buy new pajamas for their babies. Both types of pajamas have their pros and cons, and your choice should be determined by the age of your baby, the season of the year, area climate and personal preference. So, are footie pajamas bad for babies?

Footed pajamas are the best for winter months or cold areas because they are warm and cozy. They are great for infants before they start walking. Also, they are the best if that is your preference for your little ones.

If you struggle to decide on the best pajamas for your baby, you are in the right place. Here, we will discuss footed pajamas, differences between footed and non-footed pajamas and later discuss factors to consider when choosing baby pajamas. Read on.

What are footed pajamas? Are they safe for babies?

Footed pajamas are one-piece pajamas covering the whole body, including the baby feet. Many parents consider these types of pajamas the best for babies because they are warm, comfortable and keep the diaper in place throughout the night.

Blankets and comforters are not allowed in the baby crib during the early stages because they can cause suffocation. Footed pajamas are considered safe because they keep the baby warm from neck to toe, eliminating the need for covers.

What’s more, footed pajamas are designed with a full zipper at the front middle, allowing easy dressing and diaper change. Furthermore, footed pajamas can be worn by older babies up to teenagers. For older children, they come in cartoon-themed and fun designs; hence, your children will love them.

Non footed vs Footed pajamas

Footed pajamas are one-piece pajamas that cover the baby up to the feet. On the other hand, non-footed pajamas can be one-piece or two-piece pieces that do not cover the baby’s feet.

Footless pajamas are easy to dress and change the diaper because you do not have to remove the whole piece, unlike footed pajamas. Also, they are good for your pocket because children outgrow the footed type faster.

In addition, footless pajamas are best for babies learning to walk because barefoot gives the baby a better grip of the floor. However, they are only suitable during the warm months.

When winter knocks in, change to footed pajamas to keep the baby warm. If you insist on footless pajamas during the cold season, you must pair with socks to keep the babies feet warm. However, it is not practical because the socks will come off at night, or your baby will pull them off.

Footed pajamas	Non footed pajamas
One piece	It can be one or two piece
For colder climates and during winter	For warm climates and during summer
Ideal for newborns and infants up to 9 months. Before they learn to walk	Best for babies who are learning to walk or walking already
Hard to dress and change diaper	Easier to dress and change diaper
Babies outgrow faster	It can be worn longer because there is space for growth
Covers the feet	Should be paired with socks

What babies should wear to bed?

While it sounds like a simple question, dressing the baby for sleep should be given a lot of thought because what you might weigh as a simple mistake attracts scary consequences like Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

If you are in this dilemma, below are tips and guidelines on what the baby should wear to bed.

Keep the baby warm

The rule of thumb to dressing babies for bed is covering the baby with an additional layer than what you are wearing for bed. For instance, if you are wearing a two-piece pajama only, you should dress the baby with a two-piece pajama or footed pajama plus a swaddle or sleep sack.

What’s more, the baby should never sleep with loose blankets or sheets to prevent suffocation.

Maintain the right room temperature

The choice of baby sleepwear depends on the room temperature. What is the right temperature for the baby nursery? Baby experts recommend that it should be 68-72 degrees (F). Therefore, depending on the climate in your area or the year’s season, adjust the layers accordingly.

Use a thermostat

If you are not sure of the exact temperatures indoors, get a thermostat, as it will show you the exact temperatures in the room. This way, you will be confident with the sleepwear you choose for the baby.

Choose functionality over fashion

I know you love fashion and to see your little one looking good for bed, but how easy is it to perform a diaper change with that buttoned pajama? As you digest that, always go for convenience.

Your baby should sleep in warm, comfortable and functional clothes. Pajamas with zippers are easy to work with, especially at night.

Age of the baby

Last but not least, what the baby wears to sleep is determined by their age. For instance, you can swaddle a newborn but never a toddler. Evolve with the baby and change their sleeping wardrobe as the need arises. While you can never use a blanket on a newborns crib, you can introduce a thin blanket for your baby at one year.

What to consider when choosing pajamas for your baby

The right pajamas for your baby should be warm, comfortable and cozy. This is the only way to ensure that your baby gets quality sleep. Here are tips that will help you make the right choices:

Material

The best pajamas for your baby should be made with soft, comfortable and breathable fabrics. The most common pajama materials that offer the features above include cotton, fleece, microfiber, jersey and bamboo. Also, you must understand the specific characteristics of the materials. For instance, cotton pajamas are breathable, making them cold, unlike fleece pajamas which keep the baby warm.

Pajama style

Pajamas come in different styles, including:

Zippers vs snaps

The closing mechanism differentiates these two. Zipper pajamas are closed using a zipper, while a snap pajama is closed using snaps. Zippers are easy to wear and to change diaper, especially at night.

Footed vs non-footed

Footed pajamas cover the baby feet while non-footed covers the leg up to the ankle. Footed pajamas are warm and best for newborns during the winter. On the other hand, non-footed are best for infants and toddlers learning to stand and walk and for the warmer seasons.

Onesies vs separate

Onesies are one piece and work well for newborns and infants. While two-piece pajamas look very adorable, they start to make sense for toddlers.

Safety

Whatever material or style you choose for your baby, it must be safe. Ensure that the pajamas are not loose, does not have a hood, are fire retardant, snug-fitting and are breathable.

Fitting pajamas without a hood prevents suffocation, and fire retardant and snug-fitting pajamas will not catch fire easily in case of a fire outbreak.

FAQ on Are footie pajamas bad for babies

Do newborns need footed pajamas?

Footed pajamas are the best for newborns, but they do not need them. Some parents dress their newborns with onesies and swaddles because they are easier to remove during a diaper change.

Are footie pajamas warm enough?

The warmth offered by footie pajamas depends on the material and the room temperature. Fleece pajamas are warmer than cotton pajamas, and you should keep the room temperatures at 68-72 degrees (F).

When do you stop putting babies in footie pajamas?

Your baby can wear a footie pajama up to teenage years as long as it is fitting and they like them. However, some parents transition their babies from swaddles to footless pajamas. It all boils down to baby comfort and your preference.

Are Footie Pajamas Bad for Babies?