Everything Canadian Parents Need to Know About Baby Sleepwear Safety

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your child safe and happy. That's why it's important to understand the regulations that apply to baby sleepwear in Canada. To be honest, I never considered this until I purchased Nest & Sprout and started buying sleepwear for the shop.

Turns out just because they call it a sleeper, doesn't mean it's a sleeper. And the term Romper generally means it's intended for daywear, and not sleep.

In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know about the flammability requirements for baby sleepwear and how you can choose safe and comfortable sleepwear for your little one. And to help you just know what's going on with why sleepwear is the way it is. 

What Are the Flammability Requirements for Baby Sleepwear in Canada?

The flammability requirements for baby sleepwear in Canada are set by the Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Program. These regulations aim to minimize the risk of injury or death due to the flammability of children's sleepwear. When these regulations are not met, you might learn of products being recalled like this mass recall a few years ago. 

According to the regulations, baby sleepwear must meet specific flammability requirements, which vary depending on the size of the garment. For example:

• For sleepwear in sizes up to and including 6X, the fabric and trim must be flame-resistant.
• For larger sizes, the garment must be tight-fitting to reduce the risk of ignition.

The regulations are based on tests that measure how quickly a fabric will ignite and how quickly a flame will spread. This is why most sleepwear is tight fitting and is sometimes recalled.

In Canada, sleep sacks are also subject to the same flammability regulations as other types of sleepwear. This means that sleep sacks must meet specific flammability requirements to reduce the risk of injury or death due to fires or burns.

Why Are These Regulations Important?

The regulations on baby sleepwear are designed to address the safety risks associated with clothing worn while sleeping. Loose-fitting clothing can more easily catch fire, resulting in much more serious injuries for children sleeping alone. 

The regulations require sleepwear to be flame-resistant or tight-fitting to reduce the risk of ignition. The labeling requirements on baby sleepwear are also designed to provide clear warning to parents and caregivers of the risks associated with wearing sleepwear - just because it's there doesn't mean we always know why its there and what it means, hey?

How Can You Choose Safe and Comfortable Sleepwear for Your Child?

When shopping for sleepwear for your child, it's important to consider safety and comfort. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Look for sleepwear that meets the flammability regulations set by Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Program. This will ensure that the sleepwear you choose is designed to minimize the risk of injury or death due to flammability.
  
  

• To determine if a baby sleepwear product meets the flammability standards set by Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Program, look for the fire hazard warning label attached to the garment. The label should be easily visible and legible, and contain specific information about the flammability of the fabric and any special care instructions that apply

• Choose sleepwear that is snug-fitting and appropriate for your child's age and size. We love how Loulou Lollipop sleepwear gives this snug fit, and the bright yellow tags means you know how to use it. 
  
  
• Check for safety features, such as non-toxic dyes, well-sewn buttons and snaps, and no loose or hanging threads that could pose a choking hazard. Remember that big Costco recall a few years ago?
  
  
• Choose fabrics that are comfortable, breathable, and non-irritating to your child's skin. Look for fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, which are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
  
  
• Follow the care instructions on the label to ensure that the sleepwear stays in good condition and maintains its safety features.

Are there any types of sleepwear that are exempt from the flammability regulations? Yes, there are some types of sleepwear that are exempt from the flammability regulations in Canada. For example, sleepwear made from 100% polyester fleece fabric or made for use in a hospital setting may be exempt. These exemptions are subject to certain conditions and requirements.

Now you know

Choosing safe and comfortable sleepwear for your child is an important part of keeping them happy and healthy.

By understanding the flammability requirements for baby sleepwear in Canada and following these tips, you can make informed choices about the sleepwear you purchase for your child.