Make Sure Your Kids’ PJ’s Meet CPSC Safety Requirements

With the holiday season upon us, families can expect their children to participate in numerous evening and early morning activities when they’re likely to be wearing sleepwear.

That’s why the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the Fashion Association, is taking this opportunity to remind families of some safety tips related to sleepwear and the need to make sure all your kids’ pajamas meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements.

What we say to families is please make sure your kids’ sleepwear is either made from flame-resistant fabric or has a snug-fitting design that meets CPSC safety requirements, said Larry Martin. If you stick with sleepwear that meets the CPSC’s rules, the odds of a serious injury resulting from a fire-related accident are remote.

The CPSC is the federal agency that sets national standards for flammability in children’s sleepwear.

Making the right sleepwear choices for your child can help prevent burn injuries. Today, with a vast array of children’s apparel available to consumers, it’s important that families follow the guidelines below for safe sleepwear:

Don’t let children to sleep in loose-fitting or oversized garments such as T-shirts, sweatsuits, or other apparel made from non-flame-resistant fabrics. These items ignite more easily if exposed to an open flame or comparable heat source.

Either buy flame-resistant sleepwear, or if you choose natural fibers, make sure you buy garments that fit snugly. Flame-resistant sleepwear does not ignite easily and must self-extinguish quickly to meet CPSC flammability requirements for children’s sleepwear. Snug-fitting garments that meet CPSC sizing guidelines are made from fabrics that aren’t flame-resistant, but don’t create an unreasonable risk of burn injuries to children because they limit the airspace underneath the garment.

Be aware that the CPSC requires all snug-fitting children’s sleepwear to carry a label that reads: Wear Snug-Fitting, Not Flame Resistant. The CPSC also requires hangtags that read: For child’s safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garment is more likely to catch fire.

Take precautions with space heaters. Children should not sit close to space heaters for long periods because garments can sometimes burn after prolonged exposure.

Be careful around fireplaces. When using a fireplace, be sure that screens or glass doors are securely in place to protect children from burning embers.

Make sure children stay clear when ovens or stove-top ranges are in use.

Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children.

Make sure your children know what to do in case of fire.

The AAFA is offering this safety information as a public service. We hope these tips are particularly useful during the holiday season when children may be participating in activities where they could be at risk for burn injuries if they’re wearing sleepwear that doesn’t meet CPSC safety requirements.

The AAFA is the national trade association representing roughly 700 U.S. apparel, footwear and supplier companies whose combined industries account for more than $225 billion in annual U.S. retail sales.

Within the association is a group called the Childrenswear Marking Division, which includes a number of leading children’s sleepwear companies. Other AAFA member companies manufacturer and market all types of apparel and footwear and are located in virtually every state.

About The Author:

Hussain Krocker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-kids.com. Helping parents find kid-approved clothes, toys, games, books, activities and more.

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Make Sure Your Kids’ PJ’s Meet CPSC Safety Requirements