Our writers test and research products independently. When you buy through a link on our site we may earn a commission but this never affects our product choices.
Best kids’ pyjamas as recommended by parents
Keep your little ones warm and toasty this winter in a pair of cosy pyjamas. We’ve rounded up the very best to buy this year as recommended by parents.
By Claire Marie Perry | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
As a parent, there’s nothing more comforting than the sight of your fresh out-of-the-bath little one snuggled up in a pair of comfortable pyjamas. Getting the best kids’ pyjamas will not only help to ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep but picking a pair they will want to wear means one less battle to contend with at bedtime.
With energy bills on the rise, getting pyjamas that will keep your little one warm through the night has never been more important and, with the increased cost of living, we’re all on the lookout for sleepwear that will last. How well any piece of clothing fares after regular spins in the washing machine can be a bit of a gamble, but with pyjamas, the stakes are higher. Staying soft, stretchy and comfortable is a must if they’re going to stand the test of time.
As well as considering the practicalities, with Christmas around the corner, they have to look good too and nothing says Christmas Eve like a pair of cute or stylish PJs.
So which pyjamas to go for? We’ve turned to the wisdom of the Mumsnet forums to find top tips from real parents. Whether it’s a cosy onesie or a stylish two-piece we’ve got you covered.
Here are the best kids’ pyjamas to buy in 2022.
1. Best overall kids’ pyjamas: The White Company Outer Space & Stripe Pyjamas Set of 2
Price on writing: £32 for two pairs| Buy now from The White Company
Key specs
Size range: 1-12 years | Material: Cotton jersey
What Mumsnet users say
“My son only wants the softest PJs. I have to buy him The White Company but they do wash and last brilliantly so get handed down to every sibling and nephew!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user DGFB)
“I buy my son pyjamas from The White Company. They go up to size 11-12. Really soft and wash and wear very well.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user WellTidy)
Our verdict
When it comes to adorable style, The White Company is hard to beat. We loved the combination of the stripes and space print, perfect for when you need to mix and match.
The pyjamas are made with a super-soft pure-cotton jersey so they’ll wash well and will keep your little one warm.
As they come in a slim fit with snug cuffs on the ankles and sleeves, they're likely to fit well without being too restricting.
While the initial cost may seem high, our Mumsnet users love The White Company pyjamas as they’re soft, roomy and great quality, plus they last and can be passed down to younger siblings.
2. Best budget kids’ pyjamas: Harry Bear Pirate Pyjamas
Price on writing: £9.55 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size range: 18 to 24 months - 7 to 8 years | (other style options available from 18 months) | Material: 96% cotton, 4% elastane
Our verdict
Whilst it’s great to have a few pairs of good quality pyjamas that will stand the test of time, you may need a few extra emergency pairs on hand too. If your children are particularly messy, you may find that your pyjamas are often in the washing machine and the Harry Bear Range is a great budget option to have on standby.
We love this cute pirate style, but different designs are also available so there should be something to suit all tastes and ages. The owl and dinosaur designs are great for younger children, and there’s also a selfie slogan pair for older kids and teens.
It’s worth noting that some reviewers found the fit on the small side, so you may want to size up for the comfiest fit.
3.Best soft kids' pyjamas: Boden Cosy Brushed Pyjama Set
Price on writing: £32 | Buy now from Boden
Key specs
Size range: 5-14 years | Material: Cotton
What Mumsnet users say
“My daughter would only wear Boden pyjamas for the superior softness.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user LittleBrenda)
Our verdict
Boden pyjamas are loved by our Mumsnet users due to the lovely range of patterns, great quality and super-soft brushed cotton.
At £32 a pair, they are a little on the pricey side so it might be a good idea to size up in order to get the maximum amount of wear out of them. Once your child’s outgrown them, their hand-me-down potential is huge.
We loved the design of these particular pyjamas which are perfect for any age and just looking at the soft cosy fabrics made us want to snuggle up and get out the hot chocolate and marshmallows! They’d also be a great option for your Christmas Eve box too.
4. Best warm pyjamas: Next Grey Soft Touch Fleece All-In-One
Price on writing: From £21 | Buy now from Next
Key specs
Size range: 3-16 | Material: Polyester
What Mumsnet users say
“Next have some amazing thick onesies in at the moment. When it's really cold you can layer with a thermal.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user eggontoast2)
Our verdict
Next is the ideal one-stop shop when it comes to buying pyjamas. They’ve got everything from onesies to short sleeve two-pieces and are one of the few shops where sizes go all the way up to age 16, meaning you can kit out the whole family in one go.
We absolutely love this stylish all-in-one and the soft-touch fleece and roomy design mean it will keep everyone warm and comfortable during chilly winter evenings.
As an added bonus, there’s an adult version too so it could be an excellent alternative for a matching family Christmas set if you don’t fancy the obligatory tartan or festive prints.
5. Best warm pyjamas for babies: Simple Joys by Carters Unisex Babies' Cotton Footless Sleep and Play Set
Price on writing: £17.50 for two | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Size range: Premature-9 months | Material: Cotton
What Mumsnet users say
“Look for Simple Joys by Carters.” (Suggested by Mumsnet user Floofsquidge)
“I get mine from Amazon - Carters is lovely.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user GrumpyHoonMain)
Our verdict
Carters pyjamas get a huge number of five-star reviews from consumers. They are renowned for their quality, comfort and style and this all-in-one set is no exception.
The gender-neutral design means they are a perfect gift for parents-to-be who are keeping their baby’s sex a surprise and, at under £18 for two pairs, they’re a bargain too.
Most reviewers felt that the sleepsuits fit true to size but a small number did say they were a little on the small size. However, the fold-over cuffs on the newborn and premature sizes mean that they should offer some growth room and last that little longer.
6. Most comfortable kids’ pyjamas: Frugi Zelah Zip Up All In One
Price on writing: £24 | Buy now from Frugi
Key specs
Size range: 3-12 years | Material: 95% organic cotton rib and 5% elastane
What Mumsnet users say
“They’re good quality and wash and wear well, plus it’s a more ethical company.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user BuffaloCauliflower)
Our verdict
Mumsnet users love Frugi and the brand has become synonymous with fun prints and ethically sourced cotton. Whilst this zebra onesie certainly ticks both of these boxes, there’s even more to love.
It’s easy for children to become irritated by little details such as scratchy materials, or an ill-placed zip, particularly when it comes to sleepwear and Frugi have thought of everything when it comes to this gorgeous onesie. There’s a long zip pull to make it easy to do up, a little chin guard to stop the zip from scratching and even a printed label so there’s no itchy fabric label to snip off. It’s also made from organic cotton rib designed to be gentle against sensitive skin - perfect for children who need their sleepwear to be extra soft and comfortable.
As the onesie comes with stretchy rib cuffs on the sleeves and extendable legs, there’ll be plenty of growth room too. What’s not to love?
7. Best long-lasting pyjamas: Polarn O. Pyret
Price on writing: £28 | Buy now from Polarn O. Pyret
Key specs
Size range: 1-12 years | Material: 95% GOTS organic cotton, 5% elastane
What Mumsnet users say
“Fantastic quality.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user ItsSnowJokes)
Our verdict
Polarn O Pyret pride themselves on making the highest quality, organic clothes for children with a distinctive Swedish flair.
We loved the classic striped design and simple cut of these stylish pyjamas and with everything from fun prints to plainer patterns, there’s something to suit even the fussiest of children.
These pyjamas have been made with the highest quality organic cotton with superior colour retention and are designed specifically with hand-me-down potential in mind. They also have clever fold-down cuffs offering plenty of extra growing room.
When it comes to being eco-conscious, Polarn O Pyret is hard to beat. A huge percentage of their collection, these pyjamas included, are made from organic cotton which is a much more environmentally friendly fabric and also ensures better conditions for farmers.
8. Best pyjamas for toddlers and younger children: JoJo Maman Bébé
Price on writing: £29 | Buy now from JoJo Maman Bébé
Key specs
Size range: 6 months-6 years | Material: Cotton Jersey
What Mumsnet users say
“JoJo Maman Bébé has some lovely ones for children under about six”. (Recommended by Mumsnet user foxgoosefinch)
Our verdict
Design-wise, it doesn’t get much cuter than these adorable highland cow pyjamas.
Many of our Mumsnet users said that they needed to wash pyjama bottoms a lot more than tops. The clever design of these pyjamas means that they look just as good whichever way you pair them.
We’ve often found that pyjamas with applique designs can often be a little less comfortable for little ones to wear as the stitching can rub against their skin. JoJo Maman Bébé have kept this in mind and have lined the appliqué in cotton to avoid any irritation. They’re also made from super soft jersey fabric so you won't have to choose between comfort and style.
9.Best personalised pyjamas: Joules Polar Bear Traditional Pyjamas
Price on writing: £24 | Buy now from Joules
Key specs
Size range: 9 months- 10 years | Material: Cotton
What Mumsnet users say
"I love Joules but tend to buy them for my daughter (four) rather than myself. Quality is great on the kids' clothes!” (Brand tried and tested by Mumsnet user Livelyredjellybean)
Our verdict
These adorable pyjamas which can be personalised with your child’s name come as part of Joules’ Christmas range. Whilst they will undoubtedly make the perfect addition to any Christmas Eve box, with their sweet polar bear and star design they could certainly be worn throughout the whole of winter.
Joules clothing has always been popular on our forums due to their attention to detail and quality materials and this is certainly the case with these polar bear pyjamas. Made from the softest luxury cotton they’re bound to guarantee a good night's sleep and the sweet design is printed by hand.
10. Best fleece pyjamas: M&S Fleece Lounge Pyjama Set
Price £24 | Buy now from M&S
Key specs
Size range: 6- 16 years | Material: 100% polyester (exclusive of trimmings)
Our verdict
M&S are certainly one of the stalwarts when it comes to sleepwear, with everything from character motifs to more traditional designs, they certainly offer a lot of options.
These fleece pyjamas come in two lovely colours and the hoodie-style pyjama top means they make a nice cross-over into loungewear. Perfect for if it’s a lazy day indoors.
While the fleece material is warm, it’s also lightweight so you’ll find that it will dry a lot quicker than cotton - great for when you don’t want to keep putting the tumble dryer on.
Elastic trims on the sleeves ensure these pyjamas are easy to move in and keep the cuffs nice and secure to help avoid them being dipped in cereal if your little ones enjoy breakfast in their PJs!
Whilst many children will love the colour choice of pink or pale blue, pastel shades won't be for everyone. Whilst these are the only colours available in this particular style, M&S also offer a range of fleece onesies in a variety of colours and prints such as this camouflage version.
11. Best for pyjamas for tweens and teens: The PyjamaFactory Woven Long Pyjamas
Price on writing: £12.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Size range: 9- 16 years | Material: 100% cotton
Our verdict
As much as we hate to admit it, there comes a time when our children just aren't going to wear a penguin onesie or a sweet pair of flannel pyjamas anymore and that’s where the PyjamaFactory comes in.
With plenty of witty slogans and understated prints, they’re bound to be a hit with older kids and teens.
The pyjamas are made from 100% cotton and many reviewers reported that the fabric was of good quality, particularly when you take into account the bargain price tag.
Some also noted that the trousers were a little on the long side in comparison to the top so you may need to bear this in mind if your teen or tween is a little on the shorter side.
12. Best gender neutral pyjamas: Kidly Bernie and The Beanpole Pyjamas
Price on writing: £22 | Buy now from Kidly
Key specs
Size range: 1-6 years | Material: 100% cotton
What Mumsnet users say
"A lot of Scandinavian brands have neutral clothes. Online stores such as Kidly, could be useful." (Recommended by Mumsnet user MrsMcTats)
Our verdict
We love the bold colours and cool geometric design of these Kidly Pyjamas which will suit any gender offering plenty of hand-me-down potential.
The brand design their pyjamas to be a slim fit to allow plenty of movement and prevent them from riding up at night. However, if your little one likes their pyjamas a little roomier, you may want to go up a size.
We loved the entire range of fun designs on offer in the Kidly range and whilst they’re not the cheapest brand on the market they do some fantastic reductions in their sales, so do keep checking in.
Our only complaint is that they only cater to age six, which is a real shame given how stylish many of the pyjamas are.
How to buy the best kids’ pyjamas
Wise Mumsnet users size up when it comes to pyjamas. This gives a comfortable fit plus plenty of growing room to get the most out of a pair. The popular snuggle-fit style you’ll find in most shops features elasticated cuffs, which mean more wear without having to worry about kids tripping over the hems.
Go for the best quality you can afford, as these will last the longest, and splash out on a multipack for the best value.
If your little one is newly out of nappies, a onesie could be a bit trickier to navigate during any night time toilet trips so a two-piece may be easier. Remember that it’s not safe for your baby or toddler to sleep in anything that has a hood too.
What’s the best material for kids’ pyjamas?
This will largely depend on what time of year it is. During the winter, fleece is a great option. It’s warm, feels snuggly and also dries quickly - ideal for when you can’t hang your washing outside. Another option is cotton jersey which is easy to care for plus it offers stretch, softness and durability.
When it comes to babies, do remember it’s important that they don’t overheat. If you’re unsure, speak to a healthcare professional or check out the Lullaby Trust which offers some good advice on safe sleeping.
How often should kids’ pyjamas be washed?
This subject creates a lot of discussion on the Mumsnet forums, but the answer is down to you. Some kids are sweatier at night than others, plus there’s the question of nappies, pull-ups and accidents. If your children eat their breakfast in their pyjamas, that’s another reason they may not make it to a second night’s wear.
Some Mumsnetters wash pyjama bottoms more regularly than tops, and if you’re not fussed about matching sets this could be the way forward. Alternatively, some of our recommended brands do some fantastic mix-and-match sets, if you do like your sleepwear coordinated.
What are the best kids’ pyjamas to buy?
The White Company was awarded our number-one spot because of their cute style, high quality and hand-me-down potential. Mumsnet users spoke highly of the brand and they also rated highly when it came to consumer reviews.
When it comes to added comfort, Frugi is our go-to brand. Frugi have put a lot of thought into their designs to help minimise tactile discomfort making their sleepwear ideal for little ones who are sensitive to things like zips and scratchy labels.
How we chose our recommendations
Because we know that there’s nothing like a real recommendation from a real parent, we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find out which pyjamas discerning Mumsnet users had bought for their children. We compiled a list of the children’s pyjamas they recommended for being comfortable and good quality.
We then did some research across the wider web, looking at which children’s pyjamas had won accolades or featured in ‘best buy’ lists across websites and print media. We then looked at customer reviews to make sure that those who had bought them rated them too.
We also consulted experts and healthcare professionals to make sure that the products we were recommending were safe for little ones to sleep in
Having collated all that information, we took into account comfort, warmth and durability as well as style and whether they were likely to be a hit with the children before finally deciding on our top twelve.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.