The report shows that less than 1 percent of children’s sleepwear is treated for flame-resistance, parents shouldn’t interpret this as a sign that 99 percent of jammies are safe. Far from it. In many cases, this simply means the original fabric was treated prior to its conversion into sleepwear that then passed flame-resistance tests as a result. Quite the loophole.

Fortunately, parents can keep flame retardant nightmares away at bedtime by simply inspecting garment labels. It is required that all sleepwear that is not flame-resistant to bear a label saying, “For child’s safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garments are more likely to catch fire.” This is a warning you want to see; clothing labeled with it is free of toxic flame retardant treatments.