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for eczema and sensitive skin conditions.
We don't need to tell you about the distress that lack of sleep can cause. Everybody in the family suffers if deprived of a decent night's rest so it's vital that every possible measure is taken to help anyone with eczema or sensitive skin enjoy the cool relaxing comfort of appropriate bedding and sleepwear.
Cotton for choice
Fabrics of man-made fibres such as nylon and polyester, as well as wool, often irritate the skin, and if you have eczema they can make your skin incredibly hot and itchy. Cotton is the best material to wear, whether you have a skin disorder or just dry skin.
Warning
However, children's cotton nighties are, by law in the UK and elsewhere, treated with flameproofing chemicals. Most of these chemicals contain formaldehyde and cannot be washed out. Children with eczema should not be exposed to these chemicals, especially at night when body heat encourages fumes to be given off. This can lead to allergic reactions in asthmatics too. In the US, pyjamas will also have been treated with flameproof chemicals
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Wherever possible look for nightwear and clothing which carries the Eco-Tex symbol (sometimes spelt Oeko-tex).
This is an international standard of textile purity and guarantees that the fabric from which the garment is made does not contain any harmful chemicals. |
Our recommendations
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We have confidence in the range of Eco-Tex certified gentle cotton jersey Sleepsuits, Mitten Tops and Leggings with feet from Snugglepaws. They can be washed at 60° so stains from creams and ointments can be removed and surface dustmite allergen eliminated. |
Unlike a lot of the sleepsuits we researched, the Snugglepaws sleepwear does not have tie-on mittens that can make sore skin even more uncomfortable where the knot chafes. Instead they have "grown on" all in one mittens and feet, helping to prevent the night-time itch-scratch cycle. There are no scratchy labels at the back of the neck to irritate sensitive skin and seams are flat- sewn for comfort.
These products get our 5 ticks rating  for design, fit and comfort.
Getting the size right
Make sure the fit is close without being tight. But avoid the friction that a too-big garment will cause as it moves excessively over the skin. Be aware too of "skin on skin" contact, especially under the arms if the raglan is loose or between the legs if the gusset is too low.
Two or three sets worn in rotation should last, even with frequent hot-washing, until the child is ready for the next size up.
What should I buy?
Which particular sleepwear you buy depends on how severe the skin condition is and how much cover and protection you need. Wearing mittens during the day is not recommended as this can interfere with the development of a child’s hand/eye co-ordination. But for short, vulnerable periods such as car journeys or when sitting in front of the TV our Mitten Travel Top, which you pop on to your child over his ordinary clothes, can be a Godsend.
If your child’s condition is mild you may be ok at night with some very soft pyjamas and a pair of cotton gloves.
Soft & Gentle pyjamas are made of gentle Fairtrade organic cotton and became an instant best seller when we introduced them a year ago. The pyjamas have straight sleeves and legs with no tight ribbing to grip at wrists and ankles and are printed with water-based vegetable dyes in two fun designs. Sizes are from age 2 to 7 yrs and our tests show them to be hardwearing and able to withstand repeated laundering.
Our White Cotton Gloves are made specially for AllergyBestBuys to provide the comfort and fit our customers asked for. They can be washed at 60°C and come in packs of 3 or 6 from size 2/3yrs tp Adult XL.
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