Footed pajamas usually refer to one-piece pajamas that cover the whole body, including the feet. These pajamas may also be called blanket sleepers, of Dr. Dentons. They are common wear for infants and young children in cold weather, but some manufacturers make versions for older children and adults. To confuse matters, blanket sleepers can mean a one-piece garment with no feet that resembles two blankets sewn together with sleeves. Newborns in cold weather may wear this type of blanket sleeper.
Infant-sized footed pajamas are usually made of flame resistant polyester fleece. Alternately, terrycloth pajamas are popular in slightly warmer weather. Either type may be snapped or zipped. Fleece versions are more likely to have front zippers starting in the center of the neck, which veer off to end at one leg, while the terrycloth ones are associated more often with snaps.
Zippers or snaps make access to diapers easier, and for older children, zippers can be helpful for middle of the night bathroom trips. Some footed pajamas, like old long underwear styles have a snapped back or snapped front at waist level, which allows bathroom use without removing the whole garment. Two-piece pajamas can make trips to the bathroom easier, and less shockingly cold, for adults or for potty training children.
Vinyl fabric usually covers the feet bottoms of this style of sleepwear and prevents slipping. This proves helpful for children learning to walk, and even for adults who might take a misstep in the dark. Some complain that footed pajamas are too hot on most nights, especially when made of fleece. To address this, manufacturers occasionally offer either detachable feet, or a small slit through which you can slip your feet to avoid wearing the foot part while sleeping.
For very young children, footed pajamas can help parents meet safety recommendations regarding the use of heavy blankets that have been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Since these pajamas are so warm, children tend to require very little covering in addition to them. Heavier covers, like comforters, are not recommended and may actually suffocate a newborn. Thus parents often turn to footed pajamas or blanket sleepers in order to keep a baby warm with little additional covering.
Adults and older children may enjoy the energy saving features of footed pajamas. Since covering the feet does keep the body warmer, you can turn down thermostats at night. Even in the morning, you may not need to run the heaters as often because the total coverage of the pajamas provides greater warmth.
