For Immediate Release
December 10, 2002
Release # 03-050
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1219 or Ken Giles: 301-504-0580 Ext. 1184
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris
CPSC Alerts Shoppers to Dangers of Using Loose-Fitting Cotton Garments
as Sleepwear for Kids
Parents Can Help Prevent Burns by Putting Kids in Snug-fitting or Flame-
resistant Sleepwear
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
urges holiday shoppers to make sure the sleepwear they purchase for
children is either flame-resistant or snug- fitting to reduce the risk
of burns. Loose-fitting T-shirts and other loose-fitting clothing made
of cotton or cotton blends should not be used for children's sleepwear,
because they can catch fire easily and burn rapidly. Burns often occur
when children, who are dressed for bed, play with fire (matches,
lighters, candles, burners on stoves) just before bedtime and just after
rising in the morning.
"Snug-fitting cotton and flame-resistant sleepwear are the safest
choices for children's sleepwear," said Chairman Hal Stratton. "T-shirts
and other loose fitting clothing can catch fire more easily, and cause
serious burn injuries. Parents can identify snug-fitting sleepwear at
the store by yellow tags attached to the garment."
CPSC sets national safety standards for children's sleepwear
flammability. These standards protect children from serious burn
injuries if they come in contact with a small flame. Under federal
safety rules, garments sold as children's sleepwear for sizes larger
than nine months must be either flame-resistant or snug-fitting.
Flame-resistant garments are made from inherently flame-resistant
fabrics or are treated with flame retardants and do not continue to burn
when removed from a small flame. Snug-fitting sleepwear is made of
stretchy cotton or cotton blends that fit closely against a child's
body. Snug-fitting sleepwear is less likely than loose T-shirts to come
into contact with a flame and does not ignite as easily or burn as
rapidly, because there is little air under the garment to feed a fire.
CPSC requires hang tags and permanent labels on snug-fitting
children's sleepwear, made of non-flame-resistant fabrics, to remind
consumers that because the garment is not flame-resistant, it must fit
snugly for safety. The yellow hangtag for snug-fitting garments says:
"For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not
flame resistant. Loose-fitting garment is more likely to catch fire."
The permanent label says "Wear snug-fitting. Not flame resistant" and
is sewn into the neck of the garment. Parents should look for tags that
say the garment is flame-resistant or snug-fitting.