The Best Pajamas Summer Pajamas for Kids

When summer rolls in, we’re all about the sunshine, late bedtimes, and outdoor fun. But once the dog days hit and the temperatures soar, that fun can start to feel a little… sweaty. While you might power through the heat with a fan and a popsicle, little ones have a tougher time staying cool, especially when it’s time to sleep. That’s why what kids wear to bed in hot weather really matters.

If you're wondering how to keep your child comfy at night when the AC is struggling (or nonexistent), you're not alone. Before we dive into our tips for summer pajamas for kids, let’s talk about how to spot the signs that your child may be too warm.

Spotting the Signs of Overheating in Kids

Babies and toddlers can’t tell you when they’re too hot, so it’s up to us grown-ups to play detective. Use your senses—touch, sight, even intuition—to gauge how your little one is doing.

Signs your child may be overheating:

• Skin feels hot to the touch (even without a fever)
• Face looks flushed or red
• Hair is damp or sweaty (but remember—some babies don’t sweat much)
• Acting cranky, fussy, or overly restless
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unusual fatigue, sluggishness, or confusion
• Complaints of nausea or vomiting

Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke in Kids

Keep a close eye if you notice:

• Body temperature between 100°F and 104°F
• Cool, clammy skin in hot weather
• Goosebumps despite the heat
• Headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, or fainting
• Extreme thirst or irritability
• Nausea or vomiting

Kids may be more at risk for overheating if they’re recovering from illness, have a sunburn, are taking certain medications, or carry extra weight.

How to Keep Your Kids Cool at Night

Ideally, your child’s room should stay between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C), but during a heatwave or without central AC, that’s not always possible. To help keep things cool, try using a fan to circulate air—just be sure it’s not pointed directly at infants or toddlers. Keep blackout curtains closed during the day to block out heat, and consider moving sleep spaces to cooler parts of the house, like basements or lower floors. And of course, dress your little one for the weather with breathable, summer-friendly pajamas—more on that below!

Best Pajamas for Hot Summer Nights

The number one rule for summer sleepwear? Avoid synthetic fabrics. Materials like polyester can trap heat and sweat against the skin, which is exactly what you don’t want. Instead, choose 100% cotton pajamas. Cotton is breathable, absorbent, and soft, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It wicks moisture away from the body and allows heat to escape. For babies, short-sleeve cotton onesies or sleeveless creepers with bare legs are perfect. They allow airflow while still keeping things cozy and secure. For toddlers and older kiddos, go for cotton pajama short sets. Skip the long sleeves and full-length pants in favor of cool, breathable options that won’t cause overheating.

The Dreamiest Sleep Is the One That Works for You

We know a good night’s sleep starts with comfort, especially for your littlest dreamers. That’s why we make soft, breathable 100% cotton pajamas designed to keep kids cool when the summer sun doesn’t quit. Whether they’re snuggled up in one of our kids PJ short sets or snoozing in a sleeveless onesie, we’ve got bedtime covered (literally). Here’s to happier, cooler nights—for your kiddos and for you!