All polyester sleepwear (and day-wear) is extremely flammable due to the inherent make-up of the material.  Hence, the need for flame retardant.  Cotton and clothing made from natural fibers are naturally flame retardant.  Since the 70's all polyester sleepwear by law must be treated with  (PBDEs)- chemicals to make it less likely to catch on fire.  Cotton sleepwear garments are required by law to state-"not flame retardant-wear snug-fitting".  The issue for me is that in the case of a fire, it won't seem to matter WHAT the child is wearing.  During sleep, most deaths occur from smoke inhalation, not from a garment catching on fire.  And if the clothing is that flammable, how do you really feel about your child wearing all of the polyester fleece clothing (which ironically is not treated) when the child is most active during the day and has more of a chance of coming into contact with fireplaces, candles and other sources of open flame?
 
So on my quest to try to reduce the amount of unnecessary industrial chemicals my son is exposed to, and to lessen his flammability potential, I have been searching for non-flame retardant pajamas-preferably cotton flannel, which is soft, naturally flame retardant and very warm.  The only place I could find affordable, real cotton flannel (many companies call polyester, chemically treated blends "flannel" so note the difference) was at www.garnethill.com.

Garnethill.com has a really cute selection of two piece sets for toddlers, big kids and infants they describe as "Our exclusive German flannel is an inherently flame-resistant, cotton-rich fabric that is exceptionally soft, yet meets the federal requirements for sleepwear without chemical flame-retardant treatment. Classic button-front top and elastic-waist bottoms. 65% cotton/35% modacrylic." The toddler/kids sets are on sale now for $18 (from $44) each- a great deal! You can buy them here:  Garnet Hill-German Flannel Kids Pajamas

My only question then was "what is modacrylic"?

According to Wikapedia: "Modacrylic has properties that are similar to acrylic, however, Modacrylic is flame retardant and does not combust. The fibers are difficult to ignite and will self-extinguish. In addition to modacrylic's flame retardant properties it has a relatively high durability that is comparable to wool."

OK, so the pajamas are not 100% cotton, but a cotton/modacrylic blend sure beats dangerous chemicals next to my son's skin.  To keep extra extra warm on cold nights, I also layer my son in a zip-up cotton one piece pajama underneath the flannel set which keeps his feet and legs warm when he kicks those covers off.

For more information on flame retardants and other chemicals in our kids' bodies as well as results from new body-burden testing here's a great article from CNN: Tests Reveal High Chemical Levels In Kids' Bodies

This article sure poses a lot to think about in terms of what kinds of laws are being passed to allow so many chemicals to still be present in our daily lives, most of which have not been tested for their effects in humans. I'm sure not ready to be a guinea pig or let my children be the test subjects for all the new chemicals introduced into our environment without more strict regulations being put into action.  You'll be hearing a lot more from me on this subject!

So you toss the flame-retardant pj's, but are concerned now about PBDE's in your child's crib- here's a link to a great run-down on traditional crib mattresses vs. organic cotton crib mattresses (non-chemically treated):
A Child Grows In Brooklyn- Blog Part I
A Child Grows In Brooklyn-Blog Part II

More info on PBDE's:
PBDE's Found in Mothers and Children

More info on PCB's:
FAQ's on PCB's

Have something to say on the subject? Find other non-flame retardant sleepwear for kids? Please let me know!