When it comes to what we put on our babies, we should never have to compromise between comfort and safety. Yet, in North America, the standards for infant sleepwear still leave too much room for hidden risks — from exposure to harmful chemicals to overlooked design flaws that could impact your baby’s well-being.
At Sleep of Mind, we believe it’s time for change — and we’re already making it happen. Here’s what every parent should know about how higher standards can protect your baby’s health, and why certifications like OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) should be the norm — not the exception.
Toxic Chemicals Have No Place in the Nursery
Think about how many hours a week your baby is wearing their sleepwear. Many
conventional baby sleepwear items are made with synthetic fibers like polyester, acrylic, and nylon — all derived from petroleum.
Fabrics made from bamboo aren't necessarily better either. In order to transform the coarse fibre into soft fabric, bamboo is dissolved in strong chemicals like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide, turning it into a thick liquid. This liquid is then forced through tiny holes to create fibers, which are spun into fabric.
The heavy use of toxic chemicals can harm workers and the environment. Furthermore, the chemical processing strips away most of the bamboo’s natural properties, including its antibacterial and biodegradable qualities. Despite its popularity, fabrics made through this process often contradict the eco-friendly image promoted in marketing.
Certifications Matter
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 tests for harmful chemicals, from pesticides to heavy metals to phthalates — ensuring the entire garment is safe against your baby’s delicate skin.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) goes a step further, verifying that textiles are made with organic fibers and processed without toxic dyes or finishes.
Yet in North America, these certifications are optional. They should be mandatory.
Synthetic Fillings: A Hidden Source of Microplastics
One of the biggest culprits? The polyester filling used in so many sleep sacks and
wearable blankets. Not only do these fabrics shed microplastics when washed, but they can also break down when babies suck or chew on their sleep sacks (as they naturally do!). This means tiny plastic particles can be ingested — something no parent wants. Opting for natural fillings — like organic cotton — is a safer choice for your baby and the planet.
Zipper Safety: A Small Detail with Big Impact
Safe sleepwear design is about more than fabric. Zipper standards should be higher too. Sleepwear with large zipper pulls or “hole” pulls can pose an injury risk — especially to tiny teeth just learning to bite and tug. Many countries have no specific regulations for zipper design on infant sleepwear. We believe they should:
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No hole pulls to minimize the risk of dental injuries
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Smooth, high-quality hardware with no sharp edges
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Covered zipper garages so zippers never touch delicate skin
Thermal Safety: TOG Ratings Should Come with a Clear Warning
A sleep sack’s TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating indicates its warmth. Yet most parents aren’t told that anything over 1.0 TOG can increase the risk of overheating — a key risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Clear warning labels on higher-TOG sleepwear should be a requirement, not an afterthought. Parents deserve clear information to make the safest choice for every sleep situation. Read more in Ultimate Guide to Baby Sleepwear TOG Ratings
How Sleep of Mind Goes Above and Beyond
At Sleep of Mind, we believe you shouldn’t have to dig for this information — or settle for “good enough.” That’s why every piece of our sleepwear checks all the boxes:
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GOTS-certified organic cotton
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OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified textiles and closures for ultimate peace of mind
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Zero synthetic fillings — we use breathable, GOTS certified organic cotton
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Thoughtful zipper design — no hole pulls, covered zippers, and high-quality YKK hardware
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Safer TOG ratings — and honest guidance on how to layer safely for your baby’s sleep environment
We offer unparalleled peace of mind from a textile perspective, plus the ability to easily see your baby breathing right from your own baby monitor. No wires, batteries, wifi or subscription fees. Take a look for yourself.
Parents deserve infant sleepwear that’s thoughtfully designed, responsibly made, and safe from the inside out. That’s what Sleep of Mind stands for — because your baby’s safety should never be optional.
Want to learn more about how we do it? Explore our collection and see how we’re raising the bar for healthier, safer sleep — one baby at a time.
