Children's Sleepwear - Guidelines for the flammability requirements of the Children's  Sleepwear Regulations

On this page

• Overview
• Who these guidelines are for
• Introduction
• Legislation
• What is children's sleepwear?
  • Differentiating between children's sleepwear and adult's sleepwear
• Flammability requirements for children's sleepwear
  • Flammability requirements for tight-fitting sleepwear
  • Flammability requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear
• Requirements pertaining to the use of flame retardant chemicals
• How to measure children's sleepwear
• What is not considered sleepwear? (with exceptions)
• General information on the safety of children's garments
• Information resources

Overview

These guidelines provide information about the safety requirements that apply under the Children's Sleepwear Regulations to children's sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X that is manufactured, imported, advertised or sold in Canada.

These guidelines also provide general information on the safety of children's garments, including on topics such as drawstrings on children's upper outerwear, small parts and small powerful magnets.

In addition to the product-specific requirements noted in these guidelines, it is prohibited to manufacture, import, advertise or sell any consumer product that is a "danger to human health or safety" as defined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) (see paragraphs 7(a) and 8(a) of the Act).

Who these guidelines are for

• Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of children's sleepwear 
• Other interested parties who are affected by the regulations 

Introduction

This document is an unofficial summary of the safety requirements for children's sleepwear set out in the Children's Sleepwear Regulations under the CCPSA. It is not intended to substitute, supersede or limit the requirements under the applicable legislation. In case of any discrepancy between this summary and the legislation, the legislation will prevail.

The guidelines presented in this document reflect the current Health Canada policy and were developed in consultation with the children's sleepwear industry. They outline the design and dimensional criteria used by Health Canada to assess individual products against the definitions in the Regulations.

This document may be updated from time to time. To obtain additional information, contact a Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Office via email (ccpsa-lcspc@hc-sc.gc.ca) or telephone at 1-866-662-0666 (toll-free within Canada and the United States).

Legislation

Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety Program administers and enforces the CCPSA and its regulations. The Program operates as a post-market regulatory regime, meaning that there is no pre-market review or approval of consumer products by Health Canada. It is the responsibility of industry to ensure that the products they supply to the Canadian market comply with the CCPSA and its regulations.

In addition to the requirements specified in the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, children's sleepwear is subject to the general requirements of the CCPSA. For example, it is prohibited to manufacture, import, advertise or sell any consumer product that is a “danger to human health or safety” as defined in the CCPSA (see paragraphs 7(a) and 8(a)). Other regulations under the Act may also apply. For more information see the Act, General information on the safety of children's garments and Information resources.

Enforcement actions taken on non-compliant products depend on factors such as the degree of risk associated with a non-compliant product, the willingness of the responsible person to voluntarily comply and their compliance history. Enforcement actions may include commitment to product correction by industry, negotiation with industry for the voluntary removal of non-compliant products from the market, mandatory recall, seizure and/or prosecution under the CCPSA. Any person that manufactures, imports, advertises or sells non-compliant products that result in property damage, injury or death may also be subject to legal liability.

What is children's sleepwear?

For the purposes of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, children's sleepwear refers to children's garments in sizes 0 to 14X that are manufactured, imported, advertised or sold for the purpose of sleeping or activities related to going to sleep. Nightgowns, pyjamas, sleepers and bathrobes are examples of children's sleepwear.

Health Canada takes into consideration several criteria to determine whether a garment is considered sleepwear including design and fabric choice, advertisement, current trends and the likelihood that the garment could be used for sleeping or activities related to going to sleep. Children's garments that resemble sleepwear are generally considered to be sleepwear for the purpose of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. For example, loungewear, whether sold separately or as a top and pants set, is considered to be children's sleepwear subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. For additional information, see What is not considered children's sleepwear (with exceptions). A label on a children's garment that declares it is intended to be used for a purpose other than sleeping or activities related to going to sleep will not, in and of itself, exempt the garment from the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.

Differentiating between children's sleepwear and adult's sleepwear

Chest and seat circumference are used to differentiate between children's sleepwear and adult's sleepwear. Children's sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X, is subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, and adult's sleepwear, is subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations.

In general, children's sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X, other than sleepers, has:

• a maximum chest circumference of 980 millimetres, and
• a maximum seat circumference of 980 millimetres.

In general, children's sleepers in sizes up to and including 14X have:

• a maximum chest circumference of 1000 millimetres, and
• a maximum seat circumference of 1040 millimetres.

These sizing guidelines are based on dimensions specified in the National Standards of Canada for sizing children's garments and the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) standards for children's sleepwear. Since no national standards exist for size 14X children's sleepwear, the dimensions specified in this document were developed in consultation with experts in this area.

Sleepwear that is manufactured, imported, advertised or sold as children's sleepwear, but has a chest or seat circumference greater than the maximum values specified above for size 14X, is considered to be children's sleepwear and is subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. For example, a polo pyjama that has a chest circumference greater than 980 millimetres and is labelled “Size 14X” must meet the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear (see the criteria for polo pyjamas set out in this document).

Sleepwear that is manufactured, imported, advertised or sold exclusively as adult's sleepwear, but that has a chest or seat circumference less than or equal to the maximum value specified above for size 14X, is considered to be adult's sleepwear and is subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations.

Flammability requirements for children's sleepwear

The flammability of children's sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X is regulated under the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. The Regulations were created to address burn injuries and deaths in children from wearing loose-fitting flammable sleepwear, such as cotton night gowns, that could easily come into contact with flame sources, such as lighters, and burn rapidly. The Regulations and the Children's Sleepwear Guidelines have helped to dramatically decrease the number of burn injuries and deaths.

There are distinct flammability requirements for two basic types of children's sleepwear: tight-fitting and loose-fitting.

Tight-fitting sleepwear

Less stringent flammability requirements apply to products classified as tight-fitting sleepwear.

In general, tight-fitting sleepwear made with tight cuffs at the end of the sleeves and pant legs is less likely to make contact with an ignition source (for example the flame from a candle, a lighter or a stove) compared to loose-fitting sleepwear. Tight-fitting sleepwear that does not have tight cuffs but is tight-fitting overall, such as a camisole or leggings made of resilient and stretchable fabric (able to rebound or spring back into shape), is also less likely to contact an ignition source. The tight fit also limits the amount of oxygen available to feed a fire, thereby reducing the size, severity and rate of the burn should ignition occur.

Sleepwear designed for use by children in a hospital or for use by infants before they learn to walk, whether or not they are tight-fitting in design, is also less likely to come into contact with an ignition source.

Loose-fitting sleepwear

More stringent flammability requirements apply to products classified as loose-fitting sleepwear.

In general, loose-fitting sleepwear, particularly sleepwear with wide sleeves, pant legs or skirts, can come into contact with an ignition source more readily and will burn more rapidly compared to tight-fitting sleepwear. This is due to the presence of oxygen on both sides of the garment, which causes an accelerated rate of burn. This may result in severe burns to large areas of the body, shock or death.

Note: When sleepwear consists of two or more garments of different styles that can be worn either together or separately, each garment must be evaluated separately to determine applicable requirements. For example, in a set composed of a loose-fitting nightshirt, and tight-fitting leggings, the nightshirt is subject to the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear while the leggings are subject to the requirements for tight-fitting sleepwear.

If a tight-fitting sleepwear has been modified by a permanent addition that changes its style, even partially, to a style subject to the loose-fitting sleepwear requirements, such as a tight-fitting sleeper with an attached loose-fitting shirt-style pyjama top (see Figure 1), the whole garment is subject to the requirements applicable to loose-fitting sleepwear.

Figure 1 - Text description

The figure shows three drawings of the same children’s sleepwear item. The sleepwear is a loose-fitting, shirt-style top with buttons, attached to a footed sleeper. Two of the three drawings show the garment from the front, the third shows it from the side. The middle drawing shows that the shirt is attached to the sleeper.

Flammability requirements for tight-fitting sleepwear

Under section 1 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, the term “tight-fitting sleepwear” refers to any children's sleepwear in sizes up to and including 14X, other than loose-fitting sleepwear. It includes, sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kilograms, polo pyjamas, sleepers, and sleepwear designed for use in a hospital. Health Canada uses the design, dimensional and labelling criteria set out in this section of the document to determine if children's sleepwear is tight-fitting.

Children's textile sleepwear accessories worn during sleep or activities related to going to sleep, such as night caps and sleep masks, are also subject to the flammability requirements for tight-fitting sleepwear. This applies whether or not the accessory is sold with a sleepwear garment.

Design, dimensional and labelling criteria for tight-fitting sleepwear

Sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kilograms

Design criteria

There are no design criteria.

Dimensional criteria

Figure 2 - Text description

Figure composed of drawings of three sleepwear garments: a footed sleeper, an open-ended sleep sac that can be partially closed with a drawstring at the bottom, and a nightgown. All garments have long sleeves. In each drawing, a double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B), is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment.

Labelling criteria

Sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kilograms has a maximum size of 9 months. The label states the numeric size of the garment in months, such as “0-3 months”. A garment can have a label stating both the numeric and non-numeric size, such as “Small (0-3 months)”, but a label stating the non-numeric size only, such as “Small”, “Newborn” or “One Size Fits All”, is considered insufficient.

Note: Infant sleepwear that does not meet these dimensional and labelling criteria for sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kilograms is subject to the requirements appropriate to its design.

For example, an infant sleeper with a chest circumference greater than 508 millimetres should meet the design, dimensional and labelling criteria for sleepers as set out in this document to be subject to the flammability requirements for tight-fitting sleepwear, otherwise it is subject to the flammability requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear.

As another example, an infant robe with a chest circumference greater than 508 millimetres is subject to the flammability requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear.

Polo pyjamas

A polo pyjama is designed to be a tight-fitting, two-piece pullover top and pants set. The length of the sleeves and pant legs may vary; camisoles, sleeveless tops, tops with cap sleeves, tops with long sleeves, pants, capris and shorts are included in this sleepwear category. Polo pyjamas have tight cuffs at the end of the sleeves and pant legs and/or are made of resilient, stretchable fabric. The end of the pant legs may have stirrup straps.

Note: A two-piece pullover top and pants set that does not meet the design, dimensional and labelling criteria outlined below for polo pyjamas, is subject to the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear.

Design criteria

Polo pyjamas are designed to fit closely to the body throughout the product's lifespan. The tight fit helps minimize loose edges that can contact an ignition source.

There are several ways to achieve a tight fit. One way is to place tight cuffs at the end of the sleeves and pant legs. This can be done with sleeves and pant legs of varying lengths. Resilient, stretchable materials that do not stretch out during the foreseeable life of the product, such as those that incorporate spandex, stretch terry cloth, some rib knit fabrics, tunneled elastic (where elastic passes through a “tunnel” in the garment) and elasticized trim, are suitable for making tight cuffs.

Another way to achieve a tight fit is to make the garment out of resilient, stretchable fabrics, such as those that incorporate spandex, stretch terry cloth or rib knit fabric, that do not stretch out during the foreseeable life of the product. Tight-fitting sleeves and pant legs made of a resilient, stretchable fabric do not require tight cuffs at the ends.

A pullover top is a top that is pulled over the head. The top does not have loose edges along its length that are fastened by any means (such as with buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, for example Velcro, or a zipper), except at the neck.

The lowest possible point of the neck opening is not lower than line A-B, where the chest circumference is measured (see Figure 3 and How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions).

The length of the top is the same all around (line K-L; see Figure 3 and How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions). The hem at the waist is not curved in any way.

Lettuce edges that stretch the fabric into a ruffle are not present anywhere other than at the neck.

Loose edges at the neck are not greater than 50 millimetres when measured from their point of attachment to the outer surface of the garment (see How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions). This includes, but is not limited to, frills, ruffles, flaps, tabs and collars.

Loose edges anywhere except at the neck are not greater than 6 millimetres when measured from their point of attachment to the outer surface of the garment (see How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions).This includes, but is not limited to, vanity tags, ornaments or trim such as appliqués, embroidery, lace or ribbon. Fabric that extends outwards from a closure (such as a button, snap, hook and loop fastener, stitching or a zipper) is also considered a loose edge.

Openings other than around the neck and waist or at the end of the sleeves and pant legs, such as pocket openings, pant flies, bum flaps, thumb holes and spaces between closures (such as buttons, snaps or ties), lie smooth and close against the body and do not pucker or open wide during wear.

Dimensional criteria

Figure 3 - Text description

Please see the text and tables for details.

Figure composed of drawings of three separate elements: a polo pyjama and two images of cuffs. The leftmost image depicts a polo pyjama composed of a long-sleeved tight-fitting pullover top with a buttoned opening from the neck to mid-chest and long pants with an elastic waist. Both the top and the bottom have tight cuffs.  

In the first image, double-headed arrows are placed on top of the polo top and bottom to indicate where various dimensions of the garment should be measured, as described below.  

Top of the polo pyjama 

• A double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B) is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits.  The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment at the chest.  
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as A'-B') runs horizontally along the bottom of the garment to measure the exact width of the garment. 
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as K-L) runs vertically from the point where the neck opening meets the shoulder, to the bottom edge of the polo top.  
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as I-J) runs along the width of sleeve, close to where it attaches to the tight-cuff.  

Bottom of the polo pyjama 
A double-headed arrow (labelled as C-D) is positioned on top of the pants, 80 millimeters above the crotch. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the pants to the other to measure the exact width of the pants at the hips.  
A double-headed arrow (labelled as G-H) starts at the crotch and runs horizontally to measure the exact width of the pant leg.  

Cuffs 
The two other images depict a zoom-in of the cuff at the wrists and the cuff at the end of the pants. In both cuff images, a double-headed arrow (labeled as Q-R) is aligned with the bottom edge of the cuff to measure the exact width of the cuff. 

Figure 4 - Text description

Please see the text and tables for details.

The figure is composed of two separate images, the first showing a sleeveless camisole and the second showing the camisole with spaghetti straps. In each drawing, a double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B), is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment.

A double-headed arrow (labelled as A’-B’) runs horizontally at the bottom of the camisole to measure the exact width of the garment.

Labelling criteria

The label states the numeric size of the garment, such as “Size 8”. A garment can have a label stating both the numeric and non-numeric size, such as “Medium (8-10)”, but a label stating the non-numeric size only, such as “Medium” or “One Size Fits All”, is considered insufficient.

Sleepers

A sleeper is designed to be a tight-fitting one-piece garment with pant legs, or a two-piece set consisting of a top and pants that can be joined at the waist using buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, a zipper or other means. The end of the legs can have feet. Sleepers with feet have tight cuffs at the end of the sleeves and/or they are made of a resilient stretchable fabric. Sleepers without feet have tight cuffs at the end of the sleeves and legs and/or they are made of a resilient stretchable fabric.

Note: A one-piece garment with legs, or a two-piece top and pants set that can be joined at the waist, that does not meet the design, dimensional and labelling criteria outlined below for sleepers, is subject to the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear.

Design criteria

Sleepers are designed to have a tight fit, close to the body, for the foreseeable life of the product. This helps to minimize loose edges that can come into contact with an ignition source.

There are several ways to achieve a tight fit. One way is to place tight cuffs at the end of sleeves and pant legs (excluding pant legs with feet). This can be done with sleeves and pant legs of varying lengths. Resilient, stretchable materials that do not stretch out during the foreseeable life of the product, such as those that incorporate spandex, stretch terry cloth, some rib knit fabrics, tunneled elastic (where elastic passes through a “tunnel” in the garment) and elasticized trim, are suitable for making tight cuffs.

Another way to achieve a tight fit is to make the garment out of a resilient, stretchable fabric such as those that incorporate spandex, stretch terry cloth or a rib knit fabric that will not stretch out during the foreseeable life of the product. Tight-fitting sleeves and pant legs made of a resilient, stretchable fabric do not require tight cuffs at the ends.

In a two-piece sleeper where the top is attached to the pants, the top stays tucked inside the pants when the top and pants are joined together by any means (such as with buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners or a zipper). In a two-piece sleeper, the top is the same length all around (line K-L; see How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions). The hem at the waist is not curved in any way.

Lettuce edges that stretch the fabric into a ruffle are not present anywhere other than at the neck.

Loose edges at the neck are not greater than 50 millimetres when measured from their point of attachment to the outer surface of the garment (see How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions). This includes, but is not limited to, frills, ruffles, flaps, tabs and collars.

Loose edges anywhere except at the neck are not greater than 6 millimetres when measured from their point of attachment to the outer surface of the garment (see How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions).This includes, but is not limited to, vanity tags, ornaments or trim such as appliqués, embroidery, lace or ribbon. Fabric that extends outwards from a closure (such as a button, snap, hook and loop fastener, stitching or a zipper) is also considered a loose edge.

Pockets and similar openings other than around the neck and waist or at the end of sleeves and pant legs, such as pocket openings, bum flaps, thumb holes and spaces between closures (such as buttons, snaps or ties), lie smooth and close against the body and do not pucker or open wide during wear.

Dimensional criteria

Figure 5 - Text description

Examples of a sleeper showing the location of the measurements for the dimensional criteria. Please see the text and tables for details.

The figure is composed of five separate images. One image depicts a polo pyjama composed of a long-sleeved tight-fitting pull-over top with buttons running down the middle and stopping approximately mid-way and long pants with an elastic waist. The top has tight cuffs and the pants are footed.

Two other images depict a sleeper seen from the front and the back.   Several double-headed arrows are placed on top of the garments to indicate where various dimensions of the garments should be measured, as described below. 

• A double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B) is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits.  The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment.
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as A'-B') runs horizontally at the bottom of the garment to measure the exact width of the garment. 
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as C-D) is positioned on top of the pants, 80 millimeters above the crotch. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the pants to the other to measure the exact width of the pants at the hips.   
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as G-H) starts at the crotch and is running horizontally to measure the width of the pant leg.  
• A double-headed arrow (labelled as E-F) runs horizontally, starting at the juncture between the end of the pant and the foot to measure the bottom width of the pant leg.  

The fifth image depicts a zoom-in of the cuff at the wrist. In this image, a double-headed arrow labeled Q-R is aligned with the cuff edge to measure the exact width of the cuff.

Labelling criteria

The label states the numeric size of the garment, such as “Size 8”. A garment can have a label stating both the numeric and non-numeric size, such as “Medium (8-10)”, but a label stating the non-numeric size only, such as “Medium” or “One Size Fits All”, is considered insufficient.

Sleepwear designed for use in a hospital

There are no design or dimensional criteria.

Labelling criteria

The label states the numeric size of the garment (for example “Size 8”). A garment can have a label stating both the numeric and non-numeric size, such as “Medium (8-10)”, but a label stating the non-numeric size only, such as “Medium” or “One Size Fits All”, is considered insufficient.

Wearable sleepwear accessories

There are no design, dimensional or labelling criteria.

Note: Tight-fitting sleepwear with attachable accessories meet the criteria applicable to their style when the accessories are attached. Otherwise, they are subject to the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear. For example, a garment that in itself meets the criteria for a tight-fitting sleeper, but has an attachable hood, is subject to the requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear.

Flammability performance requirements and test method for tight-fitting sleepwear

Under section 2 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, tight-fitting sleepwear, when tested in accordance with the Canadian General Standards Board standard CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 27.5 entitled Textile test methods: Flame resistance – 45° angle test – One-second Flame Impingement, as amended from time to time, must have a flame spread time of more than seven seconds. This requirement is applied to garments with or without a raised fiber surface, irrespective of ignition or fusion of the base fibers.

Flammability requirements for loose-fitting sleepwear

Under section 1 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, the term “loose-fitting sleepwear” refers to loose-fitting garments such as children's nightgowns, nightshirts, dressing gowns, bathrobes, housecoats, robes, baby-doll pyjamas and tailored pyjamas in sizes up to and including 14X. Adding tight cuffs does not change the classification of these garments as loose-fitting sleepwear. The term does not apply to garments that meet the design, dimensional and labelling criteria for tight-fitting sleepwear, sleepwear designed for infants weighing up to 7 kilograms and sleepwear designed for use in a hospital.

Design, dimensional and labelling criteria for loose-fitting sleepwear

There are no design or dimensional criteria for loose-fitting sleepwear.

Labelling criteria

The size on the label can numeric, such as “Size 8”, non-numeric, such as “Medium” or “One Size Fits All”, or both numeric and non-numeric, such as “Medium (8-10)”.

Flammability performance requirements and test method for loose-fitting sleepwear

Under subsection 3(1) of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, loose-fitting sleepwear, when tested in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, must have:

• an average char length for five specimens that does not exceed 178 millimetres; and
• not more than one specimen with a char length equal to the full length of the specimen (254 millimetres).

To obtain a copy of Health Canada's test method for the flammability of loose-fitting children's sleepwear (Method F17: Flammability of Loose-Fitting Children's Sleepwear), use the Enquiry Form. Under Program, select Consumer Product Safety and choose the Test Method Request option from the Enquiry Type list.

Note: In general, loose-fitting sleepwear ignites readily and burns rapidly if it has any amount of natural fibres (such as cotton, flax, hemp, silk or feathers) or any amount of regenerated cellulosic fibres (such as rayon (viscose) or acetate). This applies to any sleepwear component that is made of textile fibres, including, but not limited to, fabric, thread, trim, appliqués or decals.

For further information on factors that affect textile flammability, refer to Health Canada's publication entitled Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada.

Requirements pertaining to the use of flame retardant chemicals

The function of flame retardant chemicals is to slow the ignition and the spread of fire. Certain flame retardant chemicals may be harmful to human health or the environment. Health Canada encourages industry to use safe, non-chemical alternatives to meet the flammability performance requirements. Further information can be found in the Notice to stakeholders on the use of flame-retardant chemicals in certain consumer products in Canada (updated in 2024). Information about factors affecting textile flammability – such as fibre content, fabric construction, fabric weight and fabric finishes – can be found in the Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada. Children's sleepwear that is treated with a flame retardant chemical is not exempt from the flammability requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.

Recognizing the potential risks of flame-retardant chemicals to human health or the environment, the Government of Canada has assessed, and continues to assess, a number of substances with flame retardant uses under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). When a risk to human health or the environment is identified, appropriate regulatory actions are taken. Industry members are encouraged to regularly monitor the on-line summary of the Government of Canada initiatives related to flame retardants. This will help industry members stay informed of CMP screening assessment conclusions and risk management strategies that may be put in place to help protect human health or the environment.

Restricted use of flame retardant chemicals in loose-fitting sleepwear

Flame retardant chemicals can be used to treat loose-fitting children's sleepwear only if the flame retardant chemicals meet the toxicological requirements set out in the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. Specifically, loose-fitting sleepwear that is treated with a flame retardant, any component that is extracted or broken down from such treated sleepwear and any flame retardant that is used to treat the sleepwear must not cause acute toxicity (oral or dermal), dermal irritation, dermal sensitization, genetic or chromosomal defects, or tumours in accordance with subsection 3(2) and Schedule 2 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.

Under section 4 of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations, loose-fitting children's sleepwear that is treated with a flame retardant must have a permanent label that clearly and legibly displays the following:

• the words “flame retardant” and “ignifugeant”; and
• instructions in English and French for the care of the sleepwear, particularly cleaning procedures, to ensure that the sleepwear is not exposed to agents or treatments that could reduce its flame resistance.

Prohibited flame retardant chemicals in wearing apparel under the CCPSA

Under Schedule 2 of the CCPSA, products made in whole or in part of textile fibres, intended for use as wearing apparel (including all children's sleepwear), that are treated with or contain tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TRIS; TBPP; TDBPP; CAS Number 126-72-7) as a single substance or as part of a chemical compound are prohibited.

Exposure to tris (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate can cause cancer as well as genetic defects. Children are particularly susceptible because they tend to mouth garments, and the flame retardant chemical can also be absorbed through skin that comes into direct contact with the treated garment.

Prohibited flame retardant chemicals in children's foam products under the CCPSA

Under Schedule 2 of the CCPSA, products that are made, in whole or in part, of polyurethane foam that contains the chemical tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP; CAS Number 115-96-8) and that are intended for children under three years of age are prohibited.

Exposure to tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate can cause cancer and impaired fertility. Children under three years of age are most susceptible to the harmful effects.

It is the responsibility of industry members to ensure compliance with Canadian safety legislation. Testing a consumer product against the requirements of applicable regulations under the CCPSA is a means of verifying compliance with these requirements. Testing should be conducted on a representative sample of the product available in the Canadian market. When using the services of a private testing laboratory, industry members should verify that the laboratory: has a quality system in place (often verified through third party accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025), is familiar with Canadian safety requirements and test methods, and can test to these requirements.

How to measure children's sleepwear

All measurements are made when the garment fabric is smooth and fully extended but without tension. Fasten any closures, such as zippers, buttons or ties, and attach any attachable accessories prior to measuring.

Chest circumference (twice A-B)

The chest circumference is twice the distance from point A to point B, measured 20 millimetres below the lowest point of the armhole seam, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 - Text description

The figure shows the top of a polo pyjama with long sleeves and tight cuffs. The top has buttons running down the middle of the garment and stopping approximately mid-way. A double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B) is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment.

For a garment without armhole seams or with batwing sleeves, as shown in Figure 7, the chest circumference is measured at a distance of Y from the point where the shoulder joins the collar or neck opening to the chest, where Y is the distance shown in Table 7.

Figure 7 - Text description

The figure shows a sleepwear top with long batwing-like sleeves. A double-headed vertical arrow runs down from the edge of the neck a distance Y, approximately 1/3 the length of the top. A double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B) runs horizontally, perpendicular to the arrow Y and measures the entire width of the garment.

For a garment with loose edges along its length that overlap when the garment is closed, such as a bathrobe with a belt, the chest circumference is measured by overlapping the loose edges a distance of U to V, as shown in Figure 8 and Table 8.

Figure 8 - Text description

The figure shows a bath robe. The two sides of the bath robe are folded over each other a distance U-V. The distance U-V varies with the size of the garment and is shown in Table 8 of the guidelines.

Seat circumference (twice C-D)

The seat circumference is twice the distance from point C to point D, measured across the front of the garment and 80 millimetres above the intersection of the crotch seams, as shown in Figure 9.

Figure 9 - Text description

The figure shows a pair of polo pyjama pants with tight cuffs. A double-headed arrow (labelled as C-D) is positioned on top of the pants, 80 millimeters above the crotch. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the pants to the other to measure the exact width of the pants at the hips.

Ankle circumference (twice E-F)

The ankle circumference is twice the distance from point E to point F, measured across the bottom of the leg. If the leg ends in a cuff, the measurement is made where the leg joins the cuff, as shown in Figure 10. If the leg ends in a foot, the measurement is made where the leg joins the foot, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 10 - Text description

The figure shows a pair of polo pyjama pants with tight cuffs. A double-headed arrow (labeled as E-F) runs horizontally right above the tight cuff from one edge of the pants to the other to measure the exact width of one of the pant legs.

Thigh circumference (twice G-H)

The thigh circumference is twice the distance from point G to point H, measured across the highest point of the leg, level with the crotch, as shown in Figure 11.

Figure 11 - Text description

The figure shows a pair of polo pyjama pants with tight cuffs. A double-headed arrow (labeled as G-H) runs horizontally starting at the crotch from one edge of the pants to the other, to measure the exact width of the pant leg.

Wrist circumference (twice I-J)

The wrist circumference is twice the distance from point I to point J, measured across the bottom of the sleeve. If the sleeve ends in a cuff, the measurement is made where the sleeve joins the cuff, as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 12 - Text description

The figure shows a polo pyjama top with tight cuffs. A double-headed arrow (labeled as I-J) runs horizontally right above the tight cuff to measure the exact width of the sleeve.

Top length (K-L)

The length of the top is the distance from point K to point L, measured from the point where the shoulder joins the collar or neck opening to the bottom edge, as shown in Figure 13.

Figure 13 - Text description

The figure shows a polo pyjama top with tight cuffs. A double-headed arrow (labeled as K-L) runs vertically from the point where the shoulder joins the collar or neck opening to the bottom edge of the garment to measure its length.

Garment length (M-N)

The length of the garment is the distance from point M to point N, measured along the centre of the back from the neck opening or point of collar attachment to the bottom edge, as shown in Figure 14. See Table 9.

Figure 14 - Text description

The figure shows the back of a bath robe with long sleeves and a belt. A double-headed arrow (labelled as M-N) runs vertically along the center of the back, from the point where the collar attaches to the robe, to the bottom edge of the robe, to measure the length of the garment.

Sleeve or pant leg opening circumference (twice Q-R)

The circumference of the opening at the distal end of a sleeve or pant leg is twice the distance from point Q to point R, measured inside the edge of the unstretched opening, as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15 - Text description

The figure shows the tight cuff of a sleeve or pant leg opening. A double-headed arrow aligned with the cuff and measuring the exact width of the cuff is labeled as Q-R.

Waist of top circumference (twice A'-B')

The circumference of the waist of the top is twice the distance from point A' to point B', measured across the bottom edge, as shown in Figure 16. If the bottom has a cuff, the measurement is made where the top joins the cuff.

Figure 16 - Text description

The figure shows a polo pyjama top with tight cuffs.

A double-headed arrow (labelled as A’-B’) runs horizontally along the bottom of the garment to measure the exact width of the garment.

Waist circumference of sleeper (twice A'-B')

The waist circumference of a one-piece sleeper is measured midway between the line of the chest circumference (A-B) and the line of the seat circumference (C-D), as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 17 - Text description

The figure shows a one-piece sleeper with feet and tight cuffs at the wrists. A double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B) is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment.

A horizontal, double-headed arrow (labelled as C-D) is positioned at the hips, exactly 80 millimeters above the crotch of the pants to measure the exact width of the garment.

A double-headed arrow (labelled as A’-B’) runs horizontally midway between the arrow A-B and the arrow C-D to measure the exact width of the garment.

Neck opening

The lowest point of a neck opening, and its position compared to line A-B, are observed visually.

Of the two camisoles shown in Figure 18, the camisole with spaghetti straps (on the right) has a lower neck opening than the sleeveless camisole (on the left). Neither neck opening is below line A-B.

Figure 18 - Text description

Figure composed of two separate images, the first showing a sleeveless camisole and the second showing a camisole with spaghetti straps. In each of the two drawings, a double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B), is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other to measure the exact width of the garment.

For a neck opening that is fastened by any means (such as with buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners or a zipper), its lowest point is the one observed when the neck opening is completely unfastened. The top shown in Figure 19 has a neck opening fastened with buttons or snaps. The lowest point of the neck opening is not below line A-B.

Figure 19 - Text description

The figure shows the top of a polo pyjama with long sleeves and tight cuffs. A double-headed arrow (labeled as A-B) is positioned on top of the chest, 20 millimeters below the armpits. The arrow runs horizontally from one edge of the garment to the other. The top has a neck opening with buttons running down the middle of the garment and stopping above the A-B line.

Loose edge length

The length of a loose edge is the distance from the point of attachment to the outer surface of the garment.

In Figure 20, examples of loose edges at the neck are indicated by the maximum allowable length of 50 millimetres, and include a collar and a tab closure. Examples of loose edges at locations other than the neck are indicated by the maximum allowable length of 6 millimetres, and include decorative trim and a button closure on a pocket.

Figure 20 - Text description

The figure shows three drawings of four design elements that are considered loose edges: a collar, a decorative ruffle, a tab closure and a pocket. The first drawing shows a pyjama top with a round collar and short sleeves ending in a tight cuff with a ruffle. An arrow points to the ruffle and indicates it has a width of 6 millimeters. Another arrow points to the width of the collar measured from the point of attachment of the collar to the neckline, to the edge of the collar. The arrow indicates the collar has a width of 50 millimeters. The second drawing shows the top of a sleeper that has a zippered closure running vertically. The zipper is covered at the neck by a tab travelling horizontally over the zipper. The tab is secured with a button. An arrow spanning the length of the tab indicates that it measures 50 millimeters. The third image shows a pocket that is closed with a central button near the top edge. An arrow shows that the distance between the top edge of the button and the edge of the opening of the pocket is 6 millimeters.

What is not considered children's sleepwear? (with exceptions)

This is not an exhaustive list.

Diapers and underwear

Children's diapers and underwear composed of textile fibres are subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for textile products. This includes products such as underpants, boxer shorts, undershirts, bras and other garments typically worn under clothes.

Exceptions: Children's underwear that can also feasibly serve as sleepwear is within the scope of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. For example:

• Long underwear resembling polo pyjamas and made of lightweight polyester, cotton or a cotton blend is subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. However, long underwear that is tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, made out of a technical fabric, and is suitable as a base layer for outdoor activities rather than for sleeping, is subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for textile products.
• Boxer sets, such as matching boxer shorts and a t-shirt (see Figure 21), are subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. However, boxer shorts or t-shirts sold individually are unlikely to be considered sleepwear, and are subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for textile products.

Figure 21 - Text description

The figure shows a sleepwear set composed of a t-shirt and matching shorts.

Daywear

Children's daywear composed of textile fibres is subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations. This includes products such as pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, jackets, sportswear and other garments suitable for day use.

Exceptions: Children's daywear that can also feasibly serve as sleepwear is within the scope of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. For example:

• Loungewear, whether sold separately or in a top and pants set, is subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.
• Beachwear items such as robes, cover-ups, ponchos or similar garments that exceed the lengths (M-N) shown in Table 9 are subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations; see How to measure children's sleepwear for more instructions. However, shorter beachwear is subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for textile products.

Towels

Hooded towels and similar loose, unstructured products made of absorbent fabric and promoted solely for the purpose of drying a child are subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for textile products.

Sleep sacks and wearable blankets

Sleep sacks are articles of bedding worn over sleepwear and are intended to replace loose blankets or other bed covers. Sleep sacks typically consist of a fabric bag that has armholes or sleeves and is closed at the feet (see Figure 22). Sleep sacks are subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for bedding.

Figure 22 - Text description

The figure shows a drawing of a sleeveless sleep sack with a central vertical opening, closed by a zipper.

Exceptions:

• Sleep sacks with leg openings that allow a child to be mobile while wearing them are subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.
• Garments that resemble sleep sacks but that can be worn on their own for sleep, such as garments with a tight-fitting top and sack-like bottom, are subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.

Wearable blankets come in various styles. They are intended to be worn over clothing to provide an extra layer of warmth, but can also be worn in bed over sleepwear as a replacement for loose blankets or other bed covers. Wearable blankets are subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for bedding.

Exceptions:

• Blanket sleepers, which are typically loose-fitting garments made of warm, blanket-like fabric, are subject to the requirements of the Children's Sleepwear Regulations.

Non-wearable items of a sleepwear set

Textile items that make up a children's sleepwear set but are not for wear are not covered by the Children's Sleepwear Regulations. However, they must meet the applicable requirements under the CCPSA and its regulations. For example, a blanket component of a sleepwear set is subject to the requirements of the Textile Flammability Regulations for bedding, while a doll or stuffed toy component of a sleepwear set is subject to the requirements of the Toys Regulations.

General information on the safety of children's garments

In addition to the Children’s Sleepwear Regulations, there are several regulations under the CCPSA that apply to children’s garments, such as:

• Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations: restrict the total lead content of each accessible part of children’s clothing or clothing accessories, such as zippers, snaps, buckles, screen prints, ornaments and trims, to no more than 90 mg/kg. For further information on the Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations,consult the Information for Regulated Parties regarding the Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations.
• Surface Coating Materials Regulations : restrict the total lead content of applied surface coating materials (such as paint or stickers) on certain products, including children’s clothing or clothing accessories to no more than 90 milligrams per kilogram.
• Textile Flammability Regulations: set flammability requirements for children’s garments composed of textile fibres, other than 1) children’s sleepwear, which is covered under the Children’s Sleepwear Regulations, and 2) children’s costumes, which fall within the definition of a doll, plush toy or soft toy under the Toys Regulations. For additional information consult the Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada.  
• Toys Regulations: set requirements for children’s costumes, including children’s Halloween costumes, that fall within the definition of a doll, plush toy or soft toy. For further information consult the Industry Guide to Health Canada’s Safety Requirements for Children’s Toys and Related Products.

Paragraphs 7(a) and 8(a) of the CCPSA prohibit the manufacture, importation, advertisement or sale of consumer products that are a danger to human health or safety. Certain hazards that are not specifically addressed by regulations under the CCPSA may be addressed in standards or guidelines. The following information provides some guidance in this regard.

Drawstrings on children’s upper outerwear

Drawstrings on children’s upper outerwear, such as snowsuits, jackets, sweatshirts and other garments generally intended to be worn over other clothing, can catch on playground equipment, fences or other objects. This can result in strangulation, or in the case of a vehicle, a child being dragged (see Figure 23).

Figure 23 - Text description

The figure shows two drawings. The first drawing shows a hooded sweatshirt with a drawstring at the neck being pulled upwards. The second drawing shows a child wearing a sweatshirt beside a school bus. A drawstring at the waist of the sweatshirt is caught in the side of the bus and is being pulled.

To reduce the risk posed by drawstrings on children's upper outerwear, these products should, at a minimum, comply with the following requirements:

• Children's upper outerwear in sizes newborn to 12 must not have drawstrings in the hood and neck area.
• In accordance with ASTM F1816-18 (2024), Standard Safety Specification for Drawstrings on Children's Upper Outerwear, drawstrings at the waist and bottom of children's upper outerwear in sizes 2T to 16 must:
  • not exceed 76.2 millimetres in length outside the drawstring channel when the garment is expanded to its fullest width;
  • have no toggles, knots or other attachments at the free ends; and
  • be bar tacked to the garment (in other words, firmly stitched through the drawstring and the channel, usually at the centre of the back) if the drawstring is one continuous string, to prevent it from slipping through the channel.

For further information on the danger of drawstrings consult the Notice of danger to human health or safety and risk mitigation for children's upper outerwear with drawstrings.

Belts

Children are at risk of strangulation from any type of cord that can be detached from clothing. Belts, ties and similar items that support or hold, in children's garments, should be bar tacked to the garment (in other words, firmly stitched through the belt and the garment, usually at the centre of the back). This does not apply to belts sold individually.

Small Parts

Young children are at risk of choking on, swallowing or inhaling small parts that detach from, or break off of, clothing. Garments for use by a child under three years of age should not have small parts meant to be separable or that can be separated from the garment with reasonably foreseeable use. Small parts are ones that can be totally enclosed in the small parts cylinder shown in Figure 24. They may include, but are not limited to, buttons, beads, bells, snaps, magnetic closures, plastic decals and hook and loop fasteners. This does not apply to small parts that are made entirely of soft, textile fibre material (such as a ribbon bow).

Figure 24 - Text description

The figure shows two drawings. The first drawing is a sketch of a hollow cylinder whose inside cavity ends with a tilted bottom. The second drawing is a technical sketch of the cylinder showing its dimensions: maximal depth of the cavity: 57.1 millimeters, minimal depth of the cavity: 25.4 millimeters, diameter of the opening: 31. 7 millimeters.

Small powerful magnets

Small powerful magnets should not be used on, or in, any children's garments if they can be separated from the garment with reasonably foreseeable use. In addition to posing a choking hazard, if more than one magnet is swallowed over a short period of time, they can attract one another through the digestive tract and create a blockage or tear in the intestinal walls. The results can be very serious and even fatal.

Children's garments that contain small powerful magnets should be labelled with a clear and prominently displayed warning, in English and French, indicating that:

• the product contains small powerful magnets,
• swallowing magnets can cause serious injuries, and
• immediate medical attention should be sought if a magnet may have been swallowed.

For further information on the danger of small powerful magnets, refer to Health Canada's publication entitled Notice of danger to human health or safety and risk mitigation for products containing small powerful magnets.

Stitching

Only stitching that will not unravel should be used on garments for young children to prevent threads from becoming loose and wrapping around fingers, arms, legs or the neck, potentially causing injury.

Sharp objects

Sharp objects on, or in, children's garments can cause injuries ranging from irritation and scratches to cuts and piercings. No component of a garment, such as a button, snap, zipper or decorative feature, should have an exposed sharp point or edge. As well, no sharp point or edge should form, or become exposed, with reasonably foreseeable use of the garment. Stuffing materials should also be free from hard, sharp or foreign objects, and should be inaccessible to a child.

In addition, care should be taken during manufacturing and packaging to avoid leaving sharp objects, such as pins, needles and staples, on, or in, a garment.

For additional guidance, refer to the documents entitled:

• CEN/TS 17394-1: 2021 – Textiles and textile products – Part 1: Safety of children's clothing – Security of attachment of attached components to infants' clothing – Specification;
• Industry Guide to Health Canada's Safety Requirements for Children's Toys and Related Products; and
• Industry Guidance – “Danger to Human Health or Safety” Posed by Consumer Products.

Information resources

For further information, visit the resources below or contact a Health Canada Consumer Product Safety Office via email (ccpsa-lcspc@hc-sc.gc.ca) or telephone at 1-866-662-0666 (toll-free within Canada and the United States).

To obtain a copy of a Health Canada test method referenced in this document, use the Enquiry Form. Under Program, select Consumer Product Safety and choose the Test Method Request option from the Enquiry Type list.

Act and regulations

• Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and its Regulations
• Children’s Sleepwear Regulations
• Textile Flammability Regulations
• Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations
• Surface Coating Materials Regulations

Industry guides and notices

• Canada Consumer Product Safety Act Quick Reference Guide
• Industry Guide on Mandatory Reporting under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act – Section 14 "Duties in the Event of an Incident"
• Industry Guidance – "Danger to Human Health or Safety" Posed by Consumer Products
• Industry Guide to Flammability of Textile Products in Canada
• Notice to stakeholders on the use of flame-retardant chemicals in certain consumer products in Canada
• Notice of danger to human health or safety and risk mitigation for products containing small powerful magnets
• Notice of danger to human health or safety and risk mitigation for children’s upper outerwear with drawstrings
• Information for Regulated Parties Regarding the Consumer Products Containing Lead Regulations
• Industry Guide to Health Canada’s Safety Requirements for Children’s Toys and Related Products

Additional references

• Subscribe for email updates about the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
• Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) standards - CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 27.5 and CAN/CGSB-4.2 No. 58
• OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals
• ASTM F1816-18 (2024) Standard Safety Specification for Drawstrings on Children’s Upper Outerwear
• CEN/TS 17394-1: 2021 – Textiles and textile products – Part 1: Safety of children’s clothing – security of attachment of attached components to infants’ clothing – Specification