All fabrics burn but some burn more readily than others, so it’s wise to buy nightclothes for your children that are either made from fabrics that are slow to burn or designed to reduce the risk of catching alight.
Look for labelling that indicates compliance with the standard AS 1249:2003 — Children's nightwear and limited daywear having reduced fire hazard, which includes a labelling scheme to indicate the fire danger.
Garments labelled "low fire danger" are relatively safe and made from fabrics that are slow to burn. Close-fitting garments such as tracksuit-type pyjamas are generally labelled "styled to reduce fire danger". "High fire danger — keep away from fire" indicates that the garment is highly flammable.
And if you make your own clothes, it’s wise to follow Standards Australia’s advice:
- Use fabrics labelled as complying with AS 1249:2003 — Children's nightwear and limited daywear having reduced fire hazard.
- Avoid fabrics that have a pile or nap, quilted fabrics that are more than 50 per cent cotton, linen, acetate fibre or acrylic, garments that fall below the knee (unless the fabric is safe) and long pyjamas with flared legs or arms.