If you’ve ever gone shopping for kids’ pyjamas, you’ll know just how much choice there is when it comes to kitting out your little ones for bedtime. From character onesies to pyjamas that glow in the dark, you can buy all manner of fun-filled sleepwear for children.

But while a nifty set of nightwear might (we said might) help make the bedtime routine run a little more smoothly, the real question to ask is how well will it wash?

There are few things more annoying than a new pair of PJs that end up as ankle-swingers the very first time you launder them. If you buy your child nightwear emblazoned with the latest cool character or hip slogan, trust us when we say you’ll hear all about it if you find out the hard way that the groovy print cannot be tumble-dried.

So, before you invest in kids pyjamas, make sure they are easy to care for. Beyond that, comfort is king. Your child won’t thank you if they can’t sleep because of an itchy pair of PJs. In terms of fabric, 100 per cent cotton ticks all the boxes as it’s soft, cosy and affordable.

Organic cotton costs a little more but is worth the spend as it’s typically kinder to the environment and gentler on delicate skin.

More luxurious fabrics will set you back even further, but if pricey pyjamas for your kids are your thing, we’re not going to judge you. Who doesn’t want to know that their little one is slumbering away in as much comfort as money can buy?

Which brings us nicely to the other thing about kids’ pyjamas: lounging. We reckon most kids spend almost as many hours awake in their nightwear as they do actually sleeping.

That’s a slight exaggeration, but from lazy weekend mornings and sleepovers with friends to those lovely “let’s all get our jammies on and relax in front of the telly” evenings as a family, modern sleepwear for kids is as much about looking cool when you’re lounging around as it is about being comfy while you sleep. 

Finally, factor in that kids grow fast. Like, really fast. Most children’s pyjamas will be outgrown rather than worn out, so if you want to get your money’s worth, consider buying unisex sleepwear (is there really any call for any other kind?!) that can be passed down to younger siblings.

And if you buy PJs that wash well, they probably won’t even notice that they’re getting hand-me-downs. Bonus.

Smalls

"Launched in Selfridges in 2014 with a mission to make wool cool for kids again, Smalls make gender-neutral merino wool clothing and accessories for kids from birth up to 14 years. Committed to slow fashion, the brand prides itself on creating garments that have genuine longevity and traceable provenance.

IndyBest pick: Smalls the 24/7 trouser

These lightweight merino wool trousers aren’t technically pyjamas but they’re designed to be worn as a base layer or as snuggly loungewear. Our five-year-old tester tried them out with the best long sleeve tee (£44.50). She popped them on as soon as she got home from school and has barely taken them off since. Merino wool is cool when it’s hot and warm when it’s cold, and these definitely kept our tester cosy in bed without overheating."