It is important to check a child's clothing daily for safety, including clothing that children wear during dramatic play at home or at school. Some children clothing - even a favorite pair of pajamas, an innocent-looking sweatshirt or a favorite Halloween costume - can be a health hazard. Make safety a priority when dressing your little one.
Sharp Edges
Sharp points or edges can easily cause injuries to the delicate skin of children. Metal zippers that come in contact with the skin must have a zipper guard behind the zipper (facing the body) for protection. All stone-washed garments must have pockets basted shut to keep objects out of the pockets. Velcro, hook and loop or fastening tape with sharp corners should not be applied. No monofilament threads (those transparent fishing line likes of thread) should be used to sew children garments. Trims such as rhinestones, sequins, etc should not be allowed on garment size 3T and below.
Drawstrings
Injuries and strangulation can occur if drawstrings from hoods and necks of jackets or sweatshirts get caught on playground equipment or objects such as doors, tree branches or fences. Drawstrings can get caught on crib rails or in the netting of playpens as well. It is best to purchase clothing that does not have drawstrings. For waistbands that have drawstrings, the drawstrings must not exceed 3 inches outside the channel when the garment is extended to its fullest width and this drawstring should be secured to garment at midpoint. Even single yarns used on products for decorations can be no longer than 3/8 inches.
Small Pieces
Buttons, studs, sequins and other small ornamental decorations on clothing can present a choking hazard. Ensure that these items are securely fastened to garments. If drawstring cord lock is used, it should lie flat against the garment. Also check for sharp objects or pins that could detach and puncture a child's delicate skin.
Fire Safety
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is safer to place a child in snug-fitting sleepwear. Children who sleep in loose-fitting and over-sized cotton T-shirts are in danger because such garments can easily catch fire if near an ignition source. The danger with loose-fitting clothing is that there is an air space between garment and the child's skin, which helps the fire t burn. With snug clothing there is no air space to ignite and burn. Nylon or polyester fabrics are safer than cotton, as these do not ignite easily. Additionally, some children's sleepwear is specially treated to make the fabric flame-retardant.
Sun Protection
No matter where you live, children need to be protected from the skin-damaging effect of the sun. Clothing should be made from tightly woven fabrics. For maximum sun protection, wearing long sleeves and long pants is best. Color plays a role in sun protection : lighter colored fabric blocks more sun than darker colors. Some new "high-tech" clothing is specially treated with UV absorbers that create a sunblock in the fabric. Hats are a must to protect the face. Hats should have a soft, adjustable brim that wont obstruct a child's field of vision.
Footwear
Shoes need to be worn for protection and to provide support. Shoes that do not provide support or that have a high heel can be dangerous. Keep shoelaces properly tied or choose Velcro fasteners with round edges, which are especially good for young children. Wearing high heels when playing dress-up can cause injuries. Untrimmed thread ends n the foot area of newborn baby items is a serious safety hazard as they may become wrapped around the babies toes and cause tourniquet.
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