Hello All,
I keep seeing gorgeous fabric that says down the selvage ‘Not intended to be used for children’s sleepwear’. I’ve just seen it again on some brushed cotton. Does anyone know why?
Victoria
· 4 days ago
Plus Member
Why Can’t I Use It For Children’s Sleepwear??
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AnnieRose
· 4 days ago
Plus Member
I think (but |I could be out of date) that this dates back to the days when open fires were common. There were a number of accidents in which children's nighties or dressing gowns caught fire. Safety legislation came in stating that all children's sleepwear must be non-flammable, and I don't think it has ever been repealed.I can't think of any other reason, but if anyone has more up-to-date information, I would be interested to know.
Victoria
· 4 days ago
Plus Member
Ooh interesting, thanks for that AnnieRose. I guess then it’s a no liability type of thing if anything were to happen while wearing the fabric…
Glenda H
· 4 days ago
Community Member
Yes, I agree with @AnnieRose that the flammable bit is likely the reason.
AnnieRose
· 3 days ago
Plus Member
Some of us well remember the winter ritual: after tea, mum or dad would fill the hot water bottles and take them up to tuck in the unheated beds. They would bring down the mightwear, and warm it on the airer in front of the fire. The kids would change downstairs to be cosy, then run up to jump through the cold air and into the warmed bed.
There were of course, fire guards, but it is easy to see how a moment's inattention, and lively kids messing about, could easily result in trailing garments catching fire. It was a common accident back then. The legislation may seem less necessary now (even in cramped and difficult accommodation, there are rarely open fires) but it's the kind of thing that never gets taken off the statute books.
Later on, shell suits often caught fire around barbecues, but I'm not aware of any legislation around them!
SewHayleyJane
· 2 days ago
Admin
Agree with the others, I think it's a liability thing. I believe children's sleepwear purchased in shops have been treated with flame-resistant chemicals or they have to go through testing in order to comply with safety standards. Different fibres have different burning properties - polyester would melt to the skin, but cotton burns very quickly.
Why they are specifically talking about sleepwear as opposed to daywear I'm not sure - we don't have a fireplace or burn candles that often, my daughter is more likely to run into trouble if she's helping me cook and she's less likely to be in PJ then!
AnnieRose
· 2 days ago
Plus Member
It isn't such an issue now Hayley, (s central heating became more common) but it's the kind of legislation that it's hard to repeal, as it causes more bother than it's worth.
Victoria
· 2 days ago
Plus Member
Thank you all for your great responses! I am thoroughly clued up now.
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