The Best Baby Gowns for Little Sleepyheads
You’re probably familiar with too-cute footies and super-soft one-pieces, but have you ever considered baby gowns? These versatile baby pajamas are just as sleep-safe as standard PJs, but they offer a few special features that other styles don’t. The sleepwear options are especially handy if you’re the parent of a newborn, thanks to the loose, open design to make diaper changes and getting your little one dressed even more seamless. “Typically babies can wear knotted sleep gowns from 0-3 months old,” says Jillian Thistel, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting in Ontario, Canada. That said, some brands also offer larger sizes and convertible designs for older infants.
Ready to start your search? Below, browse top-rated baby gowns for preemies, newborns and infants. Then, read expert-backed safety tips and advice on how to find the best sleepwear for your little love.
Parenting comes with a lot of decision-making when it comes to baby gear, from strollers and cribs all the way to bottles and PJs. To simplify your search for the best baby gowns, we did the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. Here’s how we did it:
- We browsed dozens of baby gowns from leading brands and reliable online retailers.
- We considered several factors when sourcing baby gowns. This included sizing options, materials, value and quality—plus, additional features, like fold-over mitts and snap-button closure.
- We read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these baby gowns have worked for real families, and didn’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
- We chatted with a pediatric sleep consultant and a pediatrician to better understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind as you shop.
- Lastly, we followed the infant sleep safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for further guidance.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
From personalized designs to organic sleepwear, we’ve rounded up the very best baby gowns for every need, style and budget. Check out our picks below.
Overall best baby gown
- Reviewers love the long, roomy style
- 150+ cute color and print options
- One size only
- No fold-over cuffs
Generously sized and made of premium knit fabric, the knotted baby gown from Copper Pearl is coming in at the top of our list. No matter which of the 150+ colors and patterns you choose from, you can count on this sleepwear to be soft and stretchy. Diaper changes will be (a bit) easier, thanks to the knotted bottom that opens. Plus, the design features side snaps so getting your little love dressed will be just as simple. If that’s not all, Copper Pearl offers an array of coordinated baby gear (like swaddle blankets, top knot hats and multi-use covers) in the same array of prints—how cute!
Sizes: OS | Material: Polyester-rayon blend | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry | Color options: 161
Best personalized baby gown
- Personalization for no added fee
- Buttery soft, breathable material
- Matching items available
- One size only
- High price point
- No fold-over cuffs
Searching for a one-of-a-kind baby gift—or maybe just a customized outfit for your kiddo? Then this option is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. The personalized baby gown is made from an ultra-soft, stretchy fabric, so you can ensure your little one is comfortably snug as they snooze. Other aspects you’ll appreciate include the leg opening (which can be knotted up) and the earth-toned color options. The best part, however, is the complimentary personalization options. Add baby’s first (and even their middle!) name for a bespoke baby gown that’s sure to get a lot of love.
Sizes: 0-3 months | Material: 96% polyester/4% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, line dry | Color options: 7
Best organic baby gown
- GOTS-certified
- Can be personalized
- Available in preemie sizes
- Limited color options
Can’t get enough of all-natural materials? Then this organic baby gown is a must-have for your newborn’s wardrobe. It’s thoughtfully made from 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton, so you can count on it to be super gentle against your child’s skin while also being easy to care for. The design has an open bottom which can be tied into a knot, as well as fold-over mittens to prevent your infant from scratching themselves. Even better, this knotted baby gown can be personalized with custom embroidery.
Sizes: Preemie to 3-6 months | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry low | Color options: 3
Best colorful baby gown
- Sustainably sourced materials
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Not suitable for older infants
As the brand’s name implies, Colored Organics offers an array of baby and children’s apparel that’s equal parts colorful and all-natural. Their Indy Kimono Gown is no exception. It’s made from 100 percent organic cotton with nickel-free snaps—as well as fold-over mittens and an adjustable bottom. What’s more, each of the beautiful color options they have available is created with water-based dyes. The result? Long-lasting, vibrant sleepwear that will wear well over time—no matter how often it goes in the washing machine.
Sizes: Newborn to 0-3 months | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Color options: 7
Best convertible baby gown
- Made from luxe Pima cotton
- Converts into a playsuit
- 80+ color and print options
- Personalization options
- High price point
Is your household a big fan of Sophie la girafe? Then this option will be a surefire winner. The baby gown features a sweet print of the beloved teething toy and is made from 100 percent Peruvian Pima cotton that’s luxuriously soft. The best part about this design, however, has to be how it seamlessly converts from a baby gown to a playsuit. That way, your little one can wear it all day if they’d like, even as they become a more active infant.
Sizes: Preemie to Small | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Color options: 82
Best baby gown for newborns and infants
- GOTS-certified
- Comes with matching hats
- Only one size
- Limited color options
Burt’s Bees Baby makes some of our favorite infant PJs, so it’s no surprise that their baby gowns are on our list. This multipack includes two organic cotton PJs, complete with matching newborn hats. You can count on the cozy ribbed design to be gentle enough for sensitive skin—plus, you’ll be a fan of the elasticized bottom and lap-shoulder style that will make changing baby a bit easier. An added bonus: These baby gowns come in one versatile size that your little one can wear up until the 6-month mark, making this a great option for newborns and infants alike.
Sizes: 0-6 months | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: N/A | Color options: 2
Best baby gown gift set
- Super-soft, according to reviewers
- Comes with a matching hat
- Only one size
Whether you’re searching for a sweet, snuggly baby shower gift or a too-cute newborn coming home outfit, you can’t go wrong with this set from aden + anais. With it, you’ll receive an incredibly soft knotted baby gown and a matching hat that can be worn year-round. As a parent of a newborn, you’ll also appreciate thoughtful design details, like the fold-over mittens, a flexible neckline and shoulder flaps (so you don’t have to pull anything over baby’s head—score!), as well as the easy-to-access bottom.
Sizes: Newborn | Material: 74% viscose/21% polyester/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry | Color options: 4
Best affordable baby gown
- OEKO-TEX-certified
- Available in preemie sizing
- Affordable price point
- Slightly stiff fabric, according to some reviewers
Some of the best finds when it comes to infant PJs are those that are budget-friendly. Case in point: This multipack of baby sleeper gowns from Carter’s. For under $15, you’ll receive two gender-neutral styles in soothing earth tones. Each is made from super-soft ribbed cotton material and has a cinched hem to make diaper changes a breeze, whether it’s the middle of the day or night. What’s not to love?
Sizes: Preemie to 3 months | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash | Color options: 14
Best baby gown multipack
- OEKO-TEX-certified
- Convenient multipack
- 100 color and print options
- Available in preemie sizing
- Some wish the material was softer
Last but not least on our list of the best baby gowns is this handy multipack from Gerber; after all, infants tend to go through a lot of clothing. Available in preemie or infant sizes, the set comes with four sleeper gowns, each made from a gentle, soft fabric that’s OEKO-TEX-certified, to boot. Even better, they’re complete with mitten cuffs, expandable lap shoulder necklines and open bottoms for seamless changing experiences.
Sizes: Preemie to 0-6 months | Material: 100% cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry | Color options: 100
“Baby gowns are safe as long as the baby is in the proper size,” says Lauren Crosby, MD, a board-certified pediatrician. “Check the age and size chart of the gown to make sure it is aligned with your baby’s age and size,” Thistel advises. Moreover, double-check that it meets the CPSC standards.
The next step is to ensure that the baby gown fits correctly. “You’ll want a snug fit, while also making sure it’s not too tight so that it doesn’t restrict movement,” says Thistel. Plus, parents should always remember to knot the loose bottom fabric of the gown before their child snoozes; “any material that is too loose or too long could pose the risk of suffocation,” Thistel adds.
As with any infant sleepwear, “you do not want loose material that could cover the face,” Crosby states. What’s more, some baby gowns come in sets with newborn hats. These are a cute, cozy accessory when baby is awake—but make sure to take them off before or when your infant falls asleep. “Babies should not sleep in hats as they can cause the baby to overheat or come loose and be a suffocation risk,” advises Crosby.
Lastly, Crosby reminds parents “that there is actually no specific information from the AAP about knotted gowns” at this time. Therefore, be sure to follow the AAP’s sleep guidelines to create a safe, secure resting space for your little one.
Shopping for baby gowns is quite similar to picking out regular PJs for your newborn or infant. First and foremost, “make sure it is the proper size and made of soft material,” Crosby recommends. Likewise, Thistel adds, “check out the fabric and thickness to ensure babies will be warm enough, but not too warm.” The material should be lightweight and breathable for optimal comfort and safety. You’ll also want to “look for gowns that have knots that can be tied securely” and that are simple to untie, suggests Thistel.
Not sure when to start (or stop) using a baby gown? When in doubt, follow the sizing chart set by the brand you’re looking at to determine whether a baby gown will correctly fit your child. Infants “can wear them until they outgrow them based on the information provided by the company they purchased from,” says Crosby.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. O’Regan-Reidy has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-wifi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. With over a three-year career in digital media, she’s written dozens of articles about baby clothing, aiming to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jillian Thistel is a certified pediatric sleep consultant in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. She is a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and founder of Twinkling Stars Pediatric Sleep Consulting.
Lauren Crosby, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, and a member of and official spokesperson for the AAP. She earned her medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine and previously served as chief resident at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
CPSC, Children’s Sleepwear Regulations
Healthy Children (AAP), How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, October 2023
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
