Watch that fire

Press, 11 July 1979, Page 13

Watch that fire

New safety regulations governing children’s nightwear mean a complete change in the design and manufacture of all night clothes.

The long flowing nighties, baggy pyjamas and full-skirted dressing gowns that children have worn for generations must all be replaced over the next six months by Governmentapproved safety designs and fabrics that limit fire danger to a minimum.

From January 1, 1980, it will be illegal for a manufacturer or retailer to' sell children’s winceyette, flannelette or pure cotton nighties; or pyjamas which do not conform to the Department of Trade and Industry specifications.

Under the Safety of Children’s Night Clothes Act 1977, these specifications cover garments for children in sizes 12 months to 14 years. In addition, all garments must be labelled to show their fire hazard. Cotton fabrics like winceyette will only be available in snug-fitting ski pyjamas styles, labelled “Designed to reduce fire risk. Keep away from fire.” Lace or trimmings must not be attached below waist level, and the width of legs and sleeves is strictly controlled. Nylon fabrics, which melt rather than burn, will still be used for pretty nighties, without restriction, but all garments must carry the label “Warning: do not wear under any fabric that bums.”

The safest fabrics of all for children’s nightwear are the new overseas synthetic blends, woven with fire-resistant fibres which may smoulder, but never ignite. Many manufacturers are substituting these “Firegard” fabrics for the original cottons, but the high cost means an in-

crease to the consumer of about $3 a garment over cotton prices. All these fire-retardent garments are clearly labelled with the “Firegard” trademark, but must aslo carry a label giving washing instructions and special care techniques.

Manufacturers are taking their new role in fire prevention seriously, ensuring that the new rules, complicated though they are help to stop the tragic accidents that fill hospital beds each year.

With the co-operation of shop assistants and parents, children will be safer than ever before from fire hazards around the home. The new laws are reflected already in the shops. This season’s pyjamas for both boys and girls are all in the ski or tracksuit-styles that look sporty as well as keeping your children safe. You can choose between natural fluffy cottons or the new flareproof fabrics, in a wide range of attractive colours and designs. For boys, the full length dressing gown is being replaced by smaller editions of dad’s shave coat — cute little wrap-around robes in fluffy candlewick or towelling, that could double as summer beach wraps.

Interestingly, the flameproofing process which makes candlewick safe for night wear also has a softening effect, giving a smooth velvety finish that children will love. There is a wider variety of designs and fabrics for girls’ dressing gowns, and the narrower cut shows that manufacturers are keeping safety regulations in mind. Big news at the moment are girls’ Shevelva gowns: beautiful little

replicas of grown-up styles, in colours that are soft and feminine. The trend towards adult fashion styles continues with girls’ night dresses, many' of them miniatures of gowns in the ladieswear departments. Brushed nylon, Dacron and polyesters feature strongly — all easy-wash, easy-care fabrics that are comfortable to wear.

Take care when buying that you appreciate the potential fire risk of individual garments, and what the labels and trade marks mean. If you make your children’s night wear, keep the safety factor in mind. Shops will still stock the highly flammable fabrics: the responsibility is yours to make low-risk garments.

By and large, cottons, winceyettes and flannelettes should be used only for pyjamas, in one of the new close-fitting styles.. Wool or wool blends are best for dressing gowns, but most synthetics are safe. If you have doubts about the fire risk of any fabric, ask the assistant.

The flare-proof “FireGard” fabrics are all clearly labelled, whether ready-made or on the roll, and you may well feel that the increased cost is offset by the total protection they give your children.

This year’s sleeping fashions are practical and safe, but more stylish than ever. With so many interesting designs and exciting fabrics on the market, this could be your chance to get the children out of shapeless nighties and baggy pyjamas once and for all.

Who knows — they may even start looking- forward to bed time.