What was recalled
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall on February 16, 2022, involving children’s sleepwear sold under the brand name Esme. This action affects four specific styles of pajama sets designed for young children and tweens. The products in question are made from a blend of materials, specifically 47% modal, 47% cotton, and 6% spandex, which gives them their soft texture but unfortunately does not meet the necessary safety requirements for flammability.
The recall covers pajama sets featuring four distinct print designs: Bunny Print, Cherry Print, Unicorn Print, and Shimmer Sweets Print. These items were available in sizes ranging from 12 months up to 14 years old, making them relevant to a wide range of families with young children. The price points for these garments varied between $47 and $65 depending on the specific style and size purchased.
To identify if you have one of the affected items, look closely at the label located behind the garment’s size and care information. The recalled products will have a style number beginning with "SF9" paired with one of four specific cut numbers: 1812, 2730, 7082, or 7104. Here is a breakdown of the exact styles included in this recall:
- Bunny Print: Long sleeve top and pant pajama set with style number SF977 and cut number 7082.
- Cherry Print: Short sleeve top and crop legging pajama set with style numbers SF937/57 and cut number 2730.
- Unicorn Print: Cami and legging pajama set with style numbers SF900/57 and cut number 1812.
- Shimmer Sweets Print: Three-quarter sleeve top and pant pajama set with style numbers SF950/57 and cut number 7104.
While the recall notice does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific retailers where these items were available, it is important to check your own closets. If you purchased Esme children's sleepwear during this period, especially if it matches any of the style and cut numbers listed above, you should take immediate action. The company has identified these specific combinations as failing to meet federal flammability standards, which is why they are being pulled from use entirely.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about children’s sleepwear failing flammability standards, it is easy to focus on the legal violation without fully grasping the physical danger involved. The core issue here is not that the fabric will spontaneously catch fire on its own, but rather how quickly and intensely it burns once exposed to a flame or high heat source. Federal safety regulations for children’s sleepwear are designed to ensure that garments either resist ignition entirely or, if they do catch fire, self-extinguish rapidly before the flames can spread across the body. The Esme sleepwear in question has been identified as failing this critical test, meaning the material does not meet the required resistance levels.
To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what happens during a typical burn incident involving clothing. Children are often more vulnerable to burns than adults because their skin is thinner and they may be slower to react to sudden pain or heat. If a child’s pajamas ignite—whether from a candle in a bedroom, a space heater nearby, or even static electricity in dry conditions—the fabric acts as fuel. Standard compliant sleepwear is treated with flame-retardant chemicals or made from dense fabrics that char rather than melt and drip. However, when a garment fails these standards, it can continue to burn vigorously. This sustained burning increases the duration of exposure to heat, which directly correlates to the severity of the injury. What might start as a small flare-up on a sleeve can quickly engulf the entire garment, leading to serious thermal burns that require extensive medical treatment.
The specific construction of these recalled items adds another layer of complexity to the risk. The garments are made from a blend of modal, cotton, and spandex. While these materials are often chosen for their softness, breathability, and stretch—qualities that make them comfortable for sleeping—they do not inherently possess high flame resistance. Modal, in particular, is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from cellulose that can burn relatively easily if not chemically treated or woven in a way that inhibits combustion. Without the necessary flame-retardant properties, this blend allows flames to propagate across the surface of the fabric rapidly. This means that if a spark or open flame contacts the pajama set, the fire is likely to spread quickly over the child’s body before they have time to remove the garment or seek help.
It is important to note that while no incidents have been reported with this specific batch of Esme sleepwear as of the recall date, the potential for harm is real and significant. The absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is low; it simply means a catastrophic event has not yet occurred. Flammability hazards are latent risks—they exist in the product regardless of whether they have been triggered. By understanding that the mechanism of injury relies on the speed of flame spread and the intensity of the resulting heat, we can see why this violation is treated with such urgency by safety regulators. The goal of the recall is to remove these high-risk items from homes before a minor ignition source becomes a major tragedy.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of young children and teenagers who wear the specific Esme children’s sleepwear styles identified in the CPSC notice. Because these garments are designed for sizes ranging from 12 months up to 14 years, the potential pool of affected individuals is quite broad, spanning infants through early adolescence. However, the nature of the hazard—failure to meet federal flammability standards—means that vulnerability is not just about who owns the item, but who is physically present in it while sleeping. Children are inherently more vulnerable to burn injuries than adults for several physiological and behavioral reasons. Their skin is significantly thinner and more delicate, which means heat penetrates faster and causes deeper tissue damage with less exposure time. Additionally, children have a higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio, which can lead to rapid overheating or more extensive injury distribution if flames do ignite.
The risk is particularly acute during nighttime hours when the child is in a deep sleep state. In this condition, their ability to react quickly to the sensation of heat or smoke is severely diminished. A sleeping child may not wake up immediately upon touching a hot surface or feeling the initial flare of a flame, delaying critical escape or self-rescue actions that an awake person might take instinctively. Furthermore, children are less likely to recognize the danger in time to shout for help or move away from the source of ignition. This lack of awareness and physical capability to respond makes them disproportionately at risk compared to adults who might be sleeping nearby or who have the cognitive capacity to assess a fire threat rapidly.
It is also important to consider the context of where these garments were used. The recall notes that these pajama sets, featuring prints like bunny, cherry, unicorn, and shimmer sweets, were sold at various price points between $47 and $65. This suggests they were likely purchased as regular, everyday sleepwear rather than specialized protective gear. Parents and caregivers typically trust that clothing meeting federal safety standards provides a baseline of protection against common household hazards. When that standard is not met, the false sense of security can be dangerous. The risk extends beyond just the wearer; siblings or parents sleeping in the same room could also be at risk if the flammable garment contributes to the spread of fire or smoke inhalation during a nighttime incident.
While no incidents have been reported as of the recall date, the potential for harm is real. The materials used—modal, cotton, and spandex—are generally comfortable and breathable, which might lead consumers to overlook the flammability aspect. However, the specific blend and construction of these recalled styles failed to resist ignition or slow burning effectively enough to meet safety regulations. Therefore, any child who has worn these items, particularly in close proximity to potential ignition sources like nightlights, heaters, or candles, is considered at risk. The vulnerability is highest for the youngest wearers, such as those in the 12-month to 4T sizes, who are entirely dependent on caregivers for their safety and have no ability to protect themselves from a fire hazard.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you panic or immediately discard any children’s sleepwear in your home, it is crucial to verify exactly which items are affected by this recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very specific set of garments manufactured by Esme that pose a burn hazard due to flammability violations. Because these pajamas come in various prints and sizes, simply looking at the fabric pattern is not enough to confirm whether your item is part of the recall. You must inspect the tags inside the garment for precise identification codes.
The core of this recall targets four distinct styles of children’s sleepwear made from a blend of 47% modal, 47% cotton, and 6% spandex. These garments were sold in sizes ranging from 12 months up to 14 years. To determine if your pajama set is included, you need to find the label located behind the garment’s size and care labeling. Look for a style number that begins with "SF9" paired with one of four specific cut numbers: 1812, 2730, 7082, or 7104. If your item does not match both an SF9 style number and one of these exact cut numbers, it is likely not part of this specific recall.
To help you narrow down the search, here are the four specific styles included in this recall:
- Bunny Print: This long-sleeve top and pant pajama set has style number SF977 and cut number 7082. It was sold for $47 to $65.
- Cherry Print: This short-sleeve top with crop legging pajama set carries style numbers SF937 or SF957, with cut number 2730. Prices ranged from $50 to $63.
- Unicorn Print: This cami and legging pajama set features style numbers SF900 or SF957, with cut number 1812. These were priced between $48 and $61.
- Shimmer Sweets Print: This three-quarter sleeve top and pant pajama set has style numbers SF950 or SF957, with cut number 7104. The price range was $50 to $64.
If you find a garment that matches one of these descriptions, including the specific print, style number, and cut number, please stop using it immediately. Do not wait for further instructions before removing the item from your child’s vicinity. Once confirmed, contact Esme directly via their toll-free number at 833-961-7011 or by email at recall@esmewear.com to initiate the return process.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the Esme children’s sleepwear sets described in this recall, your immediate priority is simple: remove the garments from your child’s wardrobe and stop using them right away. The Federal Hazardous Substances Act requires children’s sleepwear to meet strict flammability standards to prevent rapid burning, but these specific items do not meet those safety benchmarks. Because the fabric can ignite more easily than standard sleepwear should, keeping these garments in your home poses an unnecessary risk. Please take the pajamas off your child immediately and place them in a secure location where they cannot be accessed until you have resolved the issue with the manufacturer. Do not attempt to wash or alter the clothes in hopes that it will fix the flammability issue; the hazard is inherent to the material’s construction, not dirt or wear. Once the items are safely out of reach, your next step is to initiate the return process through Esme. The company has committed to a comprehensive remedy for all known purchasers, which includes providing prepaid mailers to make the return as easy and cost-free as possible. You can contact Esme directly by calling their toll-free number at 833-961-7011. This line is operational from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send photos of your product labels for verification, you can email them at recall@esmewear.com. When you reach out, have your order information ready if you have it, but more importantly, be prepared to describe the specific style and cut numbers printed on the label behind the size tag, as these details determine exactly which items are part of this safety notice. You also have the option to handle the return process online, which may be convenient if you prefer to manage things at your own pace. Visit Esme’s official website at https://esmewear.com/pages/safety-information or navigate to www.esmewear.com and look for the "Safety Information" link at the very bottom of the webpage. This dedicated portal provides additional details on how to proceed with the recall. Whether you call, email, or visit the website, Esme is contacting all known purchasers directly and providing prepaid mailers to return the products. This means you do not need to pay for shipping yourself; the company has covered those costs to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent you from securing a safe replacement. After you have contacted Esme and arranged for the return of the non-compliant sleepwear, you will be offered a choice between two remedies: a free replacement garment or a full refund. If you choose a replacement, ensure that the new item is confirmed to meet current flammability standards before handing it back to your child. If you prefer a refund, follow the instructions provided by the customer service team to complete the transaction. Do not discard the recalled items in your regular trash until you have received confirmation from Esme that they are aware of the return, as proper disposal or destruction may be required for safety compliance. Your goal is to ensure that no child is ever exposed to the burn hazard associated with these specific modal, cotton, and spandex blends by completing this process promptly.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified that one of the Esme children’s sleepwear items in your home matches the recall details, please know that the manufacturer has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. The primary goal of this program is to ensure your child’s safety without placing any financial burden on you. Esme has committed to providing either a free replacement garment or a full refund for the recalled items. This approach is designed to be as convenient as possible, recognizing that parents are busy and that dealing with safety recalls can be stressful. The company understands that the peace of mind gained from removing a potential burn hazard is invaluable, and they have structured their response to make that transition as smooth as possible.
To initiate this process, Esme is taking the proactive step of contacting all known purchasers directly. This means that if you bought the item through channels where your contact information was retained, you may already be receiving communication from them. As part of this outreach, Esme is providing prepaid mailers. These are shipping labels and envelopes pre-paid by the company, which eliminates the cost and effort of finding a box or purchasing postage. You simply need to place the recalled sleepwear garment inside the provided mailer and drop it off at the designated postal service location. This system ensures that you do not have to pay for return shipping under any circumstances, regardless of whether you choose a refund or a replacement.
If you prefer to take action independently or if you have not yet received contact from the company, you can reach out to Esme directly through several channels. You may call their toll-free number at 833-961-7011. It is important to note that this line is operational from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. For those who prefer written communication or need to send digital correspondence, you can email recall@esmewear.com. Additionally, detailed instructions and further information are available online. You can visit https://esmewear.com/pages/safety-information or go to the main site at www.esmewear.com and click on "Safety Information" located at the bottom of the webpage. These resources will guide you through the specific steps required to process your claim.
When you contact Esme, clearly state that you are participating in the February 16, 2022, recall due to flammability violations. Be prepared to provide the style number (beginning with SF9) and the cut number (1812, 2730, 7082, or 7104) found on the label behind the size and care information of the garment. This verification helps them confirm that your item is indeed part of the recall batch. Once verified, you will be offered the choice between a free replacement in a different style or pattern, or a full refund of your original purchase price. There are no reported incidents of injury associated with this recall, but removing the hazardous items immediately is the critical step to ensuring your family remains safe.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about discarding or returning an item of clothing that your child already loves and fits perfectly. The fabric composition described in the recall—47% modal, 47% cotton, and 6% spandex—is typically chosen for its softness, breathability, and comfort, making these pajamas a popular choice for bedtime routines. However, ignoring this specific flammability violation introduces a serious and immediate risk that far outweighs the inconvenience of finding a replacement. The core issue is not the material itself, but how it reacts to ignition sources in a home environment.
Children’s sleepwear is subject to strict federal flammability standards because children are particularly vulnerable during sleep. When they are asleep, their ability to react quickly to danger is significantly diminished. If these garments fail to meet safety standards, they can ignite rapidly upon contact with common household heat sources. These include open flames from candles or fireplaces, but also more subtle dangers like space heaters, hot stovetops, or even electrical components in older heating pads. Once ignited, non-compliant fabric can burn with intense speed and heat, causing severe burns to a child’s sensitive skin before a parent can even wake up to intervene.
The consequences of continuing to use these items are not theoretical. While the recall notice currently reports no incidents or injuries, this absence of reported data does not mean the risk is low; it simply means that bad luck has not yet struck in a documented case. The potential for a catastrophic event exists every night the garment is worn. Severe burn injuries can lead to long-term physical scarring, multiple surgeries, and lifelong psychological trauma for both the child and the family. In the worst-case scenarios, rapid burns can be fatal, particularly if the flames spread quickly across the body or if the child inhales toxic fumes from burning synthetic blends like spandex.
Furthermore, relying on these garments creates a false sense of security. Parents may assume that because the pajamas are soft and high-quality, they are safe. This assumption is dangerous when the underlying safety certification has been voided by the manufacturer’s failure to meet federal requirements. By keeping these pajamas in your home, you are essentially gambling with your child’s safety against a known hazard. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your child’s sleepwear is fire-resistant is irreplaceable. Ignoring the recall delays the resolution of this risk, leaving your family exposed until you take action.
It is also important to recognize that the hazard persists regardless of how careful you are at bedtime. Children move in their sleep, and pajamas can brush against heating vents, lamps, or other warm surfaces. The failure of these specific styles means they lack the necessary flame-retardant properties to self-extinguish or resist ignition long enough for a rescue. Therefore, the only way to eliminate this danger is to remove the hazard from your home entirely. Do not wait for a scare or an incident to motivate you; take the proactive step to contact Esme immediately for your free replacement or refund.
Staying safe: broader tips
Safety in the home often comes down to a combination of vigilance and routine habits that keep our families protected from unexpected hazards. While product recalls are essential tools for addressing specific defects after they have been identified, the most effective safety strategy is proactive prevention. This is particularly true for children’s sleepwear, where flammability risks can be mitigated through simple, everyday choices regarding fabric selection and fit.
When selecting sleepwear for your children, look for garments that are explicitly labeled as “flame-resistant” or those made from tight-fitting fabrics. Tight-fitting clothing, such as snug pajamas or onesies, naturally reduces the risk of burn injuries because there is less loose material to catch fire and less air space between the fabric and the skin to allow flames to spread. If you choose looser garments, ensure they carry a label stating they are flame-resistant. This is not about fear, but about understanding how different materials interact with heat and ignition sources in a typical bedroom environment.
Equally important is the placement of sleepwear within the home. Keep loose-fitting nightclothes away from open flames and heating elements. This includes candles, fireplaces, space heaters, and even hot stovetops in adjacent rooms. Children are curious and may wander into warm areas while wearing their favorite clothes. By keeping flammable textiles at a safe distance from ignition sources, you create a passive barrier that protects them even if they move unexpectedly.
Beyond specific product choices, staying informed is your strongest defense. Sign up for safety alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and local health departments. These agencies issue regular updates on recalls that might affect products you already own or are considering purchasing. Regularly checking the CPSC website can help you identify potential issues before they lead to harm. Additionally, consider conducting periodic “safety audits” of your home’s children’s areas, looking for worn wires, loose small parts, or outdated safety standards in gear like cribs and strollers.
Finally, educate older children about basic fire safety in an age-appropriate way. Teach them to recognize the smell of smoke, understand that certain fabrics are more prone to catching fire than others, and know how to respond if a garment does ignite—stopping, dropping, and rolling is a critical skill. By combining informed purchasing decisions with ongoing education and awareness, you create a layered approach to safety that protects your family long after any single recall has been resolved.