Bunz Kidz Children's Sleepwear Sets Recalled by Stargate Apparel Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard; Burn Hazard

What was recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall concerning specific children's sleepwear sets manufactured and distributed by Stargate Apparel under the brand name Bunz Kidz. This action, announced on May 20, 2020, targets a particular line of loungewear designed for young children. The affected products are not single items but complete coordinated sets intended for nighttime wear. Each recalled set includes three distinct pieces: a robe, a top, and a pair of pants. These items were marketed as a cohesive sleepwear ensemble, allowing parents to dress their children in matching outfits. While the specific number of units sold is not detailed in the public record, the recall applies to all sets that match the physical and labeling characteristics described below.

The design of these Bunz Kidz sets is quite distinct, which helps in identifying them. The robe and pants are crafted from 100% micro polyester fleece. They feature a white base color adorned with an allover pink star print. The robe itself is designed with long sleeves and a shawl collar for comfort, along with two side seam pockets for practicality. A sewn-on tie at the waist allows for an adjustable fit. The accompanying pants include an elastic waistband to ensure ease of wear for children. The top component of the set is made from 100% polyester fabric in a solid pink color. It features the phrase "Dream in Glitter" printed on the chest in gold lettering, adding a decorative element to the garment.

To confirm whether you possess a recalled item, you must check the sewn-in labels inside the garments. One label will display the Bunz Kidz brand name. Another separate sewn-in label contains critical identification information: the style number and the GPU number. The recall applies to sets with any of the following style numbers: L23846, L43846, or L73846. Correspondingly, the GPU numbers will be 2017-246, 2017-446, or GPU 2017-746. These sets were originally sold in sizes ranging from 2 through 12, catering to a wide age range of children. If your sleepwear set matches these style and GPU numbers, it is part of this recall.

Understanding the scope of this recall requires knowing where and when these items were available. The products were sold through various retail channels, though specific store names are not listed in the current facts. They were available in sizes 2 to 12, which means they could have been purchased by parents of toddlers up to older elementary-aged children. If you bought a Bunz Kidz sleepwear set with the specified designs and labels between the time it entered the market and the recall date of May 20, 2020, you should inspect it immediately. The presence of the specific style and GPU numbers is the definitive way to determine if your item is subject to this safety notice.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about children’s sleepwear and flammability, we are discussing a very specific type of physical danger that can escalate from a minor annoyance to a serious injury in just seconds. The Bunz Kidz sleepwear sets recalled by Stargate Apparel have been identified as failing to meet the federal flammability standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what that standard actually requires and how these particular garments fall short.

Federal law mandates that children’s sleepwear must do one of two things to be considered safe: it must be either flame-resistant or snug-fitting. The logic behind the "snug-fitting" rule is practical physics. If a garment is tight against the skin, there is very little space for air to circulate between the fabric and the child’s body. Fire needs oxygen to burn efficiently. By eliminating that air gap, a snug garment is much harder to ignite and will not burn with the same intensity or speed as loose clothing. On the other hand, flame-resistant fabrics are treated or woven in a way that causes them to self-extinguish or resist ignition when exposed to an open flame.

The recalled Bunz Kidz sets—which include a robe, top, and pants made from 100% micro polyester fleece and polyester—are neither snug-fitting nor flame-resistant. Polyester is a synthetic material that, while durable and soft, tends to melt when exposed to high heat. If this fleece fabric were to come into contact with a common household ignition source, such as a lit candle, a space heater, or even the hot surface of an iron left unattended, it could ignite rapidly. Because the fit is loose, air can flow around the fabric, feeding the fire and allowing it to spread quickly across the body.

The danger here is twofold. First, the speed at which synthetic fabrics like polyester can catch fire and melt means that a child has very little time to react or be rescued. Second, because the fabric melts, it can adhere to the skin, causing deeper and more severe burns than a natural fiber like cotton might. This is why the CPSC takes these violations so seriously. A burn injury from clothing ignition is not just about surface damage; it involves intense heat transfer and potential tissue destruction that requires significant medical intervention. While no incidents have been reported with this specific recall, the risk remains real for any child wearing loose-fitting synthetic sleepwear near potential heat sources in the home.

Understanding this mechanism highlights why the remedy is a full refund rather than a simple repair. The safety feature of these garments cannot be added after they are manufactured. You cannot safely "treat" the fleece at home to make it flame-resistant, nor can you alter the fit without ruining the garment’s integrity. Therefore, removing the item from your home is the only way to eliminate the hazard entirely.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of young children who own or regularly wear the Bunz Kidz sleepwear sets described by Stargate Apparel. Because the product is explicitly marketed as children’s sleepwear and was sold in sizes 2 through 12, the intended users are toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. These age groups are particularly vulnerable to burn injuries for several physiological and behavioral reasons that go beyond the simple presence of a fire hazard.

First, young children have significantly thinner skin than adults. This anatomical difference means that burns can penetrate deeper into their tissue more quickly, leading to more severe injury even from brief exposure to heat or flame. A burn that might cause minor redness on an adult’s arm could result in serious second- or third-degree damage on a child’s limb. Furthermore, children often lack the cognitive maturity to recognize danger immediately. If they are asleep and the fabric ignites or catches fire due to nearby heat sources like space heaters, nightlights, or even static electricity, they may not wake up quickly enough to react. Their reaction times are slower, and their motor skills may be too underdeveloped to effectively extinguish a flame or escape the situation.

The specific design of the recalled items also plays a role in who is most at risk. The sets include robes, tops, and pants made from polyester materials. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that can melt when exposed to high heat. If the fabric melts onto a child’s skin while they are sleeping, it can cause severe adhesive burns that are difficult to treat and often result in long-term scarring or tissue damage. The loose-fitting nature of some sleepwear styles, which this recall notes failed the snug-fitting standard, allows flames to spread rapidly across the surface of the garment. A child wearing these sets is therefore at a heightened risk not just from ignition, but from the speed at which a fire could propagate if one were to start.

Additionally, children in the size 2 through 12 range are often active sleepers who may toss and turn, potentially bringing the fabric into contact with household heat sources they do not fully understand are dangerous. They are also more likely to be in close proximity to parents or caregivers who might inadvertently bring a lit candle or other ignition source near the bed. While the recall notice states that no incidents have been reported so far, the potential for harm is real and concentrated entirely within this demographic of young users. It is not just about owning the item; it is about the specific vulnerability of a child’s developing body and mind to the unique dangers posed by flammable synthetic sleepwear.

Parents and guardians are also indirectly at risk, as they bear the emotional and financial burden of treating severe burn injuries. The stress of managing a medical emergency for a child, combined with the trauma of seeing them hurt due to a preventable product flaw, adds a layer of psychological risk to the physical danger. Therefore, the entire household dynamic is impacted by this hazard, making it critical that every caregiver recognizes who is most vulnerable and acts immediately to remove the product from their care.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your child’s sleepwear is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at the garments themselves, specifically focusing on the branding, material composition, and unique identification codes sewn into the fabric. Because Stargate Apparel sold these items under the Bunz Kidz brand, the first thing you should check is the label inside the clothing. You are looking for a blue sewn-in label that clearly displays the "Bunz Kidz" name. This is your primary indicator that the item might be one of the recalled sets.

Beyond the brand name, you must verify the style numbers and GPU (Goods Purchase Unit) numbers, as these are the definitive markers used by regulators to pinpoint the exact inventory involved in the safety violation. Look for a second sewn-in label on the garment where these codes are printed. The recall affects sets with style numbers L23846, L43846, or L73846. Correspondingly, you need to check for GPU numbers 2017-246, 2017-446, or GPU 2017-746. If your item has any of these specific combinations of style and GPU numbers, it is part of the recall, regardless of other features.

If you do not have the original packaging or tags to help you locate these codes, you can often identify the recalled sets by their distinct physical appearance and materials. The recalled items are children's sleepwear sets that include three pieces: a robe, a top, and pants. The robe and pants are made from 100% micro polyester fleece. They are white in color and feature an all-over pink star print pattern. The robe is designed with long sleeves, a shawl collar, two side seam pockets, and a sewn-on tie at the waist. The pants have an elastic waistband.

The top included in these sets is made from 100% polyester and is entirely pink. A key visual identifier for the top is the text "Dream in Glitter" printed across the chest in gold lettering. These sets were sold in children's sizes ranging from 2 through 12. While the recall notice does not specify exactly where these items were sold or at what price point, the combination of the Bunz Kidz brand, the specific style/GPU numbers, and the unique white-and-pink star design with gold glitter text makes them quite distinctive. If you find a set matching this description but are unsure about the labels, it is safer to check the inner seams carefully for the blue label with the codes mentioned above.

If you cannot find the specific style or GPU numbers on the label, or if the garment looks different from the description provided, it is likely not part of this recall. However, because flammability standards are critical for children's safety, always err on the side of caution. If you suspect the item might be involved but cannot verify the codes, contact Stargate Apparel directly using the information provided in the remedy section to confirm its status before continuing to use it.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you possess one of the recalled Bunz Kidz children’s sleepwear sets, the good news is that the remedy for this safety issue is straightforward and consumer-friendly. Unlike some recalls where you might be offered a partial credit, store coupon, or a complex repair process, Stargate Apparel has committed to providing a full refund for any of these items. This approach recognizes that the core issue—a failure to meet federal flammability standards—is not something that can be easily fixed at home. You cannot simply treat the fabric with a flame-retardant spray to make it safe, nor can you alter the fit to meet safety guidelines without potentially ruining the garment. Therefore, the only viable path forward is to remove the item from your home and get your money back.

To initiate this process, you will need to contact Stargate Apparel directly. The company has established several convenient channels for you to reach their customer service team, ensuring that you can choose the method that feels most comfortable for you. You may call their toll-free number at 866-351-0193. If you prefer written communication, you can send an email to recall@stargateap.com. When emailing, it is important to include “Product Recall” in the subject line of your message. This helps their team quickly categorize your inquiry and route it to the correct department for faster processing. Alternatively, if you prefer to navigate online, you can visit www.stargateapparel.com and click on the Contact link located in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.

It is helpful to be aware of when these support channels are open so you do not waste time trying to reach them outside of business hours. The toll-free phone line is staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you call or email outside of these hours, your request will still be received, but you may experience a longer wait time before a representative can assist you with your refund. When you make contact, have your receipt or proof of purchase ready if you have it, although typically for safety recalls, companies focus on verifying the product details rather than demanding strict proof of purchase. Be prepared to provide the style numbers (L23846, L43846, or L73846) and the GPU numbers (2017-246, 2017-446, or GPU 2017-746) found on the sewn-in labels to confirm you have a recalled unit.

The decision to offer a full refund rather than a repair or replacement is rooted in the nature of the hazard. Because the sleepwear fails to meet the federal flammability standard for children's sleepwear, it poses a direct risk of burn injuries. This is not a minor defect like a loose button or a misaligned seam that can be easily corrected by a tailor. The fabric itself does not provide the necessary protection required by law. By issuing a full refund, Stargate Apparel is allowing you to remove the unsafe item from your child's wardrobe entirely and replace it with a different product that meets all safety regulations. This ensures that your child’s sleepwear is both comfortable and genuinely safe during their most vulnerable hours.

While the process of returning an item can sometimes feel like a chore, this recall is designed to be as low-effort as possible for parents who are already busy. The primary goal is simply to get the hazardous material out of your home. Once you have contacted Stargate Apparel and followed their instructions, they will guide you through the next steps, which may involve mailing the item back or disposing of it responsibly, depending on their specific current protocol. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions about how to proceed. Your peace of mind and your child's safety are the priorities here, and the company has made the financial aspect of resolving this issue as simple as possible.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why a parent or caregiver might hesitate to part with a favorite piece of children’s clothing. Perhaps the Bunz Kidz sleepwear set is soft and cozy, or maybe it was purchased as a special gift just before the recall announcement. The impulse to keep wearing it, even for a few more nights, feels practical and harmless on the surface. However, ignoring this recall carries a specific, tangible risk that goes beyond simple inconvenience. The core issue with these recalled robe, top, and pants sets is not a defect in stitching or a missing button; it is a fundamental failure to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear. This means the fabric lacks the necessary chemical treatments or physical construction properties required to resist ignition or slow the spread of fire.

The consequences of ignoring this hazard are rooted in how quickly and intensely synthetic fabrics can react to open flames or high heat sources. The recalled items are made from 100% micro polyester fleece (for the robe and pants) and 100% polyester (for the top). Polyester is a synthetic material that, when exposed to flame, does not just burn; it melts. If a child wearing these garments were to come into contact with a candle, a space heater, or even a spark from a fireplace, the fabric can ignite rapidly. More dangerously, as the polyester melts, it can adhere to the skin. This creates a dual threat: the immediate thermal burns from the fire itself, and the severe, deep-tissue injuries caused by the molten plastic sticking to the child’s body. Removing such material is difficult and often requires medical intervention, leading to longer recovery times and more significant scarring.

You might wonder why this risk is so critical if no incidents have been reported yet. The CPSC recall data notes that there are currently no reported injuries or deaths associated with these specific Bunz Kidz sets. While this is reassuring news, it does not mean the hazard is gone; it simply means that bad luck has not yet struck. Flammability hazards are statistical risks, not guaranteed events, but they are entirely preventable. Continuing to use the sleepwear sets keeps your child in the potential path of a household fire or accidental ignition. The "snug-fitting" alternative standard exists because tight fabric leaves less air between the skin and the cloth, making it harder for flames to gain traction and spread. Since these items do not meet the flame-resistant standard and are not necessarily snug-fitting in a way that guarantees safety, they offer no such protection.

Ultimately, ignoring this recall means accepting an unnecessary level of danger for a piece of clothing that is easily replaceable with a safe alternative. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your child’s sleepwear will not melt onto their skin if a fire starts is worth more than the comfort of a specific pattern or brand. By leaving these items in the closet, you are actively removing a potential catalyst for severe burn injuries. The risk is not just theoretical; it is a physical reality of how polyester behaves under stress. Do not wait for a close call to realize that the cost of ignoring this recall could be your child’s safety. Take the item away now, and secure a refund so you can purchase sleepwear that has been rigorously tested and certified to protect your child in ways these sets cannot.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall highlights a critical failure in flammability testing for children's sleepwear, the underlying lesson extends far beyond one brand or one batch of fabric. Sleepwear is a unique category of clothing because it serves as our primary barrier against heat loss and environmental hazards while we are most vulnerable—unconscious and immobile during sleep. When that barrier fails to meet federal safety standards, it is not just about comfort; it is about survival. To keep your family safe from fire-related injuries in the home, it is essential to adopt a layered approach to prevention that combines proper product selection with proactive environmental habits.

First, always prioritize "snug-fitting" when purchasing children's pajamas. Federal regulations allow for two paths to flammability compliance: either the garment must be treated with flame-resistant chemicals (which can sometimes wear out after washing) or it must be made of tight-weave fabric that fits closely to the body. Tight-fitting garments leave less room for air circulation between the skin and the cloth, which significantly slows down the rate at which a fire can spread. When shopping, check the fit before buying; if you can bunch up excess fabric at the waist or ankles, it is likely too loose for optimal safety. Additionally, be wary of loose robes or oversized tops that may drape over legs while sitting on furniture, as these create ideal conditions for ignition if a nearby source of heat is involved.

Equally important is how you care for flame-resistant clothing. If you own sleepwear labeled as "flame resistant," understand that this protection is not always permanent. Many such treatments degrade after multiple washes or wear cycles. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions meticulously. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can coat fibers and reduce their effectiveness, and do not bleach garments unless explicitly permitted, as this can break down the chemical bonds responsible for flame resistance. Regularly inspect your children's sleepwear for thinning fabric, holes, or excessive wear, as these physical damages compromise the integrity of the protective layer regardless of its original treatment.

Beyond clothing choices, create a robust home fire safety net. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Consider upgrading to interconnected alarms so that when one sounds, they all sound, giving you maximum time to react. Furthermore, develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family twice a year. Ensure everyone knows two ways out of every room and has a designated meeting spot outside. Finally, stay vigilant about product safety by signing up for recall alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or checking their database regularly. Hazards can emerge in products long after they have left store shelves, and staying informed is your best defense against unexpected risks.