Prowling for comfy, cute, and budget-friendly sleepwear
As a busy mom of two rambunctious kiddos, I’m always on the hunt for affordable, durable pajamas that can withstand the rigors of bedtime and all the jumping, dancing, and roughhousing that comes with it! That’s why I was thrilled to discover the adorable and wallet-friendly line of Cat & Jack pajamas exclusively available at my go-to shopping spot, Target. With a wide range of styles, prints, and character themes, I knew I’d have no trouble finding some purrfect PJs to keep my kids cozy and cute night after night!
Join me as I chronicle my adventures prowling the pajama section at Target and all the delightfully comfy Cat & Jack sleepwear I uncovered along the way. From footie styles to short sets, I’ll share my tips and tricks for choosing the best pajamas for your little ones…without breaking the bank! Discover which styles and fabrics provide the most comfort, learn how to pick the right size for a great fit, and explore all the adorable prints and characters that will make bedtime way more fun. I’ve gathered all the intel on cost, durability, sizing, washing instructions, and more – so scroll down to start shopping!
On the Hunt for Cute, Comfy PJs
As I perused the pajama aisle at my local Target, I was amazed by the wide range of styles available from Cat & Jack! For my daughter, I spotted plenty of cute short sets with fun prints like unicorns, mermaids, and dinosaurs. The Short Sleeve Ruffle Top and Printed Boxer Shorts Set immediately caught my eye with its rainbow unicorn design – too adorable! They also had darling nightgowns in soft jersey knits, perfect for twirling before bedtime.
For my son, I saw lots of cool character prints like superheroes, trucks, sharks, and more manly designs. The Long Sleeve Top with Shark Graphic and Contrast Shorts Set was an instant win. With major growth spurts happening here, I appreciated the variety of footie styles – the fleece-lined zip-up pajamas will be perfect for keeping him nice and toasty once winter hits. Beyond the basic t-shirt and shorts sets, there were also some shirts with fun phrases like “Time for Bed” or “Night Owl” that added a lively touch.
My biggest challenge was resisting the urge to grab one of everything I saw – they were all so affordably priced between $10-$20 per set! I loaded up my cart with a nice mix of prints and styles to take us through the seasons. Keep scrolling for my tips to shop smart and get the best options for your kids!
Sizing Up the Situation: Finding the Perfect Fit
One of the biggest pains of pajama shopping is finding just the right size for growing kids. Luckily, the Cat & Jack sizing is spot on in my experience – the size charts provided in store were very helpful. They list not only the ages each size is best suited for, but also the height and weight ranges too. The sizing is inclusive as well, with PJs available all the way up to size 18/20 for kids.
For footies especially, I’d recommend going a size up from your normal in case they shrink a bit – you want those jammies nice and roomy for bedtime anyway! My daughter needed a size up for length, while my rapidly growing son went a size up in the shorts sets to allow room. The knit fabrics have great stretch though, so they still fit comfortably with a little extra room to grow. If you’re shopping online, don’t hesitate to order two sizes and return the one that doesn’t fit. But with the size charts, I found I could order their normal sizes confidently.
While my kids are on the slimmer side, the relaxed fit of Cat & Jack pajamas would also accommodate more muscular or stocky builds without being too tight or restrictive. The shorts and shirts have an easy, comfy feel without looking sloppy. For footies, consider handing upside down by the feet to stretch them out a bit before first wear. This helps the zippers glide up nice and smoothly too!
Decisions, Decisions! Picking the Perfect Prints & Styles
When it came to choosing pajama prints and styles, my kids had no shortage of options with Cat & Jack! The wide variety ensures any child can find designs they’ll be excited to wear night after night. For my daughter, I could tell unicorns and other mythical creatures would be a big hit based on her obsession with all things magical and whimsical. She also loves the tie-dye prints and pastel rainbow colors.
My son immediately reached for the bold superhero and shark prints in cool blues, blacks, and reds. I liked that there were options beyond the hyper-masculine designs too – the woodland creature prints and buffalo plaid PJs will take him through fall and winter in cozy cabin style. The trucks and construction scenes are also a nice blend of rugged boyishness with universal appeal.
For matching PJ sets, you could do brother/sister dinosaur or animal prints in complementary colors. There are also plenty of gender neutral patterns like polka dots, stripes, or solids for siblings who want to twin it up at bedtime. Mix and match to suit their changing tastes as they grow. Beyond the prints, consider their preferred style – footies, short sets, nightgowns, etc based on their age and needs.
Snuggle Up! Choosing the Coziest Fabrics
Now for the fabric face-off – which Cat & Jack pajama material will claim the cozy crown? I tested out several to see which felt best for chilly and warm weather nights. For winter, the fleece footies can’t be beat – the plush flannel lining and cuffed ankles keep little ones totally bundled up. The full-length zip-up cotton sleepers are also toasty without getting overheated.
For hot summer nights, I’d recommend the jersey knit short sets for lightweight breathability. The baby dolls and nightgowns are great as well since they don’t cling to sweaty skin. The modal fabric is amazingly soft and smooth, while the cotton/poly blends have a lived-in feel right from the package. Some moms may prefer 100% cotton for sensitive skin, while others like myself don’t mind the added stretch from synthetics. It’s a personal preference!
No matter the fabric, I was pleased to discover the Cat & Jack pajamas all maintain their color and softness even after many washes. The fabrics wash beautifully without fading or pilling. If you prefer a snugger fit, consider sizing down and washing in hot water to slightly shrink – but the relaxed fit is great for restless sleepers!
Bedtime Bliss on a Budget: Cost-Saving Tips
Here’s the purrfect news if you’re seeking cute character pajamas on a budget – Cat & Jack prices are super affordable! Sets range from $10-$20, with footies on the higher end around $20-$25 for the fuller coverage and cozy linings. But with frequent sales and deals, you can often score pajamas for just $5-10 per set. I like to stock up during the end of season clearance events when prices dive even lower!
The bold prints and fun themes rival designer brands at a fraction of the price. These will certainly get just as much wear at a bigger savings. Some tips: check sale racks first, use Target coupons and the app for discounts, join Target Circle for exclusive offers, and shop big clearance sales in December/January and July/August. Sign up for Target’s promo emails to get notified of all their deals – it’s easy to build a whole pajama wardrobe on a budget if you buy smart. Sweet dreams for less!
Shrinkage SOS! How to Care for Cat & Jack Pajamas
Caring for those precious printed pajamas is a cinch with just a few easy steps:
- Machine wash cold and tumble dry low to maintain the vibrancy and softness wash after wash
- Avoid hot water or high heat drying to prevent excessive shrinkage
- Zip up and turn footies inside out prior to washing for better cleaning and lint removal
- Lay flat to dry or hang to reduce wrinkles if air drying
- Wash similar colors together and avoid bleach for best results
- If pilling occurs, use a fabric shaver or electric razor to gently remove pills
- Iron on low heat as needed but air drying often eliminates wrinkles
Following these tips, Cat & Jack pajamas always come out looking and feeling like new! Those cute prints stay crisp and the cozy fabrics retain their plush softness.
Dress Rehearsal: Trying On Trendy Styles
Nothing gets kids amped up for bedtime like fun new pajamas, and Cat & Jack has the most on-trend styles to choose from. Here are some of the cutest looks I found for my mini fashionistas:
- Character prints with popular brands like Disney, Marvel, Fortnite, and more
- Girl’s short sets with ruffle trim, flutter sleeves, and fun patterns and colors
- Nightgowns and rompers with twirl-worthy tulle trim and tutu skirts
- Cozy sock booties to keep those growing feet nice and warm
- Boy’s boxer briefs instead of standard shorts for better fit
- Family matching pajamas for cute coordinated holiday photos
- Soft modal fabrics for that buttery jammie feel
- Adult lounge sets to match the kids! Mom wants cute PJs too
Trying on new styles together is an easy way to get kids engaged in the pajama shopping experience. Let them take the lead in selecting their favorites to build ownership. Then it’s sweet dreams in style all season long!
Snoozing in Style: Mixing & Matching Sets
One thing I love about Cat & Jack pajamas is that the sets aren’t fixed – you can easily mix and match shirts and bottoms across sets to create customized looks! This is perfect for my kids who like choices. Some nights my daughter wants to wear the unicorn shorts with the rainbow top, then reverse it the next night. My son will swap his construction site shirt with the woodland creature shorts when the mood strikes.
With so many prints and colors, the options are endless for mixing and matching. I can stretch our pajama wardrobe by pairing solids with prints and switching up old combos into new faves. Even the patterns are designed to complement each other beautifully, so you really can’t go wrong with inventive pairings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and let kids choose their own PJ style nightly!
Slumber Party Prepped: Quality Built to Last
Like most moms, I need pajamas that can withstand nightly wear, rowdy play, and those inevitable growth spurts and strains. I’m pleased to report the Cat & Jack pajamas deliver lasting quality at budget prices. After many washes and much wear, the seams and fabrics show minimal pilling and fraying. Even the printed designs stay vibrant wash after wash.
The reinforced knee patches on footie styles prevent holes during rough play. And the stitching remains intact even if the kids sometimes don’t! For the price, I’m impressed with how they’ve held up to bedtime adventures and late night slumber parties. None of that cheap, paper-thin feel here – these jammies are built to last through all the antics active kids dish out. Sweet dreams in durable style!
Allergy Alert: Soothing Sensitive Skin
As a parent of kids with sensitive skin, pajama fabric is a big deal. Irritation and allergies make for rough nights that nobody wants! I was relieved to discover Cat & Jack pajamas are perfectly comfy for contact-sensitive complexions. The 100% cotton options are ideal for avoiding itchiness or rashes. And for kids who overheat easily at night, the moisture-wicking poly-cotton blends provide welcome relief.
I also appreciate the tagless designs – no more annoying, scratchy neck tags to rip out! The flat seams reduce rubbing on delicate skin as well. If your child struggles with eczema or allergies, opt for fragrance-free detergent to wash new pajamas before first wear. This helps reduce any chemical irritants left over from manufacturing. With some trial and error, you can find the Cat & Jack fabrics that work best to promote peaceful, rash-free slumber!
Twinkle Twinkle: Glowing in the Dark
For an added element of fun, I just had to get glow-in-the-dark pajamas to surprise the kids! Cat & Jack has some stellar space prints and night scene designs that literally shine when the lights go out. The glowing green stars and moons kept my mini astronomers entertained long after bedtime (shhh!). Night time trips down the hall also got safer with the luminous path their jammies cast in the dark.
Beyond the glow factor just being cool, it also helps kids who are afraid of the dark or prone to nightmares. The soft glow creates a comforting ambience. I’d recommend at least sizing up for a looser fit to allow maximum glow exposure! For the most vibrant and long-lasting glow, hold the pajamas up to a light source like the sun or a lamp before bed. Then watch them shine all night long!
Rave Reviews: Real Experiences from Real Parents
While I’m clearly a fan of Cat & Jack pajamas, I know real parent reviews hold more weight when making buying decisions for your own family. Here’s what fellow moms and dads are saying based on my research of customer feedback:
- “Bought these for my toddler – the footie jammies are amazing quality and so soft! She loves wearing them.”
- “I’m obsessed with how cute and affordable these pjs are. My kids actually want to wear them!”
- “These held up great all season even after tons of washes, no shrinkage or fading at all.”
- “I love the inclusive sizing and cool prints – my son is so excited to pick which ones he wears each night!”
- “Great for kids with eczema and sensitivities – the 100% cotton is super soft and comfy.”
- “Fit my kids perfectly and washed beautifully too – I’m buying more Cat & Jack pajamas for sure!”
The consensus is clear – for budget-friendly kids’ pajamas with fun character themes and great quality, Cat & Jack is the way to go!
Sweet Dreams on a Budget: Cat & Jack for the Bedtime Win!
Well, it’s time for me to tuck these two tired kids into bed after our pajama shopping excursion today! We’re ending the night on a high note with cute new jammies for the whole family. I’d call that mission accomplished. After this successful hunt, Cat & Jack is now my go-to brand for affordable, quality sleepwear.
With all the tips and intel shared here, you’re now armed with expert advice for choosing the best pajamas for your own kiddos. May your family’s bedtime routine be full of the coziest fabrics, the cutest prints, and dreams as sweet as the memories you’ll make in your matching PJs. Cat & Jack receives this mom’s purrfect rating for budget-friendly sleepwear – say hello to bedtime bliss!
