My Life Doll Pajamas

Finding the cutest bedtime looks for your favorite 18-inch doll

As a long-time My Life Doll collector and enthusiast, one of my favorite things is picking out adorable pajama sets for my dolls. Like any doting parent, I want my dolls to be comfy and cozy as they settle in for naptime or bedtime. But with so many pajama options out there, how do you choose the best pairs for your My Life Dolls? I’ve learned a lot over the years about finding high-quality pajamas that fit great and suit my dolls’ personalities. Read on for my complete guide to buying the perfect pj’s for your My Life Dolls!

An Introduction to My Life Doll Pajamas

My Life Dolls, made by The Pleasant Company, have been around since 1991 and remain popular 18-inch play dolls today. With their soft cloth bodies and sweet faces, these dolls are just begging to be tucked into bed with a cute set of pajamas.

My Life Doll pajamas refer to any two-piece pajama sets made to fit the 18-inch My Life Dolls. The pajama tops typically have short or long sleeves and button or snap closures. The bottoms can be shorts, pants, or nightgowns. My Life Doll pjs come in cotton, flannel, or jersey knit fabrics with fun prints and colors. Some sets also include matching slippers and robes for a complete bedtime look.

These pajamas are designed specifically for My Life Dolls and their cloth bodies. They fit snugly without being too tight. The neck openings, arm holes, and leg holes are all sized just right for dressing and undressing easily. The snaps and buttons make changing in and out of the pj’s simple.

While made for My Life Dolls, these pajama sets often fit similarly-sized 18-inch dolls like American Girl Dolls. I’ll discuss more about fit and sizing later on.

Shopping for My Life Doll Pajamas – Retailers and Pricing

When you’re ready to shop for new pajamas for your My Life Doll, you have several options both in stores and online. Here are some of the best places to look and what to expect price-wise:

Specialty Doll Stores: If you have a local doll specialty shop, they will likely carry a selection of My Life Doll pajamas. These retailers often have exclusive sets and higher end options you won’t find elsewhere. Expect to spend $15-$40 per set in a doll boutique.

Large Department Stores: Major retailers like Target, Walmart, or Kohl’s typically stock a few My Life Doll pajama sets, often around the holidays. These mass-market sets run between $10-$25. Selection is limited but prices are low.

Amazon: Online at Amazon you can find dozens of My Life Doll pajama sets across a range of prices. Basic sets start at $10 while deluxe themed sets can cost up to $30. Amazon offers big brand selection and fast shipping for Prime members.

Etsy: For truly unique, handmade pajamas, check out the many My Life Doll clothing sellers on Etsy. These one-of-a-kind pjs often cost $20-$50+ depending on fabric and detailing. You can also customize orders on Etsy.

eBay: Search eBay for new and used My Life Doll pajama sets. Retired or hard-to-find sets often pop up here. Expect to spend $15-$30 for most pairs, with deals on auction-style listings.

The Pleasant Company: Shop directly from the My Life Doll makers at AmericanGirl.com. These official pjs cost $22-$38 but often go on sale. New seasonal sets are released here too.

As you can see, you have pajama options at nearly every price point. Consider how much wear and tear the pjs will get, as well as your budget, when deciding where to buy. Higher quality sets from specialty shops or direct from Pleasant Company will last longer with heavy use.

My Life Doll Pajama Sizes and Fit

One key thing to evaluate when selecting new pajamas for your My Life Doll is the size and fit. Here are some tips for making sure you choose pjs that will fit just right:

Check the Size Chart: My Life Doll clothes are sized by age, typically ranging from Newborn to 5T. Double check the size chart for each pajama set to pick the best fit. Even if you have an older doll, don’t size up too much or the pjs will be loose.

Measure Your Doll: If your My Life Doll still has her tag, check the neck circumference – this is usually the best indicator for clothes sizing. If not, wrap a soft tape measure around her upper chest and arms to determine the right size.

Read Reviews: Size and fit information can often be found in customer reviews on sites like Amazon or The Pleasant Company website. See what other My Life Doll owners say about how the pajamas fit.

Consider Room to Grow: For very young My Life Dolls, you may want to select pajamas a size up so they will fit a little longer as your doll ages. But don’t go too big or they will look baggy.

Try Sets from Other Brands: Well-made 18-inch doll pajama sets from American Girl, Madame Alexander, or others may also fit My Life Dolls nicely. Expand your options by looking at similar brands.

With the right size My Life Doll pajamas, your doll will look cute and comfy, whether she’s ready for bedtime or just a relaxing day of play.

My Life Doll Pajama Fabrics and Materials

My Life Doll pajamas come in several comfy fabrics, each with their own properties. Here’s an overview so you can select the perfect material:

Cotton: Cotton pajamas have a soft, breathable feel and absorb moisture well. 100% cotton is very lightweight. Cotton blends add durability and stretch. Great for warm weather.

Flannel: Flannel pajamas are cozy and fuzzy. Often made from cotton flannel, they provide warmth without weight. Great for colder temperatures.

Fleece: Fleece pajamas have a soft plush pile that holds in body heat. They are lightweight but very warm. Perfect for winter play.

Jersey Knit: Jersey knit pajamas contain spandex for stretch and shape retention. They hug the doll’s cloth body nicely. Very comfy and won’t bunch up.

Satin: Satin pajamas have a silky shine and fluid drape. Usually made from polyester satin, they look fancy but aren’t very warm. Great for dress-up play.

Consider your doll’s body type and the season when choosing pajama materials. And look for tightly-woven, durable fabrics that will wear well under frequent use and laundering.

Fun Themed My Life Doll Pajama Sets

One of the best parts of shopping for My Life Doll pajamas is the huge selection of fun prints and themes! You can find pjs covered in everything from polka dots to pandas. Here are some of my favorite My Life Doll pajama themes to explore:

Holiday Pajamas: For Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and more – holiday My Life Doll pajamas make any season festive! Look for pumpkins and bats, snowflakes and gingerbread, hearts and cupids.

Animals and Nature: Cute critter prints like bunnies, puppies, kittens, owls, and woodland creatures are adorable on My Life Doll pjs. Florals and nature themes are pretty too.

Cartoon and Movie Characters: Your doll can have pajamas with popular characters like Disney princesses, unicorns, superheros and more. Great for role playing bedtime adventures.

Occupations and Activities: Pajamas printed with fun careers like ballerina, vet or chef outfits inspire imaginative play. Sporty sets with soccer, dance, and gymnastics themes are also available.

Food and Treats: Sweet pajama prints featuring ice cream cones, doughnuts, candy, milk and cookies, pies and other goodies are silly and fun.

Solid Colors: Block colors like red, blue, pink, and purple allow you to mix and match solid tops with printed bottoms for more combinations.

With so many options, you could build an entire pajama wardrobe for your My Life Dolls! Start with their personal interests and then get creative. Sweet sleepytime dreams await!

Accessorizing Your My Life Doll’s Pajamas

For the complete sleepover experience, consider adding coordinating pajama accessories to your My Life Doll’s new bedtime ensemble. Here are some fun ideas:

Slippers: Cozy slipper boots or slide slippers are made to match many My Life Doll pajama prints. They keep doll feet warm and complete the outfit.

Robes: Short or long robes in matching prints, solids or contrast patterns give a pajama set more versatility for play.

Eye Masks: Fun fabric eye masks block out the light so your doll can get her beauty rest.

Pillows and Blankets: Tuck your doll into a snuggly micro plush blanket or sleeping bag dressed in her new pjs and slippers. Small themed pillows are perfect for doll slumber parties.

Sleeping Eye Dolls: Choose a “sleeping” My Life Doll whose eyes close when she’s laid down. Her pajamas signal she’s ready for bedtime.

Nightlights: Plastic doll-sized nightlights add to the bedtime scene and spark imaginative stories.

Pretend Lamps, Food and Books: Set the scene with tiny battery-powered lamps, books to read before bed, or a midnight snack.

With a few well-chosen accessories, you can create the perfect sleep space for your My Life Doll to cozy up in her new pajamas. Sweet dreams!

DIY My Life Doll Pajamas Ideas and Tips

For crafty doll owners, making your own pajamas for My Life Dolls can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are my top tips for successful DIY pj’s:

Use Soft Fabrics: Choose lightweight cottons, flannels, fleece or jersey that won’t feel stiff or scratchy on your doll’s cloth body. Pre-wash fabrics before sewing.

Find Doll Dress Patterns: Search for 18-inch doll clothes patterns online or at craft stores. Simplicity and McCalls patterns have several pajama options.

Sew with Small Stitches: Set your machine to a short stitch length and small needle size. This will keep seams from splitting under play wear and tear.

Choose Child-Safe Materials: Pick soft, non-toxic materials and avoid buttons or decorations that could loosen or fall off as hazards for younger kids.

Add Closures: Incorporate snaps, buttons or velcro closures to make dressing and undressing easy. But avoid closures at neck openings for safety.

Scale Down Details: Miniature lace, piping, appliques, sleeve ruffles and other small details can make homemade pajamas really special.

Try No-Sew Options: Use fabric glue and hem tape to make good no-sew pajamas for beginning crafters. Headband elastic works great for waistbands.

Make it Reversible: Choose fun complementary prints or solid colors and sew the pajamas so they are reversible for twice the looks.

Customize: Make one-of-a-kind personalized pajamas featuring your doll or child’s name, monogram or favorite colors and prints.

With the right fabrics, patterns and supplies, you can create amazing handmade pajamas your My Life Doll will love sleeping in. DIY doll clothes are so rewarding!

Tips for Dressing and Undressing My Life Dolls in Pajamas

The snaps and closures on My Life Doll pajamas make them easy to get on and off, but here are some extra tips to change your doll without hassles:

Bend Knees and Elbows: Bend all joints fully before dressing so the fabric slides smoothly over limbs. Straight stiff limbs are hard to dress.

Unfasten All Closures: Undo every snap, button or velcro before pulling pajamas onto the doll. Trying to tug tight clothes over unopened closures can lead to ripping.

Pull Gently at Neckline: Use the shoulder and neck openings to gently pull pajamas over the doll’s head and torso. Don’t tug hard at legs or arms which can stress the cloth.

Watch for Snags: Go slowly to keep doll hair and eyelashes from getting snagged in closures. Tuck hair behind shoulders before sliding the top on.

Use a Soft Brush: Run a soft doll hairbrush over the My Life Doll’s body when undressing to prevent static cling from sticking pajamas to her.

Put Bottoms On First: It’s often easiest to get pajama pants, shorts or nightgowns smoothed out before adding the top.

Check for Twists: As you dress your doll, occasionally stop to make sure the fabric isn’t getting twisted. Straighten seams and realign prints as you go.

Be Patient: Like dressing a toddler, getting pajamas onto a doll takes practice but is doable. Go slowly and carefully. Tight clothing may need two people to dress smoothly.

With care and patience, changing your My Life Doll in and out of her stylish new pajamas can be a fun part of playtime. Use caution and she’ll stay looking cute in her cozy sleepwear.

Keeping My Life Doll Pajamas Clean

To extend the life of your My Life Doll’s adorable pajama sets, proper laundering is key. Follow these care tips:

Check Labels: Look at manufacturer’s care labels for washing temperatures, cycles, and drying guidelines specific to that set. Following them is best to prevent shrinkage or fading.

Wash Gently: Use a gentle cycle and cold water to clean doll pajamas. Air dry flat or on the lowest temperature setting if needed. High heat risks threads pulling or materials shrinking.

Wash Similar Colors: Group lights and darks. Wash prints separately from colored sets which can bleed and discolor lighter pajamas in the wash.

Use a Delicate Bag: Place doll pajamas in a mesh garment bag and close before tossing in the machine. This prevents twisting, pulling and lint buildup during the wash.

Take Out Closures: Remove any snaps, buttons, or velcro before washing to avoid any scratching or snagging. Reattach after the pajamas are dry.

Treat Stains Gently: Lightly dab stains with a soft cloth and gentle soap or stain remover. Don’t scrub. For serious stains, hand wash the soiled area.

Use a Lint Roller: Fabric pulls and pet hair can cling to fleece or flannel pajamas. Use a lint roller before washing to prevent lingering lint buildup over time.

Let Air Dry Completely: Lay flat to fully air dry or tumble dry low. Hanging pajamas can stretch the necklines out of shape. Residual moisture breeds mildew.

With proper laundering, your My Life Doll’s beloved pajama sets can stay looking bright, clean and cozy for many bedtimes of play ahead.

Storing and Organizing My Life Doll Pajamas

Any avid collector of My Life Doll clothes knows that storage and organization are key! Here are my tried and true tips for neatly keeping pajamas:

Use Clear Cubes: Clear plastic storage cubes let you see what’s inside at a glance. They hold 3-4 folded pajama sets each. Stackable for compact storage!

File Folds in Drawers: Fold sets with pants and tops stacked and file them standing up in drawer organizers by theme, season or color. Easy to browse and no stacking required.

Designate a Bin Just for PJs: A lidded plastic bin just for pajamas with dividers keeps things tidy. Label the outside for quick ID. Great for under bed storage.

Use Hanging Storage: Hang pjs on child-sized hangers or skirt/pants hangers to prevent creases. A portable hanging closet is perfect for small spaces and display.

Divide Dresser Drawers: Designate a lower dresser drawer just for pajamas. Use dividers to separate sets from loose pants, tops, and accessories.

Store by Occasion: Group holiday pjs together, school-themed pairs together, etc. Makes finding the perfect set for doll play easier.

Use Shelves: Neatly fold pajama sets and stand them upright on closet or shelf organizers. Visible spines make scanning for what you need a breeze.

Vintage Suitcases: Pack flat-folded pajamas into vintage doll-sized suitcases and trunks. So cute for display and storage!

However you choose to organize them, storing My Life Doll pajamas where you can easily see all the options will make dressing for bedtime play quick and fun.

Creative Bedtime Play Ideas with My Life Doll Pajamas

A new set of pajamas for your My Life Doll opens up lots of opportunities for adorable pretend play scenarios. Here are some of my favorite bedtime adventures to act out with my dolls:

Slumber Party: Set up a super fun sleepover with a few My Life Dolls in matching or coordinating pjs. Do each other’s hair, play truth or dare, eat sweet treats, tell ghost stories and more! Add small sleeping bags, pillows, bowls of plastic popcorn or candy.

Bedtime Routine: Have dolls “take turns” brushing teeth and washing faces at a toy sink before getting into new pajamas and getting tucked in with lullabies and bedtime stories. Peacefully drift off to sleep.

Nighttime Adventures: Once dolls are dressed in pjs, they can sneak out of bed to play at a dollhouse or have midnight picnics, read with flashlights, play games and puzzles.

Fashion Show: Host a glamorous pajama fashion show with dolls dressing up in different print sets and fancy satin nightgowns. Line them up and have them strut down a “runway” to fun music.

Spa Sleepover: Pamper your dolls with at-home spa treatments like toy face masks, painted nails and toe separators while dressed in spa robes and slippers over their pj’s. Watch a movie while their face masks “dry.”

Camping Sleepover: Get back-to-nature in matching camping-themed pjs, and pretend to make s’mores over a fake campfire before settling into tiny sleeping bags. Read books by a toy lantern.

The pajama play possibilities are endless when you match your My Life Doll’s personality and interests with creative bedtime activities. Sweet dreams!

Matching Pajamas for Kids and Dolls

A super cute idea is getting matching pajamas for your My Life Doll and child. Here’s what you need to know:

Look for Matching Sets: Some pajama brands sell 18-inch doll and child-sized pjs in the exact same prints. Check stores and online for matched sets.

Make Your Own: Buy a larger set in your child’s size and use the fabric to sew a matching doll-sized pair. Or buy two prints you like in each size.

Swap Top and Bottoms: Even if print scale doesn’t match, pairing your child’s pajama top with the doll’s bottoms in one print, and vice versa, can make cute mismatched sets.

Custom Order: Many Etsy sellers offer to make custom pajama sets in any fabrics/prints you choose in both doll and child sizes.

Take Photos: Capture the matching PJ moment in photos and frame one alongside your child’s bed or doll collection. Special memory!

Dressing up your little one and favorite doll in coordinating sleepwear is extra adorable and allows for roleplaying nighttime care routines together.

Talking Care of Your Investment: Making My Life Doll Pajamas Last

With proper care, your My Life Doll’s pajamas can stay looking great for many years. Here are my top tips:

Follow Washing Instructions: Read tags and wash gently in cold water only when needed. Air dry flat. Repeat laundering breaks down fabrics.

Mend Small Holes/Tears: At the first sign of wear, sew up tiny holes or tears before they spread. This keeps sets usable longer.

Spot Clean When Possible: For light soiling, spot clean problem areas instead of full washing to reduce fading and wear from laundering.

Remove Stains ASAP: Don’t let stains set. Gently dab immediately with water and mild soap, then rinse out completely.

Check Closures: Replace any damaged snaps, ripped velcro or missing buttons so pajamas stay fully functional.

Store Properly: Keep pajamas folded neatly in bins or hangers to prevent wrinkles and damage. Don’t overstuff storage.

Rotate Sets: Mix up which pajamas get played with to distribute wear evenly among all pairs.

Handle Gently: Careful doll dressing and undressing prevents fabric pulls, loose stitching or popped seams.

Display Nicely: Show off exceptional pajama sets protected in clear display cases rather than heavy play.

With some extra care and TLC, you can get many years of use out of your My Life Doll’s beloved pajama collection.

In Closing

I hope this guide has given you all the information and tips you need to pick out the perfect pajamas for your My Life Doll! With so many adorable themed sets and accessories to choose from, you’re sure to find the ideal pairs to make bedtime play extra sweet. Mix and match tops and bottoms for endless outfit options. And take proper care so your doll can enjoy her new pjs for bedtime and dress-up fun for years to come. Soon you’ll have the coziest, cutest dressed My Life Doll around. Sweet dreams!