do so many stores carry really cute flannel prints just perfect for babies and children, but when you look at the fabric, it carries the warning "not suitable for pjs, robes, blankets...you name it, for babies and children under 12.

How many children over 12 want all these things with little bunnies and turtles and frogs peeking out from behind flowers? Or puppies scampering? I am talking baby patterns?

IS there some logic to this I am missing? If they are going to print these cute things on flannel, why not make it usable for babies and young kids?

They're not treated w/ a flame retardant chemical that is required on fabric used for clothing (I asked a fabric shop about this once). And, in today's society, someone would probably sue if the warning weren't there. That being said...I use them all the time for those kinds of items, not just quilts.

The fabric makers need to CYA in case of a chile being hurt while near the fabric ... as in a fire.

Hey, if someone can sue McDonald's for too hot coffee ... almost anything goes.

ali

The law requires the warning. This law came about because of a very vocal mother who used RAYON pjs, with the predictasble results. For any who do not know, Rayon is virtually an explosive waiting for any spark. My father demo'ed this for me when I was a small person, but until the law changed (and manufacturers lost lawsuits) rayon was regularly used for baby clothing. The flame retardants are also carcinogens, but let's not go into the logic of that one.

So if I make some bibs, burb cloths, etc from them, I am not risking the child's life?

I would say no more than if you use regular quilter's cotton which isn't treated with flame retardant either... as others have said, it's just the manufacturers protecting themselves against lawsuits. In the labels of my kids' pjs it always says 'do not place near a fire' - but then who would place ANY child near a fire, no matter what they were wearing? :-)

You are far better using flannel/cotton/wool for any of those items as opposed to any synthetic material. If there is a fire or any sort, the natural fibers will burn but will not melt into the skin like synthetics do. Much less risk of serious injury with natural fibers.

I agree! The cotton won't melt. That's y they tell u when u fly to wear cotton, no nylons! I don't want all the chemicals near my baby or child either!! Saw a program on new mattress 's that there are sooo many chemicals on because ppl fall asleep with cigarettes ! They are toxic but will burn slow!!

i use the flannels for kids all of the time. the manufacturer is just putting the warning there because it's the law and it protects them against law suits.

many of us have been making our children (and grandchildren) flannel pajamas for years---without the added chemicals---none of mine have suffered adverse effects from the clothes i've made them-
if they ever caught fire the flannel would burn up- like any other fabric not treated with flame retardant chemicals.
warnings have to be on everything in this 'sue happy' country we live in