These adorable Nitey Nite footed sleepers helped sell bedtime routines in the 1940s and ’50s

Remember vintage Nitey Nite footed sleepers - Pajamas for kids

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Footed sleepers have been keeping kids warm and cozy for generations, and mid-century America had its own unique spin on these bedtime staples. In the 1940s and 1950s, footed sleepers like the ones made by Glendale Knitting Corporation under the Nitey Nite brand were a fixture in many households, reflecting a growing postwar focus on health, convenience and kid-friendly design.

The Nitey Nite footed sleepers came packed with features that reflected the practical mindset of the time. They were made with absorbent cotton, offered shrink-resistant fits and included thoughtful touches like double soles, sweater cuffs and reinforced seams.

Gripper fasteners replaced buttons, which made life easier for parents and kids alike. These design choices  reflected changing attitudes around child independence and home efficiency. By the early 1950s, Nitey Nite even began suggesting their sleepers could double as costume bases, showing just how flexible these garments had become in everyday family life.

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Old Nitey Nite pajama sleepers for kids (1949)

Now it’s buy time for Nitey Nite. Now these popular sleepers, sturdily tailored of healthful, absorbent, feather- soft fabric, come in seven bright song-bird colors. There’s Canary and Robin. There’s Flamingo and Tanager and Bluebird. There’s Parakeet and Humming-bird green.

Cradle your cherubs in these gay Nitey Nites. They will be cozy and warm as song-birds in their nest because Arctic Nitey Nite Sleepers are 10 ways better.

  • healthful, absorbent, pure cotton fabric.
  • every important seam is nine thread sewn.
  • every point of strain is reinforced.
  • full-cut seat with self-help closings.
  • comfortable neck-line assures needed chest-protection.
  • sweater-cuff gives four inch adjustable sleeve-length; hugs wrists warmly.
  • exclusive “bootee’’ foot with double sole for extra warmth, wear, comfort.
  • gripper fasteners end button problems.
  • easy to wash — hold shape and fit.
  • generous sizes in seven sudfast song-bird colors.

Old Nitey Nite pajama sleepers for kids (1949)

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Nitey Nite sleepers – Footed pajamas for kids (1948)

Time for Nitey Nite!

Bedtime is “Time for Nitey Nite.” Cradle your darlings in blossom-bright Nitey Nite Sleepers.

Sturdily tailored of soft, absorbent, pure cotton, they guard your little ones from yawn to dawn.  The sweater-cuff provides four inches of adjustable sleeve-length. The comfortable “bootee foot” is double-soled for double warmth and wear.

Every smooth seam is nine-thread sewn; every point of strain is reinforced. Gripper-fasteners end button problems, encourage self-help.

Easy to wash, Nitey Nite Sleepers keep their shape after countless trips to the tub. Four gay sud-fast colors — Buttercup, Delphinium, Rosebud, Lotus.

Vintage Nitey Nite sleepers - Footed pajamas for kids (1948)


Nitey Nite sleepers (1950)

Thread for thread… dollar for dollar…Nitey Nite sleepers are 10 ways better

Young America delights in their gay Nitey Nights and the fur-soft touch of the pure cotton fabric. Mothers know that these sleepers are both pretty and practical.

Nitey Nite sleepers are weather-conditioned in Arctic and Medium weights. Arctic Nitey Nite — once-piece style; sizes 4-8. Arctic and Medium Nitey Nite, two-piece style; sizes 0-4. Also three-piece sets. Nitey Nite Pajama, ski-style, no feet; sizes 4-8; 10-16. Nitey Nite Junior, a cuddly take-to-bed doll.

Nitey Nite sleepers at your favorite department store or children’s shop – Made by Glendale Knitting Corporation, Perry, NY

Retro style Nitey Nite sleepers (1950)


Vintage Nitey Nite sleepers – Pajamas for kids (1951)

Now Nitey Nite sleepers are shrink-resistant.

Their fur-soft, fur-warm fabric is floated through a new scientifically measured process and comes to you pre-tested, pre-shrunk. Launder Nitey Nite time after time, they will hold their shape and fit. Buy Nitey Nites for gay color… warmth… wear and all their 10 famous features. 

  • shrink-resistant, pure cotton fabric.
  • every important seam is nine-thread sewn.
  • every point of strain is reinforced.
  • warm sweater-cuff hugs wrists; gives 4-inch adjustable sleeve-length.
  • exclusive “bootee” foot, with double sole for warmth and wear.
  • full-cut seat and “i-help-myself” closings.
  • gripper fasteners end button problems.
  • comfortable neckline assures needed chest protection.
  • easy to wash — hold shape and fit.
  • generous sizes in six sudfast colors: Canary, Bluebird, Flamingo, Parrakeet, Hummingbird, Robin.

Vintage Nitey Nite sleepers - Pajamas for kids (1951)


How vintage Nitey Nite footed pajamas made costumes (1952)

Here’s the news in sleepers… Nitey Nite is better!

Clever Mothers can trim Nitey Nite sleepers into Angels, Devils, Tigers, Canaries… even into a Watermelon and a Radish — as seen at this birthday party.

Mothers have long looked to Nitey Nite for the best in sleepers. Now the new — improved — Nitey Nite is better than ever. Never before has a sleeper assured so much comfort for your darlings… such easy care for you. 

Soft.. Fleecy fabric — The new fabric is the finest ever made to cozy your cherubs. Knit of pure, virgin-cotton it’s softer… fleecier— and there’s wear in every thread. All gay songbird colors are absolutely sudfast. Important improvements in fit and construction have been developed. Smooth seams are nine-thread sewn; reinforced at points of strain. Elastic back is bar-tacked to prevent pull-outs. Gripper fasteners invite independence; end sewing. Double sweater-cuffs allow four-inch adjustable sleeve-length. Shapely bootee feet have double soles for extra warmth.

Perry-ized for Size-fast fit — Normal washing can never shrink nor stretch a Nitey Nite out of size because it’s Perry-ized for permanent size-fast fit.

Buy Nitey Nite at your favorite shop today because Nitey Nite is the best buy for your darlings and your dollars. 

How vintage Nitey Nite sleepers could be made into costumes (1952)

Footed pajamas you can buy today

SaleBestseller No. 1
Onesies baby boys 4-pack 'N Plays Footies and Toddler Sleepers, Gold Hungry, 0-3 Months US
  • Includes four Sleep 'n Plays
  • Front zippers for easy changes
  • Safety tab atop zipper to prevent irritation
Bestseller No. 2
Simple Joys by Carter's Unisex Babies' Cotton Footed Sleep and Play, Pack of 3, Bear/Llama/Rainbow,...
  • Full-Length Zipper: Full-length zipper ensures easy dressing and quick diaper changes, providing a smooth experience for both parents and babies
  • Safety Chin Tab: Equipped with a safety chin tab, our sleep and play set prevents any irritation from the zipper, ensuring your baby's delicate skin remains protected and comfortable
  • Fun Prints: Showcases playful and engaging prints that stimulate your baby's imagination while adding a touch of whimsy to their wardrobe
SaleBestseller No. 3
Gerber Baby Girls 4 Pack 'N Play Footie And Toddler Sleepers, Golden Floral, 3-6 Months US
  • Trusted Gerber Quality – Parent-approved brand for reliable, safe, and long-lasting baby essentials.
  • Full length front zipper down the center with a safety tab for comfort, making diaper changes quick and easy.
  • Cozy Baby Footed Pajamas – Snuggly, all-in-one sleeper ideal for restful naps, bedtime comfort, and playful daytime adventures.
Bestseller No. 4
Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Unisex Babies' Snug-Fit Cotton Footed Pajamas, Pack of 2, Light...
  • SOFIA GRAINGE COLLABORATION: Inspired styles for little ones, created in collaboration with Sofia Grainge
  • SNUG FIT: For children's safety, sleepwear should be either flame resistant or tight-fitting. This item is tight-fitting and not flame resistant
  • FABRIC: Cut from soft midweight cotton micro-rib knit with a gentle stretch for comfort
Bestseller No. 5
Amazon Essentials x Sofia Grainge Unisex Babies' Cotton Footed Sleep and Play Bodysuit, Pack of 2,...
  • SOFIA GRAINGE COLLABORATION: Inspired styles for little ones, created in collaboration with Sofia Grainge
  • CLASSIC FIT: Comfortable fit through the body
  • FABRIC: Baby soft, breathable and super smooth cotton knit fabric
Bestseller No. 6
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Girls' 2-Pack 2-way Zip Fleece Footed Sleep and Play
  • 2-Pack Value: Get double the cozy convenience with this 2-pack set, offering two adorable fleece sleep-and-play suits at an incredible value—perfect for keeping your little one comfy every day of...
  • Soft Fleece Fabric: Crafted from warm and plush fleece, these sleep-and-play suits are designed to keep your baby snug and comfortable during naps, playtime, or chilly nights
  • Animal Character Foot Design: Each pack features whimsical animal character designs on one of the footed ends, adding a playful and adorable touch that your little one will love
Bestseller No. 7
Simple Joys by Carter's Baby Girls' 2-Pack 2-Way Zip Thermal Footed Sleep and Play
  • Great Value in a Convenient 2-Pack: Get double the style and comfort in this affordable set, perfect for building your little one's wardrobe with essential everyday pieces
  • Fun Prints and Colors: Bright and cheerful designs with playful patterns make these outfits a joy for both parents and little ones, adding a touch of charm to any day or night
  • Easy two-way zipper: Zips from neck to toe ensure simple dressing and diaper changes, making these perfect for busy parents and wriggly little ones
SaleBestseller No. 8
Amazon Essentials Unisex Babies' Footed Sleep and Play, Pack of 3, Ivory/Pale Pink/Dove Grey, 6-9...
  • COTTON INTERLOCK KNIT: Crafted from lightweight, ultra-soft 100% cotton, this double-knit fabric offers natural stretch and breathability, ensuring year-round comfort.
  • FOOTED SLEEP AND PLAY: Keep your little one warm with this footed sleep and play. Match back prints offered in Amazon Essentials Baby burp cloths, bibs, swaddles and more.
  • DETAILS: Attached feet keep toes warm. Full ankle-to-chin one-way zipper. Designed to be a full-length inseam.

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Comments on this story

One Response

  1. These pajamas are really well made. I have two pairs of these nitey nite pajama’s toddler size, from 1953/54, that I would like to sell. They are in excellent condition, no holes or rips. Where would be the best place to list them?

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