The Ultimate Baby Clothing Size Guide: Find the Right Clothing Fit
Wardrobe shopping for someone you haven’t met yet can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack; especially if that needle were a tiny sock and the haystack was made up of outfits labelled with more zeros than your bank account after a shopping spree!
Seriously, how can something so small have so many zeros attached? It’s like these tiny wardrobe pieces are in a competition to confuse parents!
We’ve all been in the same boat, navigating the wild waters of baby shopping with only a vague idea of the right size your little one might need. It can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded!
But in today’s information-overloaded reality, this precious little mystery can also be quite fun. If you’ve never shopped for baby clothing, you’re probably quite confused about how baby clothes sizes work!
We’re here to help you understand the science behind baby sizing – and to give you the heads up about when to drop a zero!
Understanding baby clothes sizes
Baby clothes sizes are generally based on age. But let’s be real, every baby is unique – like a little snowflake (or a tiny tornado).
While age gives you a rough idea, don’t forget to check your baby’s weight and height. After all, you wouldn’t want to dress your little one in something that fits like a sausage casing, right?
When shopping for baby wear, always check the size guide the brand provides. They list out weight and height ranges, giving you a better idea of how the clothes will fit your baby.
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Baby clothes size chart
A baby clothes size chart is a total game-changer when you’re facing the baby clothing aisle. It’s like having a cheat sheet for your shopping spree, especially if you’re buying before the grand entrance of your newborn.
Reading baby clothes size charts
When reading the size guide, pay attention to the specification of age, weight, height, chest and waist circumference.
Australian baby clothes sizes
As a general rule in Australia, as in other parts of the world, most baby clothing sizes are based on the average age, weight, and length of children at certain ages.
Size 00000
Yes, that’s a lot of 0’s! Size 00000 is for premature babies (about 2kg). Although you can’t normally know in advance if your newborn will be born preemie unless you are having twins or multiples.
If you haven’t been informed by your doctor, the chances of preterm delivery are generally low. So if you’re anticipating your baby’s grand entrance around 40 weeks, you probably don’t need to buy this size.
Size 0000
This next size up is typically for a newborn baby (around 3kg) and is the most common clothing size for the first month or so.
Just don’t go overboard buying these; your little bundle will likely outgrow them faster than you can say “nappy change.” So, only get a few basics for your baby’s size 0000 collection as you may only get a few weeks (or none) out of them!
Newborns may only fit for a short period, making it more important to consider the difference between shopping for newborn size and 0-3 months sizes. There is a difference. Newborn sizes cater to those initial weeks right after birth, while 0-3 months sizes accommodate a growing baby ready to explore the world.
Size 000
Size 000 is a common category in baby clothes sizes, designed for babies aged 0 to 3 months old (or around 6kg). You’ll probably get more mileage out of this size than size 0000 (or at least comparatively).
Don’t worry if your baby is swimming in their size 000 onesie. Your little one will grow into this size before you know it! So you can always roll up sleeves and waistbands to make it snug.
Size 00
Size 00 is for babies aged 3-6 months (or 4-7 months) and will be the first range of clothing your baby will likely make a big mess of! That’s because it’s about the age they will be introduced to solids – and possibly even start exploring the house.
So, by the time your baby has reached size 00, you might want to consider investing in some ‘play clothes’, which have the added benefit of expanding your baby’s wardrobe from onesies and bodysuits to overalls, tops and pants.
For summer babies, consider lightweight hats and swimsuits that provide sun protection and keep them cool.
And for winter babies? Well, prepare for an avalanche of adorable! You’ll want to stock up on cosy layers; think snuggly onesies, fluffy socks, and hats that could double as a fashion statement. Just remember, every time you bundle them up like a little marshmallow, you might also be preparing for a game of “Guess What’s Under All These Layers?”
Size 0
Size 0 is a common milestone in baby clothing, typically fitting babies from 6 to 12 months old. This size is often used as a benchmark, so understanding how it relates to other sizes is essential.
When shopping for size 0 baby clothes, consider the average weight and height of babies in this age range.
Size 0 baby clothes usually fit babies weighing 10-14 kg (22-31 lbs) and measuring around 76 cm (30 inches) in height.
Size 1
What a milestone! It’s been a year of enveloping them with love, nurture, nutrition and guidance. This is a fun age to shop for because if your baby hasn’t begun walking yet, they will probably begin to test the waters pretty soon.
That means it’s time for shoes and to start having fun with fashion – think skirts, dresses, chinos or overalls to enter the playing field.
European baby clothes sizes
Shopping for baby wear can get even more interesting when you venture into European brands. European baby wear sizes are often labelled differently than in the US, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a general guide to help you understand European baby clothes sizes:
- Size 50: Equivalent to US size for preemies, fitting babies up to 2-3 kg and up to 50 cm in height.
- Size 60: Equivalent to US size newborn, fitting babies up to 3-4 kg and up to 62 cm in height.
- Size 70: Equivalent to US size 0-3 months, fitting babies up to 4-6 kg and 62-68 cm in height.
- Size 80: Equivalent to US size 3-6 months, fitting babies up to 6-9 kg and 68-76 cm in height.
- Size 90: Equivalent to US size 6-12 months, fitting babies up to 9-12 kg and 76-84 cm in height.
- Size 100: Equivalent to US size 12-24 months, fitting babies up to 12-14 kg and 84-92 cm in height.
Bonus tips for baby clothing sizes
- Consider taking baby steps (pun intended) when building your newborn’s wardrobe to avoid overwhelming choices and expenses.
- Where possible, buy gender-neutral/unisex clothing. If you plan on having more than one baby, your future self will be grateful.
- Choose zips or press studs over buttons. Buttons are a nighttime nappy change headache!
- Consider buying singlet suits like bodysuits because they don’t ride up a baby’s body.
- Envelope shoulder tops and bodysuits help you to pull the garment down the baby’s body to remove it. Trust us, accidents will happen!
- Plan how many baby clothes to buy in each size. Consider the baby’s measurements, seasonal needs, and laundry schedule. Building the baby’s wardrobe in manageable increments ensures a safe and comfortable fit.
- If you are ever in a pickle which one is the right size, go for the larger size. Babies grow quickly, especially in the first 6 months
Wrapping it up
While there’s no exact one-size-fits-all blueprint for kids and clothing sizes, you will soon get the hang of it. Just don’t save your favourite for a special day – an infant outgrows their clothes in the first 6 months quickly. A good excuse to dress them up like a tiny fashion icon every day!
We hope these guidelines will make shopping feel less like an episode of “Survivor” and more like a stroll through the shops; refreshing smoothie in hand.
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