Cute colors and intriguing patterns may be what draw you to baby clothes, but before you click that BUY NOW button, you have to pick a size. These tips will help you get the right fit.
Skip all the extras
Baby clothes have to be two things: 1) They have to be safe, so skip the buckles, ties, zippers, and buttons. These items can be pulled off and swallowed or they can scratch or pinch baby’s skin. 2) They also have to be comfortable so baby can play. Play is an essential part of learning, so it’s best to keep any clothes that restrict movement off your baby.
There’s no baby size standard
Baby clothes are marked by age, not by size, which can make it hard to pick out clothes. One brand’s 12-month items may be smaller than another brand’s. This is a common problem in the entire clothing retail industry (sizes that don’t match across brands), but it’s especially apparent in baby clothing. Who’s to say how large or small a 6-month or an 18-month baby should be?
If you’re one of those parents who had a newborn that never fit into newborn clothing, you know what I mean.
Always buy ahead
Babies grow so rapidly that you should always be buying for the size they will be, not the size they are now. Often if you pick out something cute online, your child is too large before it ships to your house!
Smart gift-givers know to buy clothing a few months ahead, that’s why some moms get items up to 2T at their baby shower.
It’s a bit easier for toddlers
Buying the right sizes gets easier when your child gets into the toddler ranges. Their growth slows down a bit and the sizing becomes more standard.
- 2T = appropriate for kids 33 to 35.5 inches tall and 24 to 28 pounds
- 3T = appropriate for kids 36 to 38.5 inches tall and 28.5 to 32 pounds
- 4T = appropriate for kids 39 to 41 inches tall and 33 to 36 pounds
After 4T, you should be out of the baby section and doing your shopping in the kids’ clothing section.
Don’t be afraid to move up
Don’t get worried that your child is big in the wrong way, or anything like that. It’s important that your kids are comfortable in what they wear. Comfortable children complain less and play more.
Some guidelines by item
- These tips will help picking out certain items.
- Pants/jeans – Check the length and waist flexibility. Jeans are great all-purpose items, but they can get extremely uncomfortable if they don’t fit properly.
- Dresses – You have a lot of flexibility here in terms of size, so just make sure the shoulders fit comfortably. Little girl dresses are best not floor length, so keep them around the calf so they can run and play.
- Overalls/jumpers – While these are nice items, they can quickly inhibit mobility if they are too small. They will pull at the crotch and shoulders. Go for a bigger size.
- Shirts – Like dresses, you’re usually fine if the shoulders fit. Be sure to have differ net weights of shirts so they can layered with one another or heavier items like sweaters.
- Sleepwear – Sleepwear usually runs a big smaller, so buy a larger size. Young babies need a good fit so there isn’t excessive material, but toddlers can deal with a bit of extra fabric.
What are you baby clothing tips?
Written by Doodle Pants Team
Doodle Pants is an exciting collection of stylish toddler leggings for girls and boys, wild animal prints, and charming original characters. Little ones (3 months to 3T) can squiggle and wiggle with ease thanks to a roomy seat, stretchy ribbed cuffs and a comfortable elastic waistband. They’re made with thick, flexible material that holds up and is easy to wash. Whether running havoc on the playground or dressing up for an impromptu dolly tea party, these are the perfect pieces for a frolicking fun time.
For more information, visit http://www.doodlepants.com.
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