The first year after birth, a baby’s clothing size changes regularly. Most babies will fit into size 50 shortly after birth, while this may already be size 80 by the end of the first year of life. Read all about clothing sizes for babies in this article.
The average
Clothing sizes for babies (and children) are almost always based on ‘the average’. Every child, and every baby, is of course different. For example, clothing size 50 can be too big for a small, light baby just after birth, and much too small for a large, heavy baby. The baby’s weight, length and girth also play an important role. A baby with sturdy arms and legs will fit into a larger size more quickly, while a petite baby can fit into a smaller size for longer. The size chart below assumes ‘the average baby’. This means that the baby weighs about 6 to 7 pounds after birth and is around 50 centimeters long. It is difficult to calculate ‘an average’ for the end of the first year of life. Babies regularly have growth spurts, and one baby will fit into a size 80, while the other will need a size 74.
Clothing size chart
The size chart below shows which clothing size suits the age (in months) of a baby:
|
0-1 month |
1-2 months |
2-4 months |
4-6 months |
6-9 months |
9-12 months |
|
size 50 |
size 56 |
size 62 |
size 68 |
size 74 |
size 80 |
The size chart below shows which sock or shoe size suits the age (in months) of a baby:
|
0-1 month |
1-4 months |
4-9 months |
9-12 months |
|
size 10-12 |
size 13-15 |
size 16-18 |
size 19-21 |
Foreign sizes
In certain countries, slightly different dimensions are used than in the Netherlands. The tables below show the dimensions for France, the United Kingdom (England) and the United States.
Size chart France:
|
0-1 month |
1-2 months |
2-4 months |
4-6 months |
6-9 months |
9-12 months |
|
Newborn |
1-3 m |
3-6 m |
6-9 m |
9-12 m |
12-18 m |
Size chart United Kingdom and United States:
|
0-1 month |
1-2 months |
2-4 months |
4-6 months |
6-9 months |
9-12 months |
|
Newborn |
3 m |
6 m |
9 m |
12 m |
18 m |
Explanation of sizes
Clothing sizes and sock or shoe sizes can sometimes differ (considerably) per clothing brand or store chain. The differences are not only noticeable in the length of the clothing, but sometimes also in the fit. It is therefore advisable to try on the clothing or compare it with another item of clothing. The size for the lower body may also differ from the size for the upper body; for example, a baby may have relatively long legs and a somewhat short torso. The clothing sizes are equal to the number of centimeters (the length) of the baby. During the first year of life, babies grow very quickly. Development is happening at a rapid pace; from about 50 centimeters after birth to as much as 80 centimeters at the end of the first year.