How to Find the Right Size for Baby Clothes

To ensure your baby has a relaxed start in life, you should get the most important clothing items in size 56 around eight weeks before birth. These include bodysuits, long-sleeved shirts, rompers or trousers, socks, tights, all-in-one pajamas, hats, and – if your little one is born in winter – a winter suit and thick hats. Baby clothes should be functional, made from good materials, and comfortable. Additional snaps or button plackets at the back or crotch area make dressing and undressing easier, which is especially useful when changing diapers. Look for skin-friendly materials like organic cotton from controlled cultivation or other natural fibers, as baby skin is very delicate and sensitive. Certified organic cotton is ideal, being free from allergens, durable, breathable, and highly absorbent. Seals and certifications proving the absence of harmful substances in clothing are also recommended. As a new mom or dad, you'll notice that your little one grows quickly and will soon need new clothes, shoes, and hats. We're here to help you and answer the most common questions about clothing sizes.

The Right Baby Sizes for Clothing

To find the right clothing size for your toddler, you need to know their body length. A doctor can determine the exact length, but you can also measure it yourself. Lay your child down and measure the length from the top of their head to their heel with a tape measure. Be careful not to pull on your baby's legs; instead, let your baby stretch their legs themselves and estimate the length by eye. Although this measurement isn't as precise as a doctor's, it still provides good guidance. You can then use the size chart to determine the appropriate clothing size.

How to Determine the Right Hat Size

To keep your baby's head warm and protected, a hat is especially important in the first few weeks of life. You can easily determine the right hat size with a flexible tape measure: place the tape measure over the baby's eyebrows and ears around their head and measure the circumference at the widest point. The head circumference in centimeters corresponds to the required hat size. However, please note that every child grows individually. The following size chart provides guidance. Before purchasing, you should always have your little one try on the hat to ensure a perfect fit.

Finding the Right Shoe Size for Baby Shoes

To find the right size for baby shoes, it's important to first measure the length of their feet. You'll need a tape measure or ruler to determine the distance from the longest toe to the baby's heel. Alternatively, you can measure a footprint made with watercolor paint – and you'll also have a lasting memory for your keepsake box! Add approximately 1.5 cm for the foot to roll and multiply the result by 1.5. If your little one's feet are currently 11.1 cm long, the shoe size will be 19: (11.1 + 1.5) x 1.5 = 18.9. In the table below, you can quickly find the age, foot length, and corresponding shoe size.

Shoes can vary in size depending on the manufacturer. It's ideal to try them on before buying. It's important to choose the right size for the first shoes: not too tight to allow enough room for the feet – but also not too big to ensure optimal support. A flexible sole is also important to follow the movement of the foot.

Pediatricians recommend wearing shoes only when children can walk confidently. This is usually between nine and 18 months, depending on their developmental pace. In general, more barefoot walking is beneficial for proper foot posture. 

Frequent Questions about Baby Clothing Sizes

What clothing size fits a newborn? 

A newborn is usually between 50 and 55 centimeters tall. Clothes in size 50 or 56 are suitable for this body height. Conventional baby sizes start at 50 and increase in increments of six. The smallest clothing size for premature babies is 44.

How are clothing sizes indicated for baby clothes?

With baby clothes, the clothing size is a so-called "up to" specification. This means that the correct size for your baby is 56 as long as the baby is smaller than 56 centimeters. However, weight influences how well the clothes fit. If the baby is above average weight, size 62 clothes might not fit, even if the baby is smaller than 62 centimeters.

My toddler's measurements are between two clothing sizes. What now?

If your toddler is between two clothing sizes, it's better to choose the next size up. When it comes to baby clothes, it's better to be a little too loose than too tight.

Should I generally buy clothes bigger if my child grows quickly?

If the sleeves or legs are too long, they can be rolled up. However, the clothes should fit well because they protect and keep the child warm like a second skin. The clothes should not be too loose so that they don't get tangled. Therefore: It is better to buy fewer clothes and buy them more frequently in different baby sizes.

What do I do with clothes that are too small?

Clothing that is too tight restricts your child's freedom of movement. Therefore, your child should not wear clothes that are too small. If your family planning is not yet complete, you can keep the clothes for future children. Alternatively, you can give them to friends or acquaintances or donate them to a charity. Another option is to sell baby clothes, for example, at a flea market.