Choosing clothes for a newborn baby is not an easy task. All children are different. Babies grow and develop at different rates, each of them has their own height and their own body features. Boys and girls also differ from each other in appearance. For ease of selection, experts recommend using special size tables.
A children's suit should be comfortable
Selection of clothes for the baby
In order to properly form a newborn’s wardrobe, you need to know the main characteristics of young children: spasmodic rates of development (the child grows “by leaps and bounds”), undeveloped thermoregulation processes (it is very easy for the baby to overheat or, conversely, to become overcooled), the characteristics of children’s skin ( sensitive to allergenic materials and easily irritated by contact with rough fabrics).
When choosing outfits for a newly born baby, you need to keep the following in mind:
- The suit should not be too tight so that the baby’s internal organs are not compressed;
- It is worth giving preference to natural fabrics and forgetting about synthetics, at least until the baby is one year old;
- There should be no rivets or buttons with sharp corners on clothes, shoes and hats;
- If possible, you should choose models with adjustable length and transformable models - they will last much longer.
Guided by these simple rules, you can create the optimal children's wardrobe.
You should take care of choosing your wardrobe in advance
Active stage of the first year of life (3-6 months)
Around this period, every self-respecting child, no longer a newborn, but a fully conscious child, begins physical activity. From springy jumps in mother’s hands to the first independent attempts
During this period, the mother needs to stock up on patience, attention and a new children's wardrobe
By determining all the basic parameters of the child, you can easily choose the required size for your grown-up naughty boy. In addition, many manufacturers indicate on their products not only the size number, but also the approximate height and even weight of the child.
During this period, when there is still so much interesting stuff ahead, a greater variety of clothes for children appears:
- tights;
- trousers and jeans;
- dresses and sundresses;
- shirts and blouses;
- sweatshirts and sweatshirts.
The main thing in this situation, perhaps, is not to get confused and choose exactly what your child not only looks good and beautiful in, but is also comfortable.
Types of children's clothing
How often to change a newborn's diaper
If the baby was born in the summer, the first three months are enough for him with diapers and vests. However, for walks and doctor visits, more comfortable, functional clothing is required. The baby will need:
- Envelope overalls for walking in a stroller;
- Baby vests. They are usually worn by children under six months old. When the child learns to sit independently, they are replaced with T-shirts or T-shirts with short sleeves;
- Bodysuit. This is comfortable clothing for walking in the summer and for routine visits to the doctor;
- Sliders. They are needed when the baby begins to actively move. However, if it is cold at home or outside, rompers can also be put on a newborn, under the diaper in which he is wrapped.
Hats are an integral part of a child's wardrobe. For children under one year old, this is a thin cap made of cotton fabric (worn after bathing), a thicker flannel cap (worn on a walk and at home, if it is cold in the apartment), a woolen hat for the street.
In winter, the baby wears booties or warm woolen socks on his rompers. It is strictly forbidden to wear them on bare legs, because sensitive children's skin may experience severe discomfort from direct contact with fur.
Selection of things in winter and summer
In the summer, children under three months old wear a baby vest and a light cotton cap, and the baby is wrapped in a diaper. In hot weather, you can do without sliders. Therefore, if the baby was born in the warm season, he will need diapers, baby vests and two or three caps for the summer. You don’t have to buy an envelope for a walk, because in the stroller the baby is still covered with a blanket.
A “winter” newborn will definitely need warm overalls and a woolen hat. You should also choose appropriately sized flannel blouses with rivets and insulated rompers. In addition to calico diapers, you will need thicker ones.
The baby should feel comfortable in his suit
How to determine the size of a child and take the necessary measurements
Many parents look at the table and understand how to determine the size based on the initial parameters.
But not everyone understands where to get these initial numbers. Children under one year old will be measured every month at the clinic. There is a special ruler for babies who are still lying down, and scales for determining body weight. Monitoring and monitoring of these parameters is necessary for the pediatrician to be confident in the correct growth and development of the baby. But they can also be used to determine size. You can measure your head and chest circumference at home yourself. Both parameters represent the size of the measuring tape based on the most protruding parts. If two adults take the measurements, this is not particularly difficult. Based on these parameters, you can more accurately determine clothing sizes. And measuring the length of a toddler’s foot will make it possible to understand the shoe size.
Thus, tables of clothing parameters for children under one year of age are useful and convenient when choosing things while parents do not have the opportunity to try something on the child.
How much to buy clothes with?
If a newborn constantly wears disposable diapers, there is no point in purchasing a large amount of clothing. For the first three months of life, the baby will need:
- Winter envelope for walks – 1 pc.;
- Woolen hat for winter-autumn – 1 pc.;
- Calico cap 3-4 pcs. and 2-3 pcs. flannel;
- Calico and flannel diapers - 15-20 pcs.;
- Baby vests (chintz, flannel) – 10 pcs.;
- Flannel blouses with fasteners – 5-6 pcs.
Why might a child under one year old have bad urine?
If desired, you can also purchase several children's bodysuits and overalls made of cotton fabric. Which color to choose depends on the gender of the child and the tastes of the parents. Also, young parents usually buy two or three sets of bedding for their crib.
Attention! You should not buy too many products of the same size and type, because children under one year old develop very quickly. It is known that in the first three months the baby grows by about 10 cm. Then the increase in weight and height slows down a little. From six months to one year, on average, a child gains 300-500 grams. and grows by 2-2.5 cm monthly.
What will be required for discharge from the maternity ward?
When choosing the size of clothes for newborns, you should take into account that boys are born larger than girls. Typically, babies are born with a height of 48-53 cm. Size 50 is suitable for premature babies. Parameter 56 is suitable for children with a height of 50-53 cm. Such things can last a whole month. Things marked 62 are suitable for especially large children, usually boys. The average baby wears clothes of this size at 2 months.
For discharge you will need:
- overalls;
- panties;
- blouse and hat.
Throughout the entire period while the baby and mother are in the maternity hospital, you will need 5 sets of clothes for the little one, 5-7 diapers, nappies, and a warm blanket.
Types of dimensional grids
The sizes of clothes for newborns can be found out from the so-called “grids”. There are two types of them: depending on height (“by centimeters”) and depending on age (“by months”). The first grid allows you to more accurately select clothes and can be used when choosing a wardrobe for premature babies. It is convenient to use the child's size by month when relatives choose clothes as a gift for the baby, knowing exactly his age, but at the same time do not have an idea of his build. When using this version of the table, it is recommended to choose clothes “for growth”, focusing on the data in the column dedicated to older age.
Size chart by month
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The size chart will help you choose the right clothes. Height, weight, body length, chest and head circumference in boys and girls during the first period after birth differ slightly. These data depend largely not on gender, but on the pace of development of the baby and heredity. In this regard, in Russia it is customary to use universal sizes for newborns, suitable for use in both boys and girls. In preschool age, starting around the age of three, the difference in weight and height between boys and girls becomes more noticeable. Therefore, starting at this age, it is advisable to use separate size charts for male and female children.
Attention! You cannot be guided by size data to determine the optimal costume for a premature baby. In this case, special requirements are imposed on clothing, and sizes are calculated individually, depending on the specific situation and the degree of retardation of the baby in physical development.
Baby hat size
A warm woolen hat for a winter walk in winter can be purchased a size larger, because the child wears a cotton cap under it.
Newborn size by month, headwear table
| Age in months | 0-1 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 |
| Head circumference | 34-39 | 40-41 | 41,5-43 | 43,5-45 | 46-48 | 48,5-50 |
| Size | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
When purchasing bonnets and hats, you should give preference to models with comfortable ties. A child, even an infant, spends a lot of time moving, so the headdress should not fall off.
Sock and shoe sizes
A child's very first shoes are woolen booties with soft soles. However, as soon as the baby learns to walk, he should wear leather shoes (with thin socks) on his feet, otherwise flat feet may quickly develop.
Newborn size chart, socks and shoes
| Age in months | 0-1 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 |
| Foot length (to take measurements, you can place the child’s foot on a piece of paper and trace it with a pen) | less than 6.4 | 6,5-7,4 | 7,5-8,4 | 8,5-9,4 | 9,5-10,4 | 10,5-11,4 |
| Size | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Pediatricians and orthopedists categorically do not recommend that young children wear someone else's shoes, even if they are in perfect condition and fit exactly. Failure to comply with this rule can lead to leg diseases, serious gait and posture disorders.
Orthopedists urge parents not to put other people's shoes on young children
Overalls size
Parents often buy overalls for newborns “for growth.” At the same time, they are guided by the fact that on the street the baby still lies in a stroller and does not experience any discomfort in a spacious suit. However, it is wrong to do so. If the overalls are too large, cold can penetrate into the gaps and crevices. You also need to take into account that babies up to three months feel comfortable only in a “cocoon” that fits tightly to the body. If the overalls are too large, the child will wake himself up during sleep with involuntary movements of his arms and legs.
The cells of the table below take into account not only height, but also how much the baby weighs. This data can be used when knitting costumes with your own hands.
Newborn clothes size for overalls
| Age in months | 0-1 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 |
| Height, cm | 50 – 56 | 57 – 61 | 62 — 67 | 68 – 73 | 74 — 79 | 80 – 85 |
| Weight, kg | 3 – 3,5 | 5 – 5,5 | 7 – 8 | 8 – 9 | 9 – 11 | 11 – 12 |
| Size | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 80 | 86 |
If your baby was born in winter, it is better to purchase overalls with a removable lining made of natural fur. In the spring, when the child grows up, the lining can be unfastened. The overalls will immediately become larger and will last for at least another year and a half: a boy or girl will be able to walk in it when he learns to walk.
Bodysuit and vest sizes
You should not choose vests that are tied with a cord and ribbon. The most convenient and safest option is a clasp with metal buttons. The bodysuit should have a similar fastener at the bottom for easy diaper changing.
Standard sizes for newborn baby clothes, bodysuits and vests
| Age in months | 0-1 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 |
| Height | 50 – 56 | 57 – 61 | 62 — 67 | 68 – 73 | 74 – 79 | 80 – 85 |
| Bust | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| Size | 50 | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 80 |
Baby vests are convenient to put on newborns and babies in the first time after birth, up to three months. From three months, when children begin to move actively, it is better to replace them with a comfortable bodysuit in combination with rompers.
Bodysuit - very comfortable clothing for a baby
Slider sizes
Romper pants come in two styles: strapless closed-foot pants and strapless pants. The second option is more convenient. In some models, the buttons on which the straps are fastened are arranged in two rows. This helps to adjust the height: the sliders can “grow” along with their little owner.
Children's size up to one year, rompers
| Age in months | 0-1 | 1-2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 |
| Height | 50 – 56 | 57 – 61 | 62 – 67 | 68 – 73 | 74 – 79 | 80 – 85 |
| Bust | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
| Size | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 80 | 86 |
For children up to three months, a onesie with a closed foot is sufficient. For older children, it is worth purchasing several pairs of ordinary cotton pants that imitate trousers, along with socks and booties.
When choosing a suit for a baby up to one year old and a dowry for the maternity hospital during pregnancy, you should first of all pay attention to the size. In order for your baby to feel as comfortable as possible, you should not take things “to grow.” Also, do not wear suits that are too tight and tight-fitting, otherwise the child will sweat a lot and his natural heat exchange will be disrupted.
Shoe size chart for newborns
| Age | Foot length | UK size | European size |
| 1-3 months | 9.7-10.8 | 0 | 16 |
| 3-6 months | 10.2-11.3 | 1 | 17 |
| 6-9 months | 11.5-12.1 | 2 | 18 |
| 9-12 months | 12.4-13.0 | 3 | 19 |
| 12 months | 14.1-14.7 | 4 | 20.5 |
Of course, you can go to the store and “try on” (visually compare) things on your baby that you doubt the size of. But a maximum of a couple of months will pass and you, as a real fashion designer, will be able to determine which suit is suitable for your baby and which is not. Even if the label fully meets your requirements.
At the end of the article, it is worth noting that at birth, babies weigh from 2.5 kg to almost 5 kg, and their height varies from 43 to 55 cm. If you buy clothes for a newborn in the range from size 50 to 62, then everything will be fine . Mothercare is delighted to invite you to shop in our online store. High-quality and easy-to-care items will bring pleasure and comfort to your child.
How to determine the required parameter
In the first year of life, babies develop rapidly; mothers often have to visit stores in search of suitable clothes. Manufacturers produce children's clothes of average sizes for each age, taking as a basis medical indicators of the growth dynamics of newborns.
To make it easier for parents to navigate sizes, special tables have been developed
Before being guided by them, you need to take into account that the real height of the baby does not always coincide with the tabular parameter indicated for the corresponding age
How to determine size by height
Some children develop slowly, others grow rapidly. Therefore, when choosing clothes, it is better to look not at the number of months, but at the length of the baby’s body. Otherwise, on a small child, things bought for his age will dangle and interfere with the little one’s movement. A large child will also experience discomfort if they are wearing tight clothing.
Before reading the size tables, you need to consider the following points:
- in Russia and Ukraine there is an identical gradation of measures;
- clothes from the European Union have completely different parameters;
- England and the USA have their own approach to determining sizes;
- The Chinese only indicate the baby's height on things for children from 0 to 3 months.
You should measure your baby's height immediately before buying clothes - the toddlers add centimeters very quickly in the first months.
Note! When ordering things through an online service, you need to take into account the time it will take to deliver the package. If, according to the table, the child’s measurements fit 2 sizes, preference is given to the larger parameter
This is a guarantee that the clothes will not be too small
If, according to the table, the child’s measurements fit 2 sizes, preference is given to the larger parameter. This is a guarantee that the clothes will not be too small.
Some tips
Choose things according to the season - warm or light, but we recommend having two options: it can be cool in the off-season, especially before and after the heating season.
It is not advisable to buy all the clothes you like in a children's store: remember that in the first months of life, babies grow at an accelerated pace.
The most necessary things from the first days to four months:
- diapers - thin and warm on the bike, 2 pcs. each;
- at least 2 vests and blouses;
- sliders – 3 – 5 pcs.;
- 2 - 3 hats or bonnets;
- knitted and terry socks – 3 pairs of each;
- mittens - 2 pairs;
- envelope for discharge (preferably a warm blanket);
- pants - 2 - 3 pcs.;
- bodysuits - from 4 pcs.;
- overalls for walking, also for growing.
Things for newborns should not contain dyes. All snaps and buttons on rompers and baby vests should be small in size and without sharp edges. Check the quality of seams and material. Elastic bands, if any, should not be tight or narrow.
Go shopping with your mother, sister or friend, while it is better to leave the future father at home. Men are irritated by long shopping trips, and instead of pleasant emotions, the day may end in an unnecessary quarrel.
The seams on things for newborns should be either flat or on the outside so as not to rub the delicate baby skin.
Products for infants should be made only from natural high-quality fabrics or knitwear. Synthetics do not absorb sweat well and cause irritation to children's skin. Treating diaper rash and its consequences will cost you much more than buying several quality options.
It is not necessary to buy only new onesies, blouses or rompers. Your relatives or friends will probably have a lot of things in very good condition who will give them to you for free or for a nominal amount.
Warm overalls should be a size larger than everything else, since you will be wearing them over a sleepsuit or over a blouse with rompers. Likewise, choose a warm blouse.
Choosing underwear and rompers
When choosing such products, you need to take into account 3 indicators - age, waist size and hip circumference, otherwise the child will be uncomfortable in them.
size table
| Size | Height (cm) | Waist (cm) | Hips (cm) | Age (months) |
| 18 | Up to 56 | 40 | 42 | Up to 1.5 |
| 20 | 60-68 | 44 | 46 | 2-6 |
| 22 | 74 | 45 | 50 | 6-9 |
| 24 | 80 | 48 | 54 | 9-12 |
