Choosing clothes for babies and toddlers is not as easy as it seems. Whether it is a daily wardrobe piece or formal wear, parents have to consider comfort, wearability, and style before purchasing. Sizing is a crucial aspect of buying baby clothes, not just because babies and toddlers grow quickly, but it is essential for their safety as well. This blog aims to answer the age-old question of how to choose baby clothes sizes, so you won't make a mistake when shopping online for your baby.

Understanding Baby Clothing Size Charts

Online retailers for baby and toddler clothing always include a detailed size chart with every listing. For instance, Lilax Shop prominently displays its baby clothes size guide for both age and size, including measurements of length and width. Understanding these helpful charts is very important when shopping online for baby clothes.

There are two ways to interpret baby and toddler clothing sizes: by age (E.g., 0-3 months, 3T) or by measurement (E.g., length, width). Sizing by age generally provides a rough estimate, as there may be some variation between different brands and online retailers. Sizing by measurement, on the other hand, is a more accurate representation of the actual fit of the clothing piece. Therefore, in the age vs. size chart debate for baby clothes, it is more practical to go with size.

Other factors can impact the choice of baby clothing size as well, such as accounting for growth spurt, shrinking after washing, and the activity level of the baby or toddler.

How to Measure Your Baby for the Perfect Fit

Understanding baby clothing size charts is only the first step; The next question is usually, how to accurately measure for baby clothes? Use a soft measuring tape and try to measure when your baby is calm or distracted by a toy

Key Measurements For Baby/Toddler Clothes

Here are the key measurements that you will need to ensure a perfect fit for baby clothing:

• Chest: Wrap the tape around the top of the chest under the armpits and jot down the figure.

• Waist: Using the belly button as a guide, wrap the tape around the waist for an accurate measurement.

• Hips: Measure around the diaper area gently with the tape.

• Height: Measure from the top of the head to the heel.

• For bottoms (Inseam): Note the distance between the top of the inner thigh to the ankle.

You can then compare these measurements with the size charts on the retailer’s website to ensure the right fit

Tips For an Accurate Fit

Here are some helpful tips to follow for parents to ensure that their online baby clothes shopping experience always ends on a positive note:

• Account for the growth spurt by going one or even two sizes up, depending on the type of clothing.

• Avoid stiff fabrics. Cotton blends with a small percentage of flexible materials provide more room to maneuver for active babies and toddlers.

• Ensure functionality by choosing pieces with zippers, button closures, or snaps.

• Avoid clothes with loosely attached decorative accents, scratchy inner linings, or tight waistbands.

• Outerwear should be slightly oversized to accommodate multiple layers.

In short, online shopping for baby and toddler clothes is a balancing act between knowing the exact measurements, understanding the online size chart, and following essential baby clothes fit tips.

International Size Conversion (US, UK, EU)

International baby size charts by weight and height generally come in one of three formats: US (United States), UK (United Kingdom), and EU (European Union). 

US Size Charts

The US sizing usually is age-based and uses “T” to denote toddler sizes (E.g., 2T or 3T). Furthermore, US size guides focus more on height and weight measurements. Compared to other sizing formats, US sizes have a snug fit for the same age range.

UK Size Charts

UK size guides are age-based as well; However, the fit is slightly roomier than the US counterparts. 

EU Size Charts

Size charts in the EU measure by height (Centimeters) rather than age, and the sizing format aims for an exact fit for age.

Understanding the nuances of international size conversion helps to shop from global online retailer websites with ease and confidence. If you have to prioritize one factor for shopping for baby and toddler clothes, let it be the exact measurements of your child. Once you have those, you can compare them against any size guide format. Subsequently, if your baby is between two sizes, it is prudent to go one size up rather than buying an exact fit.

When it comes to finding the perfect size and comfort, Lilax Shop offers a trusted range of baby and toddler clothing made from premium-quality materials. Find the perfect fit for your little angels, browse Lilax Shops’ baby clothes today!