Baby clothing size guide: which size for which age?
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Size 50, 56, 62 – what does that actually mean, and how much should you buy? Baby sizes are based on body length in centimetres, not directly on age. That makes choosing a little easier, because you can go by your baby's length. Many brands, however, label their clothing in months or years rather than centimetres. The table shows both at a glance – from size 50 to 116.
Size chart: size, body length and age
| Size | Body length | Label | Approx. age | In our shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | up to 50 cm | Newborn | 0–1 month | Newborn |
| 56 | 51–56 cm | 1M | 1–2 months | Newborn |
| 62 | 57–62 cm | 3M | 2–3 months | 0–3 months |
| 68 | 63–68 cm | 6M | 3–6 months | 3–6 months |
| 74 | 69–74 cm | 9M | 6–9 months | 6–9 / 6–12 months |
| 80 | 75–80 cm | 12M | 9–12 months | 9–12 / 6–12 months |
| 86 | 81–86 cm | 18M | 12–18 months | 12–18 months / 1–2 years |
| 92 | 87–92 cm | 24M | 18–24 months | 18–24 months / 1–2 years |
| 98 | 93–98 cm | 3Y | 2–3 years | 2–3 years |
| 104 | 99–104 cm | 4Y | 3–4 years | 3–4 years |
| 110 | 105–110 cm | 5Y | 4–5 years | 4–5 years |
| 116 | 111–116 cm | 6Y | 5–6 years | 5–6 years |
Important: these are guide values. Babies and children vary in length, and sizes differ slightly from brand to brand. If in doubt, measure your child's body length and compare it with the size information of the respective brand. How our brands fit is shown in our size guide.
How to read labels in months and years
Scandinavian, British and French brands often put "3M", "12M" or "2–3Y" on the label. A month or year label usually means "up to this age": 6M fits from about 3 to 6 months and corresponds to size 68. In our shop, sizes are given as an age range, for example "3–6 months" or "2–3 years". Some brands combine two steps – "6–12 months" then covers sizes 74 and 80, "1–2 years" covers sizes 86 and 92.
The most common mistake: too much in size 50
Many expectant parents buy a whole pile in newborn size in advance. But babies grow rapidly at the very beginning – size 50 often fits for only a few weeks, and some newborns fit straight into 56. So buy only a little in the smallest size and rather a bit more in 56 and 62. This applies especially to bodysuits – how many you really need is covered in our guide How many bodysuits does a newborn need?
Tip: better to buy with room to grow
Clothing that is slightly bigger can often still be worn at the start (roll up the sleeves) and fits for longer. Things calm down after the first birthday: from around size 92, a child usually grows only one size per year. Go for timeless, easy-to-combine pieces made from high-quality materials – which fabrics prove themselves is shown in our comparison Merino wool or cotton – pieces you enjoy dressing your child in across several sizes and that can still accompany a second child.
Frequently asked questions
Which size should I pack for the hospital?
Ideally one or two pieces each in 50 and 56. That way you are prepared whether your baby arrives petite or sturdy. What else belongs in the bag is covered in our newborn essentials checklist.
How do I measure my baby correctly?
Lay your baby down flat and measure from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot. If the value falls between two sizes, choose the next size up: a 58 cm baby therefore wears size 62. Size 62 stands for a body length of 57 to 62 cm.
What does 6M or 12M on the label mean?
The number stands for the age in months up to which the item roughly fits. 6M corresponds to size 68, 12M to size 80. From two years, many brands use years instead of months: 3Y corresponds to size 98, 4Y to size 104.
What size does a child wear at 2, 3 or 4 years?
As a rule of thumb: at 2 years size 92 to 98, at 3 years 98 to 104, at 4 years 104 to 110. Because children vary a lot in height at this age, body length is more reliable than age.
What do double sizes like 50/56 mean?
Some brands combine two sizes. These pieces are cut slightly wider and fit for longer – practical especially in the first months with their rapid growth spurts.
In our newborn collection you will find clothing for the first months, and in the Little Wardrobe timeless pieces for children from 0 to 6 years – such as the autumn highlights by leevje. How each brand fits is explained in our size guide.