Did you know that parents spend $21,000 to $51,000 on their child's first year?
A large portion of this money is used to pay for medical supplies and equipment, as well as strollers. Clothes play an important role as well.
You can learn more about the different sizes of clothing if you want to be careful with your spending.
Keep reading to learn more about the stages of newborn clothing so your baby can be comfortable.
Preemie
Preemie newborn clothing is recommended for babies born weeks ahead of their due date.
Preemies are for babies under 5 lbs and up to 17 inches in length. These are the smallest sizes of clothing you can buy for babies, and there may be limited options. However, you don't need to buy too many of these sizes as your baby will soon outgrow them.
Always ensure that your baby hasn't grown when looking at baby clothing sizes. If your baby is not yet large enough, it is a good idea to get onesie, sleeper, and pants in preemie sizes.
Newborn
The newborn size is the most popular starting point for baby clothes.
Baby clothes for newborns are designed to fit babies between 5 and 8 pounds and 17 to 21 inches in length. Stock up on these sizes if you are delivering your baby close to the due date or between 37 and 41 weeks. It is possible for your child to weigh more than 8 pounds when they arrive, but it is a good idea to keep this size in the drawers.
Baby showers are a great place to get new clothes while you wait for your baby's arrival. However, you don't need to have too many options as the baby will outgrow them quickly so it is a good idea not to overstock.
0 to 3 Months
Many people believe that clothing sizes 0-3 months are the same. They are distinct.
For babies between 8-12 pounds, the 0-3-month size is recommended. This size is suitable for babies between 21-24 inches in length. If your baby is not in the newborn size but their length is excessive, consider placing them in the 0-3 month size.
Babies can often be born at a weight of more than 8 pounds. Be sure to bring a few outfits for labor when you pack your hospital bags. You may not be able to fit some babies weighing between 8 and 10 pounds in the newborn options.
3 to 6 Months
For babies weighing between 12-16 pounds, the ideal size for them is 3-6 months.
Because your child will be wearing them for longer periods of time, you can buy more baby clothes sizes. This size will fit babies who are between 24-26 inches in length. They can fit comfortably with extra space if they are slightly smaller than this weight or length.
Many people layer their babies in winter clothing. This gives them more room and doesn't restrict their underlying layers.
6 to 9 Months
When a baby is less than 1 year old, it's crucial to learn how to dress them.
When your baby weighs between 16-20 pounds, they will need to be able to fit into the 6- to 9-month size. Your baby is likely to be moving at this stage and has slowed down in their growth. This size clothing is ideal for your little one, since they will likely be wearing it for quite some time.
Your baby should be 26 to 28 inches when they are 6-9 months old. This means your baby is over 2 feet in length.
12 Months
You should consider 12-month sizes if you're looking for clothes for your baby between 20 and 24 pounds.
Even if your child doesn't yet turn one year old, it might still be possible to fit this size. They should be between 28 and 30 inches in length. It is not necessary to stock up on 12-month-old sizes before your baby is born. However, it is a good idea for them to be able to grow in these sizes while they are still growing.
You can rest assured knowing that your baby will outgrow each size quickly. You can still find the 12-month-old size in the baby clothes section. But they will soon be in the kids' department.
18 Months
You will only need 18 months to purchase the last size in the baby section.
The 18-month baby size is for children between 24 and 28 pounds. These sizes will fit babies between 30 and 32 inches. This size is most popular for children between 1 and 1 1/2 years old. When deciding on the size to purchase, you must consider the length and weight requirements of your baby.
24 Months
24 months (AKA 2T) is no longer available in the baby section. However, it is important to be prepared for.
The 2T size is for toddlers who weigh between 28 and 32 pounds. They must also be between 32-34 inches in length. Your little one will soon be crawling and running. As things can get damaged, you should have plenty of clothing options.
When your baby reaches 24 months, you can start looking at the toddler section.
How to Buy Newborn Baby Clothing
You must consider the various sizes and styles of newborn baby clothes.
You might be able to get your baby a larger size depending on his age and height. This guide will help you determine the correct measurements and weights of each clothing size. This is especially important for newborns and 2 year olds.
Mix and match clothes to save money. Baby clothes will soon outgrow and some outfits may even be discarded.
Check out our blog to see more information about baby clothes, and how to prepare for your little one's arrival.
Since every baby grows at his/her own pace, measure the baby's height for the best fit. It is much more accurate than going off of the baby's age. Call us with any questions and we will be happy to help you determine the best fit for your baby.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
Newborn (NB) | 5-8 Ibs. / 2.3-3.6 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
0-3M | 6-12 Ibs. / 3.6-5.4 kg | 21-24 in. / 53.3-61 cm |
0-6M | Up to 16 Ibs. / Up to 7.3 kg | 17-21 in. / 43.2-53.3 cm |
3-6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-26 in. / 61-66 cm |
3-9M | 12-20 Ibs. / 5.4-9.1 kg | 24-28 in. / 61-71.1 cm |
6-9M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 26-28 in. / 66-71.1 cm |
12M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 28-30 in. / 71.1-76.2 cm |
18M | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 30-32 in. / 76.2-81.3 cm |
24M / 2T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 32-34 in. / 81.3-86.4 cm |
3T | 32-35 Ibs. / 14.5-15.9 kg | 34-38 in. / 86.4-96.5 cm |
4T | 35-39 lbs. / 15.9-17.7 kg | 38-40 in. / 96.5-101.6 cm |
5T | 39-43 lbs. / 17.7-19.5 kg | 40-44 in. / 101.6-111.8 cm |
Garments are designed to fit snug for child's safety.
Size | Weight | Height |
---|---|---|
6M | 12-16 Ibs. / 5.4-7.3 kg | 24-27 in. / 61-68.6 cm |
12M | 16-20 Ibs. / 7.3-9.1 kg | 27-30 in. / 68.6-76.2 cm |
18M | 20-24 Ibs. / 9.1-10.9 kg | 30-33 in. / 76.2-83.8 cm |
24M / 2T | 24-28 Ibs. / 10.9-12.7 kg | 33-35 in. / 83.8-88.9 cm |
3T | 28-32 Ibs. / 12.7-14.5 kg | 35-39 in. / 88.9-99.1 cm |
4T | 32-36 Ibs. / 14.5-16.3 kg | 39-42 in. / 99.1-106.7 cm |
5T | 36-42 Ibs. / 16.3-19.1 kg | 42-44 in. / 106.7-111.8 cm |
Size
|
Waist
|
Height
|
---|---|---|
4
|
17-19 inches
|
39-41 inches
|
5
|
19-20 inches
|
41-45 inches
|
6
|
20-22 inches
|
45-46 inches
|
7
|
22-23 inches
|
47-50 inches
|
8
|
23-24 inches
|
50-54 inches
|
10/12
|
24-25 inches
|
54-58 inches
|
14/16
|
25-27 inches
|
58-62 inches
|
18/20
|
27-28 inches
|
62-67 inches
|
Size | Waist | Height |
---|---|---|
4 | 17-19 inches | 39-41 inches |
5 | 19-20 inches | 41-45 inches |
6 | 20-21 inches | 45-46 inches |
6x | 21-22 inches | 46-48 inches |
7/8 | 22-23 inches | 48-52 inches |
10/12 | 23-25 inches | 52-58 inches |
14 | 25-27 inches | 58-61 inches |
16 | 27-29 inches | 61-63 inches |