
How to choose the right size for your baby – from newborn to toddler
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How to choose the right size: from newborn to toddler
As a parent, you want your child to be comfortable in his or her clothes. But what size do you actually need? Do you choose size 50, 56 or 62? And how do the brands that you find in our shop fit?
In this blog we will gladly explain it to you. So that you not only choose the right size, but also buy clothes that you really enjoy - for now and the coming months.
The Basics: Baby Sizes in Centimeters
The size of baby and children's clothing is based on the length of your child in centimeters. Below are some guidelines of baby sizes and average ages:
Mate | Length of your child | Age (approximately) |
---|---|---|
50 | 45 – 50 cm | Premature or newborn (0 months) |
56 | 51 – 56 cm | 0 – 1 month |
62 | 57 – 62 cm | 1 – 3 months |
68 | 63 – 68 cm | 3 – 6 months |
74 | 69 – 74 cm | 6 – 9 months |
80 | 75 – 80 cm | 9 – 12 months |
86 | 81 – 86 cm | 12 – 18 months |
92 | 87 – 92 cm | approx. 2 years |
Please note: every child grows at their own pace. Use length as a starting point, not just age. Some 4-month-olds are already in size 74, while others still fit 68 at 9 months. Length doesn't lie. 😉
In general you can say: size = length. So if your baby is 64 cm long, then he is around size 62/68 (probably 68 at that moment). But there is more… because every brand can fit slightly differently.
How are our brands being received?
We often get asked how certain brands in our shop turn out. Baby clothes sometimes differ slightly in fit. Below is our experience (and feedback from parents) per brand, alphabetically :
- Cosilana : runs small. Are you hesitating between two sizes? Then take the larger one. Especially the wool/silk basics from Cosilana have a tight, narrow fit.
- Disana : falls spaciously , especially in length. Ideal for children with long legs or if you like to buy something "for growth". Disana sweaters and pants often have some extra length.
- Engel Natur : fits normal to slightly large . Engel has a slim fit in width but uses soft materials with fine stretch , which often makes it stretch a bit.
- Hvid : fits normal . Many Hvid products are one-size (like cocoon sleeping bags or their newborn hats), but with Hvid clothing we recommend a size up when in doubt. They are often knitwear with less stretch.
- Joha : fits normal to large . Due to the fine stretch in the wool/silk mix of Joha, their clothing grows well. A Joha romper can often fit several "sizes" comfortably (stretch easily without becoming uncomfortable).
- Reiff : fits normal . Reiff makes lovely woolen basics and pants with a somewhat wider fit and good length. Here you can usually assume the normal size of your child.
Our tip: buy something that is suitable for growth . Especially with wool or wool/silk, it should not be too tight. Due to the stretch and the way these fabrics adapt to the body, you will often enjoy something that is bought a little “for growth” for a long time. Better a little loose than tight; your child will grow into it quickly enough!
Sizing advice for specific products
- Rompers : Rompers usually have a lot of stretch (especially those made of wool/silk or ribbed fabric). This makes them comfortable during several growth phases. A romper that is just starting to get tight in length can often still be used for a while if it has enough stretch. If in doubt, choose the larger size; a slightly loose-fitting romper is not a problem (it will stay in place because of the crotch that you press closed), but a romper that is too small will pull at the shoulders and crotches.
- Onesie : Comfort and freedom of movement are super important when it comes to onesies. You don’t want a tight onesie that your baby can’t kick around in. Are you hesitating between two sizes? Go for the larger one – especially if your baby is a bit taller for his age. Better to have a bit of room around the feet than for the legs to be pulled up.
- Knitted hats : For knitted hats, choose the size that corresponds to the age of your baby (Newborn = size 50/56 hat, etc.). Are you in doubt or is your baby between two sizes (e.g. a 3-week-old baby, size 56 grows to 62)? Here too, go for the larger size. Especially for newborn babies with a lot of hair or a large head, a size larger is more comfortable; a hat that is too small can roll down or sit too tight on the ears.
- Leggings and pants : These can be a bit looser. Wool pants (e.g. from Disana or Reiff) or wool/cotton leggings feel comfortable without having to be tight. In addition, you often wear a diaper underneath that also takes up space. So here too: when in doubt, choose the larger size. You can always fold up a slightly longer legging at the bottom; too short is immediately too small.
- Jackets and overalls : These are often intended as an outer layer. Extra space is nice, because you sometimes wear layers underneath. A jacket size 74 that is still a bit roomy for your 9-month-old baby means that you can easily put a cardigan underneath. An overall should also not be too tight in length, because that is uncomfortable around the feet. So here too, a size larger is usually a safe choice - especially in the middle of winter with a thick sweater underneath.
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Blankets, sleeping bags and covers : Usually one size or indicated per dimension (e.g. sleeping bag 70cm, 90cm etc. in length). Always look at the length of your baby plus growth margin for sleeping bags. If in doubt, it is better to take the larger size sleeping bag, so that your child has enough room to move and grow. A sleeping bag that is too small is unsafe and uncomfortable. (Please note that the neck opening is not too wide - that is the only thing to check with a larger sleeping bag.)
Giving a gift? How to choose well
Want to give clothes as a gift but don't know exactly what size the baby has or will need soon? Here are safe choices in terms of size, based on average growth:
- Size 62/68: this fits almost every child between ~1 and 6 months. This is a golden mean for babies who are no longer tiny, but not yet very big either.
- Size 74/80: ideal for babies from approx. 6 to 12 months. During this period, they grow a little slower than in the first six months, so you can enjoy them for a long time. Moreover, this is often the "next season" after the newborn phase, so clothes in this size always come in handy.
Pro tip: Want to make the gift completely foolproof? Add a note with the comment: “If in doubt, you can always exchange via info@dewevershoek.nl .” – We are always open to exchanges if the size turns out not to be right, so the gift is 100% right!
In summary: how to choose wisely
- Look at the height, not just the age. Use your child's height as the main criterion for clothing size.
- Preferably something for growth. With baby clothes (especially with stretchy wool/silk fabrics) a bit of roomy clothing is nice. Too tight is uncomfortable and does not last as long.
- Feel free to ask for size advice. We have listed a size advice for each product in our shop, based on our experience and feedback from other parents. Still in doubt? Feel free to send us a message - we are happy to help you find the perfect size! ❤️
At Atelier De Wevershoek we are happy to help you find exactly what really fits. With the above tips you will hopefully be able to get by well and you will no longer make bad purchases in the wardrobe. Happy shopping and enjoy all those nice outfits for your little one! 👕👶