If you have ever ordered a 6-month romper that swam on your baby, or a size 4 dress that barely fit your three-year-old, you are not alone. Children's clothing sizes can be confusing, especially when every brand seems to follow its own rules. Here is a clear, practical guide to help you find the right fit at every stage.
Why children's clothing sizes are so confusing
There is no universal sizing system for children's clothing. A "6 months" label from one brand can fit very differently from another. Some labels use age. Some use height in centimetres. Some use a mix of both.
On top of that, every child grows at their own pace. Two babies born on the same day can wear completely different sizes by their first birthday. That is completely normal.
Independent and European brands often have their own size charts too. They may run small, large, or true to a specific country's standard. If you are used to one high street brand, switching to a new label can feel like starting over.
When I became a mother, I remember standing in front of racks wondering what size my daughter actually needed. The labels did not tell the full story. Experience and a good size chart made all the difference.
Four things to keep in mind
Your child's measurements
Height and weight matter more than age on the label. A tall two-year-old may already wear size 3 or 4 in some brands.
The brand's size chart
Always check the brand's own chart before ordering. Two labels can both say "12 months" and still fit very differently.
The cut of the garment
A slim dress fits differently from a relaxed romper, even in the same size. Fabric also plays a role. Knitwear stretches. Woven cotton does not.
The season ahead
Buying for next winter in spring? Consider sizing up. Children grow quickly, and you want room for layers underneath.
Sizing through each stage of childhood
Newborn to 12 months
Baby sizes are usually labelled by age: newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and so on. In practice, height is the most reliable guide. Measure your baby lying flat from head to heel. Many European brands also list a centimetre range on their size chart. If your baby is long for their age, size up early.
12 months to 3 years
This is often when sizing gets most confusing. Some brands switch to numbered sizes (80, 86, 92 cm). Others keep age labels (12-18 months, 2T, 3T). At this stage, children move a lot. Choose soft fabrics and relaxed fits. A little extra room is usually better than something too snug.
3 to 6 years
Size charts tend to stabilise around height in centimetres: 98, 104, 110, 116 cm and up. Children become more active. Trousers need room for bending and climbing. Dresses and tops should allow free arm movement. Check inseam length for trousers if your child is tall.
6 years and beyond
Older children often know what feels comfortable. Still, sizes vary between brands. A size 128 from one label may feel like a 134 from another. Keep a note of what works in each brand you return to. It saves time on future orders.
How to measure your child at home
You do not need special equipment. A soft measuring tape and a few minutes are enough.
Simple measuring steps
- Height: Ask your child to stand barefoot against a wall. Mark the top of their head and measure from floor to mark. For babies, lay them flat and measure head to heel.
- Chest: Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms. Keep it snug but not tight.
- Waist: Measure around the natural waist, usually just above the belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of the hips.
- Inseam (for trousers): Measure from the crotch to the ankle along the inside of the leg.
Write the measurements down and keep them on your phone. When you shop online, compare them directly to the brand's size chart. It takes two minutes and saves a lot of returns.
Why the same size fits differently across brands
At The Singing Toes, we work with many independent brands. Each one has its own approach to sizing. Here is what we see most often.
- European brands often size by height in centimetres (62, 68, 74, 80 cm for babies)
- Some labels run small. If your child is between two sizes, going up is usually the safer choice
- Some labels run large. Misha & Puff knitwear, for example, often has a generous, relaxed fit
- Shoes are a category of their own. Always check the brand's foot length guide in millimetres
- Unisex pieces may fit differently depending on your child's build, not just their age
When in doubt, we are always happy to help. Visit us in Amsterdam or send us a message through our contact page.
Practical tips for new parents
If you are dressing a baby for the first time, these tips come from our own experience and from conversations with hundreds of parents in the boutique.
- Start with the size chart, not the age on the label
- When between two sizes, choose the larger one for babies and toddlers
- Feel the fabric. Stretchy knitwear fits differently from structured cotton
- For gifts, ask the parents for the child's current height rather than guessing a size
- Keep a note on your phone of which size works in each brand you buy regularly
- Do not remove tags until you have tried the garment at home
- Remember that growth spurts happen suddenly. A perfect fit today may be snug in six weeks
When should you size up?
Size up when your child is between sizes on the chart, when you are buying for a season ahead, or when you want room for layers under outerwear. For everyday pieces like bodysuits and leggings, a slightly larger fit often means more wears before they are outgrown.
Stay true to size for shoes. Footwear that is too big can affect balance and comfort. Always measure foot length and follow the brand's shoe guide carefully. Browse our shoe collection for size details on each pair.
Shopping by age group
Baby (0 to 18 months)
Rompers, bodies, sets and soft essentials. Check height in cm and choose soft, stretchy fabrics for comfort.
Shop baby →Toddler (18 months to 3 years)
Relaxed trousers, dresses and tops built for movement. Size up if your child is tall or active.
Shop kids →Child (3 years and up)
Outerwear, seasonal pieces and shoes. Use height in cm as your main reference point.
Shop all →We help you find the right size
Sizing is one of the main reasons parents visit our boutique. You can feel the fabric, try a size and compare labels side by side. We know how each brand fits and we can recommend the right size based on your child's age, height and how the piece is cut.
If you prefer a quieter visit, you can also book a private shopping appointment. We take the time to help you build a wardrobe that actually fits.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the size matching my child's age?
Not always. Age labels are a rough guide. Height and weight are more reliable. Always check the brand's size chart and compare it to your child's measurements.
What if my child is between two sizes?
For clothing, choose the larger size, especially for babies and toddlers. For shoes, measure foot length carefully and follow the brand guide. Do not size up in shoes the way you might with a romper.
Do European sizes run smaller than other sizes?
It depends on the brand, not the country. Some European labels run small and precise. Others are relaxed and generous. The brand's own size chart is the only reliable reference.
How often should I remeasure my child?
Every two to three months for babies and toddlers. Every three to six months for older children, or whenever clothes start feeling snug.
Can I get sizing help at The Singing Toes?
Yes. Visit us at Blauwburgwal 9H in Amsterdam, send us a message, or book a private appointment. We help with sizing every day and we know how our brands fit. Read more about our boutique.
Getting the size right takes a little patience. Once you know your child's measurements and how a brand fits, shopping becomes much easier.
We are here to help at every stage, from first bodysuits to growing school wardrobes.