Baby Clothes and Shoe Size Guide

Why sizing feels like a guessing game

Babies grow fast, and a size label gives you only a rough idea. One brand's 3 to 6 months is another's 0 to 3, and a chunky baby and a long, lean baby can be the same age and need different sizes. The good news is that two simple measures, weight and height, get you most of the way there.

Baby clothes sizes by weight and height

Each region labels baby sizes differently. The US and UK use months (0-3M, 3-6M and so on), Europe uses your baby's height in centimetres, and Australia uses numbers, with lots of zeros for the smallest sizes. The chart below lines them up. Weights and heights are from Primark's UK size guide, the EU column from European height sizing, and the Australian numbers from Australian brand charts, where one or two sizes can shift between brands.

These are approximate retailer ranges, not a standard. The same brand's bodysuit, sleepsuit and jacket can even fit differently. If your baby is between sizes, go by whichever of weight and height is larger, and compare the brand's own measurements. Primark's size guide also suggests allowing for your baby's growth rate, the style of the garment and the nappy underneath.

• Newborn size. Many babies are born close to, or just above, newborn size, so don't buy a whole wardrobe of it. A few outfits are plenty. See our newborn essentials guide for what to have ready.
• Premature babies. They have smaller sizes, down to 1 kg or less in some ranges, and some babies skip newborn size entirely.
• Buying ahead. Buying one size up is sensible, but check the season. A winter-weight outfit in the next size may not fit in time for the cold weather, or may be too warm by the time it does.

How to tell if clothes are too small

Babies cannot tell you, so look for these signs:

1. It feels snug across the chest or tummy, or the garment is short in the body.
2. The poppers won't stay closed, or you are fighting to fasten them.
3. Red marks on the skin where a seam, elastic or neckline sits.
4. The legs ride up and the feet are squashed in the footed sleepsuit.

A little extra length is a good thing. You can fold the cuffs on sleeves and legs to get more wear, and pieces with several rows of poppers adjust as your baby grows (Primark size guide). For what to dress your baby in at night, see our safe sleep guide.

Baby clothing safety tips

• Choose well-fitting nightwear. Australia's product safety regulator (ACCC) says loose, baggy nightwear carries a higher fire risk. No nightwear is fireproof.
• Check the fire label. Children's nightwear sold in Australia should carry a fire danger label, and the ACCC advises against high fire danger nightwear around open flames or heat sources.
• Avoid loose cords and drawstrings. Cords around the head and neck can catch on objects. The ACCC's guidelines for suppliers recommend that clothing for children up to age 7 has no drawstrings or cords, and say press studs, buttons or Velcro are preferred. They are recommendations, so check the garment yourself.

Do babies need shoes?

Mostly, no. A podiatry leaflet from an NHS community service says a child does not need shoes until they start walking, and soft shoes are optional for warmth and protection outdoors. Before that, socks, booties or soft pre-walker shoes are enough. A first proper shoe is usually needed around the first independent steps, which for most children come somewhere between about one and two and a half years, according to the Royal College of Podiatry (UK).

Baby shoe sizes

Shoe sizing is even less standard than clothing, because each country and brand uses its own numbers. The table below is an Australian retailer's chart, to use as a guide only. Measure your child's foot from heel to the tip of the longest toe, add about 1 cm for growing room, and compare that with the "shoe length" column. The age column is only a rough illustration, because feet vary a lot at any age. Check the maker's own fitting instructions before you buy.

How to measure a baby's foot

1. Trace it. Stand or sit your child with their foot flat on a sheet of paper and draw around it. A wriggly foot is hard to hold against a tape measure.
2. Measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe.
3. Add about 1 cm for growing room, then find the size whose shoe length is closest to that number. If you fall between two sizes, choose the larger one.
4. Measure both feet and size for the bigger one.
5. Check late in the day, when feet are a little bigger.

What a good first shoe looks like

• A flexible sole so the foot can move naturally.
• Room for the toes to lie flat, with no pressure, and enough width as well as length.
• A fastening (laces, buckle or Velcro) that keeps the heel in place instead of letting the foot slide forward.
• Breathable materials, such as natural fabric or leather, which help prevent sweaty feet and blisters.
• No slipping or creasing at the heel when your child walks.

The Royal College of Podiatry also suggests skipping novelty designs with flashing lights, letting new shoes be worn around the house first, and avoiding socks that are too short or tight.

How often to check

Toddler feet grow quickly. Both the Royal College of Podiatry and an NHS leaflet recommend checking fit about every six to eight weeks. Press gently to feel where the toes sit, and look for red marks, or a child who suddenly dislikes putting shoes on.

Common mistakes and confusing bits

1. Buying by age alone. Use weight, height and the brand's own chart.
2. Buying too much newborn size. It may only last a few weeks.
3. Buying shoes before walking. Soft booties or socks are enough.
4. Going too big on shoes. Aim for about 1 cm, not several sizes of extra room, or your child may trip.
5. Forgetting to recheck. Feet outgrow shoes faster than you expect.
6. Mixing up the systems. An Australian size 3 shoe is not the same as an Australian size 3 months, and EU, UK and US shoe sizes differ.

Frequently Asked Questions