Understanding children's sizes: The practical guide for dads

In Austria and Germany are Kids sizes Fortunately standardized and easy to understand. The clothing size is essentially the same as your child's body length: A 110 cm tall child therefore wears dress size 110. This rule applies especially from the toddler age (around 2 years of age) — at this age, the sizes of boys and girls in centimeters usually match the dress size.

For babies, the sizes are often in double sizes specified (e.g. 50/56, 62/68, etc.). The first clothing size for newborns is common size 50, which roughly stands for a body length of up to 50 cm. Many manufacturers offer baby clothes in double sizes — for example, fits Dimension 50/56 Babies about 45 to 56 cm tall. In general, baby and child sizes are found in steps of six (50, 56, 62, 68,...). This means that every ~6 cm of growth, your child normally needs the next highest size.

Important: Every child is different — the information is indicative. It is best to measure your child regularly by measuring them barefoot from crown to sole. If the measurement result is between two quantities, dial the larger number if in doubt. Babies grow fast, it is therefore advisable to go one size larger so that the garment does not immediately become too small. This allows your child to “grow” into the clothes and wear them longer.

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Kids' Clothing Size Chart (0-10 Years)

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Below you'll find a sizing chart with the most common clothing sizes for babies and children in Austria/Germany — from birth to around ten years of age. The table shows the approximate age, the body size in centimeters and the corresponding clothing size (EU size) In addition, an orientative weight specified where relevant. Please note that these are averages and that each child grows individually. Especially with older children, weight and proportions vary more — here the weight is only a rough guide.

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Note: Premature babies (premature babies) often carry special Premature baby sizes (e.g. 44 or even 38 for extremely small babies). If your baby was very small or light (less than ~3 kg) at birth, size 50 may be too big at first — it might be worth buying size 44 or 46. However, most newborns with an average weight (approx. 3.3 kg) fit directly into size 50 or 56.

The clothing size corresponds to the body length in cm — so you don't have to convert anything, just measure. However, there may be differences from brand to brand, more on that later. The table above, based on usual size tables, can be used as a rough guide

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Newborns (0-3 months): All beginnings are small

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For newborns And very young babies are the sizes 50 and 56 relevant. Many babies start with size 56, especially if they weigh over ~4 kg or are slightly longer than 50 cm at birth. Smaller newborns (under ~3 kg) often wear size 50 at first. These sizes are often referred to as “Newborn”-Sizes refer to and cover approximately the first weeks of life. After a few weeks, most babies have outgrown size 50 — so don't plan too much clothing in the smallest size.

Tip: Buy the initial equipment in size 56 and possibly a few pieces in 50, if your baby is very delicate. Newborns grow rapidly in the first few weeks, often several centimeters in the first month. Clothing should therefore Not too close sit. Choose soft, comfortable onesies and bodysuits that have a bit Air to the top Leave — sleeves and trouser legs can be turned over if necessary. Also pay attention to practical cuts (such as wrap bodies, rompers with snaps) so that dressing, undressing and wrapping is easy.

For the very little ones, there is also the season Important: A winter baby may need size 56 as a warm jumpsuit or sleeping bag, a summer baby may need more lightweight cotton clothing. If your baby is born during the transition months, keep in mind that it could quickly be one size larger within a season. So don't buy jackets or suits too scarce — if in doubt, a little bigger and work with a blanket or an additional layer if it still needs to grow into it.

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Babies (up to 12 months): Mastering rapid growth

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Growth continues rapidly in the first year of life. From size 62 over 68 to 74/80 Does your baby go through several jumps in clothes in twelve months. Babies typically wear size 62 at ~3 months, 68/74 at 6 months and size 80 towards the end of the first year (86 for larger babies). Many manufacturers use dual sizes such as 74/80, which should fit for several months This takes some of the pressure off of constantly buying new clothes — the things “grow with you” until the child reaches the next double size.

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Tips for babies:

• Growth spurts: In the first year, babies go through several growth spurts. It can happen that a onesie that fit last week is suddenly too small. Therefore, always keep one or two pieces in the next size ready. Many parents buy cheap clothes for the upcoming size at the end of the season. Example: Buy a winter jacket in size 74/80 in late summer when the baby is currently wearing 68 — so you'll be prepared when winter comes and the baby has grown.
  
  
• Fit: Baby clothes should be comfortable and not constrictive. Choose earlier wide cuts with pants and tops, as babies still lie and kick a lot. Soft elastic cuffs, stretchy materials (jersey, stretch) and adjustable fasteners (such as long snaps on bodysuits) ensure longer use.
  
  
• Pay attention to seasons: Plan your wardrobe according to the season and the expected size. A 6-month-old baby needs warm clothing in size ~68/74 in winter. For summer, you should switch to short clothes in size 80. Remember that babies are dressed flexibly in layered (onion look) — so buy a thin long-sleeved shirt more than a thick sweater so that you can vary depending on the weather.
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Infants (1—3 years): activity and fit

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At around one year of age, babies become small runners and climbers — What counts now is comfortable, sturdy clothing. At the age of 1 to 3 years Do most children wear sizes of 86/92 up to approximately 98. In the second year of life (1—2 years), size 86/92 is usual, from the third birthday often size 98. Growth slows down somewhat compared to baby age, but growth spurts are still happening. The clothes now usually fit longer than just a few months — one size often lasts just under a year before changing to the next.

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Tips for toddlers:

• Freedom of movement: Toddlers are constantly on the move. Clothing should therefore Sit well but not too tight be. Pay attention to stretchy cuffs and adjustable waistlines (many pants in these sizes have elastic buttons on the inside). This allows the pants to grow with you if your child has a small growth spurt or if, for example, they have a tummy after eating.
  
  
• Durable materials: Clothing is now being used properly — whether on the playground, in daycare or at home. Choose durable materials that can withstand frequent washing. cotton and cotton blends are ideal for everyday use, while outdoor clothing, for example, may also be made of durable polyester/nylon (such as mud pants). Eighth at secondhand clothing For this age, especially on state (see tips below) — Knees and elbows of shirts or pants should not be too thin-sharpened so that the clothes can survive a second child.
  
  
• Seasons & stock: Toddlers may grow more slowly, but it's still worth planning ahead. shoes Should always be bought in the right size (not on an increase here, as shoes that are too big are likely to cause accidents), but when it comes to clothing, you can play with something. A winter jacket for a 2-year-old can easily be worn in size 98 Even though 92 currently fits — that's how a thick sweater fits underneath and the jacket might still work next winter. If you sell out, you can buy T-shirts for summer one size larger for next year.
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Children (4—10 years): Kindergarten and school age sizes

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In Preschool and primary school age (approx. 4 to 10 years), clothing sizes are getting higher and higher, but are still roughly the same as body size. A child with a height of 1 meter needs size 100 — but since there are only straight sizes, that would be Size 104 (the next larger clothing size). Four to five year olds They usually wear size 104 or 110; Six-year-old approximately 116; with eight years Are there many children at 128 and with ten years approximately at 140 arrived (146, depending on growth). Children's growth curves can now be more individual: Some grow fast early, others later. Therefore, ages are only ever approximate.

schoolchildren often need new sizes less often than toddlers, as growth is more uniform — but they often do A jump in size every year (Many children shoot up around their 6th birthday or around the start of school, for example). As a rough rule of thumb, you can assume: Approximately per year a dress size more, i.e. size ≈ age x 6 + 70. But there are big differences in this age group — so pay attention to your child's individual measurements.

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Tips for older kids:

• Promote self-employment: From the age of ~4, children start dressing and undressing themselves. Clothing in this age group should therefore virtually be: simple fasteners (Velcro instead of laces on shoes, zippers instead of 100 buttons on the jacket), and the right fit so that nothing gets in the way. If the pants are too tight at the waistband, your child will be reluctant to wear them — here, if necessary, opt for pants with an elastic waistband or an adjustable waistband.
  
  
• Fit differences: The older the children, the more clearly individual body proportions become apparent. Some kids are very slimline, others stronger, some have longer legs or arms than their peers. It's worth trying out different brands here. Did you know that the fit can vary depending on the manufacturer? For example, H&M children's clothing is more likely taller and farther off than average, while C&A often smaller and narrower cuts — a child who otherwise wears size 116 may already need 122 at C&A. Such differences explain why a shirt in 128 from brand X can sit completely differently than one in 128 from brand Y. So keep an eye on the Brand differences And if in doubt, use the manufacturer's size charts or try on the clothes.
  
  
• When buying in season, plan: It is also a good idea for kindergarten and school children to plan ahead. Just winter clothes (expensive to buy) should ideally last two winters. A snowsuit In size 110, it could be a bit too big for a 4-year-old, but it still fits well at 5. Better get one size bigger here and roll up your sleeves/trouser legs in the first winter. In summer, on the other hand, you can be more relaxed with T-shirts or shorts — if they no longer fit next year, they will often be heavily stressed by romping around anyway or can then be used as spare clothing.
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Buying used children's things: tips for buying second-hand

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Children grow out of their clothes so quickly that many pieces are still almost Like new are. Buying them used is not only easy on your wallet, but also on the environment. Before we get into the sustainable benefits, here are a few practical Tips on what to look for when buying second-hand children's clothing — whether at the flea market or on platforms such as Neworn or Vinted:

• Condition: Check the garment carefully Stains, holes and wear. Especially knee areas on pants, elbows on sweaters and the collar or the snap fasteners on baby bodysuits are showing wear and tear. A light washing scrub (pilling) is normal, but avoid parts with very heavy pilling or worn cuffs. Also take a look at zippers — do they still work properly? Secondhand is particularly worthwhile for well-preserved children's things, which have hardly any defects.
  
  
• Material & quality: High-quality materials Several children often survive better than cheap substances. Pay attention to cotton, wool or high-quality functional materials, which retain their shape even after many washes. Avoid second-hand clothing that is already thin-sharpened or has lost its shape (such as heavily warped T-shirts). With stretch fabrics (such as leggings, socks) Check whether they are still elastic or have already “worn out”. It is often worthwhile to use well-known quality brands — a branded shirt can still look great after two children, while a very cheap no-name shirt may bleach after the first wear.
  
  
• Stretchability & Closures: Test the elastic bands in cuffs, sleeves or at the foot of the romper. Rubbers can lose elasticity over time. If the waistband is worn out, the pants will slide down your child later. push buttons and Velcro straps should still close well (Velcro can be removed from lint with tweezers if necessary). With Schuhen Check the soles: Are they already severely worn out or are they still good? And are shoelaces/ties intact? Such details determine whether second-hand clothing is really still suitable for everyday use.
  
  
• Washability: Look into Care label. Especially second-hand, you should wash everything well, ideally hot enough to remove any germs. Garments that can only be washed at 30°C or require special care (hand wash, dry cleaning) are impractical in everyday family life — especially for children, where stains are common. Therefore, prefer used clothes that you Machine wash easily can. Also check whether the garment may have already been received: if a sweater is marked “98” but only looks as big as a 92 (may have shrunk due to incorrect washing), better not take it.
  
  
• Note brand differences: As mentioned above, sizes fall depending on brand looks different. This also applies to second-hand purchases: A used part in size 116 from brand A may fit differently than one from brand B. When in doubt, ask: Many online sellers provide information in the description such as “If bigger is more like 122.” Some platforms (such as Neworn) offer reviews or fit details. If in doubt, get the dimensions (length, width) of the garment and compare it with a piece that fits your child. That way, you won't have any unpleasant surprises.
  
  

These tips will help you with Buying used children's clothes to find real bargains that your child will still enjoy. Second-hand clothes are often significantly cheaper than new — and basics such as bodysuits, T-shirts or jeans can be found in abundance on the secondhand market.

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Secondhand = sustainable and convenient for families

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In addition to the price advantage, second-hand children's clothing has in particular a sustainable Use. Using clothes for longer means Save resources: Fewer new textiles have to be produced (which saves water, energy and raw materials) and less old clothing ends up in the trash. According to the founder of the Viennese startup Neworn In Austria, around 83% of clothes not recycled and instead dispose of it in landfills, which contributes significantly to the global waste problem. In addition, the fashion industry causes more CO₂ emissions than global air and shipping combined. Every kid's jacket that you Secondhand reuse, therefore helps to avoid waste and reduce the CO₂ footprint. Children's clothing in particular is ideal for reusebecause it is often barely worn out when the little ones grow out.

Secondhand also contributes to Relieving the burden on young families with: You can resell your children's belongings that have become too small (create space in the closet and bring in some more money) and buy larger clothes cheaply in return. This creates a sustainable cycle. Neworn, for example, pursues the vision of extending the life cycle of children's clothing and thus sustainably supporting families. Why buy new when other parents are the same children's clothes Have barely carried anything lying around in the closet? By Secondhand purchase Does the clothing get a second chance instead of being wasted.

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Conclusion: For you as a father in Austria, who may be new to the world of children's clothes Is, is it worth the Kids sizes to understand and to heed a few simple tips. How to find yourself in the size jungle of newborn via babies and toddlers up to the larger Kindern Get right and always buy the right clothes. With the size chart and the tips in this guide, you can estimate in the future what size your child needs and how you will also Secondhand purchase Make good decisions. This is easy on your wallet, your nerves — and thanks to platforms like Neworn, it's also easy on the environment. Good luck buying clothes and enjoy watching your offspring conquer the world in every new size!

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