How to Measure Your Child
Written By: Melisa Rustemova
Updated: 10.09.24
Kids seem to grow up in the blink of an eye. One day their clothes fit perfectly, and the next they’re too tight. Measuring your children regularly and accurately from head to toe is key to ensuring their clothes and shoes fit just right.
This guide covers the essential measurements, how to take them correctly, and how to make sure your little one’s clothing fits perfectly every time.
Measuring Your Child At Home
As first-time parents, it’s easy to pick clothes that end up being too big or too small for your child, especially with brand sizing being different in every store. Don’t worry—we’ve put together an easy guide to help you measure your child properly and get the perfect fit.
Once you’ve taken those measurements, just match them to each brand’s size chart, and you’re all set for stylish outfits that fit like a dream.
Height: To measure your child’s height accurately, have them stand barefoot with their feet together and head held high. Make sure they stay still during the measurement and that they aren’t wearing socks or shoes, as this could throw off the results. Measure from their heel to the top of their head for the most accurate measurement.
Chest: To find your child’s chest size, wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of their chest, just under the arms. For older girls, measure from the fullest part of the chest to get the best fit. Pass the tape under their arms and across their breastbone, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight, leaving a little room for comfort. It’s best to take these measurements over a thin top or vest rather than bulky clothing.
Waist: Wrap the measuring tape around your child’s natural waistline, just above the hips and usually above the belly button. Hold the tape lightly to ensure a comfortable fit.
Inside Leg: To measure the inside leg, start at the top of the thigh and measure down to where the bottom of the trousers should fall. It’s easiest to take this measurement while your child has shoes on, so you can see where the trousers will rest. Make sure they stand tall with their legs slightly apart for the best results.
Hips: With your child standing tall and their legs together, wrap the tape around the widest part of their hips. This ensures their clothes slip on comfortably and fit well.
Neck: To measure your child’s neck, wrap a measuring tape around the base of the neck where a collar would naturally sit. For a little breathing room, you can place a finger or two between the tape and their neck.
Buying Clothes for Your Baby.
It can feel like your little ones are growing faster than you can keep up, so when buying clothes, keep sizing variations between brands in mind. Look for clothing that grows with them, like pieces with elasticated cuffs, drawstring waistbands, and stretchy materials.
It’s also smart to buy clothes that are at least one size bigger so they last longer. Sticking to a few trusted brands can make shopping easier too.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Your Child.
When measuring your child for clothing, precision is key, but avoiding common pitfalls can make all the difference. One frequent mistake is pulling the measuring tape too tight, particularly around the chest and waist, which can result in a fit that's overly restrictive and uncomfortable.
Additionally, it's important to measure your child in various postures—both standing and sitting—to ensure the garments allow for natural movement during everyday activities.
Seasonal adjustments are also crucial; for winter, allow room for layering, while summer attire should be fitted to prevent chafing. Beyond measurements, always prioritise breathable, flexible fabrics that offer comfort without limiting mobility, ensuring that your little one can move freely and comfortably.
How to Measure Your Child's Feet.
If your baby is confidently walking, it’s probably time to invest in a pair of well-fitting shoes. Children’s feet can grow by up to two full sizes in a year, so regular measurement is key. For toddlers, try measuring every six to eight weeks, and for younger babies, even more frequently.
Comfort and support are crucial for healthy foot development, so choose shoes that will keep their feet securely in place. Think Velcro or straps instead of laces for quicker morning routines.
While most shoe stores offer to measure your child’s foot, it’s handy to know how to do it yourself when shopping online. Here’s some simple steps to get accurate measurements:
- Have your child stand on a piece of paper with their heel against the wall.
- Mark the tip of their longest toe and the back of their heel.
- Measure the distance between these marks to find their foot length.
- For width, wrap a tape measure around the widest part of their foot.
- Measure both feet, as one is often slightly larger, and use the bigger size to ensure the best fit.
This method makes online shoe shopping easy and accurate.
Finding A Well-Fitting Shoe
Fit: Once the shoe is on your child’s foot, check the fit to ensure the measurements are accurate. Sizes can vary slightly between brands, so it’s good to do a quick check.
Width: Children’s shoes generally come in three widths: wide (H), narrow (D), or average (F). After putting on the shoe (with socks), use your fingers to feel the inside and outside, making sure there are no tight spots or pinching. The foot should sit evenly over the footbed, with a little wiggle room for the toes.
Depth: Check that there’s not too much pressure on the top of the foot by running your fingers over the shoe while your child wiggles their toes. There should be enough room for some movement, but not so much that the foot slips around, as this can cause rubbing.
Length: With your child’s heel snugly at the back of the shoe, the longest toe should have a little space at the front. Leave a small gap to give them room to grow.
Overall Fit: Lastly, check around the ankle opening. There shouldn’t be large gaps, as this could mean the shoe isn’t secure. The edge of a low-cut shoe should sit comfortably below the ankle, while a high-top should fully cover it for proper support.
