How to Measure Children

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hildren grow really fast and taking accurate measurements every few months ensures that any new clothes will fit perfectly. When taking measurements, make sure the child is not wearing thick clothing — if possible, measure them in their underwear. Remember that children grow in spurts so buying clothing with adjustable straps and waistbands will fit them for much longer.

Babies

Lay your baby on their back and measuring their length from head to toe using a tape measure. This chart from the American Center for Disease Control shows average weight and clothing sizes for babies.

Toddlers and Children

Have the child stand against a wall and measure their height, marking the wall at the top of his or her head lightly with a pencil (like in the old days!), or measure them from head to foot with a measuring tape.

Chest

With the child's arms down, wrap the measuring tape under the arms and across the fullest part of their chest and shoulder blades, making sure the tape is parallel to the floor. Leave a two finger gap to allow for room to move in the garment.

Waist

Measure around the natural waistline, slightly above the navel and again, add a two finger allowance for movement.

Hips

Measure around fullest point of the buttocks and hips, always holding the tape parallel to the floor.

Inseam

The easiest way is to measure a pair of pants that fit the child well. Measure along the inseam from crotch to bottom of leg hem. If pants are not available, measure from ankle to groin while the child is standing.

Shoes

Young feet grow at a rapid rate (even up to 2 shoe sizes in a year). To get an accurate measurement, have the child stand on a piece of paper and keeping the pencil or pen straight, trace around the circumference of the foot. Then, with a ruler measure that outline’s longest distance (toe to heel) — that is their shoe size.

Wearing the wrong size shoes can cause irreversible foot deformities, so it’s important that you measure your child’s feet correctly. (Babies should only start to wear shoes when they begin walking.) Also, look for shoes made from natural materials such as leather to allow for air circulation and prevent sweating. Plastic shoes may look cute but they are NOT OK.

There should be at least a 3/4 inch space in the shoe to allow for “wiggle room” and growth. Don’t rely on what the shoe size says — take measurements yourself. The length of the sole is NOT an indication of how much room is on the inside of the shoe (lining, seams).

Here’s a link to a handy printable foot size chart for kids 1–6 years old: blitzresults.com

The following link has extensive charts and lots of info on International conversion sizes: blitzresults.com