Baby size guide 0–24 months: how to choose the right size

From the first bodysuit in hospital to the romper for their first birthday, choosing the right size for your little one can feel like a small but tricky puzzle. They grow fast, every brand fits differently and the worry is always the same: that it will be too tight or too big.

In this Fiocco Baby guide you’ll find some practical tips to help you find your way through sizes 0–24 months and choose bodysuits, rompers and outfits that keep them comfortable at every stage of growth.

1. Don’t just look at age, look at your baby too

Baby sizes are often given by age (0 months, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, etc.), but every baby grows at their own pace. That’s why it’s important to also consider their build: whether they’re long and slim, sturdy or “somewhere in between”.

Our advice is to look at:

• how long they are (approximate height);
• whether their tummy is rounder or flatter;
• whether their arms and legs are very chubby or slimmer.

If you’re torn between two sizes, for babies it’s often better to go for the slightly larger one: it will last a few weeks longer and be more comfortable to wear.

2. Bodysuits: the first layer that makes all the difference

The bodysuit is the piece your little one will wear most often, in direct contact with their skin. That’s why it’s important to get the size right: it shouldn’t pull at the shoulders or crotch, but it shouldn’t be too loose either.

When you try on a bodysuit:

• check that the neckline slips easily over their head;
• see whether the shoulders stay in place and don’t “slip” outwards;
• fasten the snaps underneath and check they don’t pull around the nappy area.

If you struggle to fasten the crotch or notice the bodysuit tends to “pull” when you lift their little legs, it’s time for the next size up.

3. Rompers and outfits: watch the feet and sleeves

All-in-one rompers are incredibly practical in the first months, because they cover the whole body and always keep little feet and hands warm (if they have fold-over cuffs).

To tell whether the size is right:

• check that their toes aren’t squashed at the tip of the foot;
• make sure the crotch doesn’t “pull” when your baby stretches their legs;
• look at the sleeves: they should reach the wrist, without being too short or rolled up too many times.

Remember that babies, especially at night, do a little “growing” within just a few days: a romper that’s slightly roomy at first will soon fit perfectly.

4. How to choose sizes for gifts

If you’re choosing a new baby gift or an outfit to give, try to think about when it will actually be worn. A baby born at the end of winter, for example, will wear gift clothes in spring or summer.

In these cases it can help to:

• choose one size up from the age they’ll be when they wear it;
• prefer “versatile” fabrics and styles (soft cotton, neutral colours, comfortable cuts);
• avoid very thick clothes if they’ll be worn in mild or warm seasons.

5. How many sizes should you buy in advance?

It’s natural to want to get the wardrobe ready well in advance, but babies really do grow quickly, especially in the first year. To avoid ending up with lots of clothes that are never worn:

• build a small stock of the sizes they’ll wear soon (e.g. newborn / 1 month / 3 months);
• limit purchases in the larger sizes (9–12–18 months) and choose only truly versatile pieces;
• update the wardrobe as they grow, noticing what you use most in everyday life.

6. Fiocco Baby’s advice

Every baby is unique: that’s why, in addition to general size guidance, in our shop you’ll find detailed product descriptions and a team ready to help you.

If you’re unsure between two sizes, write to us: tell us your little one’s age, weight, height and a few details about them, and we’ll help you choose the most suitable size. Our goal is to dress them in tenderness and comfort, giving them all the freedom to move and grow happily.