"He was a 3–4 last month and now the sleeves are too short!" If you've ever said this, you're not alone. Kids aged 2–8 can grow 5–7 cm a year, and every brand sizes a little differently. The good news: once you know what to measure and how to read a size chart, ordering kids' clothes online becomes much easier – and returns become rare.
This guide explains how to measure your child in 2 minutes, a typical height-by-age reference, and simple rules for choosing between two sizes.
Quick answer: how do I choose my child's size?
- Go by height and chest, not age. Age labels are just a starting point.
- Measure your child (or a well-fitting garment) and compare with the size chart on the product page.
- Between two sizes? Go one size up – especially for cotton and for outfits you want to last a season.
How to measure your child (2-minute method)
You need a soft measuring tape and a cooperative child (a snack helps!). Measure over light clothing.
- Height: stand them barefoot against a wall, heels together. Place a book flat on their head, mark the wall, then measure from the floor.
- Chest: wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms. Keep one finger between the tape and the body.
- Waist: measure around the natural waist (just above the belly button). For elasticated pants and shorts this matters less, but it helps for fitted bottoms.
- Top length: from the highest point of the shoulder down to where you want the shirt or kurta to end.
Pro tip: the easiest way is to lay a shirt that fits your child well on a flat surface and measure it. Compare those numbers with the garment measurements in our size charts.
Typical height by age (reference only)
Children grow at different rates, so use this as a rough guide and always confirm with the product's own size chart.
| Age | Typical height range (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2–3 years | 86–98 cm |
| 3–4 years | 94–104 cm |
| 4–5 years | 100–110 cm |
| 5–6 years | 106–117 cm |
| 6–7 years | 112–123 cm |
| 7–8 years | 118–129 cm |
If your child is taller than average for their age, start with the size that matches their height, not their birthday.
The 5 golden rules for sizing kids' clothes
1. Size up for cotton
Natural fabrics like cotton breathe beautifully but can shrink slightly after the first few washes. If your child is on the edge of a size, take the bigger one. Washing in cold water and drying in shade also helps.
2. Think about the season
Summer coord sets and night suits can be a relaxed fit for airflow. For winter sets, leave room for a thin layer underneath.
3. Festive wear lasts longer with room to grow
A kurta bought for Diwali often gets worn at weddings through winter. One size up keeps it wearable for months.
4. Elastic waists are forgiving
Most kids' shorts, pants and pyjamas have elasticated waists, so focus on length and chest when choosing a size.
5. Siblings? Measure each child
Two kids a year apart can be the same size – or two sizes apart. Measure each child separately.
Size tips by outfit type
| Outfit | What to check | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Coord sets (shirt + shorts) | Chest, shirt length | Shirt should close easily over the tummy |
| Kurta pyjama / kurta dhoti | Chest, kurta length | Kurta should fall around mid-thigh to knee |
| Sharara / lehenga | Height, waist | Hem shouldn't touch the floor – avoids tripping |
| Dresses | Chest, length | Check twirl room around the arms |
| Night suits | Height | A relaxed fit is more comfortable for sleep |
Signs an outfit is too small
- Sleeves end above the wrist bone
- Buttons pull or gape across the chest
- Red marks from the waistband after a few hours
- Your child keeps tugging at the collar or crotch
Shop by size with confidence
Every Bebe Unicorn product page has a size guide next to the size selector. Measure once, compare, and if the fit isn't right, we offer easy 7-day exchanges.
FAQs: kids clothing sizes
What size should I buy for a 4 year old?
Most 4-year-olds fit a 4–5 years size, but if your child is tall or broad for their age, check height and chest against the size chart – they may need 5–6 years.
Should I buy kids' clothes one size bigger?
If your child is between sizes, or if the outfit is 100% cotton or meant for a whole season, yes – one size up is usually the safer choice.
Why does my child fit different sizes in different brands?
Each brand uses its own patterns and fit (regular, relaxed or slim). That's why measuring your child and checking each product's size chart is more reliable than going by age.
How much do kids grow in a year?
Between ages 2 and 8, many children grow roughly 5–7 cm per year, which is why most kids move up a size about once a year.
Do cotton clothes shrink?
Cotton can shrink slightly in the first washes, especially in hot water or a dryer. Wash cold, dry in shade, and size up if you're unsure.
Found this useful? Save it for your next shopping session – and share it with a parent friend who's always guessing sizes! 📏
