Joybuy Insights

How to choose baby and children’s clothing without costly mistakes: practical tips for every age

Baby and children’s clothing needs to withstand a lot: spit-up, crawling, playing, washing and rapid growth. Yet many parents focus mainly on colour, brand or a low price. As a result, a garment may lose its shape after just a few washes or quickly become too small.

Three common pitfalls come up time and again:

  1. Confusing an age recommendation with the correct size. A nine-month-old baby will not automatically fit size 68. Always check your child’s height in centimetres and consult the brand’s size guide.
  2. Looking only at the material percentage. 95% cotton sounds clear enough, but the remaining fibres, stretch and finish also affect how a garment fits and washes.
  3. Buying shoes based on appearance. A striking colour or well-known brand says little about the fit. With children’s shoes, length, width, fastening and intended use are more important.

Which specifications deserve attention?

1. Size and room to move

For baby bodysuits and clothing for babies and toddlers, a good fit is practically important. A bodysuit that is too tight may pull when fastened. A size that is too loose can ride up or get in the way under other clothing.

So check:

  • the size code, such as 056, 068 or 092;
  • the corresponding body height;
  • the age recommendation as a guide only;
  • whether elastane is included for some stretch;
  • poppers or other fastenings on bodysuits.

A Chicco bodysuit in size 068 is linked in the product information to a height of 68 cm and an age range of up to around nine months. That is a useful starting point, but your child’s height remains the deciding factor.

2. Material and care

Cotton is widely used in cotton baby clothing, T-shirts and nightwear. It generally feels familiar and comfortable for everyday use and is easy to combine with other pieces. Do check the exact cotton content:

  • 100% cotton: a straightforward material composition without added stretch fibres;
  • 95% cotton and 5% elastane: some stretch, which can be useful for bodysuits and close-fitting styles;
  • 80% cotton, 16% polyester and 4% elastane: a blended composition with different properties in terms of stretch and care.

The product information does not replace the care label. Follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions. With baby clothing in particular, it is worth checking whether the garment can be washed at your preferred temperature and whether it is suitable for tumble drying.

3. Shoes: length, width and fastening

For children’s shoes, children’s sandals and Skechers trainers for children, the correct length is more important than the shoe size alone. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement. Then check the size guide for the specific model. Width can vary from one model to another; a standard width is sometimes indicated by D.

Also consider how the shoes will be used:

  • hook-and-loop fastening is practical for young children who want to put their shoes on themselves;
  • an adjustable heel strap can help keep clogs securely in place;
  • ventilation holes are useful on certain Crocs clogs for children;
  • a rubber outsole is suitable for many everyday play activities;
  • sandals are particularly useful in warm weather, but should fit securely without pinching.

A shoe designed for school and outdoor play does not necessarily need the same features as a lightweight style for wearing at home or around the swimming pool.

Our recommendations for each user profile

The choices below are linked to specific product details, such as size, material, fastening and product type. Before ordering, always check the current availability, price, size guide and care instructions on the product page.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Chicco 09005597000000 GIRLS WHITE 056

Chicco 09005597000000 GIRLS WHITE 056

Why it suits this profile: This white Chicco baby bodysuit in size 056 is a simple staple for the first few months and pairs easily with other clothing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size, age range and composition are clearly stated. This means you do not have to rely solely on a general age recommendation.

Main benefit & highlights

95% cotton, 5% elastane; short sleeves; size 056 and age range 56–03M.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Chicco 09011688000000 BOYS LIGHT BLUE 092

Chicco 09011688000000 BOYS LIGHT BLUE 092

Why it suits this profile: A 2-pack of baby bodysuits is practical for parents who need several changes a day and pay close attention to material specifications.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains two items, so one dirty garment does not immediately mean you need to buy another.

Main benefit & highlights

2-pack; 95% cotton and 5% elastane; size 092, corresponding to 92–24M.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Skechers Meteor-Lights - Krendox 401495L-RDBK 32

Skechers Meteor-Lights - Krendox 401495L-RDBK 32

Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for children who wear their shoes to school, for play and for everyday activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies a regular fit, width D and hook-and-loop fastening. This makes it easier to compare than simply judging the shoes by their appearance.

Main benefit & highlights

Size 32; synthetic upper; rubber sole; hook-and-loop fastening.

Suitable for: Independent toddlers
CROCS Classic Clog Kids White

CROCS Classic Clog Kids White

Why it suits this profile: The slip-on design and adjustable heel strap are practical for children who increasingly want to put their shoes on and take them off themselves.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The size guide provides foot lengths for each EU size. This lets you measure instead of ordering based solely on age or colour.

Main benefit & highlights

Croslite construction; ventilation holes; pivoting heel strap; sizes 17–18 to 38–39.

Combining baby and children’s clothing for different occasions

For everyday wear, layers are often more practical than one thick garment. A bodysuit under a T-shirt and shorts set can be useful when the weather is changeable. On warmer days, a baby outfit, lightweight girls’ clothing or boys’ clothing with short sleeves is easy to mix and match.

For the evening, consider:

  • short or long sleeves depending on the room temperature;
  • a fit that is not too loose;
  • soft, flat seams;
  • care instructions that are suitable for frequent washing.

A baby dress or pinafore skirt may be suitable for a special occasion, while a cotton top or set is a more practical choice for nursery and playtime. With every garment, think about how it will really be used, not just how it looks in the photograph.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about baby and children’s clothing

Which size baby clothes do I need?

Use your child’s height in centimetres as a starting point. For example, size 056 is intended for approximately 56 cm, while size 068 corresponds to approximately 68 cm. Also check the brand’s fit and allow room for layers.

How often should you wash baby clothes?

This depends on how they are used. Bodysuits and nightwear are generally washed more often than a cardigan or coat. Follow the care label and avoid using a higher temperature than recommended. This helps minimise unnecessary wear and colour fading.

How can I check whether children’s shoes fit properly?

Measure both feet at the end of the day and compare the larger foot with the model’s size guide. Check that the toes can move, the heel does not slip out of the shoe and the fastening offers enough room for adjustment. Fit varies by brand and model, including Skechers trainers for children and Crocs clogs for children.