Kids' size reviewsHow every size is really cut, brand by brand

Because there's no standard for kids' sizing — every brand measures a "4T" or a "size 8" against its own chart, so the same label can run a full size apart between two brands. A child who's a 5 at one brand can be a 6 at another, with no growing in between. The reliable move is to measure your child once and compare that to each brand's own published numbers instead of trusting the label — which is exactly what Little & Youth does, brand by brand.

Because kids rarely grow in proportion — a long torso, short legs, or a tall-lean build means one number won't fit head to toe. That's normal: tops track height and chest, bottoms track waist and inseam, so size each separately. Measure the child once, then match each garment to that brand's own chart — a lean kid often needs the length but a smaller waist, where an adjustable waistband helps.

It depends on the piece. Tops and pajamas can take a little growing room; pants, outerwear and anything with a fixed waist should fit now — an adjustable waistband is the safer way to buy time. 'Sizing up to last' backfires when the waist won't stay put or sleeves swallow hands. Measure the child and check each brand's own chart: a generous brand and a true-to-size one can sit two sizes apart on the same kid.

Often, yes. Baby sizing follows weight and height, not the age on the tag, so a solidly-built baby usually needs a larger size than their months — especially through the thighs and tummy. Size to the biggest measurement rather than squeezing the middle to match the length, and lean on pieces that give: two-piece outfits, snap or zip legs for diaper changes, and stretchy waists. Check each brand's weight/height chart, not the age label — the same "6-12M" is cut very differently brand to brand.