When you’re expecting a baby, shopping for baby clothes can be an exciting experience. You may find yourself wondering, “Is 0-3 months the same as newborn clothes?” This is a fairly common question among new parents, and the answer can be a bit complex. Let’s delve into the world of baby clothing sizes and understand the crucial differences between newborn and 0-3 month clothing sizes.
The Difference Between Newborn and 0-3 Month Sizes
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand that newborn and 0-3 months are not identical sizes, and there is indeed a difference between them:
- Newborn size clothing is typically designed for babies who weigh between 5-8lbs and are up to 21.5 ” in length.
- 0-3 months clothing is for babies who weigh 8-12lbs and are 21.5-24 ” in height.
Essentially, newborn size clothing is designed to fit babies at birth, while 0-3 months clothing is designed to fit babies up to 3 months old.
Preparing for the Hospital

When packing your hospital bag, you’ll want to include clothes for your newborn. Recommended items include around 4 baby vests and 5-6 sleep suits https://mamarules.co.uk/blogs/mama-rules-blog/hospital-bag-checklist, socks, and a hat. These should be enough to last for a day or two in the hospital. As far as sizes go, it’s advisable to pack a couple of newborn sizes. If your baby is predicted to be larger than average, based on your last scan, it’s wise to bring along some 0-3 month sizes as well.
Understanding Newborn Size Clothing
Newborn size clothes are designed for babies born full term, usually weighing between 5-8lbs. However, the size specifications can vary from brand to brand. For instance, Walmart’s newborn size https://wmt-walmartinc2-1.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/43/~/clothing-size-charts caters to babies weighing 5.5-7.5lbs and 17.5-21″ in length, while Carter’s https://www.carters.com/size-chart fits babies weighing 6-9lbs and 18-21″ in length.
It’s important to remember that babies grow quickly, so they will outgrow newborn clothing rapidly. Therefore, invest wisely in newborn clothing, keeping in mind that you’ll soon need to move up to 0-3 month sizes.
The Duration of Newborn Size Clothing

The period your baby will stay in newborn size clothing largely depends on their size at birth. A baby weighing less than 8lbs at birth might stay in newborn clothing for about 3 to 4 weeks. On the other hand, larger babies, with a birth weight above 8lbs, may outgrow newborn sizes within a week.
Clothing Sizes for Premature Babies
Most stores offer clothing for premature babies or babies with a low birth weight. These ‘preemie clothes’ are often designed for newborns weighing around 5lbs and up to 17.5″ in height.
Understanding 0-3 Month Size Clothing
0-3 month size clothing is the next size up after newborn. During the first year, baby clothes sizes typically increase in groups of 3 months i.e. 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, and 9-12 months.
Is 0-3 Months the Same as 3 Months?
Yes, the sizes 0-3 months and 3 months essentially mean the same thing. They indicate that on average, the clothes should fit babies up to 3 months old.
How Long Will Your Baby Wear 0-3 Month Clothing?

The duration your baby will wear 0-3 month clothing depends on their size. Smaller than average babies may continue to wear 0-3 month size clothes when they are 4 or 5 months old. Conversely, larger babies might start wearing 3-6 month clothing when they are just 3 months old.
Comparing US, UK, and European Sizes
Baby clothing sizes can vary based on the country of origin. Here’s a brief comparison of US, UK, and European sizes for newborn and 0-3 month clothing:
Newborn Size Comparison
In the UK, some retailers offer a newborn size, while others start with 0-3 months. The newborn size typically fits babies up to 22 ” in height and up to 8-9lbs in weight. In Europe, sizes are based on the baby’s length. A newborn size there would be 56cm (22″).
0-3 Month Size Comparison
In the UK, the 0-3 months size is similar to the US, fitting babies between 9-12lbs and 22-24 ” in height. In Europe, the equivalent size is 56-62cm (22-24″).
Baby Clothes Sizes by Weight
Most U.S. clothing brands base their sizing on average baby weight for a given age. While measurements can vary by brand, here’s a basic guide for baby clothing sizes by weight:
- Preemie: Up to 5 pounds
- Newborn: 5 to 8 pounds
- 3 months: 8 to 12 pounds
- 6 months: 12 to 16 pounds
- 9 months: 16 to 20 pounds
- 12 months: 20 to 24 pounds
- 18 months: 24 to 28 pounds
- 24 months: 28 to 30 pounds
Organizing Baby’s Wardrobe
When organizing your baby’s wardrobe, it’s important to remember that babies need a lot of clothes, but you don’t need to buy everything at once. Start by putting together a layette, or set of clothing essentials, for the newborn days. This might include shirts, onesies, footed pajamas, rompers, two-piece outfits, dress-up outfits, socks or booties, sweaters, hats, and swimsuits.
Newborn Baby Clothes Sizes
When buying clothes for the newborn stage, you might think it’s common sense to buy the “Newborn” size, but it could be more practical to size up slightly. On average, “Newborn” clothes fit babies up to 8 pounds, which many babies outgrow quickly. Size 0-3 months should fit your baby up to 12 pounds, and you can roll up sleeves and pant legs for a few weeks while baby grows into the larger size.
European Baby Clothes Sizes
European baby clothing sizes are labeled based on maximum centimeters in height. For example, size 70 should fit a baby up to 70 centimeters, or around 27.5 inches long. Here’s a general guide for what European baby clothes sizes typically translate to in the U.S.:
Size 60 in Baby Clothes
A European size 60 is equivalent to U.S. size 3-6 months. This size will typically fit a baby who is 12 to 16 pounds, or 22 to 26 inches long.
Size 70 in Baby Clothes
Size 70 in Europe is similar to a 6-12 month size in the U.S. It should fit babies who are 16 to 20 pounds, or 26 to 28 inches long.
Size 80 in Baby Clothes
A European size 80 is about the same size as 12-24 months in the U.S. It likely fits babies ranging from 20 to 27 pounds, or 28 to 32 inches long.
Size 90 in Baby Clothes
Size 90 in Europe ranges is about a size 2T in the U.S. It should fit a toddler who weighs between 26 and 33 pounds or up to a height of 36 inches.
Size 100 in Baby Clothes
A European size 100 is about a 3T (and up to 4T) in the U.S. It’ll likely fit a toddler weighing between 31 and 38 pounds, or up to a height up to around 40 inches.
Understanding baby clothing sizes can be a bit tricky. However, when in doubt, it’s always better to size up. In no time, with a little trial and error, you’ll become a pro at deciphering which clothing sizes and brands work best for your little one.
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