When shopping for clothes for premature babies, it's essential to understand the sizing charts to ensure a comfortable and proper fit. Preemies often require specialized clothing due to their smaller size, and these charts provide guidance on weight, height, chest measurements, and garment length.
General Sizing for Preemies
For preemies weighing up to 6 pounds and measuring up to 19 inches in height, here are the typical dimensions:
- Chest: 15 inches
- Daygown Length: 12 inches
- Coming Home Gown Length: 19 inches
- One-piece shoulder to crotch length: 12.5 inches
Velour & Cotton Layette Sizes
Rompers and Gowns
- Newborn (NB): Suitable for 6-8 pounds
- 0-3 Months (S): Fits 8-11 pounds
- 3-6 Months: For 12-15 pounds
- 6-9 Months: Designed for 16-19 pounds
- 9 Months: Ideal for 20-23 pounds
Hats & Bonnets
- Preemie size: Typically fits preemies
- Newborn (NB): 0-3 months
- Small (S): 3-6 months
- Medium (M): 6-12 months
- Large (L): 12-24 months
Special Occasion Gowns
- NB-3M: Neck: 10.5 inches, Length: 27 inches
- 6-9M: Neck: 11 inches, Length: 27 inches
- 9-12M: Neck: 11.5 inches, Length: 27 inches
Hats & Bonnets
- Woven Bonnets: Preemie circumference: 11"-13", NB-3M: 13"-16", 6-9M: 16"-17", 12-24M: 17"-20"
- Knit Hats & Bonnets: Preemie size, NB: 0-3M, S: 3-6M, M: 6-12M, L: 12-24M
- Velour & Pima Hats & Bonnets: Preemie size, NB: 0-3M, S: 3-6M, M: 6-12M, L: 12-24M
Booties
- Preemie: Length: 3 inches
- NB-3M: Length: 4 inches
- 6-9M: Length: 4.5 inches
Baby Girl (Preemie – 24 Months) and Girls' Preemie Sizes
The sizes for baby girls from preemie to 24 months follow a similar pattern as the general preemie sizing but may include additional details specific to dresses, bishop dresses, tea-length dresses, and coming home gowns.
Dresses and Gowns
- Standard Dress Length: Varies by age/size
- Bishop Dress Length: Varies by age/size
- Coming Home Gown Length: Varies by age/size
- One-piece shoulder to crotch length: Varies by age/size
Velour & Cotton Layette, Special Occasion Gowns, Hats & Bonnets, and Booties
These categories also have specific sizings based on weight, height, neck measurement, circumference, and length, catering to preemies and infants up to 24 months old.
It's important to note that actual sizes may vary between brands and manufacturers, so always double-check the sizing chart provided by the retailer. When in doubt, opt for slightly larger sizes to accommodate the baby's growth, ensuring comfort and room for movement., preemie clothing requires careful consideration when it comes to sizing. The charts provided give a comprehensive guide for selecting the right fit for preemies, ranging from rompers, gowns, hats, bonnets, and booties, to special occasion dresses and standard daily wear. With this information, parents and caregivers can make informed choices to keep their premature babies cozy and stylish.
