I ran across a question about baby clothing sizes on Yahoo! Answers the other day, and have to say that sizing has to be one of the most frustrating things about finding baby clothes that fit. Not only can it make you wonder whether your baby is growing properly, but it can make it difficult to shop.

First of all, clothing manufacturers tend to use their own sizing systems so there is really no “standard” when it comes to what measurements the clothing is designed to fit. In other words, a size 3-6 months in one brand may not be the same as a 3-6 month size in another brand.

Secondly, the use of “age in months” as a size is misleading. Just because your baby is 4 months old does not mean that the 3-6 month size will fit him or her. Children grow at different paces and in different ways, and it is not uncommon for them to wear a size that is different from the size that is “recommended” for their age. To make sure a size will fit your baby, look at the size chart to see what measurements the size is supposed to fit and make sure it will accommodate your child’s height and weight. More than likely, you will need to buy a size that is different than your baby’s age. That’s OK. The key is to make sure that an item will fit your baby comfortably, not to rely on the month-based sizing on the labels.

Finally, children today are healthier and frequently larger than they were decades ago when official size standards were first set. While most companies no longer use the standards, they may refer to them when creating their own sizing systems. Because of this, clothing sizes are sometimes designed for smaller measurements, with age-based sizing reflecting earlier times and not the growth trends of today.

So don’t worry that the sizes don’t match up to your baby’s age. Just keep the following in mind when you are buying clothes for your baby:

• Know your baby’s current length and weight before you shop.
• Always check the brand-specific size chart for the measurements that a size is intended to fit (note: the size charts on most online retailers’ websites are often generic and do not give you details on individual brands).
• Remember that measurements for a size may differ from brand to brand.
• Don’t assume that something will fit because the size on the label matches your baby’s age.
• If in doubt, hold the outfit up to your baby or try it on, if possible, to make sure that it fits your baby’s unique size and shape.
• Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your baby’s growth pattern.