In the spring, I started buying 6-9/9/9-12 month size clothes for the summer, because I didn’t want to go through two sizes over the summer. Though a bit big, t-shirts worked. But, shorts, leggings, & pjs unfortunately I had to buy from 3-12 month in sizes depending on the brand. But her growth slowed down and really, she’s been a 3-6 month size in most brands, even though I dressed her in some larger clothing. I even have a 0-3 month skirt from last summer that still fits her.
But this weekend, we hit a milestone: 9 month Carter’s PJs.
For better or worse, Carter’s sizing is my yardstick. I suppose because they are consistent across clothing type & because everyone seems to have at least some Carter’s clothes. In addition, PJs are my marker of a true clothing size change because they have less wiggle room on sizing. Shorts might have stretchier waists & t-shirts will work snug or baggy. Footie pajamas can only work for a limited time.
So about 8.5 months later than the average child, we’ve moved to the next size PJ. Unfortunately, Carter’s doesn’t start adding anti-slip grips to the feet of PJs until 12 month size. Good thing we’ve got mostly carpeted floors! Our little walker has been walking in 6 month non-grippy PJs for a few months, and has done okay, but most days this means stripping her to a diaper to run around when she first wakes up in the morning. This has been fine for the summer, but could be a problem when it gets colder.
Growth Spurt Signs
There were other signs of this little growth spurt:
- Hitting her head when she walked under the table.
- Her big belly shrinking (she tends to fatten up slightly then stretch, which means she goes up & down in pant sizes.)
- Finding things in her little hands that were previously safe in the middle of bed stands & end tables.
- An easier time & greater willingness to climb down the stairs (each step used to be like a little jump.)
Oddly not on this list: eating everything in sight. I thought at one point she seemed to be eating more, but as I look back, no more so than her normal feast to famine eating habits. I’ve thought she was going through a growth spurt a few times before based on food intake. One of those times it actually turned out her growth had slowed down. (Which was right around the time I was starting to buy 9 month clothing.) I’ve come to find eating an unreliable way to predict growth spurts.
So my next dilemma? What size to buy for fall/winter? Layering helps, but I still need to draw a line. I’ll hold off awhile, but with consignment sale season starting soon, i’ll have to decide in the next several weeks. I’m leaning toward 9 month sizes, but perhaps 12 month is a wise move to take me throughout the whole season?
Any other moms with slow growers out there (or regular or fast growers) have some clothing buying tips? Leave a comment below.
