What Is Size 80 in Baby Clothes? A Complete Parent’s Guide

Shopping for baby clothes should be exciting — not confusing. But when you see number labels like 50, 62, 74, and 80 on clothing tags instead of familiar age ranges, it’s easy to feel lost. If you’ve been wondering what size 80 means in baby clothes, you’re in good company. Millions of parents ask this exact question every year.

This guide explains everything you need to know about baby clothing size 80 — what it means, which babies it fits, how it compares across US, UK, and European sizing systems, and practical tips to always buy the right fit.

What Does Size 80 Mean in Baby Clothes?

Size 80 in baby clothes refers to European sizing, where the number represents a child’s height in centimeters. A garment labeled “80” is designed for a baby who is approximately 80 cm (about 31.5 inches) tall.

In practical terms, size 80 typically fits babies who are:

• Age: 9 to 18 months (varies by brand and baby)
• Height: 76 to 82 cm (approximately 30 to 32 inches)
• Weight: 20 to 27 pounds (9 to 12 kg)

The number isn’t random — it’s a direct measurement guide. Once you understand this, European baby clothing sizes become much easier to navigate.

Size 80 in US vs. UK vs. European Sizing

One of the biggest sources of confusion is that different countries use different sizing systems. Here’s how size 80 compares across regions:

Sizing System	What Size 80 Equals	Based On
European (EU)	Size 80	Height in centimeters
United States (US)	~12 months	Age range
United Kingdom (UK)	9–12 months	Age range
Hanna Andersson	Size 80 (30–32 inches, 20–27 lbs)	Height in centimeters

The European sizing system is widely regarded as more accurate because it’s based on your baby’s actual body measurements rather than a general age estimate. Brands like Hanna Andersson have adopted this height-based approach for exactly this reason — every baby grows at their own pace, and age labels can be misleading.

Baby Clothing Size Chart: Full European Size Guide

To give you a broader picture of where size 80 falls in the overall progression, here’s a complete reference chart:

European Size	Approx. Age	Height (cm)	Height (inches)	Weight (lbs)
50	Newborn / Premature	46–52 cm	18–20 in	Up to 8 lbs
56	0–1 months	52–56 cm	20–22 in	8–10 lbs
62	0–3 months	56–62 cm	22–24 in	10–13 lbs
68	3–6 months	62–68 cm	24–27 in	13–16 lbs
74	6–9 months	68–74 cm	27–29 in	16–20 lbs
80	9–18 months	74–82 cm	29–32 in	20–27 lbs
86	12–18 months	82–86 cm	32–34 in	24–29 lbs
92	18–24 months	86–92 cm	34–36 in	27–33 lbs

As you can see, size 80 sits right in that active, transitional stage where babies are becoming more mobile, starting to pull themselves up, and often taking their first steps.

Why Does the Age Range for Size 80 Vary So Much?

You’ll notice that size 80 is sometimes listed as fitting babies 9–12 months, and other times listed as 12–18 months or even up to 24 months. This happens for a few reasons:

1. Every baby grows differently. A baby at the 90th height percentile might reach 80 cm at 9 months. Another baby growing closer to the 25th percentile might still comfortably wear size 80 at 16 months.

2. Brand sizing varies. Even within the European system, different brands interpret size 80 slightly differently. Carter’s 12-month sizing, for example, runs smaller than a European size 80 from brands like Hanna Andersson or Minis Only.

3. Measurement, not age, is the real guide. This is the most important takeaway: always measure your baby’s height and weight rather than relying on age alone. A baby who is 78 cm tall should wear size 80 — regardless of whether they are 10 months or 15 months old.

How to Measure Your Baby for Size 80 Clothes?

Getting an accurate measurement takes less than two minutes. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Lay your baby flat on a firm, flat surface (a changing table works well).
2. Use a soft measuring tape or a piece of string measured against a ruler.
3. Measure from the top of the head to the heel, keeping the baby’s legs as straight as possible.
4. Note the weight from your last pediatrician visit or a home baby scale.
5. Compare to the brand’s size chart — don’t assume all brands use identical measurements.

If your baby measures between 76 cm and 82 cm (30–32 inches), size 80 is your target range. If they are right at the upper end — say, 81 or 82 cm — it’s smart to consider sizing up to 86 for a bit more room.

Size 80 Across Popular Brands

Different brands use slightly different measurements even when they share the same size label. Here’s a quick reference for some well-known names:

Brand	Size 80 Fits	Notes
Hanna Andersson	30–32 in / 20–27 lbs	Height-based European system
Carter’s	12 months (approximately)	Age-based US system
Zara Kids	80 cm / 9–12 months	European size standard
H&M	80 cm / 9–12 months	European size standard
Next (UK)	9–12 months	Age and height combined

Pro tip: Always look for the brand’s specific size chart on their website before ordering online. Many brands list both height and weight ranges, which gives you the most accurate fit.

What to Look for When Buying Size 80 Baby Clothes

Beyond just the number on the tag, here are a few things that will help you shop smarter for size 80 clothing:

Fabric matters. Organic cotton and bamboo blends are soft, breathable, and gentle on sensitive baby skin. Keep in mind that organic cotton can shrink slightly — look for pre-washed or pre-shrunk options.

Room to move. Babies in the size 80 range are active. They’re crawling, cruising furniture, and often beginning to walk. Look for stretchy waistbands, snap closures at the crotch, and soft knit fabrics that allow full range of motion.

Buy slightly ahead. Babies grow fast — sometimes half an inch in a single month. If your baby is currently 77–78 cm, size 80 will fit now and for the next few months. But if they’re already 81–82 cm, consider grabbing a few size 86 pieces to extend your wardrobe.

Seasonal planning. For bulkier items like winter coats, snowsuits, or thick sweaters, sizing up by one is usually a good call. You want room for layering, and you’ll likely get more wear out of the garment across the whole season.

Adjustable features. Elastic waistbands, adjustable shoulder straps, and snap tabs at the neckline all help clothes fit well even as your baby grows through the size range.

Also Read This: How to Get Grass Stains Out of Clothes?

Common Mistakes Parents Make with Baby Clothing Sizes

Even experienced parents run into these pitfalls:

• Buying only by age. Age labels are a starting point, not a guarantee. Always cross-reference with height and weight.
• Assuming all brands size the same. A size 80 from one European brand may fit very differently from size 80 at another. Check the chart every time.
• Ignoring fabric stretch. A jersey knit size 80 will fit more generously than a woven cotton size 80. Stretchy fabrics are more forgiving.
• Not planning for diaper bulk. Most quality baby clothes are designed with diaper room built in, but it’s worth confirming — especially for slim-cut styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is size 80 in baby clothes?

Size 80 generally fits babies between 9 and 18 months old, though it depends on the individual baby’s height and weight rather than age alone.

Is size 80 the same as 12 months in US sizing?

In the US, size 80 is closest to a 12-month size, but it can also overlap with 9-month and 18-month US sizes depending on the brand.

How tall is a baby in size 80 clothes?

A baby wearing size 80 is typically between 76 and 82 cm tall, which is roughly 30 to 32 inches.

Can a 2-year-old wear size 80?

It’s possible if the child is on the smaller side. Size 80 is based on height, not age — so a petite 2-year-old under 82 cm could still fit size 80 clothing comfortably.

Is European size 80 bigger than US size 80?

European size 80 refers to an 80 cm height measurement. US brands don’t typically use “size 80” — they use age labels. The European size 80 corresponds approximately to a US 12-month size.

Should I buy size 80 or size 86 if my baby is between sizes?

When in doubt, size up. Babies grow quickly, and slightly larger clothes will last longer and allow more comfortable movement.

Conclusion

Understanding what size 80 means in baby clothes comes down to one simple idea: it’s a height-based measurement from the European sizing system, designed for babies who are approximately 76–82 cm (30–32 inches) tall. It generally corresponds to the 9–18 month age range, though your baby’s actual measurements are a far more reliable guide than their birthday.

Whether you’re shopping for a first birthday outfit, stocking up on everyday basics, or buying a gift for someone else’s little one, knowing how to read European baby clothing sizes will save you time, money, and the frustration of returns. Measure first, check the brand chart, and when in doubt — size up.