Baby and toddler boy suit guide
Quick answers
- Best choice for under-4s: a 4–5 piece suit set (shirt, waistcoat, trousers, bow tie or tie, sometimes a jacket or braces) with an elastic waist.
- Size: go by height and waist, not age. Between sizes, choose the larger one – babies grow quickly.
- Is 24 months the same as 2T? Close, but 2T is usually a little longer in the leg and has less room for a nappy. Check the size chart.
- When to order: about 4 weeks before the event for babies, 4–8 weeks for toddlers. Tracked delivery to Australia, the US, Canada and the UK takes 7–9 business days.
- Comfort first: soft linings, an elastic waist, layers that come off easily, and a change of clothes for the reception.
What comes in a baby or toddler suit set?
Most of our baby boy suits and toddler suits come as complete 3–5 piece sets, so the whole outfit arrives together:
- Shirt – sometimes a bodysuit-style shirt for babies, which stays tucked in.
- Waistcoat (vest) – the piece that makes the outfit look like a real suit.
- Trousers – usually with an elastic or adjustable waist.
- Bow tie or tie – pre-tied or clip-on.
- Jacket or braces – included in some sets for a more formal look.
Baby and toddler suit sizes
Size labels depend on the maker – months (12M, 18M, 24M), years (Size 2, 3) or US-style toddler sizes (2T, 3T) – so always use the size chart on the product page. As an example, here is the chart for one of our 5-piece toddler sets:
| Size | Waist | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 44–50 cm | 65–75 cm |
| 18 months | 47–53 cm | 75–85 cm |
| 24 months | 50–56 cm | 85–95 cm |
| Size 2 | 53–59 cm | 90–100 cm |
| Size 3 | 56–62 cm | 95–105 cm |
Other sets are cut differently, so check the chart on the outfit you choose. Measurements are in centimetres (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
Size names in Australia, the US, the UK and Canada
| Height | Approx. age | Australia / NZ | US & Canada | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68–74 cm | 6–9 months | 0 | 6–9M | 6–9 months |
| 74–80 cm | 9–12 months | 0 / 12M | 12M | 9–12 months |
| 80–86 cm | 12–18 months | 1 / 18M | 18M | 12–18 months |
| 86–92 cm | 18–24 months | 2 / 24M | 24M / 2T | 18–24 months |
| 92–98 cm | 2–3 years | 2–3 | 2T–3T | 2–3 years |
| 98–104 cm | 3–4 years | 3–4 | 3T–4T | 3–4 years |
A general guide only. Not sure? Send us his height and waist through our free size consultation and we will recommend a size.
How to measure a baby or toddler
- Height: lay a baby flat and measure from the top of the head to the heel; stand a toddler against a wall without shoes.
- Waist: around the tummy where the trousers sit, over a nappy if he still wears one.
How do you keep a little boy comfortable in a suit?
- Choose an elastic or adjustable waist and soft linings.
- Pick a set where the waistcoat and jacket come off easily – most toddlers will want them off after the ceremony.
- For hot weather, choose a waistcoat set without a jacket, or light colours such as grey or beige.
- Choose soft, flexible shoes with grippy soles, and let him practise walking in them at home.
- Dress him at the venue if you can, and bring a change of clothes and bibs for the meal.
Outfits by occasion
Weddings: page boy or ring bearer
A mini version of the groomsmen's look in their colour, or a waistcoat and bow tie set. See our page boy and ring bearer guide.
Christening or baptism
White or ivory is traditional, with soft fabrics for a long service. Browse our baby boy baptism outfits. ("Christening" is the more common word in Australia, New Zealand and the UK; "baptism" in the US and Canada.)
First birthday and family photos
A bow tie set in a fun colour, or a grey or navy waistcoat suit, looks great in photos and is easy to change out of for the cake smash.
Christmas and other celebrations
Navy, burgundy and tartan-look waistcoat sets suit Christmas parties and family events.
Which colour suit suits a baby or toddler?
Navy and grey are the most versatile and hide small marks. White and ivory are traditional for christenings. Beige and light grey suit summer weddings. Black is best kept for evening events or when the groomsmen wear black.
When should you buy?
Babies can grow a size in a couple of months, so order about 4 weeks before the event for babies and 4–8 weeks for toddlers. Tracked delivery to Australia, the US, Canada and the UK takes 7–9 business days, which still leaves time for a size exchange. Within New Zealand, delivery takes 1–3 days.
Delivery and exchanges
- Tracked delivery in 7–9 business days to Australia, the USA, the UK and Canada, with prices in your own currency.
- Exchange once within 28 days, unworn with tags attached. Sets with the purple “Free Size Exchange · Free Return” badge include a free return label for a new size. See Return & Exchange.
Frequently asked questions
What size suit does a 1-year-old wear?
Usually 12 or 18 months, depending on his height and waist. In the example chart above, 12 months fits about 65–75 cm tall and 18 months about 75–85 cm.
Is 24 months the same as 2T?
Not quite. They fit a similar height, but 2T is often cut a little longer and slimmer, with less room for a nappy. Compare his measurements with the size chart.
What should a baby boy wear to a wedding?
A soft 4–5 piece suit set with a shirt, waistcoat, trousers and bow tie, in the groomsmen's colour or a neutral such as navy or grey.
What should a baby boy wear to a christening?
White or ivory is traditional – a christening suit or romper in a soft fabric. Navy and grey suit older brothers and guests.
How early should I buy a suit for a baby?
About 4 weeks before the event. Earlier than that, he may outgrow it; later, there is no time for an exchange.
Written by the Lucy's team in Auckland, New Zealand – children's formal wear specialists since 1996. Updated November 2026. Browse our baby boy suits and toddler suits.
