A baby soccer jersey is often the very first club-colored garment a family passes down. But first, you need to know when your baby can wear one and what size to choose for a child who grows up so quickly.
The good news is that the answer comes down to a few simple guidelines. At Elite Fanstore, jerseys for little ones come as bodysuits in two sizes, before making way for mini-kits from age 2. This guide gives you the exact measurements from our size charts, explains how to measure your baby, and helps you choose between a bodysuit and a mini-kit, personalize it with a name, or prepare a memorable newborn gift.
A baby can wear a soccer jersey from around 6 months old, in the form of a bodysuit: the smallest size, 6-12 months, fits a baby measuring 65 to 75 cm.
- Two bodysuit sizes: 6-12 months (65 to 75 cm, 7.5 to 9 kg) and 12-24 months (75 to 85 cm, 9 to 12 kg).
- There is no size for babies under 6 months: for a newborn, give the 6-12-month size as a gift; they’ll be able to wear it a few months later.
- Your baby’s height matters more than their age, and if they’re between sizes, always choose the larger one.
- Above 85 cm, often around age 2, it’s time to move on to the kids’ mini-kit, starting at size 16 (2-3 years).
- A bodysuit can be personalized just like a jersey: a name, number, and countless number ideas inspired by the birth.
From what age can a baby wear a soccer jersey?
A baby can wear a soccer jersey from around 6 months old. That’s when our smallest soccer bodysuit size starts: 6-12 months, designed for a baby measuring 65 to 75 cm and weighing 7.5 to 9 kg. There is no dedicated size for younger babies: newborns measure around 50 cm on average, and a bodysuit designed for 65 cm would be much too big for everyday wear.
Why choose a bodysuit instead of a real jersey? Because at this age, a separate top keeps riding up, leaves the tummy exposed, and won’t stay on over a diaper. The bodysuit features the club jersey’s colors and design, but in one piece, fastened with snaps at the crotch. Our styles have short sleeves, a collar and contrasting sleeve edges, plus those handy snaps that make diaper changes easier.
After that, things move along pretty quickly. The 12-24-month bodysuit takes over up to 85 cm, then the kids’ mini-kit starts at age 2, in size 16. We explain this progression step by step in the rest of this guide, with the exact measurements to compare.
For a newborn gift, choose 6-12 months: baby can wear it as soon as they reach 65 cm, on average around 5 or 6 months. In the meantime, the bodysuit makes a lovely photo laid flat beside them, and it’ll mean even more on the day it finally fits.
What size football jersey should you get for a baby, based on their age?
Select your child’s age range to get the size to order, measurement guidelines, and our advice. Keep in mind that ages are only a guide, as our size guides explain. Two babies of the same age can differ by ten centimeters, so actual height should always be the deciding factor.
No size is available for the very first months. The smallest bodysuit in the store, in 6-12 months, fits a baby 65 to 75 cm tall: it’s too big for a newborn to wear every day, but ideal as a gift they’ll wear a little later.
Our advice: include a little note explaining that the size is intentional. New parents receive lots of clothes in newborn or 1-month sizes, which are only useful for a few weeks. A bodysuit that fits at around 5 or 6 months is a gift that arrives at just the right time.
This is the smallest size, labeled 9M in our guide. It suits most babies between 6 months and their first birthday, as long as they’re under 75 cm.
Our advice: if your baby is already close to 75 cm or weighs more than 9 kg, go straight to 12-24 months. They’ll wear it for longer, and a slightly loose bodysuit won’t get in the way at this age. For a first style, the PSG home bodysuit 2026/2027 and the France team bodysuit are two reliable choices.
This is the most versatile bodysuit, labeled 12M in our guide. It will see your baby through their second year, when they take their first steps and growth slows down a little.
Our advice: focus on height rather than age. Above 85 cm, often around 2 years old, the bodysuit becomes short in the crotch and pulls at the shoulders. That’s the sign it’s time to switch to the children’s mini kit. The Real Madrid home bodysuit 2026/2027 comes in both sizes, making it easy to buy the same style in a larger size as your child grows.
Once they’ve outgrown bodysuits, it’s time for the kids’ mini-kit, which starts at size 16 in our kids’ guide, for children 95 to 105 cm tall. Between 85 and 95 cm, no size is an exact fit, so we recommend the 2-3-year kit, which will be a little roomy at first, rather than a bodysuit that’s become too short.
Our advice: a jersey that’s slightly loose is no problem for a child this age, and they’ll wear it for a whole season. Explore kids’ jerseys and kits from all clubs, from Paris Saint-Germain to the major national teams.
This timeline sums up a typical young fan’s journey during their first three years. The two stages highlighted in yellow are the bodysuit sizes, which actually cover a fairly short period: around eighteen months, from when the baby reaches 65 cm to when they exceed 85 cm. That’s why it’s better to choose carefully, and slightly on the large side, rather than buying a size too early that will only fit for a few weeks.
The exact measurementsThe baby bodysuit and mini-kit size chart
Here are the exact measurements from our two guides: the baby bodysuit size guide for the first two rows, and the kids’ size guide for the mini-kits. The “child’s height” column refers to their total length, from head to toe.
| Size | Approximate age | Child’s height | Weight range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12-month bodysuit (9M) | 6 to 12 months | 65 to 75 cm | 7.5 to 9 kg |
| 12-24-month bodysuit (12M) | 12 to 24 months | 75 to 85 cm | 9 to 12 kg |
| Kids’ kit size 16 | 2 to 3 years | 95 to 105 cm | not specified |
| Kids’ kit size 18 | 3 to 4 years | 105 to 115 cm | not specified |
Two details are worth noting. First, the names: on a bodysuit product page, you choose between “6-12 months” and “12-24 months,” while the guide calls them 9M and 12M. They are indeed the same sizes; the first is simply designed for a baby around 9 months old. Second, the margin: the bodysuit guide indicates a possible measurement variation of 1 to 2 cm, and the kit guide gives a tolerance of about 2 cm. So a baby right between two sizes will fit comfortably in the larger one.
The gap between 85 and 95 cm
You may have noticed that bodysuits go up to 85 cm, while the first kit starts at 95 cm. Many children spend a few months between those sizes, often around their second birthday. At this stage, a bodysuit becomes too short because it fastens at the crotch and pulls as soon as it’s not long enough. The 2-3-year kit, on the other hand, will be a little loose. Between a garment that’s tight and one that’s loose, always choose the loose one: it stays comfortable and will fit perfectly a few months later.
Practical guideHow to measure your baby to choose the right size
Measuring a wriggly baby takes a little planning, but three minutes is all you need. L’Ideally, have two people: one gently holds the baby while the other takes the measurement. If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, your baby’s health record is your best ally, as it keeps track of their latest measurements from check-ups.
A firm changing mat, a play mat on the floor, or a bed will do. Lay your baby on their back, with their head straight and no pillow.
Mark the level of the top of their head, gently straighten their legs without forcing them, then mark their heel. Then measure the distance between the two marks.
Weight is only a secondary guide, but it can help you choose between two sizes. The weight from their last check-up, recorded in their health record, is more than enough.
Find the measurement on the size chart, using your baby’s height first, then check that their weight is in line with the size you’ve chosen.
Between two sizes: always choose the larger one
It’s the golden rule for baby clothes, and it matters even more for a football bodysuit. A slightly oversized bodysuit is no problem: the sleeves come down a little farther, the fabric forms a few folds, and your baby grows into it. A bodysuit that’s too small, on the other hand, quickly becomes uncomfortable. The signs are clear: snaps that are hard to fasten, red marks on the thighs or shoulders, or fabric that pulls when your baby sits down or raises their arms.
If your baby is long and slim, go by their height: length determines how comfortably a bodysuit fits because of the crotch fastening. S’if they’re shorter but sturdier, check their weight to make sure the chosen size won’t be too snug around the tummy.
Growth milestones, for planning ahead
As a guide, babies average around 50 cm at birth, grow about 25 cm during their first year, then around 12 cm during their second. In practice, many babies reach the 65 cm limit for the 6-12-month bodysuit at around 5 or 6 months, and outgrow the 85 cm limit for the 12-24-month bodysuit at around age 2. Every child follows their own growth curve, though: these averages can help you plan a gift, but they’re no substitute for taking an actual measurement.
ComparisonBaby football bodysuit or mini kit: which should you choose for a toddler?
The question usually comes up around age 2, when baby starts to outgrow the bodysuit and can move on to a mini kit. Both have their advantages, and they’re suited to different stages.
Before age 2, the bodysuit is the clear winner: a separate jersey, even in the right size, rides up with the slightest movement. After age 2, the mini kit takes over, with a real bonus for the child: the feeling of wearing exactly the same outfit as their favorite players. The material varies by style; details are always listed on the product page. To learn more about this stage, our kids’ mini kit guide covers ages and sizes, including shorts and socks.
What comes next? Kids’ sizes up to age 13
Once they get started, the sizes follow a regular progression: size 16 for ages 2-3, 18 for ages 3-4, 20 for ages 4-5, then 22, 24, 26, and 28 up to ages 12-13, with each size covering roughly 10 cm in height. The 2026/2027 PSG home kit for kids and the OM kit for the same season are available from age 2-3. If the family’s club doesn’t have a bodysuit, this is also the best place to start. Kids’ tracksuits come later, from age 5-6. And when it’s time to choose a jersey for an older child, take a look at our article on choosing the right jersey for a child.
PersonalizationPersonalize a baby football bodysuit: name, number, and creative ideas
A bodysuit can be customized just like a jersey. On each bodysuit’s product page, the “Customize my jersey” button lets you add a name, number, and patches, and our team applies the lettering before shipping. Since a bodysuit’s back is plain, the name and number stand out clearly, and that detail often turns a lovely garment into a keepsake.
As for the name, a first name is the most natural choice. On such a small back, a short first name or nickname is easier to read than a very long double-barrelled name. Some families prefer the family name, like on professional players’ jerseys: it’s a lovely way to announce that a new recruit has joined the team. As for the number, here are six ideas that give the printed number real meaning.
For patches, we recommend keeping things simple on a bodysuit: a name and number are enough, leaving the garment plenty of flexibility across such a small area. The rest is in good hands: as our page on customization explains, each name and number is applied by our team, neatly and centrally, with the same care as on an adult jersey.
SelectionSix football bodysuits to give as a gift or wear this season
Our collection brings together around fifty bodysuits from clubs and national teams, from Europe’s biggest names to South American teams. Here are six popular club and national team styles in France, all available in 6-12 months and 12-24 months, and all customizable.
Can’t find your club in this selection? Browse all our baby football bodysuits: you’ll also find Germany, Argentina, England and Italy, as well as clubs like Arsenal, Juventus, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Benfica. To explore a club’s full range, including adult jerseys, these shortcuts will take you straight to the right collection.
- Paris Saint-Germain collection
- France national team collection
- Real Madrid collection
- FC Barcelona collection
- Portugal collection
- Brazil collection
Birth gift: 5 ideas for a future fan
A football bodysuit is one of those gifts that always brings a smile, whether the parents are big football fans or a little less so. Here are five ways to give one, from announcing the pregnancy to the first birthday.
A bodysuit personalized with the family name and the number of the expected birth month, laid flat for the photo: the announcement says it all without a word, and the whole family understands right away.
The classic choice, in size 6-12 months so it can really be worn. Personalized with the baby’s name, it often ends up in the keepsake box once they’ve outgrown it.
Same club, same season: a bodysuit for the baby, a jersey for the parent. The 2026/2027 PSG home jersey and the Barça home jersey from the same season each have a matching bodysuit, and for Les Bleus, the France home bodysuit pairs perfectly with the France national team's home jersey. Print a 1 for the parent and a 2 for the baby.
A 12-24-month bodysuit printed with the baby's name and number 1, for a photo in front of the cake. It's also a good age for a style to wear every day for a whole year.
For the first big football night in front of the TV, a bodysuit in the colors of the family's club makes the baby the living room's unofficial mascot.
Make the presentation special
A folded bodysuit fits easily into a small box or fabric pouch, with a note explaining the choice of number. You could also include a card stating the chosen size and when the baby will fit into it, so the parents don't put it away at the back of a drawer. For folding and wrapping tips, our article on how to wrap a jersey beautifully as a gift works perfectly for a bodysuit.
Good habitsCare and comfort: good habits for a football bodysuit
A baby bodysuit often spends more time in the washing machine than on the baby. A few simple habits help preserve its colors, print and softness. For the 2026/2027 season designs we looked at, such as those from PSG and Real Madrid, the product page specifies interlock cotton, a soft, supple knit.
- Wash it before its first wear, like any new item of clothing intended for a little one.
- Turn it inside out and fasten the snaps before putting it in the washing machine: this reduces friction on the print, and the snaps won't catch on other laundry.
- Choose a 30°C wash on a delicate cycle, using a mild detergent suitable for baby clothes.
- Avoid the tumble dryer: lay it flat or hang it on a hanger, away from direct heat.
- Never iron over the print or printed designs. If needed, iron it inside out at a low temperature.
These care steps are the same as for a printed adult jersey. For more details, our guide to washing a printed jersey without damaging it covers each step based on your needs.
Before dressing your baby, remove any cardboard tags and fasteners. Check the snaps and seams regularly, and stop using the bodysuit once it’s too small. At night, stick to your baby’s usual clothes, and if you have concerns about their skin or comfort, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
When it comes to comfort, size is the number one factor. A bodysuit that fits well or is slightly oversized lets your baby move freely, crawl and play. It’s also the best way to make sure they wear it often, not just for a photo.
Frequently asked questions
From around 6 months, in the form of a bodysuit. The smallest size in the store, 6-12 months, fits babies measuring 65 to 75 cm and weighing 7.5 to 9 kg. No sizes are available for younger babies.
At 1 year old, many babies move up to size 12-24 months, designed for 75 to 85 cm and 9 to 12 kg. If your child is still under 75 cm, size 6-12 months will fit better. Go by their height rather than their age.
Yes, by choosing the 6-12 month size, which they’ll wear a little later, on average around 5 or 6 months, depending on how quickly they grow. In the meantime, the bodysuit makes a lovely birth photo prop when placed beside them.
Yes. On each bodysuit’s product page, the Customize my jersey button lets you add a name, number and patches. On such a small back, a short first name or nickname is easier to read, and a number associated with the birth makes the gift especially meaningful.
Always choose the next size up. A slightly oversized bodysuit is comfortable and lasts longer, while one that’s too short pulls at the shoulders and strains the snaps. Your baby’s height matters more than their weight.
Above 85 cm, move on to the kids’ mini kit in size 16, designed for ages 2 to 3 and children measuring 95 to 105 cm. Between 85 and 95 cm, it will be a little loose at first, which is still better than a bodysuit that’s become too short.
Their first jersey, a keepsake to treasure
Choosing a football jersey for a baby comes down to three key points: a bodysuit from around 6 months, choosing the size based on your baby’s height rather than age, and going for the larger of the two sizes if you’re unsure. Above 85 cm, it’s time to move on to a kids’ mini kit, and your little supporter joins the big leagues.
The best part is still to come: choosing the club, name and number. This first bodysuit often ends up in the keepsake box, alongside the hospital bracelet and first shoes. It might as well tell a lovely story.