Baby and Children’s Jewelry Sizings

Many people, when purchasing an item of baby or children’s jewelry, have very little idea of the size of their little one’s wrist, ankle or neck.

Because children vary greatly in size, particularly their wrist and ankle size, use this guide which gives average sizes with some give and take, when you purchase a baby bracelet, children’s bracelet, teenager’s bracelet or necklace or anklet.

Let’s start with baby bracelets. If possible, purchase a baby bracelet which has an extension for growth because babies grow so quickly in that first year and you will want your gift to be worn for as long a time as possible.

Newborn bracelet: A bracelet for a newborn should be a minimum of 4.7″ (12cm) plus extension.
Toddler’s bracelet: Around 5.1″ (13cm)
Pre-schooler’s bracelet: Around 5.5″ (14cm)
Children’s bracelet for ages 5 – 10: 5.9″ (15cm)
Tweenager’s bracelet: 6.3″ (16cm)
Teenager’s bracelet: 6.7″ – 7.5″ (17cm – 18cm)

Children’s necklaces can also be purchased in different lengths with extensions, but here’s a general guide:

Baby necklace: 12″ (30.5cm)
Toddler’s necklace: 13″ (33cm)
Pre-schooler’s necklace: 14″ (35.6cm)
Children’s necklace for ages 5 – 10: 15-16″ (38.1cm – 40.6cm)
Tweenager’s necklace: 16 – 17″ (40.6cm – 43.2cm)
Teenager’s necklace: 18″ (46cm)

Children’s anklets sometimes have extensions for growth but being looser, having that extension is less important. Anklets draped slightly over the upper foot or linked neatly around the ankle look great.

Newborn anklet: Baby (to 12 months) anklet: 5.5″ (14cm)
Pre-schooler’s anklet: 7.5″ (18cm)
Children’s anklet for ages 5 – 10: 8″ (20.3cm)
Tweenager’s anklet: 9″ (23cm)
Teenager’s anklet: 10.2″ (26cm)

If the child is big for her age, allow another inch. Also when buying baby or children’s bracelets which are chunky, as in European style beads or pearls, allow another half inch in length.

Purchasing baby and children’s earrings is simpler because they don’t vary a lot in size, except that they are generally smaller than adult’s earrings and the rods are slightly shorter than adult styles. The thickness of an ear lobe doesn’t change much throughout childhood. Just check there are no sharp edges on the earrings themselves. Look for baby and children’s earrings that are a size which won’t overwhelm the ear lobe. Earrings purchased for school children should be small and unobtrusive, and preferably not hoops.