Premature Baby Clothes: A Simple Sizing Guide for Australian Parents
When your little one arrives earlier or smaller than expected, even something as simple as choosing their first clothes can suddenly come with a lot of questions. Standard newborn clothing may be too big, and labels such as 00000 and "premie" can make finding the right size feel more confusing than it needs to be.
The good news is that choosing premature baby clothes becomes much simpler when you focus on your baby's current measurements rather than their gestational age or due date.
In this guide, we'll explain what Australia's smaller baby clothing sizes mean, how Purebaby's premie sizing works by weight and height, and what to look for when choosing those first little outfits.
You can also explore Purebaby's premie baby clothing, thoughtfully designed for the littlest arrivals.
What Does 00000 Mean in Baby Clothes Sizing?
In Australian baby clothing sizes, 00000 is smaller than the standard newborn size 0000. You may also see clothing described as "premie" or "preemie". These terms are commonly used for clothing designed for premature and particularly small babies, although exact measurements can vary between brands.
Purebaby's premie range goes smaller than 00000, with sizes designed for babies weighing from under 1kg through to standard newborn sizing.
This is why it's helpful to look beyond the number on the label. Your baby's current weight and height can give you a clearer idea of where to start.
Premature Baby Clothes Size Chart (By Weight)
If you're wondering what weight premie clothes are designed for, Purebaby's sizing guide provides a simple starting point:
| Purebaby Size | Weight | Height | Head Circumference | Foot Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000000 | Up to 1kg | Up to 40cm | Up to 28cm | Up to 7cm |
| 000000 | Up to 2kg | Up to 45cm | Up to 32cm | Up to 8cm |
| 00000 | Up to 3kg | Up to 50cm | Up to 36cm | Up to 8cm |
| 0000 | Up to 4kg | Up to 56cm | Up to 40cm | Up to 9cm |
These measurements come from the Purebaby size guide and are intended to help you choose the most suitable Purebaby size for your little one.
There isn't one universal Australian sizing standard used by every baby clothing brand, so always check the individual brand's size guide rather than assuming every 00000 garment will fit in exactly the same way.
If you're unsure between sizes, your baby's care team can also help you understand their current measurements and clothing needs.
Why Correct Sizing Matters for a Premature Baby
It can be tempting to buy larger clothes that your baby can "grow into", but a comfortable, appropriately fitted garment is particularly important when your little one is very small.
Clothing that is much too large can leave oversized necklines, sleeves and openings, while a better-fitting garment sits more comfortably around your baby's little body. Premature babies can also need extra support maintaining their body temperature, so choosing clothing that fits appropriately can make dressing and layering easier.
If your baby is being cared for in a NICU or special care nursery, their clothing requirements may be different. Some babies may not be ready to wear clothes immediately, while others may need garments that allow easier access to monitoring equipment or medical lines. Always follow the advice of your baby's healthcare team about what they can wear while receiving care.
Will My Baby Skip 00000 Entirely?
Yes, they might. Not every premature or smaller baby will need size 00000. For example, Purebaby's size guide places 00000 at up to 3kg and 50cm, while 0000 fits up to 4kg and 56cm. A baby who is already closer to the latter measurements may be ready to begin with newborn sizing.
Rather than choosing clothing based only on how many weeks early your baby arrived, use their current weight and height as your guide.
If your little one is already approaching newborn sizing, explore Purebaby's size 0000 newborn baby clothes.
How Many Premature-Sized Items Do You Actually Need?
It's easy to feel as though you need to prepare an entire wardrobe, especially when you're trying to get organised quickly. Starting with a small collection of practical pieces can be more useful.
Depending on your baby's individual needs and the advice of their care team, you could start with:
- 2-4 growsuits for simple, comfortable dressing
- 2-4 bodysuits or singlets for everyday wear and layering
- 1-2 hats or beanies, where appropriate
- 1-2 pairs of booties or socks for little feet
- A few extra basics to cover spills and washing
How much you need will depend on how often your baby is wearing clothes, how frequently you're washing and how quickly they're growing. Once you know which size and styles are working best, you can always add a few more pieces.
For more ideas as your little one grows, our newborn baby clothing checklist can help you plan their next wardrobe.
What to Look for in Premature Baby Clothing
When your baby is particularly small, thoughtful details can make dressing them gentler and easier.
Easy openings
Look for garments that don't require lots of pulling or manoeuvring to get them on. Purebaby's premie crossover growsuits are designed for easy dressing of precious newborns, with the crossover design providing a practical alternative to pulling clothing over their head.
For babies receiving medical care, speak with your NICU or special care team about which openings and fastenings are suitable around any monitoring equipment.
Soft fabrics
Your baby's skin is delicate, so softness matters. Purebaby uses soft organic cotton in its baby clothing, including its growsuits, providing a comfortable natural fibre against delicate skin.
Simple, practical designs
In these early days, practicality can make a big difference. Choose pieces that are easy to put on and remove, comfortable for your baby to wear and straightforward to wash.
The aim isn't to build a huge wardrobe. A small collection of thoughtfully chosen pieces that fit your baby now can be all you need to get started.
What Comes After 00000?
As your baby grows, the next step after 00000 is generally 0000, which is Purebaby's newborn size.
According to Purebaby's size guide:
- 00000: up to 3kg and 50cm
- 0000: up to 4kg and 56cm
- 000: 4-6kg and up to 62cm
You'll usually know it's time to move up when clothing begins to feel snug or becomes difficult to fasten comfortably. You might also notice that sleeves and legs are becoming too short. Because babies grow at their own pace, checking their fit regularly is more useful than relying on age alone.
Our guide to how to size up baby clothing has more tips to help you recognise when your little one is ready for their next size.
Shop Premature Baby Clothing at Purebaby
Finding clothes for an unexpectedly early or particularly small arrival doesn't need to add another worry to your list.
Start with your baby's current weight and height, check the Purebaby size guide and choose a small number of comfortable, practical pieces that fit them now. If your little one is receiving hospital care, always check with their healthcare team about their individual clothing needs.
Purebaby's premature baby clothing range includes sizes from 0000000 through to 0000, helping you find a fit for even the littlest arrivals.
Discover Purebaby's premie baby clothing and find soft, thoughtfully designed pieces for your little one.
