Kids grow fast—like blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast—which inevitably leads to questions about clothing sizes. You’ve been there, staring at the rack, asking yourself, “Wait, what’s the difference between 24 months and 2T?” We’re breaking this down so your next shopping trip feels less like a guessing game and more like a win-win moment. Let’s dive in.
Size 24 Months: Built for Littles on the Move
Think of size 24 months as the bridge between baby days and toddlerhood. It’s made for kids who are crawling, toddling and generally keeping you on your toes.
The breakdown:
How It Fits: Designed for kiddos about 18 to 24 months old. Expect it to fit children around 31–33 inches tall and weighing 25–28 pounds.
Room for Diapers: Yep, these clothes leave that crucial wiggle room for diapers and pull-ups. We’re talking snug but flexible waistbands and a little more give where it counts.
Styles You’ll Love: Think cozy 1-pieces, footie pajamas and rompers—perfect for tiny explorers who haven’t quite graduated to “big kid” moves just yet.
Size 2T: The Toddler Takeover
Enter size 2T, made for your more independent toddlers—the ones who’ve ditched the diapers or are well on their way.
Here’s what you need to know:
How It Fits: Think older toddlers—roughly 34–36 inches tall and weighing 28–30 pounds. The cut is a little leaner, especially in places like the waist.
Diaper-free Designs: These pieces assume your little one is potty-trained or nearly there—so you won’t find that extra room for bulky diapers here.
Styles That Shine: Say goodbye to one-piece outfits! You’ll find a lot more separates—tees, pull-on shorts, leggings and mix-and-match sets tailored for toddlers on the go.
The Real Differences Between 24 Months and 2T:
Fit: 24 months skews baby-sized with a slightly chubbier cut. Meanwhile, 2T is all about lean, potty-trained independence with more “big kid” vibes.
Diapers vs. Potty Training: This is the key. 24 months = diaper-friendly; 2T = potty-ready.
Style Evolution: 24 months keeps things cozy and cute (onesies galore), while 2T introduces toddler-friendly separates that scream, “I’m learning to dress myself!”
What Size Does Your Child Need?
If you’re still unsure, use these tips:
Take Measurements: Grab Carter’s size chart. A quick measure of your child’s height, weight and waist size will give you all the answers.
Think About Milestones: Still rocking diapers or pull-ups? Go with 24 months. Already navigating the potty-training train? 2T is your winner.
Plan Ahead: If your kiddo’s about to hit a growth spurt, sizing up to 2T might get you more mileage—and less frustration.
When to Make the Switch:
Indicators your child might be ready to level up:
Those 24-month pants start feeling snug around the diaper area.
Your toddler starts attempting to dress themselves (time for pull-on fascination!).
Growth spurts have you washing, folding and packing away baby-sized outfits faster than you can keep up.
With all the challenges parenting throws your way, decoding sizes shouldn’t be one of them. Whether you’re shopping for cozy 24-month staples or “big kid” 2T fits, Carter’s has your back. Check out our collection—where style meets function and every milestone is celebrated.
You've got this, and so do your growing littles!
