Parent buying for a child
Getting your kid set up
the right way.
Kids' gear sizing is different to adult sizing, and what's right depends on their age, level, and what the club requires. We'll help you get it right the first time — without the confusion.
You don't need to know the sport to get this right
Most parents buying gear for the first time aren't sure what they actually need — and that's completely normal. Softball and baseball have a lot of equipment, and the terminology doesn't always make it easy. The good news is, for a first-season player, the list is simpler than it looks.
We help parents navigate this every week. Tell us the sport, the age, and the level and we'll point you straight to what you need — and more importantly, what you don't need yet.
Before you buy anything, check
What sport are they playing?
Softball and baseball use different equipment. A softball glove won't work well for baseball and vice versa. Make sure you know which one before you start.
What does the club actually require?
Some clubs and leagues specify uniform colours, ball size, bat certification, or cleat type. Always confirm with the club before purchasing — buying the wrong thing is a frustrating waste of money.
Does the club supply any gear?
Some junior programmes supply helmets or catching gear for shared use. Check first — it can save you a significant amount, especially for gear your child will quickly grow out of.
What they need
A simple checklist for new junior players
This covers the essentials for most junior softball and baseball players. Your club will confirm exactly what's required for their specific programme.
Essential
Glove — sized to their hand, not their age
Essential
Bat — correct length and drop weight for their size
Essential
Batting helmet — fitted to head circumference
Essential
Cleats or turf shoes — check league rules on type
Essential
Baseball or softball pants
Essential
Belt and baseball socks
Recommended
Batting gloves
Recommended
Protective cup (boys)
Recommended
Sliding shorts
Catchers only
Catcher's helmet, chest protector & leg guards
Not sure what's required? Bring us your club's gear list and we'll go through it with you.
Key fit priorities
The three things that matter most for fit
For kids especially, fit affects safety and enjoyment in equal measure. These are the three areas where getting it wrong causes the most problems.
Glove
The biggest mistake parents make is buying a glove based on age. Hand size varies enormously between kids the same age, and a glove that's too big will slow your child down and make catching harder. Measure their hand before you buy — our glove guide shows you exactly how.
The key rule
Size to hand measurement, not age. A snug, well-fitted glove will always outperform a bigger one.
Bat
Most parents go straight to length, but drop weight — the difference between the bat's length and its weight — is what really affects how easy it is for a child to swing. A bat that's too heavy forces poor mechanics from day one. For younger and smaller players, lighter is almost always better.
The key rule
If they can't swing it comfortably with one hand, it's too heavy. Prioritise swing speed over bat size.
Batting Helmet
A helmet is a safety item and it needs to fit correctly every time they wear it. Head circumference — not age, not hat size — determines the right fit. Never buy a size up to grow into. A helmet that moves independently from the head when they shake it is not doing its job.
The key rule
Measure their head circumference first. Get the right fit now and replace when they grow out of it.
Cleats & Footwear
Most youth leagues require rubber cleats rather than metal. Check with your club first. For fit, treat cleats like athletic shoes — snug heel, comfortable toe box, no slipping. Kids' feet grow fast, so don't go too far up in size expecting them to grow into them.
The key rule
Check league rules on cleat type before buying. Rubber cleats are safest for most junior programmes.
Common mistakes
What parents get wrong most often
None of these are obvious if you're new to the sport — but they're all easy to avoid with a little guidance before you buy.
Buying a glove based on age
Age is not a reliable indicator of hand size. Two ten-year-olds can need completely different glove sizes. Always measure your child's hand before purchasing — our glove guide shows you exactly how to do this at home in about thirty seconds.
Sizing up to grow into things
We understand the instinct — kids grow fast and gear is expensive. But a glove that's too big will make the game harder, and a helmet that's too big is a safety risk. Get the right fit now. The savings aren't worth the trade-off.
Buying gear before checking with the club
Leagues and clubs can have specific rules on bat certification, ball size, cleat type, and uniform colours. Buying something that doesn't comply means your child can't use it. Takes two minutes to check — always worth doing first.
Choosing a bat that's too heavy
A bat that's too heavy forces your child to compensate with poor mechanics from the start. Drop weight matters more than length for younger players. If they can't swing it comfortably one-handed, go lighter. Our bat guide covers this simply.
Buying the wrong type of glove for their position
An outfield glove and an infield glove are built very differently. If you don't know their position yet, a general-purpose 11" to 11.5" glove is the safest starting point. We can help you narrow it down once they're playing regularly.
Buying catcher's gear without checking first
Catcher's equipment — helmet, chest protector, and leg guards — is expensive and often supplied by the club for junior players. Always check with the club before purchasing this set. Nine times out of ten, it's already covered.
Age & growth
Buying for a growing child — how to think about it
Kids grow at different rates and gear that fits perfectly in October might be too small by March. Here's how to approach the main items without constantly re-buying everything.
The general principle is to get accurate sizing now on the items that matter most for safety and performance — helmets and gloves especially — and give a little more room on items like pants and cleats where fit is less critical.
If you're unsure, come in or get in touch and we'll help you find the right balance for your child's age and growth stage.
Helmets
Always size accurately to head circumference. Replace when they grow out of it — don't try to extend the life with padding.
Fit accurately — no compromiseGloves
Size to hand measurement. A slightly snug fit is fine — the leather will break in. A too-big glove is harder to use and slower to close.
Fit accurately — no compromiseBats
Size to their current height and weight — don't go up a size expecting them to grow into it. The wrong weight bat affects mechanics.
Fit accurately — no compromiseCleats & pants
You can go half a size up on cleats and slightly longer on pants. These items are more forgiving and will last a season or two with a little room.
A little room is fineThe simplest starting point
School & club packs — take the guesswork out of it
Our school and club packs are put together for junior players starting out. Good quality gear, sensibly priced, and better value than buying each piece separately. If you're not sure where to begin, a starter pack is the easiest option — and we can help you pick the right one for your child's age and level.
Not sure which pack is right? Tell us the sport, your child's age, and the level they're playing at. We'll point you to the right one — no obligation.
Talk to us first
Still not sure? We help parents sort this out every day.
There's no question too basic. Call us, send a message, or come in-store with your child and we'll help you get it right. No jargon, no pressure — just straight advice from people who know the sport.
These guides are designed to help you understand your starting point. Fit, age, and development stage can all vary. Our team is always available to make sure you get it right the first time.