Each pair fits kids of about the same height. The difference is the cut. Month sizes and T sizes leave room for a diaper, and regular sizes do not.
Both fit a kid of about two. A 24 months piece is the last of the baby sizes. It is cut wide through the seat for a diaper and often has snaps at the legs for changing. A 2T is the first toddler size. It is usually a little longer and slimmer, made for a kid who is walking.
If your kid is still in diapers and round in the middle, 24 months is fine. If they are walking everywhere and thinning out, go to 2T.
A 4T still has toddler proportions: room in the seat for a diaper or training pants, and a shorter body. A regular 4 is cut slimmer and longer, for a kid who is out of diapers. Some brands label the regular 4 as XS.
A 4T and a 4 are close in height, so a kid leaving 4T usually moves to a 5.
Not every brand makes a 5T. Where it exists, the same rule holds: the 5T is roomier in the seat and a bit shorter, and the 5 is slimmer and longer. Kids who are out of diapers usually do better in the 5.
| Size | Height | Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24M | 30.5 to 33 in | Baby cut, wide in the seat for a diaper |
| 2T | 33 to 36 in | Toddler cut, still room for a diaper |
| 3T | 36 to 39 in | Toddler cut |
| 4T | 39 to 42 in | Toddler cut |
| 5 | 42 to 45 in | Regular cut, slimmer and longer |
Heights are typical US sizing. Brands differ by about one size in either direction.
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