What Size Baseball Glove Should My Kid Use?
Having the right sized baseball glove for your child is essential for their safety, comfort, and performance on the field. Baseball gloves come in a variety of sizes for different ages and positions. Choosing the right size glove for your child can be a difficult decision. This article will provide information on how to choose the right size baseball glove for your child.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baseball Glove
Before you purchase a baseball glove for your child, there are several factors that you should consider.
- Age: The age of your child is the most important factor to consider when choosing a glove. Generally, younger players should use smaller gloves, while older players should use larger gloves.
- Position: The position your child will be playing will also influence the size of glove they should use. Generally, infielders should choose a smaller glove, while outfielders should choose a larger glove.
- Hand Size: The size of your child’s hand will also determine the size of glove they should use. Generally, the size of the glove should be proportional to the size of their hand.
Types of Baseball Gloves
When choosing a baseball glove for your child, you should also consider the type of glove. Baseball gloves come in a variety of materials and styles, and each type has its own unique features.
- Leather Gloves: Leather gloves are the most popular type of glove, and are usually the most expensive. Leather gloves are more durable than synthetic gloves, and provide more protection for your hands.
- Synthetic Gloves: Synthetic gloves are usually less expensive than leather gloves, but they are also less durable. Synthetic gloves are often lighter and more flexible than leather gloves, and can be a good option for younger players.
- Youth Gloves: Youth gloves are designed specifically for younger players. They are usually smaller and lighter than adult gloves and are designed to be more comfortable for smaller hands.
Baseball Glove Sizes
Baseball gloves come in a variety of sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large. The size of the glove will depend on the age, position, and hand size of your child.
For younger players (ages 5-7), an extra small glove (8”-9”) is usually recommended.
For older players (ages 8-11), a small glove (9”-10”) is usually recommended.
For even older players (ages 12 and up), a medium to large glove (10”-12”) is usually recommended.
How to Measure Your Child’s Hand for a Glove
Once you’ve determined the size of glove your child needs, you can measure their hand for the perfect fit. To measure your child’s hand for a glove, you will need a tape measure and a pencil.
First, have your child open their hand wide and place the tape measure around their hand, just below the fingers. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not too tight.
Next, mark the measurement with the pencil. This will be your child’s glove size.
Tips for Buying a Baseball Glove
When purchasing a baseball glove for your child, there are several tips you should keep in mind.
- Try it on: Before you purchase a glove, have your child try it on to make sure it fits properly. Gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly.
- Break it in: Before using a glove, you should break it in. This can be done by rubbing the glove with a soft cloth, or by using a glove mallet.
- Check the palm: Make sure the glove has a reinforced palm to provide extra protection.
- Check the laces: Make sure the laces on the glove are tight and secure.
Care and Maintenance of a Baseball Glove
To ensure that your child’s glove lasts a long time, it’s important to take proper care of it.
- Clean the glove: After each use, make sure to clean the glove with a soft cloth. This will help to remove dirt and debris, and will also help to preserve the leather.
- Condition the glove: Make sure to condition the glove with a leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather soft and supple.
- Store the glove: When not in use, make sure to store the glove in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the leather from cracking or drying out.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size baseball glove for your child can be a difficult decision. It’s important to consider factors such as age, position, and hand size when choosing a glove. There are also several types of gloves to choose from, as well as different sizes. Make sure to measure your child’s hand for a glove, and to try it on before you purchase. Finally, make sure to take proper care and maintenance of the glove to ensure it lasts a long time.
FAQs
- What size glove do 8 year olds use?
For 8 year olds, a small glove (9”-10”) is usually recommended.
- What is the best type of glove for a beginner?
For beginners, a synthetic glove is usually recommended. Synthetic gloves are usually lighter and more flexible than leather gloves, and can be a good option for younger players.
- How do I break in a glove?
Breaking in a glove can be done by rubbing the glove with a soft cloth, or by using a glove mallet.