Glove
Ages 5-7: 10 to 10.5 inches. A first glove should close easily. If the kid cannot close it on a thrown ball, it is too big.
Ages 8-10: 10.5 to 11.5 inches. Infielders go shorter, outfielders go longer.
Ages 11-12: 11.5 to 12 inches.
Ages 13+: 11.5 inches for middle infield, 12 inches for outfield, 12.5 for first base.
How to test fit: have the kid open and close the glove ten times. If their hand is shaking by ten, the glove is stiff for them. Stiff is fine for an older kid. Not for a beginner.
Bat
The reach test: stand the bat next to the kid, knob on the floor. The bat should reach the middle of the palm with the arm fully extended down the side.
The leg test: stand the bat on the ground next to the kid. It should reach the kid's hip bone. Not the belly button. Not the ribcage.
The chest test: kid holds the bat straight out from their chest with one arm. They should be able to hold it for ten seconds without the bat tip dropping.
Drop weight: Little League uses a -10 or -11 drop for ages 5-12 (USABat stamp required). Senior leagues drop to -8 or -5. Travel teams may require BBCOR (-3) at age 13+.
Helmet
Sizing is by head circumference. Measure with a soft tape an inch above the eyebrows.
Most youth helmets fit a 6 1/2 to 7 1/4 inch range. Look for the NOCSAE seal inside.
Fit check: helmet should not slide front-to-back when the kid shakes their head. The chin strap snug, not strangling.
Cleats
Buy a half size up from their street shoe. Feet swell on the field.
Molded cleats for Little League (metal cleats banned for U-13 in most leagues).
If you buy used cleats, replace the insole. Used cleats are shaped to whoever wore them. A fresh insole resets the foot to a neutral position.