Carter's Babies & Kids: What to Know About This Children's Clothing Brand

Carter's is a major U.S. retailer of clothing and accessories for infants and children up to age 14

Carter's operates as both a standalone brand and through its OshKosh B'gosh subsidiary, selling basics like bodysuits, pajamas, and everyday wear alongside seasonal and licensed character items. The company runs physical stores across the country and sells through its website, major retailers like Target and Walmart, and department stores. Most of what Carter's makes falls into the budget-friendly to mid-range price category—a single bodysuit typically costs between $5 and $12, while outfits run $15 to $40.

The brand has been in business since 1961 and focuses on practical, washable clothing designed for the wear-and-tear of childhood. Carter's also owns and operates OshKosh B'gosh, which targets a slightly older demographic and emphasizes durability and outdoor-ready styles. Both brands are owned by the same parent company and share similar distribution channels.

Key Takeaways

• Carter's sells clothing and accessories for babies and children from newborn through age 14, with most items priced between $5 and $40.
• You can shop Carter's through its own stores and website, through major retailers like Target and Walmart, and through department stores nationwide.
• The brand specializes in everyday basics—bodysuits, pajamas, socks, and simple outfits—designed to withstand frequent washing and active play.
• Carter's owns OshKosh B'gosh as a separate brand within the same company, offering similar products with a focus on durability for older children.

What Carter's sells and where to find it

Carter's product line centers on basics: short-sleeve and long-sleeve bodysuits for infants, two-piece pajama sets, socks, underwear, and simple everyday outfits. The brand also carries seasonal items (winter coats, summer shorts), licensed character clothing (Disney, Dr. Seuss, Sesame Street), and accessories like hats and mittens. Most pieces are cotton or cotton-blend fabrics designed to hold up through multiple washings.

You can buy Carter's directly from Carter's stores—the company operates hundreds of locations in shopping centers and malls across the United States. The Carter's website (carters.com) ships nationwide and often runs sales and clearance sections. Major retailers including Target, Walmart, Kohl's, and Amazon carry Carter's products, sometimes with exclusive styles or pricing. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's also stock the brand, and some specialty children's boutiques carry select Carter's items.

OshKosh B'gosh, the sister brand, operates its own stores and website (oshkosh.com) and is also sold through many of the same retailers. The two brands often run separate sales and promotions, so checking both can reveal different deals on similar items.

Sizing and fit across age ranges

Carter's uses standard U.S. sizing that aligns with age and weight ranges. Newborn and 0-3 month sizes are the smallest, followed by 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 9-12 months, and then toddler sizes (12 months through 5T). For children ages 4 and up, the brand shifts to traditional children's sizes (4, 5, 6, 6X, 7, 8, and up through 14). Each size range includes weight guidelines on the tag to help with fit.

Carter's clothing generally runs true to size, though fit can vary between styles—some pajama sets are snug for safety, while everyday outfits are roomier. The brand's website includes a size chart for each product category, and many physical stores have fitting rooms where you can check sizing before purchase. If you are buying online, most Carter's retailers offer free or low-cost returns, so ordering multiple sizes and returning what does not fit is a common approach.

Price range and sales patterns

Carter's positions itself as affordable children's clothing. Individual basics like bodysuits, socks, and simple t-shirts start around $5 to $8 when on sale, though regular prices run $8 to $12. Two-piece outfits (shirt and pants or shorts) typically range from $15 to $30 at regular price, and seasonal items like coats or dresses run $25 to $50. Licensed character items and special occasion outfits are usually at the higher end of the brand's range.

Carter's runs frequent sales, particularly at the end of each season and during major retail holidays (Black Friday, back-to-school, holiday clearance). The brand also offers periodic promotions like "buy two, get one free" or percentage discounts on specific categories. Signing up for the Carter's email list or downloading the mobile app often unlocks additional discounts. Clearance sections—both in stores and online—can offer items at 50 to 70 percent off regular price, though selection is limited to what remains from previous seasons.

Quality and durability considerations

Carter's clothing is designed for frequent washing and active wear. Most pieces use reinforced seams, and the brand uses fabric blends that resist pilling and fading. Bodysuits and pajamas are particularly durable because they are made to withstand the rigors of diaper changes and nighttime wear. Many parents report that Carter's basics last through multiple children when stored and cared for properly.

That said, Carter's is not positioned as premium or luxury children's clothing. The fabrics are practical rather than luxurious, and some styles show wear faster than others—particularly items with graphic prints or embellishments. Comparing durability across brands, Carter's sits in the middle: more durable than discount fast-fashion children's brands, but less so than higher-end or specialty brands. For basics that will be worn frequently and washed often, most parents find the durability acceptable for the price.

Differences between Carter's and OshKosh B'gosh

While both brands are owned by the same company and share similar price points, they target slightly different needs. Carter's focuses on infants and younger toddlers, with a heavy emphasis on basics and everyday wear. OshKosh B'gosh emphasizes durability and outdoor readiness, with more structured clothing, reinforced pockets, and styles designed for active play. OshKosh typically targets children ages 2 and up, though both brands overlap in the toddler range.

In practice, Carter's is the go-to for basics like bodysuits and pajamas, while OshKosh is often chosen for everyday outfits, play clothes, and items that need to withstand rougher wear. Pricing is similar between the two, and both run comparable sales. If you are shopping for a newborn or very young infant, Carter's is the primary option. For toddlers and older children, choosing between the two often comes down to style preference and what is currently on sale.

How to shop Carter's accessories

Since you arrived from the accessories category, Carter's accessories include socks (in multi-packs), mittens, hats, bibs, and small items like hair clips and headbands. These are typically priced lower than clothing—socks often come in packs of 6 to 12 for $8 to $15, and hats or mittens run $5 to $12. Accessories are useful for filling out a wardrobe or as small gifts, and they often go on sale alongside clothing.

When shopping accessories, pay attention to material and care instructions. Socks labeled "stay-on" are designed not to slip off infant feet, while standard socks are for older children who can keep them on. Seasonal accessories like winter mittens and summer hats are typically marked down heavily at the end of their season. Accessories also make good candidates for clearance shopping, since they take up less space and retailers often discount them aggressively to clear inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find Carter's near me?

Use the store locator on carters.com to find physical locations by zip code. Carter's operates hundreds of standalone stores and also sells through Target, Walmart, Kohl's, and department stores in most areas. If no Carter's store is nearby, you can order online and have items shipped to your home or to a nearby retailer that carries the brand.

Does Carter's offer a return policy?

Carter's stores accept returns within 60 days of purchase with a receipt. Online purchases can be returned by mail or to a physical store. Return policies vary slightly by retailer if you buy Carter's through Target, Walmart, or another store, so check that retailer's policy. Most retailers offer free returns on Carter's items.

What is the difference between Carter's sizes and regular children's sizes?

Carter's uses age-based sizing for infants (newborn through 24 months) and standard children's sizes for older kids. The sizing is consistent with other major children's brands, so a 12-month Carter's outfit should fit similarly to a 12-month item from another brand. Always check the weight range on the tag, as some children fall between sizes.

Are Carter's clothes good for sensitive skin?

Most Carter's clothing is cotton or cotton-blend, which is generally gentle on skin. However, the brand does not specifically market items as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin. If your child has eczema or other skin sensitivities, check the fabric content and wash new items before wearing. Some parents prefer brands that specialize in organic or hypoallergenic children's clothing for this reason.

Can I use Carter's clothing for multiple children?

Yes. Carter's basics are durable enough to pass down through siblings when stored properly. Keep items in a dry place, wash gently, and avoid excessive bleach. Bodysuits, pajamas, and simple outfits hold up well through multiple children. Items with graphic prints or embellishments may show wear faster, so inspect these before storing for the next child.