Anonymous wrote:In 8u they use 10” softballs, 10u is 11”, and then in 12u, it is the standard 12”. Glove os definitely different, as are bats and batting helmets. Highly recommend fielding mask. Our rec league requires it.

OP here. Thank you to the parents who posted! I saw this post after we went out this weekend to practice with both a 10” and 11” ball. DD claims that both sizes are way easier to throw than a baseball. DD wore a fielding mask for the first time. I think it gave her a ton of confidence because she was willing to catch balls near her face instead of just flinging her hands up or turning away. If anyone is on the fence about masks, her review was “I’m going to wear this even if the other girls aren’t.” I did notice that the brand of mask we bought, Rip-it, has a $5000 injury coverage policy which applies to 11” and up balls only, so something to consider if you have a kid using it with 10” softballs.

In 8u they use 10” softballs, 10u is 11”, and then in 12u, it is the standard 12”. Glove os definitely different, as are bats and batting helmets. Highly recommend fielding mask. Our rec league requires it.

Anonymous wrote:If you are i n northern va, most girls are wearing fielders masks. Often required or required for pitchers at a minimum

We are! Thank you!

If you are i n northern va, most girls are wearing fielders masks. Often required or required for pitchers at a minimum

Thank you!

Her camp doesn’t mandate face masks for fielding but my niece’s league in CA does. Are face masks a thing around here?

I meant different FOR softball.

yes to softball glove--fits a bigger ball. I think kids that age use an 11 inch ball, but there might be one smaller. You need a batting helmet with the faceguard--that is different than softball. don't buy a bat, just borrow a team bat in the beginning.

We are moving from a town that only has co-ed, parent pitch baseball for 7 year olds. My DD is eager and happy to have the option to switch to softball, but I’m clueless about what she needs. The camp she’s attending this summer has been vague about gear specs..

Questions for any knowledgeable softball parents:

Does little kid softball use a smaller diameter ball? Mine can’t hold a regulation softball without dropping it!
Does she need to retire her baseball glove and get an actual softball glove that somehow fits both her small hand and a softball?
What is a typical size bat for this age?