Here is a tip directly from a coach who has been coaching youth baseball for many years:

One of the most frustrating trends I have seen emerge is when young players use baseball bats that are 20-25% too heavy. This is particularly true with the "Big Barrel" bats for younger players.

Before you go to the local sporting goods shop and drop $200 on a new bat for junior, read this carefully:

Your child will be far more successful hitting early in their baseball playing careers if you give them a bat that they can be successful with. If you child consistently strikes out because their bat is too heavy, they will loose all confidence at the plate and eventually give up the game. Many kids, and parents alike, think that a heavy bat equates to home runs and all the glory that comes along with it. This is about the furthest thing from the truth in a game situation.

Here's a basic chart that I've used for aluminum bat sizing for young recreational baseball players. All-Star / Travel Ball players can up these recommendations by about 1 ounce, depending on their height, weight and strength. If your child's height and weight are under the 25th percentile for their age, or they are older than 7 and in their rookie season, reduce the weight by 1/2 - 1 ounce.

4-5 Year Olds: 12-13.5 ounce ("Tee Ball" Bats)

5-6 Year Olds: 13.5-14.5 ounce -- 25-26 Inches

7 Year Olds: 14.5-16 ounce -- 26-28 Inches

8 Year Olds: 15.5-17 ounce -- 27-29 Inches

9 Year Olds: 17-18 ounce -- 29-30 Inches

10 Year Olds: 18-19.5 ounce -- 29-31 Inches

11 Year Olds: 19-20.5 ounce -- 30-32 Inches

12-13 Year Olds: 20-22.5 ounce -- 31- 32 Inches

Testing Bat Weight

The only way to determine if a bat is the right weight for your child is by seeing how they perform against pitched balls. Hitting off a tee or at soft toss balls is not effective because reaction times are greatly exaggerated in those conditions. If you've accidentally bought a bat that is either too heavy or too long, stick it in the bag and wait until they are ready to use in a future season. Not doing so not only impedes your child's ability to be successful, but also hurts their team's ability to win games.

If you do not have a quality sporting goods or baseball equipment retailer nearby that will work with you child to determine the right weight (in a cage with pitched balls), then I strongly recommend holding off on buying a bat until your player has a few weeks to work with a coach to get their swing/stride mechanics right and dial in the right weight and length.