Many children get started playing baseball when they are 4, 5 or 6 years old. These youngsters may come from a sports-oriented family, and so may see parents, siblings or neighbors playing. However, do not let such young players use regular baseball equipment -- younger players need to use a bat they can swing comfortably.
Bat Size
Baseball bats for the youngest players must be small and light. There is no sense in giving a six-year-old a bat that is used by a teenager because he won't be able to hold it or swing it. According to Baseball-Bats.net, players who are 6 years old or younger should use a bat that is 24 to 26 inches in length and weighs 16 oz. or less. This gives the young player a chance to hold the bat properly and swing it correctly.
Arm Test
To test if you have the correct size bat, have the young player hold the bat at arm's length and raise it to shoulder height. If he can hold it for three seconds comfortably, the bat is the correct size. If his arm shakes or he can't hold the bat, it is too big and you need to find a smaller bat.
Aluminum or Wood Bat
Young players who really get into the game usually want to have their own bat at one point or another. Those who play organized baseball in leagues are probably better off with aluminum bats because they last for years and are much more durable than wood bats. Aluminum bats are also better for the youngest players because they reduce the vibrations when the bat hits the ball, making the hitting experience more comfortable.
Moving Up
As players get older and stronger, upgrade to longer and heavier bats. The longer and heavier the bat, the more force it can generated when the barrel hits the ball. However, when bats get heavier, it's more difficult for the batter to generate bat speed during the swing. As a result, there's no reason to be in a hurry to increase the size of the bat. Wait until the youngster is about 8 years old before increasing bat size.
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