Selecting shoes for an infant becomes more difficult as they start to move around. Feet change shape depending on the amount of weight being applied to them. Babies sitting in carriers apply little to no weight on their feet. However, a child taking her first steps will stress feet and cause them to expand. Fitting shoes properly on your infant's feet will take some practice. As you get to know your child and her movements, you will begin to understand how she walks and what shoes work best.
Step 1
Hold the baby up on a solid surface. If your child is standing on his own, let him stand while you do the measurement. Measuring feet while they support body weight provides the most accurate reading.
Step 2
Use a ruler or tape measure to determine the length of the foot. Place one end of the tool on the outside of the heel and lay the measure down flat against the foot along the inside. The end measure point will be the tip of the big toe.
Step 3
Score the measuring device with a pencil or colored marker. Place the mark in line with the tip of the big toe. Lift the tape measure and write down the length of the foot. Repeat the process with the other foot.
Step 4
Measure the width of the foot by laying the tape measure along the tips of the toes. Make note of this number and repeat on the other foot. Take these numbers with you when you go shoe shopping. According to the Podiatry Network, width is difficult because many shoes come only in medium. If your child has a wide foot, look for brands that offer multiple widths.
Step 5
Talk to the clerk and give him the measurements of your child's feet. The clerk might have a chart based on manufacturer's recommendations that he can refer to that will point to the correct size.
Step 6
Try shoes on and let your infant stand in them. Place your index finger inside the shoe between the foot and inside edge. If your finger does not fit in the space, the shoe is not wide enough for your baby's foot. Allow the child to move around in the shoe.
Step 7
Look for the break in the shoe. This is the wrinkle that forms as the child takes steps. The foot flexes and a wrinkle appears on the surface of the shoe. Ideally, the break occurs across the ball of the foot. A deep break indicates the shoes are too wide. If the break comes above the ball toward the toes, the shoes are too long.
Tips and Warnings
- Use the largest numbers when selecting a size. Feet can be different sizes. Go with the foot that is the biggest. This will give you a starting size. Trimfoot Co. recommends measuring feet once a month for children under the age of 1.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pen
- Paper
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