Babies go from birth to nearly running within about a year as their bodies--and feet--change and grow rapidly. The correct shoe sizes protect and support babies' feet as they grow. Measuring the foot, considering the baby's developmental stage and trying the shoe on to check fit are three methods for ensuring the correctly sized shoes for those precious little feet.
Shoe Size by Foot Measurement
Pip Squeakers recommends this process for measuring the child's feet at home: Put socks on the baby and then measure his foot from the end of the heel to the tip of the big toe. If he curls his toes, as toddlers often do, stand him up and place his weight on his feet and then measure. Compare the length of baby's longest foot, in inches, with a baby shoe manufacturer's chart to determine the proper size. For example, the Pip Squeakers website (see Resources) explains that a foot measuring up to 3 3/4 inches equals a baby/toddler shoe size 2; 4 1/4 inches equals a size 3; 4 1/2 inches equals a size 3 1/2 or 4; 4 3/4 inches equals a size 5; 5 inches equals a size 6; 4 1/4 inches equals a size 7; 5 1/2 inches equals a size 8; 6 inches equals a size 9; 6 1/4 inches equals a size 10; and 6 1/2 inches equals a size 11. Manufacturer size charts may vary slightly, so ask a salesperson for the proper inches-to-size conversion for a particular shoe, or visit the shoe company's website for a sizing chart.
Shoe Size by Stage
If you're purchasing shoes as a gift or for a baby who is not near enough to measure, use the following "stages" of baby development to determine approximate size ranges.
According to Dimensions Guide, the "crib stage" of a baby's life means she is approximately six months old or younger. She needs shoes that are soft and lightweight, and she probably wears a size 2 or smaller. "Crawling stage" babies wear shoes with soft, protective soles up to a size 3. Babies who have entered the "walking stage" are usually older than nine months, but younger than three, and need to support their feet with breathable, durable materials. Walking babies usually wear shoes up to size 8. However, measuring the baby's foot is still the most accurate way to know her shoe size.
Proper Fit
Pletuko Baby Shoes reminds parents that walking shoes should be both comfortable and stable. Once the baby wears the shoes for a few steps, check his feet for red marks or swelling, which indicate a bad fit. Inspect the toe of the shoe after he takes a few steps; any signs of wear on the toe indicate a poor-fitting shoe as well.
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, a baby's shoes should feel good on his feet from the very beginning; a breaking-in period is not necessary for baby shoes if you purchase the correct design and fit.
Try On Shoes
PediPed reminds parents to try the shoes on the baby before you buy. Baby feet come in many sizes and shapes, and no two feet will fit exactly the same in a pair of shoes. A shoe that fits well should leave room for baby's toes to wiggle. If your baby can stand, place her on her feet, which causes her feet to spread out a little, and check wiggle room again.
Ill-fitting shoes can lead to "toe problems, ingrown toenails, hammer toes, calluses and bunions," warns The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. In addition to checking for wiggle room for toes, they also recommend making sure the top of the shoe doesn't push on baby's toenails or toes, and they recommend the "rounded toe box" design as one that offers the most space for little toes.
Warning
Once the baby is past infancy, going barefoot is not recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association. A bare foot on dirty or uneven pavement creates unnecessary risk of infection, fractures, sprains and plantar warts, which are caused by a virus that enters the the foot if there are any breaks or cuts in the skin.
