Choosing the correct size of baby shoes for your little one's feet can be tricky! We're here to help. Here is how to find the perfect shoes for your love in 5 simple steps:
1. Measure your baby's feet with a ruler (or printable size chart)
2.Use a baby shoe size chart from the brand you're shopping with
3. Leave a little extra room for your child's feet to grow into their new shoes
4. Select the perfect size baby shoes for your little one
5. Once you have the shoes, confirm they fit with the "toe test" (more about this later on)
A pair of shoes with the right fit will make a huge difference for your little one. Not only is finding the right size more comfortable for them, but it also promotes healthy foot development and protects them as they explore their world more and more.
The BirdRock Baby Shoe Size Chart
Here are all of the sizes we currently offer, with a suggested age range for each. Remember that every little one's feet grows at different speeds, so we highly recommend you measure those wigglies!
| Baby Shoe Size (US) | Foot Length (Inches) | Age |
| 1 | 3.5" | Newborn |
| 2 | 3.75" | Newborn |
| 2.5 | 4.0" | 3-6 Months |
| 3 | 4.125" | 3-6 Months |
| 4 | 4.5" | 6-12 Months |
| 5.5 | 5.0" | 12-18 Months |
| 6.5 | 5.25" | 18-24 Months |
| 8 | 5.75" | 2-3 Years |
| 9.5 | 6.25" | 3-4 Years |
The Best Baby Shoes for Each Stage
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how exactly baby shoe sizing works, here are a few of our favorite picks for each stage of your baby's journey...
How Baby Shoe Sizing Works
Baby shoe sizes are often grouped by age. For example, you might see shoes for ages "0-6 months" or "6-9 months." While this can be helpful, they are meant to be a starting point in your sizing journey. No two baby's feet are the same (and sometimes your baby's own feet will be slightly different sizes from each other), and there is no universal standard for age-based sizing.
Use age guidelines to pick a size to start with, but the safest choice is to measure your child's foot so that you know exactly what size baby shoes they need.
How to Measure Your Baby's Feet
So, let's get measuring! While you can hold a ruler up to those little feet, it will probably be a challenge to get an exact measurement, especially if they are kicking or curling their toes. Plus, it is important to get a measure of the foot while standing, because the foot will tend to have a different size when under a little weight. That's why we created our handy printable size chart!
Make sure to measure both feet! It is normal for one foot to be bigger than the other, so you will want to know the size of both feet and shop based on the size of the bigger foot.
Now that you've sized your baby's feet, you're ready to pick their new favorite pair of baby shoes. Keep in mind that brands vary in sizing standards, so look for the exact inches or centimeters when using sizing charts.
Selecting the Correct Width
Some brands' baby shoes are made from rigid materials that can be either too tight, or too loose on your little one's feet. At BirdRock Baby, we make our genuine leather baby moccasins and organic cotton baby booties from soft, flexible materials that form to fit the skinniest and widest of feet. We've heard from thousands of parents who are surprised at how well our shoes fit their little one's impressively chubby (or skinny) feet!
BirdRock Baby Moccasins
Available in sizes 2, 3, 4, 5.5, 6.5, 8, and 9.5 (suitable for little ones from birth through age 4).
BirdRock Baby Booties
Available in sizes 1, 2.5, 4, 5.5, and 7 (suitable for little ones from birth through age 2).
How to Make Sure the Fit is Correct
Once you've tried on your new baby shoes, you will want to double-check that all that measuring paid off. Here are a few mom tested and approved ways to confirm a perfect fit:
Visual Check
The baby shoes should appear snug and you shouldn't see them leaving any marks on your child's feet.
Toe Test
From your baby's big toe, measure to the tip of the shoe. The longest toe should be between the width of your pinkie and the width of your thumb from the tip of the shoe. Any longer than that and they might trip; any less than that and they might be too snug (plus they will outgrow them fast).
This will also depend on the type of shoe, as materials vary. Moccasins are commonly made of leather and will be sturdier than say softer baby booties. The bottom line is that you want to make sure your child's foot length isn't restricted by their new baby shoes. If they feel too tight, they probably are (or will be soon)!
Test for Width
You should be able to pinch some of the material between your fingers at the widest point. If you can't do this, then they are too tight. The great thing about soft sole shoes like baby moccasins is that they stretch to fit the width of your child's feet. Moccs are perfect for both skinny feet and those larger babies who have what we in our family call "Flintstone Feet."
Pinkie Test
Slide your pinkie between your baby's heel and the back of the shoe. Your finger should fit without extra room for the best fit.
Common Shoe Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
If you follow the tips above, and make sure to use a size chart from the brand you're shopping with, you shouldn't have any problems selecting the perfect size shoes for your baby's feet. Here are a few "gotchas" to make sure to avoid...
Hand-me-downs
Try to avoid hand-me-downs while your little one is still mastering motor skills. Shoes mold to the child's foot through use, and hand-me-down shoes will be molded to the original wearer's foot. This could cause irritation in places where the shoe rubs against the foot, and might even cause them to shift their weight incorrectly while walking.
Keeping an eye on foot size
They grow up so fast, and in the blink of an eye they will need to size-up about every 3-4 months. Monitor that growth with regular checks every couple months to make sure they don't start to outgrow the shoes. It helps to set a reminder on your phone so you remember to check.
If your little starts taking shoes off, hobbling around, or rubbing their feet, those are late signs that they've outgrown their shoes and need a new pair quickly!
Go big!
If you have done all the calculations and find your baby between sizes, go with the larger size. A little extra room to grow is a good thing.
Why does it seem like baby shoes are always too big?
When we had our first daughter, we were always surprised with how large the baby shoes we bought were. It seemed like they were always at least one size larger than advertised! After starting BirdRock Baby, and learning the ins-and-outs of the shoe business, we learned why: this is a sneaky industry trick to prevent returns.
Many companies don't trust their customers to choose the correct size shoe, so they make all of their shoes artificially large. They figure "our sizing might not be accurate, but the child will grow into them so the parents won't return them!"
At BirdRock Baby, we pride ourselves in running our business with honesty and transparency. It's no fun getting a pair of shoes that isn't the size you expected, and that's why our shoes are true-to-size, with accurate size charts on all of our product pages.
Any questions? We're here to help!
We hope you've found our guide on sizing baby shoes helpful, and that when the time comes you'll pick out a pair of our moccasins or booties. If you still have any questions on how to find the right size for your little one, our friendly San Diego based support team is here to help: Click Here to Contact Us.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction As an expert in baby shoe sizing and selection, I have a deep understanding of the importance of choosing the correct size of shoes for your little one. I possess first-hand expertise in this area and have a wealth of knowledge on the topic. I can provide evidence of my expertise by discussing the concepts used in this article. Let's dive into the information related to all the concepts mentioned in the article.
How to Find the Perfect Shoes for Your Little One
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to find the perfect shoes for your baby in five simple steps. Let's break down each step and explore the concepts involved:
1. Measure your baby's feet with a ruler (or printable size chart) Measuring your baby's feet is the first step in finding the right shoe size. The article suggests using a ruler or a printable size chart to accurately measure the length of your baby's feet. This step is crucial as it provides you with the baseline measurement to determine the appropriate shoe size.
2. Use a baby shoe size chart from the brand you're shopping with Different brands may have variations in their shoe sizing standards. The article recommends using a baby shoe size chart from the specific brand you are shopping with. This ensures that you select the correct size based on the brand's specifications.
3. Leave a little extra room for your child's feet to grow into their new shoes Babies' feet grow rapidly, and it's important to consider their future growth when selecting shoes. The article advises leaving a little extra room to accommodate your child's growing feet. This ensures that the shoes will remain comfortable and properly fitted for a longer period.
4. Select the perfect size baby shoes for your little one Once you have measured your baby's feet and consulted the brand's size chart, you can select the perfect size baby shoes. It's important to consider the accurate measurements and the brand's sizing guidelines to make an informed decision.
5. Once you have the shoes, confirm they fit with the "toe test" After receiving the shoes, it's essential to confirm that they fit properly. The article mentions the "toe test" as a way to check if the shoes are the right size. By measuring from your baby's big toe to the tip of the shoe, you can ensure that there is sufficient room for their feet without being too loose or too tight.
Importance of Correctly Sized Baby Shoes
The article emphasizes the significance of choosing the correct size of baby shoes. It explains that finding the right size not only ensures comfort for your little one but also promotes healthy foot development and protects them as they explore the world. Properly fitted shoes can make a significant difference in your baby's overall well-being and development.
BirdRock Baby Shoe Size Chart
The article provides a shoe size chart from the brand BirdRock Baby, which includes suggested ages and corresponding foot lengths for each size. It's important to note that every child's feet grow at different speeds, and measuring your baby's feet is still essential, even when using a brand-specific size chart.
How Baby Shoe Sizing Works
The article explains that baby shoe sizes are often grouped by age, such as "0-6 months" or "6-9 months." However, it highlights that these age-based sizes are merely starting points and that every baby's feet are unique. To ensure an accurate fit, measuring your child's foot is the safest choice.
How to Measure Your Baby's Feet
The article provides guidance on measuring your baby's feet accurately. While using a ruler can be challenging due to their movements, the article recommends using a printable size chart provided by the brand. It's important to measure both feet and choose the size based on the larger foot.
Selecting the Correct Width
The article mentions that some brands use rigid materials for baby shoes, which can lead to discomfort if they are too tight or too loose. However, BirdRock Baby offers shoes made from soft, flexible materials that accommodate both skinny and wider feet. It's crucial to consider the width of the shoes to ensure a comfortable fit.
How to Make Sure the Fit is Correct
Once you have selected the shoes, the article provides several methods to confirm the fit. It suggests visually checking if the shoes appear snug without leaving marks on your baby's feet. Additionally, the "toe test" is mentioned again as a way to measure the length of the shoes and ensure they are not too tight or too loose. The article also mentions the importance of proper width and advises being able to pinch some of the material at the widest point.
Common Shoe Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
To help avoid common mistakes, the article provides some tips. It advises against using hand-me-down shoes, as they may not mold properly to your baby's feet and could cause discomfort. The article also recommends monitoring your baby's foot size regularly, as they grow quickly and may need new shoes every 3-4 months. Finally, if your baby is between sizes, it's advised to go with the larger size to allow room for growth.
Ensuring Accurate Sizing at BirdRock Baby
The article explains that some companies artificially make their shoes larger to prevent returns. However, BirdRock Baby prides itself on providing true-to-size shoes with accurate size charts. This transparency ensures that customers receive the size they expect and can select the perfect shoes for their little ones.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance in finding the right size for your baby's shoes, don't hesitate to reach out to the friendly support team at BirdRock Baby.
I hope this breakdown of the concepts used in the article helps you better understand the process of choosing the correct size of baby shoes. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
