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Your little one is upright and taking his or her first tentative steps. You couldn't be more excited—you finally get to buy that adorable pair of miniature Baby Jordans. But does your baby really need them? Well, yes and no. When a baby first begins to toddle—typically between 8 and 18 months—there's no need for him or her to wear shoes inside the house. But outside, those tender feet need protection.
Finding the Right Fit
The trick to finding the right shoe is making sure it fits. Though a little extra space in the toe is necessary, don't try to make footwear purchases last longer by buying shoes a few sizes too big. A novice walker has enough trouble without slipping out of his or her shoes.
When your baby's trying on shoes, watch your child's response. If a pair seems to hurt or if they are having trouble walking, take them off. Avoid trendy styles especially those with pointy toes, which can pinch tiny toes and restrict growth. Also avoid clogs, which look cute but fall off easily.
What If a Toddler Can't Try On Shoes?
While the best way to ensure you're getting the correct shoes for your baby is to try them on, there are times when that's not possible. Maybe you're buying baby shoes as a gift and you found the perfect pair but it's aU.K .or European brand. Or, maybe you found a deal online you just can't pass up. Whatever your reason, you'll need a chart to help you determine which shoe size to buy for the special baby in your life.
Tips to Keep in Mind About This Chart
- Average age is anaverage. If the baby you're buying for is big for his/her age, the clothing size column may be a better indicator of what shoe size to buy.
- European and UK baby shoe brands tend to run larger, on average, than American baby shoe brands; a size 18 E.U., for example, is more like a 3.5 U.S.
- Most brands have specific sizing charts for their shoes; look to see if you can find one on their website to help you make the best choice.
- Measuring a baby's foot can be a challenge! Here is a video that shows how to get a proper foot measurement of your wiggly little one.
Baby Shoe Sizing
| US | UK | European | Average Age of Child | Sold Under Infant or Toddler Label? |
| 1 | 0.5 | 16 | newborn to 6 months | infant/baby |
| 2 | 1 | 17 | newborn to 6 months | infant/baby |
| 3 | 2 | 18 | 6 to 12 months | infant/baby |
| 4 | 3 | 19 | 6 to 12 months | infant/baby |
| 5 | 4 | 20 | 12 to 18 months | baby/toddler |
| 6 | 5 | 22 | 12 to 18 months | baby/toddler |
| 7 | 6 | 23 | 18 to 24 months | baby/toddler |
| 8 | 7 | 24 | 18 to 24 months | baby/toddler |
| 9 | 8 | 25 | 24 months plus | toddler/little kid |
| 10 | 9 | 27 | 24 months plus | toddler/little kid |
| 11 | 10 | 28 | 24 months plus | big kids |
| 12 | 11 | 30 | 24 months plus | big kids |
Other Footwear Tips
Do The Thumb Test:A child's longest toe should be a thumb's width (roughly half an inch) from the tip of the shoe. The back of the shoe should be snug but comfortable. If a baby's heel slides out easily, the shoe is too big; if the shoe pinches the heel, it's too small. Have a salesperson measure both of your child's feet.
What Gives?:Footwear should be porous and flexible. Shoes made entirely of rubber or plastic tend to be stiff and cause excessive sweating. Choose cloth, canvas, or leather, which stretch and allow a shoe to bend.
Go Boxy:The dimensions of the shoe should approximate the shape of a child's foot, so choose square or oval shapes.
Feel The Heel:The back of the shoe should be snug but comfortable. If a baby's heel slides out easily, the shoe is too big; if the shoe pinches the heel, it's too small.
It Takes Two:Have a salesperson measure both of your child's feet. Most babies have as much as a half-size difference between feet. Always buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
Go High Style:For babies between the ages of 9 and 18 months, high-top sneakers and soft leather ankle boots will stay on better than low-cut styles.
Keep Tabs:Toddlers outgrow their shoes quickly. A new pair may be too small after just three to four months. To ensure a proper fit, do the thumb test every few months.
Get In The Groove:Moderately grooved rubber soles go a long way toward preventing a wobbly toddler from slipping. Try roughing up the soles of slick-bottomed shoes with sandpaper for better traction.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in the field of baby shoes, I can provide you with valuable information on finding the right fit and choosing the appropriate shoes for your little one. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this area, which I will demonstrate by addressing the concepts mentioned in this article.
Finding the Right Fit for Baby Shoes
When it comes to finding the right shoe for your baby, it's important to ensure a proper fit. While a little extra space in the toe area is necessary, buying shoes that are too big can cause your baby to slip out of them and have trouble walking It's crucial to prioritize your baby's comfort and safety.
Avoid trendy styles, especially those with pointy toes, as they can pinch tiny toes and restrict growth. Additionally, clogs may look cute but tend to fall off easily, so it's best to avoid them as well.
Determining Shoe Size for Babies
Sometimes, trying on shoes may not be possible, especially if you're buying them as a gift or purchasing online. In such cases, you can use a shoe size chart to determine the appropriate size for your baby. Keep in mind the following tips when using a chart:
- The average age provided in the chart is just an average. If your baby is bigger or smaller for their age, you may need to consider their clothing size as an indicator of the shoe size.
- European and UK baby shoe brands tend to run larger than American brands on average. For example, a size 18 EU is more like a 3.5 US.
- Most shoe brands have specific sizing charts available on their websites. It's recommended to consult these charts to make the best choice.
If you're unsure about your baby's shoe size, you can watch a video that demonstrates how to measure your baby's foot properly.
Tips for Choosing Baby Shoes
In addition to finding the right fit, there are several other factors to consider when choosing baby shoes:
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Thumb Test: The longest toe of your baby should be about a thumb's width (roughly half an inch) from the tip of the shoe. The back of the shoe should be snug but comfortable. If the heel slides out easily, the shoe is too big; if it pinches the heel, it's too small.
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Material: Opt for shoes made of porous and flexible materials like cloth, canvas, or leather. Shoes made entirely of rubber or plastic can be stiff and cause excessive sweating. Flexible materials allow the shoe to bend and provide better comfort for your baby's feet.
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Shape: Choose shoes with square or oval shapes that approximate the shape of your baby's foot. This ensures a better fit and allows for natural movement.
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Salesperson Assistance: It's recommended to have a salesperson measure both of your baby's feet, as there can be a half-size difference between them. This will help ensure a proper fit.
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Durability: Keep in mind that toddlers outgrow their shoes quickly. It's advisable to check the fit every few months using the thumb test to ensure they are still the right size.
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Traction: Look for shoes with moderately grooved rubber soles to prevent your toddler from slipping. If the soles of the shoes are too slick, you can rough them up with sandpaper for better traction.
By considering these tips, you can make informed decisions when purchasing shoes for your baby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right fit and choosing appropriate shoes for your baby is essential for their comfort and safety. Avoid shoes that are too big or have pointy toes, and prioritize materials that are flexible and breathable. Utilize shoe size charts and consult salespeople for assistance when necessary. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your little one's feet are well-protected as they take their first steps into the world.
I hope this information helps you in selecting the perfect shoes for your baby! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
