Tips To Buying Shoes That Fit Best Your Kids

When she's about to take her first steps, familiarizing yourself with baby shoe sizes will help you get a good fit. Here are what you need to look up before shop a baby’s shoes, recommended by HappyMom.Life

After your child begins walking, she'll need footwear to protect her from the elements, and sometimes for traction. This is why it's important for you and any nannies, babysitters or infant child care you hire to keep a close eye on your kiddo during walks -- especially she's the kind of kid who loves chucking her clothes out of the stroller. During the early months, you can dress your baby's feet in socks or booties, and once she's ready for a 'real shoe,' look for quality.

Does the Shoe Fit?

Because baby shoe sizes can vary between footwear brands and manufacturers, it's important to have your child's feet measured by a shoe professional. Once you have the length in inches, you can seek out a comfortable fit. Keep in mind that some stores label shoes only by age and tend to use wider ranges (for example, 6-12 months or 12-18 months).

If you have a professional measure your child's foot every three months, you'll be able to track whether she's outgrowing her shoes. You can also use the pinkie rule to check for fit -- your baby's shoe should be one (adult) pinkie width longer than her foot.

As a general guide, use the following chart of baby shoe sizes, which shows foot length matched to each approximate age. This chart works for most shoe styles your baby will wear at these ages, including sneakers, sporty sandals and boots.

Shoe Sizes

Size 1 (Euro Size 16)
Length: 3 1/2 inches. Approximate Age: 0-3 months

Size 2 (Euro Size 17)
Length: 3 5/8 inches. Approximate Age: 3-6 months

Size 2.5
Length: 3 7/8 inches. Approximate Age: 3-6 months

Size 3 (Euro Size 18)
Length: 4 inches. Approximate Age: 6-9 months

Size 3.5 (Euro Size 18)
Length: 4 1/8 inches. Approximate Age: 6-9 months

Size 4 (Euro Size 19)
Length:4 3/8 inches. Approximate Age: 9-12 months

Size 4.5 (Euro Size 20)
Length: 4 1/2 inches. Approximate Age: 9-12 months

Size 5 (Euro Size 20)
Length: 4 5/8 inches. Approximate Age: 12-18 months

Size 5.5 (Euro Size 21)
Length: 4 7/8 inches. Approximate Age: 12-18 months

Size 6 (Euro Size 21)
Length: 5 inches. Approximate Age: 18-24 months

Here Are A Few Other Smart Tips For Buying And Fitting Your Baby's Shoes

Shop Together
Take babies along when looking for footwear and put him in the socks he'll be wearing with the shoes you're buying. You should also shop in the afternoon as feet tend to swell as the day goes on. (Fitting them when they're at their largest is best.) And be sure to buy shoes for the bigger foot, because feet aren't always the same size.

Skip the Trends
Say no to combat boots, flip-flops, wedges, strappy sandals or heels of any kind for your baby or toddler. They may seem super cute but the fashionable baby shoes can be difficult to walk in. These shoes are too restrictive and may inhibit normal gait patterns and muscle development.

Many stores carry a wide range of shoes for babies and kids, so take your time when shopping for footwear.