As parents, we all want our toddlers to be comfortable and safe, especially regarding their footwear. Choosing the right shoe size for your little one can be daunting, as their feet grow quickly and constantly. It’s crucial to remember that wearing uncomfortable or painful shoes might result in future foot issues.
That’s why we’ve put together this toddler shoe size chart to help you navigate the sizing process. The chart considers both the length and width of your toddler’s feet and their age and shoe style preferences. We’ll also provide tips on accurately measuring your toddler’s feet and explain the importance of flexibility and breathability in toddler shoes.
By following this guide, you can make informed decisions when purchasing shoes for your toddler, ensuring they are comfortable and safe during their daily activities.
Toddlers’ Shoe Size Chart (1-5 Years)
Choosing the right shoe size for toddlers can be daunting for parents. A toddler’s shoe size can vary greatly between ages 1-5, and getting the right fit is essential for their comfort and development. Understanding the toddler shoe size chart and measuring your child’s feet can help you find the perfect fit for your little one’s growing feet.
US & Canada | UK | Europe | Inches | Centimeters |
3.5 | 19.0 | 2.5 | 4.3 | 10.8 |
4.0 | 19.0 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 11.4 |
4.5 | 20.0 | 3.5 | 4.6 | 11.7 |
5.0 | 20.0 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 12.1 |
5.5 | 21.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 12.7 |
6.0 | 22.0 | 5.0 | 5.1 | 13.0 |
6.5 | 22.0 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 13.3 |
7.0 | 23.0 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 14.0 |
7.5 | 23.0 | 6.5 | 5.6 | 14.3 |
8.0 | 24.0 | 7.0 | 5.8 | 14.6 |
8.5 | 25.0 | 7.5 | 6.0 | 15.2 |
9.0 | 25.0 | 8.0 | 6.1 | 15.6 |
9.5 | 26.0 | 8.5 | 6.3 | 15.9 |
10.0 | 27.0 | 9.0 | 6.5 | 16.5 |
How To Choose Shoes For A Toddler?
Each stage in a baby’s life has a great meaning for the mother. So, when the baby transitioned from the toddler stage to learning to walk, the mothers bought the baby cute and lovely toddler shoes. Toddler shoes are an effective tool to support children in moving while protecting their feet and helping them look more lovely. So when should you let your baby wear walking shoes? Please refer.
When should the baby wear walking shoes?
Entering the second year, from 12-13 months onwards, children can take their first steps. Depending on each baby’s development, some babies can walk very early, from 9-10 months. When your baby starts to walk, you should immediately buy him the right shoes to support your baby learning to walk.
Not the soft, beautiful canvas shoes, you should choose a pair of infant shoes with anti-slip, flexible, possibly rubber, and sturdy toecaps. The toddler’s shoes must be sturdy enough to prevent any possible accidents, such as stepping on sharp debris.
However, when your baby is learning to walk indoors or on a safe surface, you can still have your baby wear socks or soft shoes or go barefoot. Learning to walk barefoot will help your baby’s feet be more flexible. In addition, you should also refer to the notes when choosing baby walking shoes to choose a suitable and comfortable shoe for your baby.
Choose the right material
For babies learning to walk, and you should choose a pair of shoes with soft materials and remember to be light because if the shoes are too heavy, it will be difficult for your baby to learn to walk. The soles of your baby’s shoes greatly affect the baby’s gait and sensation during the first steps of life.
The best option is to choose shoes with a flexible sole that is neither smooth nor too stiff. A non-slip rubber sole with grooves on the sole helps the shoe grip the ground better. Avoid buying shoes with heels. It greatly affects the posture and balance of the child’s feet.
Besides, you should try to test the softness of the toe by pressing it on the toe of the baby’s shoe (about between the tip of the toe and the toe of the shoe). The right shoes will have elasticity; as soon as you press, they will be concave and inflate again. If you don’t see a concave toe, it could be that the shoe is too tight at the toe and unsuitable for your baby.
Choose a style
You may freely pick from several kinds of shoes for your kid because the market currently offers a broad choice of open-toed and closed-toe sandals and shoes that seem attractive and eye-catching.
If you choose shoes with buckles, you should choose one with short straps to prevent your baby from falling when accidentally stepping on the excess straps. Besides, when wearing baby shoes, you need to pay attention to knotting at a moderate level, absolutely do not tighten the baby’s feet!
Determine the right shoe size for your baby
When choosing the right shoes for your baby, the first factor is determining the correct shoe size. Because when wearing the right size shoes, the baby will move naturally and comfortably without fear of injury. Three important points you need to remember when buying shoes for your baby are the toe, the heel (the part of the heel), and the width of the shoe. These three factors will determine whether the shoes fit and fit your baby or not.
Time to take your baby to buy shoes
You should buy baby shoes in the evening. Your baby can rest better in the morning, and so can her feet. The feet of your infant will probably enlarge by 5% more at night than in the morning. So, choosing shoes for your baby now can help you find shoes that fit your baby’s feet better.
Lace-up shoes, zipper, or button
You should choose a shoelace long enough to tie two buttons (bow tie). This length needs careful inspection. If your baby’s shoelaces are not long enough, you should buy a longer lace instead. But if the laces are too long, you must adjust them to avoid your baby stepping on the shoelaces and easily falling.
Some parents prefer to conveniently choose zipper or button shoes for their baby. However, once she’s figured out how to open a zipper or button, she’ll often be able to take her shoes off.
Check for Conformity
Put your baby’s shoes on, and help them get up. Shoes fit when you can fit your little finger between your baby’s heel and the heel of the shoe, one thumb from your baby’s toe and toe. Let your baby try on shoes and take a few toddling steps around the room. You can then remove your baby’s shoes and check his feet for skin irritation. Baby’s feet grow very fast, and the mother should check every month to change shoes in time for the baby.
Read more Cat And Jack Shoe Size Chart in here
Notes When Letting Your Baby Wear Walking Shoes
Whenever you need to consult, immediately contact specialists for timely advice. Early intervention in detecting and treating foot problems will help reduce the severity later. If your baby’s tripping causes his toe to swell or hurt when walking, you must take him to the doctor immediately.
Toe tips
When the baby carries a straightforward direction that points upwards or downwards, some toddlers can straighten their toes on their own, while others may not. This will make it easier for the baby to stumble. If this condition persists, you should change your baby’s shoes and choose special shoes that are more suitable.
Flat feet (flat)
Looking at it, it seems that the surface of the feet of babies learning to walk is flat. However, only 3-13% of children have flat feet. This means that the protrusion in the surface of the baby’s foot is present but disappears when the body’s weight is on it. According to scientists, observing and monitoring this phenomenon in the baby’s feet is advisable until the baby is 2-3 years old. If necessary, you should have the support of child health professionals.
Baby walks on tiptoe
This is a phenomenon where the baby’s weight is mainly on the upper part of the foot. Usually, after a few months, it goes away. If your baby continues to walk like this after a few months, you should check with your doctor until your baby is two years old. It could be a sign of a developmental disorder and should be controlled.
Curved foot phenomenon
The baby’s foot bones are slightly arched, and the head and the heel are slightly facing each other. This condition is often present from birth and does not necessarily require treatment, instead just helping the baby do a few stretches. Currently, up to 15% of children have this phenomenon. If necessary, you can discuss with your doctor to find the right treatment.
How To Teach Your Baby To Walk And Balance Well?
Teaching your baby to walk is an exciting milestone, and helping them develop good balance is an important part of the process. Here are some instructions on how to teach your baby to walk and keep a good balance:
Provide a safe environment
A safe environment is essential to help your baby learn to walk confidently and safely. This entails removing any dangers or obstructions that might lead to a trip or fall for your kid. Some common hazards to look out for include sharp objects, uneven surfaces, electrical cords, and loose rugs or carpets. Secure loose or wobbly furniture, and cover sharp edges with corner guards.
Also, consider installing safety gates to block off areas that may be dangerous or off-limits for your baby. When your baby is learning to walk, it’s important to be vigilant and watch them closely to ensure they stay safe. By creating a safe and hazard-free environment, you can give your baby the freedom to explore and learn to walk with confidence.
Encourage tummy time
Encouraging tummy time is important in helping your baby develop the necessary muscles for walking. When your baby spends time on their tummy, it helps strengthen the muscles in their neck, back, and arms, which is essential for developing balance and coordination. Tummy time also helps develop motor skills, allowing your baby to push up on their arms, roll over, and eventually crawl.
As your baby grows stronger, it will be able to bear weight on their arms and lift its head and chest off the ground, preparing them for the next stages of development, including sitting and crawling. Encouraging tummy time doesn’t have to be long; even a few minutes daily can make a significant difference. Supervise your baby during tummy time and use age-appropriate toys to keep them engaged and entertained.
Assist with standing
Assisting your baby with standing is a great way to help them gain confidence in their ability to balance and bear weight on their legs. You can hold your baby’s hands and gently pull them up to a standing position to do this. Encourage them to put weight on their legs and feel their feet on the ground. This helps your baby understand the sensation of standing and strengthens the muscles in their legs.
You can also use a stable piece of furniture, such as a couch or coffee table, for your baby to pull themselves up on and practice standing independently. As your baby gains strength and balance, it will become more comfortable standing independently and taking its first steps. Always supervise your baby during this stage and offer plenty of positive reinforcement to encourage them.
Support with a push toy
A push toy can be an excellent way to support your baby as they learn to walk. A push toy can help your baby practice their balance while providing support as they take their first steps. It’s important to choose a sturdy push toy with a wide base to ensure stability. This will help your baby feel secure and confident as they push the toy and take their first steps.
Push toys come in various shapes and sizes, from wooden carts to plastic cars, so you can choose one that your baby finds appealing and engaging. When using a push toy, always supervise your baby and use it in a safe and obstacle-free environment. With a little practice and encouragement, your baby will soon be walking confidently on their own.
Practice balance exercises
These exercises can help your baby develop their sense of balance, coordination, and proprioception (the awareness of their body’s position and movements). Some simple balance exercises you can encourage your baby to practice include standing on one foot while holding onto a stable object, walking on a low balance beam or narrow plank, or playing games that involve shifting their weight from side to side.
As your baby becomes more confident with their balance, you can gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises. By providing your baby plenty of opportunities to practice balancing, you can help them develop the skills they need to take their first steps and walk confidently.
Celebrate progress
Celebrating progress can help boost your baby’s confidence and encourage them to keep trying. You can celebrate your baby’s progress by clapping, cheering, or offering a small reward, such as a sticker or a favorite snack. Every baby develops at their rate; therefore, it’s critical to remember that progress rather than perfection should be the main focus.
Encourage your baby with positive affirmations, such as “Great job!” or “You’re doing great!” This can help build a positive association with learning to walk and make the experience more enjoyable for you and your baby. Remember to be patient and supportive throughout the process, as learning to walk can be challenging for babies. With time, patience, and encouragement, your baby will soon be confidently walking and exploring their world.
Find more Stride Rite Shoe Size Chart in this post
FAQs
Should you buy hard or soft shoes for your baby?
A shoe with a very soft sole can make your baby more prone to slipping and tripping. On the contrary, if the sole is too hard, it will make the child uncomfortable while moving and may have foot pain. You should choose shoes with a suitable hard sole to ensure the baby’s safety and help the child feel more comfortable.
Should you choose open-toed or closed-toed shoes for your baby to learn to walk?
Open-toed shoes cannot fully protect a child’s feet, especially during the toddler stage, and are prone to tripping. Therefore, closed-toe shoes will be a better choice for children. If you want your child to wear funky open-toe shoes or Crocs, you should wait until your child can walk steadily.
Should children use used shoes?
You can let your child wear old clothes or old toys, but shoes are something you should buy new for him. Because each baby will have a different foot shape, and the shoes must fit the baby’s feet. If you let your baby wear old shoes, you are “squeezing” your child’s feet into a bad shape. The consequences of doing this can cause the baby’s feet to blister due to being tight, or the baby will be uncomfortable because the shoes are too wide.
What time of day is ideal for taking a toddler’s foot measurement for shoes?
The best time to measure a toddler’s foot for shoes is in the afternoon or evening. This is because a child’s feet can swell throughout the day, and measuring them at this time will ensure that the shoes fit comfortably. Additionally, it’s important to measure both feet, as one foot may be slightly larger than the other. When measuring, leave some wiggle room for growth and development.