A parentâs guide to finding just the right shoe size for newborns, infants, and older babies. With baby shoe size charts and illustrations.
Unlike adult sizes, baby shoe sizes are identical for both girls and boys. Furthermore, baby shoe sizes are subcategorized into those for newborns (0-2 months), infants (2-12 months), and toddlers (1-3 years).
Baby Shoe Size Chart by Age
To help you find the best shoe size for your newborns (0-2 months), infants (2-12 months), and toddlers (1-3 years), refer to the US baby shoe size chart below. Scan down the chart until you find your babyâs shoe size by foot length and age. If the length of your childâs foot lies outside the corresponding age range, go with the baby shoe size assigned by the chart to that particular foot length. Naturally, still be sure to try the shoes on your child.
| Foot Length in Inch | Baby/Kids Shoe Size (US) | Approx. Age | Worn by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 5/8 | 1C | 0 - 2 months | Newborn |
| 4 | 2C | 1 - 3 months | Newborn |
| 4 1/8 | 2.5C | 3 - 6 months | Infant |
| 4 3/8 | 3C | 6 - 9 months | Infant |
| 4 1/2 | 3.5C | 9 - 11 months | Infant |
| 4 3/4 | 4C | 10 - 12 months | Infant |
| 5 | 5C | 13 - 15 months | Toddler |
| 5 1/4 | 6C | 16 - 18 months | Toddler |
| 5 5/8 | 7C | 21 - 24 months | Toddler |
| 6 | 8C | 2 years | Toddler |
| 6 1/4 | 9C | 3 years | Toddler |
Infant Shoe Size Chart
For the most part, infant shoes sizes are intended for little ones between the approximate ages of 2 and 12 months. The infant shoe sizes chart by age below will guide you to the perfect fit.
| Age of Infant | US Shoe Size | Foot length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 months | 0.5C - 1.5C | 3 1/2 - 3 7/8" |
| 1 - 3 months | 2C | 4" |
| 3 - 6 months | 2.5C | 4 1/8" |
| 6 - 9 months | 3C | 4 3/8" |
| 9 - 11 months | 3.5C | 4 1/2" |
| 10 - 12 months | 4C | 4 3/4" |
Newborn Shoe Size Chart
When they must wear footwear at all, newborns often wear socks and booties. Due to the varying size of newborns and their feet, age ranges may overlap, with a 1C fitting 0- to 2-month-olds while some 1- to 3-month-olds may require a 2C.
| Age | US Shoe Size | Foot length (inch) | Worn by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 months | 1C | 3 5/8 inches | Newborn |
| 1 - 3 months | 2C | 4 inches | Newborn |
á How to Measure á International Sizes
At a Glance
- Allow for one-half to three-quarters of an inch of extra space between the shoes and your childâs feet. This provides enough wiggle room to avoid restricting proper growth. A poor fit could lead to serious problems later on.
- After measuring both feet and the time has come to shop for shoes, make sure to use the longer foot measurement as the basis for the size. A little extra space in one shoe beats buying a pair that only fits one foot.
- Since babiesâ feet grow rapidly, be sure to measure their size often. During a babyâs first 24 months, it is recommended that the feet are measured every 2 months to ensure correct shoe size.
- If buying shoes that you intend for your child to wear with socks, measure the feet while wearing those exact socks to determine the additional length and width needed for proper fit.
- No shoes before walking: It’s best for babies to go barefoot or wear socks until they start walking as this allows for optimal development of their feet.
- Growth patterns: Studies have revealed that babies’ feet grow at different rates, with some, growing faster in length, others in width. It’s important to measure the feet regularly to ensure a proper fit.
- US shoe sizes differ from European shoe sizes. Likewise, Euro sizes also differ from UK shoe sizing. To convert baby shoes for newborns from US to UK sizes, simply remember that UK shoes are usually one-half size smaller than US sizes. See all international Sizes
FAQs
What size shoe does a 6-month-old wear?
On average, a 6-month-old baby wears 3C size shoes. However, we recommend you always measure your childâs feet as well as try the shoes on, since the foot size of individual babies may differ widely. And at this age, proper fit is all-important. See Chart.
When to start with shoes for babies?
Broad consensus among pediatricians and podiatrists encourages that newborns remain barefoot as much as possible for the unfettered development of bones and musculature. When cold temperatures or other environmental factors demand, however, such protective footwear as socks and booties are commonly worn by babies 0â2 months old. These are usually made from hypoallergenic, lightweight, and breathable materials such as cotton and wool. The newborn shoe size chart will help you pinpoint the best fitting shoe sizes for these ages.
What size shoe does a 1-year-old wear?
On average, a 1-year-old (i.e., 12-month-old) baby wears 4C size shoes, assuming their longest foot measures 4 Ÿâ. However, we recommend measuring your childâs foot and looking up the correct shoe size here, as shoe size may differ based on an infantâs growth rate.
How long should babies wear soft-soled shoes?
Soft-soled shoes can be useful until the baby is about 24 months old. Beyond this, babies become more confident and adventurous walkers, venturing onto varying surfaces and terrain that may require shoes with firmer soles and sturdier materials.
Should babies wear shoes while crawling?
When your baby is just a newborn or in a later infant stage, wearing shoes is unnecessary. While theyâre crawling, soft socks or, at most, socks with non-skid soles will work just fine. This will allow them to move more freely and not worry about supporting the weight of shoes. Also, no matter how good a fit they are, shoes (and even socks) will still fall off their tiny feet.