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 a U.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 an average. 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.

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

European Clothing and Shoe Size Charts for Babies and Kids

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

Style, Fit, and Sound: Buying Tap Shoes

Learn to Distinguish Between 24 Months and 2T Clothing Sizes

9 Tips for Stylishly Camouflaging Large Feet

What a Cobbler or Shoe Repair Person Can and Can’t Do for Your Shoes

Men’s Shoe Size and Widths Chart

Clothing Size Conversion Charts for Shopping Abroad

Common Foot Injuries Among Skaters

Where to Buy Small Shoes for Petite Feet

5 Brands of Shoes to Sell on eBay for Profit

Learn to Walk Like a Supermodel in High Heels

The 7 Best Shoe Trees of 2022

Golf Shoes: A Guide for Beginners and Buyers

Selling Shoes and Sneakers on eBay

Home

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About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

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 a U.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 an average. 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.

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

European Clothing and Shoe Size Charts for Babies and Kids

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

Style, Fit, and Sound: Buying Tap Shoes

Learn to Distinguish Between 24 Months and 2T Clothing Sizes

9 Tips for Stylishly Camouflaging Large Feet

What a Cobbler or Shoe Repair Person Can and Can’t Do for Your Shoes

Men’s Shoe Size and Widths Chart

Clothing Size Conversion Charts for Shopping Abroad

Common Foot Injuries Among Skaters

Where to Buy Small Shoes for Petite Feet

5 Brands of Shoes to Sell on eBay for Profit

Learn to Walk Like a Supermodel in High Heels

The 7 Best Shoe Trees of 2022

Golf Shoes: A Guide for Beginners and Buyers

Selling Shoes and Sneakers on eBay

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies

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 a U.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 an average. 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.

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 a U.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 an average. 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.

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.

  • Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

  • European Clothing and Shoe Size Charts for Babies and Kids

  • What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

  • Style, Fit, and Sound: Buying Tap Shoes

  • Learn to Distinguish Between 24 Months and 2T Clothing Sizes

  • 9 Tips for Stylishly Camouflaging Large Feet

  • What a Cobbler or Shoe Repair Person Can and Can’t Do for Your Shoes

  • Men’s Shoe Size and Widths Chart

  • Clothing Size Conversion Charts for Shopping Abroad

  • Common Foot Injuries Among Skaters

  • Where to Buy Small Shoes for Petite Feet

  • 5 Brands of Shoes to Sell on eBay for Profit

  • Learn to Walk Like a Supermodel in High Heels

  • The 7 Best Shoe Trees of 2022

  • Golf Shoes: A Guide for Beginners and Buyers

  • Selling Shoes and Sneakers on eBay

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

Toddler Shoe Tips and Baby Shoe Sizes: U.S. Versus European

European Clothing and Shoe Size Charts for Babies and Kids

European Clothing and Shoe Size Charts for Babies and Kids

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

What Parents Should Know About Shopping for Children’s Shoes

Style, Fit, and Sound: Buying Tap Shoes

Style, Fit, and Sound: Buying Tap Shoes

Learn to Distinguish Between 24 Months and 2T Clothing Sizes

Learn to Distinguish Between 24 Months and 2T Clothing Sizes

9 Tips for Stylishly Camouflaging Large Feet

9 Tips for Stylishly Camouflaging Large Feet

What a Cobbler or Shoe Repair Person Can and Can’t Do for Your Shoes

What a Cobbler or Shoe Repair Person Can and Can’t Do for Your Shoes

Men’s Shoe Size and Widths Chart

Men’s Shoe Size and Widths Chart

Clothing Size Conversion Charts for Shopping Abroad

Clothing Size Conversion Charts for Shopping Abroad

Common Foot Injuries Among Skaters

Common Foot Injuries Among Skaters

Where to Buy Small Shoes for Petite Feet

Where to Buy Small Shoes for Petite Feet

5 Brands of Shoes to Sell on eBay for Profit

5 Brands of Shoes to Sell on eBay for Profit

Learn to Walk Like a Supermodel in High Heels

Learn to Walk Like a Supermodel in High Heels

The 7 Best Shoe Trees of 2022

The 7 Best Shoe Trees of 2022

Golf Shoes: A Guide for Beginners and Buyers

Golf Shoes: A Guide for Beginners and Buyers

Selling Shoes and Sneakers on eBay

Selling Shoes and Sneakers on eBay

Home

Entertainment

Careers

Activities

Humor

About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

Home

Home

Entertainment

Careers

Activities

Humor

About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy

  • About Us

  • Advertise

  • Careers

  • Privacy Policy

  • Editorial Guidelines

  • Contact

  • Terms of Use

  • EU Privacy

  • Entertainment

  • Careers

  • Activities

  • Humor

LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies