A cute pair of baby shoes offers a fun way for parents to dress little ones up, protect their feet, and provide support as they learn to walk. However, the wrong size can cause discomfort and even stunt development.
How do baby shoe sizes work? Learn the ins and outs of helping customers learn how to measure baby shoe sizes for their infants.
How Do Baby Shoe Sizes Work in the U.S.?
In the U.S., baby shoes start at size one and go up to size five, but here’s the catch: different brands do things their own way. Some include half sizes, some don’t, and there’s no universal standard! Many also use an infant shoe size chart by age in 3-month increments.
Unlike adult shoes, baby shoe sizes are gender-neutral. Boys’ and girls’ sizes are exactly the same, so no one has to worry about choosing one or the other.
However, the footwear industry doesn’t have standardized sizing for infants. As a result, shoppers have to learn how to measure an infant’s shoe size in inches and compare that measurement with a brand’s infant shoe size chart for a comfortable fit.
How Does Baby Shoe Sizing Work Internationally?
European baby shoes typically range from size 16 to 20, and these brands don’t generally offer half sizes. Use centimeters to get an accurate measurement for a European brand.
The exception is footwear coming from the U.K. It follows a system similar to the U.S., but shoe sizes generally start at 0 for newborns and go up to size 4. Often, the size of a U.K. baby shoe is one size smaller than a U.S. baby shoe when looking at a standard size conversion chart.
However, shoe labels can still vary in length and width. The only way to ensure a good fit is by comparing a child’s measurements to a brand-specific size chart.
How Do You Measure a Baby’s Shoe Size?
To measure a baby’s shoe size, the parent should use a ruler or a template from the brand they are shopping with. The child should be in a standing position with some weight on the feet, so someone needs to hold the child up or put the baby in a walker.
Usually, the best method is to place the baby’s foot on a piece of paper on the ground. The baby’s foot should sit flat, and the toes shouldn’t be curling up.
The person measuring should mark a line at the heel and another at the longest toe, or they should trace around the foot with an upright pencil. Then, they can measure the length in inches or centimeters and compare it to the shoe size chart.
It’s important to get measurements for both feet because one will likely be bigger than the other. The length of the bigger foot is the size to use for the shoes.
How Do You Size Infant Shoes for Width?
The easiest way to size infant shoe width is to trace the foot. Find the correct width by measuring the widest part of the foot.
Most baby shoes do not offer different width options. Infant footwear is more for fashion than function, so they tend to come in soft material that can accommodate various widths. Still, shoppers need to check a brand’s size chart to ensure a shoe is comfortable for both length and width.
How Do You Make Sure the Fit on Baby Shoes Is Correct?
Parents can verify that a baby’s shoes fit correctly with a quick eye test. Footwear shouldn’t look uncomfortably tight or too loose. It definitely shouldn’t leave a mark, either.
Parents can use the “pinkie finger test” to make sure the shoes have sufficient space. The big toe should be at least a pinkie finger’s width away from the front of the shoe (but no more than the width of a thumb). A pinkie should be able to slide between the heel and the back of the shoe as well.
Should Baby Shoe Sizes Run a Little Big?
If a child is between sizes, parents should always opt for the larger one to ensure comfort and leave room for growth. However, some companies expect that parents don’t know how to size infant shoes correctly, so they make their baby shoes a little larger than advertised in the hopes of reducing returns.
When selling baby shoes online, your store should give buyers a way to size shoes accurately to ensure happy customers. An intuitive sizing app with easy-to-use charts and recommendations is the best way to help parents find the correct infant shoe size.
What Features Should Baby Shoes Have?
When shopping for baby shoes, parents look for the following features:
- Simple on-off design: Parents don’t want to have to struggle to get their little ones in and out of their clothes. Baby shoes should slip on easily but remain snug on the feet. Some prefer shoes with fasteners to secure them, and rear loops help with removal.
- Safety features: Shoes should make it easy for infants to practice their first steps. Some children begin learning to walk as early as 9 months, so footwear for this group can include non-skid features. Laces or accents should be secure on the shoes to prevent a tripping hazard while walking or a choking hazard when they’re off.
- Comfort: Shoes for the youngest wearers should be all about comfort. Opt for quality materials that won’t chafe the feet or be annoyingly loose. Firmer materials for older infants and toddlers should have soles and insoles that provide proper support.
- Style: Doting moms and dads love to match their tykes in adorable outfits for different occasions. Cater to popular preferences by staying up-to-date on trends. Offer a variety of colors and styles for different seasons.
Shopify shoe stores that fill these needs for parents are more likely to earn a loyal customer base.
Help Parents Get the Perfect Baby Shoe Sizes With Kiwi Sizing
Finding the right size is key to helping kids and their parents enjoy a new pair of shoes. Make sure your customers get the correct fit in your Shopify store by using the Kiwi Sizing app.
Need help seeing how to use the app in your digital store? Contact us so we can show you how baby shoe sizes work in our app.
