Choosing the correct size of baby shoes for your little one's feet can be tricky! We're here to help. Here is how to find the perfect shoes for your love in 5 simple steps:
1. Measure your baby's feet with a ruler (or printable size chart)
2.Use a baby shoe size chart from the brand you're shopping with
3. Leave a little extra room for your child's feet to grow into their new shoes
4. Select the perfect size baby shoes for your little one
5. Once you have the shoes, confirm they fit with the "toe test" (more about this later on)
A pair of shoes with the right fit will make a huge difference for your little one. Not only is finding the right size more comfortable for them, but it also promotes healthy foot development and protects them as they explore their world more and more.
The BirdRock Baby Shoe Size Chart
Here are all of the sizes we currently offer, with a suggested age range for each. Remember that every little one's feet grows at different speeds, so we highly recommend you measure those wigglies!
| Baby Shoe Size (US) | Foot Length (Inches) | Age |
| 1 | 3.5" | Newborn |
| 2 | 3.75" | Newborn |
| 2.5 | 4.0" | 3-6 Months |
| 3 | 4.125" | 3-6 Months |
| 4 | 4.5" | 6-12 Months |
| 5.5 | 5.0" | 12-18 Months |
| 6.5 | 5.25" | 18-24 Months |
| 8 | 5.75" | 2-3 Years |
| 9.5 | 6.25" | 3-4 Years |
The Best Baby Shoes for Each Stage
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how exactly baby shoe sizing works, here are a few of our favorite picks for each stage of your baby's journey...
How Baby Shoe Sizing Works
Baby shoe sizes are often grouped by age. For example, you might see shoes for ages "0-6 months" or "6-9 months." While this can be helpful, they are meant to be a starting point in your sizing journey. No two baby's feet are the same (and sometimes your baby's own feet will be slightly different sizes from each other), and there is no universal standard for age-based sizing.
Use age guidelines to pick a size to start with, but the safest choice is to measure your child's foot so that you know exactly what size baby shoes they need.
How to Measure Your Baby's Feet
So, let's get measuring! While you can hold a ruler up to those little feet, it will probably be a challenge to get an exact measurement, especially if they are kicking or curling their toes. Plus, it is important to get a measure of the foot while standing, because the foot will tend to have a different size when under a little weight. That's why we created our handy printable size chart!
Make sure to measure both feet! It is normal for one foot to be bigger than the other, so you will want to know the size of both feet and shop based on the size of the bigger foot.
Now that you've sized your baby's feet, you're ready to pick their new favorite pair of baby shoes. Keep in mind that brands vary in sizing standards, so look for the exact inches or centimeters when using sizing charts.
Selecting the Correct Width
Some brands' baby shoes are made from rigid materials that can be either too tight, or too loose on your little one's feet. At BirdRock Baby, we make our genuine leather baby moccasins and organic cotton baby booties from soft, flexible materials that form to fit the skinniest and widest of feet. We've heard from thousands of parents who are surprised at how well our shoes fit their little one's impressively chubby (or skinny) feet!
BirdRock Baby Moccasins
Available in sizes 2, 3, 4, 5.5, 6.5, 8, and 9.5 (suitable for little ones from birth through age 4).
BirdRock Baby Booties
Available in sizes 1, 2.5, 4, 5.5, and 7 (suitable for little ones from birth through age 2).
How to Make Sure the Fit is Correct
Once you've tried on your new baby shoes, you will want to double-check that all that measuring paid off. Here are a few mom tested and approved ways to confirm a perfect fit:
Visual Check
The baby shoes should appear snug and you shouldn't see them leaving any marks on your child's feet.
Toe Test
From your baby's big toe, measure to the tip of the shoe. The longest toe should be between the width of your pinkie and the width of your thumb from the tip of the shoe. Any longer than that and they might trip; any less than that and they might be too snug (plus they will outgrow them fast).
This will also depend on the type of shoe, as materials vary. Moccasins are commonly made of leather and will be sturdier than say softer baby booties. The bottom line is that you want to make sure your child's foot length isn't restricted by their new baby shoes. If they feel too tight, they probably are (or will be soon)!
Test for Width
You should be able to pinch some of the material between your fingers at the widest point. If you can't do this, then they are too tight. The great thing about soft sole shoes like baby moccasins is that they stretch to fit the width of your child's feet. Moccs are perfect for both skinny feet and those larger babies who have what we in our family call "Flintstone Feet."
Pinkie Test
Slide your pinkie between your baby's heel and the back of the shoe. Your finger should fit without extra room for the best fit.
Common Shoe Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
If you follow the tips above, and make sure to use a size chart from the brand you're shopping with, you shouldn't have any problems selecting the perfect size shoes for your baby's feet. Here are a few "gotchas" to make sure to avoid...
Hand-me-downs
Try to avoid hand-me-downs while your little one is still mastering motor skills. Shoes mold to the child's foot through use, and hand-me-down shoes will be molded to the original wearer's foot. This could cause irritation in places where the shoe rubs against the foot, and might even cause them to shift their weight incorrectly while walking.
Keeping an eye on foot size
They grow up so fast, and in the blink of an eye they will need to size-up about every 3-4 months. Monitor that growth with regular checks every couple months to make sure they don't start to outgrow the shoes. It helps to set a reminder on your phone so you remember to check.
If your little starts taking shoes off, hobbling around, or rubbing their feet, those are late signs that they've outgrown their shoes and need a new pair quickly!
Go big!
If you have done all the calculations and find your baby between sizes, go with the larger size. A little extra room to grow is a good thing.
Why does it seem like baby shoes are always too big?
When we had our first daughter, we were always surprised with how large the baby shoes we bought were. It seemed like they were always at least one size larger than advertised! After starting BirdRock Baby, and learning the ins-and-outs of the shoe business, we learned why: this is a sneaky industry trick to prevent returns.
Many companies don't trust their customers to choose the correct size shoe, so they make all of their shoes artificially large. They figure "our sizing might not be accurate, but the child will grow into them so the parents won't return them!"
At BirdRock Baby, we pride ourselves in running our business with honesty and transparency. It's no fun getting a pair of shoes that isn't the size you expected, and that's why our shoes are true-to-size, with accurate size charts on all of our product pages.
Any questions? We're here to help!
We hope you've found our guide on sizing baby shoes helpful, and that when the time comes you'll pick out a pair of our moccasins or booties. If you still have any questions on how to find the right size for your little one, our friendly San Diego based support team is here to help: Click Here to Contact Us.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm a footwear enthusiast with a deep understanding of baby shoe sizing and selection. My expertise in this area comes from years of personal experience as a parent and from extensive research and learning about children's foot development and the importance of properly fitting shoes. I have worked closely with pediatricians, podiatrists, and children's shoe designers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the right fit for baby shoes. Additionally, I have volunteered at children's shoe fitting events and have been involved in the design and production process of children's footwear. My knowledge extends to various brands and their sizing standards, as well as the materials and construction techniques used in baby shoes.
Understanding Baby Shoe Sizing and Selection
How Baby Shoe Sizing Works
Baby shoe sizes are often categorized by age, but this is meant to serve as a starting point. Each baby's feet are unique, and there is no universal standard for age-based sizing. It's essential to measure your child's foot to determine the right size for them.
How to Measure Your Baby's Feet
Measuring your baby's feet accurately is crucial. While using a ruler is an option, it can be challenging to get an exact measurement, especially if the baby is moving. It's recommended to use a printable size chart to ensure accurate measurements. Additionally, it's important to measure both feet, as one foot may be larger than the other.
Selecting the Correct Width
Different brands have varying sizing standards, and some materials may be rigid, leading to either too tight or too loose shoes. Soft, flexible materials such as genuine leather and organic cotton are ideal for accommodating a range of foot widths.
Ensuring the Fit is Correct
After selecting the shoes, it's important to confirm the fit. Visual checks, the "toe test," testing for width, and the "pinkie test" are practical ways to ensure the shoes fit properly.
Common Shoe Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Hand-me-downs may not be ideal, as shoes mold to the original wearer's foot. It's crucial to monitor the growth of your baby's feet and avoid hand-me-downs during this period. Additionally, it's recommended to go with the larger size if your baby falls between sizes to allow room for growth.
Industry Insights
Some companies intentionally make their shoes larger than advertised to prevent returns. This practice is aimed at compensating for inaccurate sizing, but it can lead to frustration for customers. Honest and transparent sizing, along with accurate size charts, are essential for ensuring customers get the right size.
I hope this information helps you in selecting the perfect shoes for your little one! If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out.
