Babies are children who often outgrow anything in a split second, and therefore, finding the right shoe size can be a costly yet confusing process. In addition, it can be difficult to determine what shoe size is best for your kid since many overlapping size charts have inconsistent language retailers and brands use. Also, unlike clothing, your kid's shoe size may not correspond with their age unless they are a baby, and even then, you should measure their feet often because some babies' feet grow faster than others.
In addition, children's shoes must fit right and should not be too snug as you might cause problems and not loose or too big as it could result in your kid tripping. However, since kids' feet usually grow at lightning speed, we have compiled some information to help you use the right kids' shoe size chart.
What is a Shoe Size Chart?
A shoe size chart is a document with information that reflects the measurements for shoe size ranges, and it may differ from brand to brand. A shoe size chart will also help a buyer convert any continental sizes to US, UK, and European sizes, and this shows an approximate foot length in centimeters(cm) for every foot size.
How to Measure Kid's Feet?
Measurement of your kid's feet can be a straightforward process, and it can be done in a few ways where one method will be professional, and the other will be a DIY method. If it's the first time you are sizing your child for shoes, it's important to measure both your feet as it's not unusual for one foot to be smaller than the other, and therefore to guarantee comfort, measure both the feet for a perfect fit.
For DIY, there are three easy methods, and they include:
a). Tracing
Tracing is the most popular method used to measure children's feet at home, and it's quite easy since you don't need much equipment. However, you will need blank paper, ribbon, marker, ruler, and one pair of bare feet. Below are steps on how to measure:
a). Trace the little feet
On a piece of paper on a hard and non carpeted floor or a clipboard, stand your child and try to get them to stand against the wall with their back straight. Next, use a marker and trace an outline of your feet while keeping the marker at an upright angle for optimum results.
b). Measure the length
Ensure your child steps away from the paper, measure the heel's length to the final point on the big toe, and write the results down, marking them as length.
c). Measure the width
Take the ribbon and wrap it on the widest part of your child's foot, the ball, and mark where the end of the ribbon touches. Measure the length from the end of the ribbon to the mark, and that should be your width measurement.
d). Find the size using a brand's size guide
Once you have gotten the measurements, use the specific footwear brand you want to buy since size kids shoe size charts vary from brand to brand.
b). Printable Guide
When shopping, you will find that most manufacturers and brands include a size guide, and some will even provide you with a handy printable one from their website. These guides are useful, and they will help you get the correct fit; you will need a printable guide, credit card, a wall, scissors, pencil, tape, a shoelace, and your kid. Below are the steps to follow:
a). Prepare the Print
After printing your sizing guide, take your scissors and cut along the dotted lines to cut the length and width ruler. Next, take your tape, fasten your length ruler on the floor, and align the curved line with your wall and the idea is that the heel should be against the wall.
b). Measure Length
Position your child's foot on your length ruler and ensure the heel is against the wall and is aligned with the curved line. Follow by using a marker to label your first line after the big toe and write your length in the space provided and remember to use the correct column to label your right and left foot.
c). Measure your Width
While your child is still standing up straight, take a width ruler and slide it under their foot, wrapping it closely around the widest part and marking where the ruler meets the align here part and jot down the results.
d). Try using the Shoelace
A shoelace can also measure your width by wrapping it around your widest part and marking where the end will touch the lace. Then, remove it and measure the distance between then that went around the foot and the mark, and find your shoe with the correct shoe size.
c). Use a Shoe Size Gauge
Using a size gauge to find your kids' shoe size is another simple way, and some retailers usually sell them. You will need a measuring device, a pencil, a piece of paper, and your child's feet, and here is what to do:
a). Stand Straight
Position or ask your child to stand up and have their back straight and facing forward
b). Place the foot
Check your measuring device and locate where a heel should be, and place your right heel in position.
c). Note the Results
Write down your numbers facing you, and this will give you the correct length.
d). Measure your Width
Some measuring devices come with a bar that you can use to slide over your kids' or toddlers' feet to measure their width but always check your instructions. Alternatively, you can use the shoelace or ribbon technique to measure your width like the above two methods.
How Often Do You Need to Measure your Kids' Feet?
As parents or guardians, you may know how your kids' feet grow fast, especially in the age bracket of two and six years. Experts advice that until your child turns four years, you should change a kids' shoe size every two or three months, and to ensure it's the right size, measure their feet every two months. You take a break when it gets to four years because the foot growth slows down, and you may not need to change your foot often, but every four to six months, you should be sizing your feet.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Shoes For Babies, Toddlers, and Older Kids
Before your baby starts to walk, you may not need shoes, and this time the best shoes might be soft-soled socks and booties. However, once they start to take their first steps, you should invest in a supportive shoe, and you should check for these features:
a). Lightweight and Breathable
For new walkers, it's important to get the shoes with maximum comfort, so parents should opt for something made of soft faux leather or cloth.
b). Fit
When shopping for a shoe for your kid, ensure you verify its fit by placing your pinky finger between your baby's or toddler's back of the shoe while they are standing. If your shoe feels tight, then the shoe might be too small, and you should not choose it.
c). Soft Soles
After confirming the right shoe size in the singing chart, try and bend the soles, and if they flex easily, they will offer great support. If you do not support your new walker, toddler, or older children, you should leave the shoe on the shelf.
d). Check for Velcro
After shopping for the perfect fit from the kids' shoes size chart table, ensure it uses a hook and loop closure such as Velcro as it will be easy for a child and a toddler to put on without assistance. This will help your child learn how to put on the shoes easily, and it will save your time that may have been wasted tying shoelaces.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kids Shoes Size Chart
1. What to do if your baby is between sizes?
If this is the case, or one foot is bigger than the other, always opt for the bigger size since you don't want any child's foot to be squished or cramped inside their shoes. On the other hand, a small shoe size could also cause your child to have ingrown toenails and foot deformities.
2. How long do baby shoes fit?
The child's age determines the timeframe of how a shoe will fit as small children will outgrow their shoes in a matter of months, while older kids' shoes can last for a whole season. Also, it would help if you regularly opted for a sizing checkup because you want the right development of your child's feet. Finally, it is important to ensure you use the perfect fit from the kids' shoes size chart because toddlers and babies will not tell you if your shoes are uncomfortable.
3. Is it unusual for a child’s feet to turn inward?
This is a common issue found in young children as their developing ankle and leg bones will cause your feet to rotate inwards, but their feet usually align properly by around the age of 7. However, if their walking style is not improving, visit a podiatrist or GP for further evaluation.
Image Source: clarks.co.uk
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