Measure a Toddler for Shoes

Measuring a toddler for shoes correctly is an important key to ensuring your child is wearing comfortable and safe shoes that fit. Since toddlers and children experience frequent growth spurts, measuring a toddler for shoes should be done as accurately as possible. Here are some steps to take to measure your toddler for shoes, as well as tips in choosing a shoe that is right for your child.

Steps

  1. Have your toddler to stand up for the most accurate feet measurements. Make sure that their feet are flat and their toes are extended straight out, since some toddlers tend to curl their toes.
    • Make sure your toddler is wearing socks. This will provide a more realistic measurement considering your toddler will always be wearing socks with their shoes.
  2. Using a ruler, measure both of your toddler's feet from the heel to the top of their big toe.
    • Since each foot usually varies in size, select the larger of the two foot sizes and add either 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) to 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) to the measurement to account for growth spurts. Then use that specific measurement to determine the correct shoe size.
  3. Use your thumb to determine if your toddler's big toe is bumping against the end of the inside of the shoe. Always allow for about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) between their toe and the end of the shoe.
  4. Tell your toddler to walk in the shoes away from you and watch the heel. If the heel is loose and slips up and down, the shoes may cause blisters.
  5. Select the ideal pair of shoes for your toddler.
    • Make sure your toddler's shoes are flexible. Buying stiff shoes will prevent your toddler from being able to bend their feet and is not healthy or comfortable. Also keep in mind that arch support isn't necessary since toddlers will usually outgrow shoes before they are able to wear out the soles.
    • Choose shoes with a large width. Your toddler's bones are softest before the age of 4, so wide shoes will allow room for their feet to develop properly.
    • Select shoes made of porous, breathable material such as canvas, cloth or leather. Not only are these shoes more flexible, but they will also allow the air to circulate around your toddler's feet.
    • Look for shoes with good tread and avoid shoes with slick or smooth treads to prevent your toddler from falling, slipping and sliding.

Tips

  • Sometimes it is easier to have your toddler stand directly on the ruler to measure their foot size; simply look at the edge of the big toe to determine foot size.
  • Measure your toddler's feet every 2 to 3 months to account for growth spurts.
  • Buy new shoes for your toddler and do not use hand-me-downs. Used shoes have already been shaped and conformed to the previous toddler who wore them, so be mindful of your toddler's health and comfort and buy new shoes.

Warnings

  • Try to avoid buying toddler shoes that are a size larger. Buying shoes that are too big may be hard for your child to walk in and can be dangerous.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
  • Pair of socks

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Sources and Citations

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