Essential Baby Shoe Size Chart: How to Measure Your Baby’s Feet & Buy the Perfect Fit

When it comes to dressing your baby, one of the most important yet often overlooked details is the right shoe size. Baby feet grow fast — and getting the right shoe size matters for comfort, proper development, and overall foot health. A precise baby shoe size chart is your best tool to ensure your little one’s footwear fits perfectly, supports healthy growth, and avoids common issues like blisters or poor circulation.

In this SEO-optimized guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about baby shoe size chart — how to measure tiny feet, how sizes vary by brand and style, and tips for selecting the ideal fit every time.

Understanding the Context


What Size Should My Baby’s Shoes Be?

Unlike adult shoe sizing, baby shoe sizes are measured in centimeters, and they differ significantly from international youth or adult sizing systems. Typically, newborn feet are around 6–8 cm (2.4–3.2 inches), and baby shoe sizes start around 35–38 cm (14–15 inches) and increase gradually by ~1 cm per child.

For newborns to 12 months, baby shoe sizes commonly range from 36 (35 cm) to 50 (49 cm) in metric, with common sizes like 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40. However, sizes vary between brands—some brands run small, others loose—so always use a trustworthy baby shoe size chart tailored to your intended retailer.

Key Insights


How to Measure Your Baby’s Feet Correctly

Measuring your baby’s feet is quick and easy, and your baby shoe size chart depends on an accurate measurement. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Use a Flat Surface & Paper: Place a piece of paper on the floor and have your baby stand barefoot against it.
  2. Mark the Longest Toe: Use a pencil to mark the tip of the longest toe (usually the right foot).
  3. Measure from Heel to Toe: Use a soft ruler or measuring tape to measure from the start of the heel to the marked toe tip.
  4. Record the Centimeter Value: Convert this measurement to the nearest standard baby shoe size using a reliable chart (example chart below).

Tip: Measure both feet — babies rarely grow symmetrically. Choose the larger size for safety and comfort.

Final Thoughts


Understanding Baby Shoe Size Charts by Brand

Many brands use slightly differing sizing systems. Here's a general guide based on common centimeter ranges:

| Centimeters (cm) | Approximate US Baby Shoe Size | Approximate UK/Europe Size |
|------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|
| 35 – 37 | 36–37 | 35–36 (short) / 36–37 (long)|
| 38 – 40 | 37–38 | 37–38 |
| 41 – 44 | 39–40 | 39–40 |
| 45+ | 41+ | 40+ |

Important: Always check the specific brand’s size guide — a size 38 in Brand A might be ¼ size smaller or larger than Brand B’s size 38.


Practical Tips for Selecting Baby Shoes Based on Size Chart

  • Buy with growth in mind: Opt for slightly roomy shoes — baby feet swell during the day.
  • Prioritize squiggle or roomy styles: Especially for newborns and toddlers, flexible, soft-soled shoes allow natural movement.
  • Check for fit: There should be a thumb’s width between the toe and shoe front — not too snug, not tight.
  • Test for comfort: Shoes should flex easily at the toes without pinching or rubbing.

Why Baby Shoe Size Matters