Baby shoe sizes start around 9 cm of foot length for a US 1C and reach about 11.5 cm at 4C. Measure your baby's foot from heel to longest toe in centimeters, then find the closest length in the chart below.
Baby shoe size chart, 1C to 4C
This chart matches foot length to US and UK baby sizes. Each row is half a size, about 0.4 cm apart. Foot length comes first, because it is the one number every brand's chart starts from.
| Foot length (cm) | Foot length (in) | US | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 3.54 | 1C | 0.5 |
| 9.4 | 3.70 | 1.5C | 1 |
| 9.8 | 3.86 | 2C | 1.5 |
| 10.3 | 4.06 | 2.5C | 2 |
| 10.7 | 4.21 | 3C | 2.5 |
| 11.1 | 4.37 | 3.5C | 3 |
| 11.5 | 4.53 | 4C | 3.5 |
If the length sits right between two rows, pick the larger size. For sizes from 4C up, see our full kids' shoe size chart.
Baby sizes aren't in the Parsnip app yet. The app gives size estimates from 4C up. This chart is here for reference only.
Does my baby need shoes yet?
Not until they start walking outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org says that in the early months, babies' feet develop best if they're not confined in shoes, and socks are all that's needed to keep them warm. Once children start walking outdoors, they need shoes for protection.
When you do buy first shoes, the same page suggests comfortable shoes with nonskid soles, such as sneakers, to help keep a new walker steady on slippery floors.
How to measure a baby's foot
Measure from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe, in centimeters. A baby who can stand should stand with weight on the foot; a baby who can't yet is easier to measure with a helper holding them steady. Measure both feet and use the longer one.
Our guide on how to measure kids' feet walks through the paper and ruler methods step by step.
How often to check the size
Often. Babies' and toddlers' feet grow fast.
- HealthyChildren.org says a first pair of shoes won't last more than 2 or 3 months, and to check the fit about once a month. The top of the big toe should sit about a finger's width from the inside end of the shoe.
- Stride Rite says feet grow about half a size every 2 months under 15 months, and every 2–3 months from 15 months to 2 years.
The same AAP page puts it plainly: "It's better to have no shoes at all than shoes that are too tight." For how much room to leave, see our growing room guide.