Does it feel like your kids are outgrowing their clothes and shoes faster than you can buy them? If so, you’re not alone!
Because children grow so fast, it isn’t uncommon for a child to end up in shoes that are either too small or too big. In the early years, babies and toddlers may go through multiple shoe sizes in a single year. This can make finding the right size for your child’s feet a challenge.
Nevertheless, proper fit is important for the growth and development of your child’s feet, as well as avoiding common issues like bruises, blisters and foot irritation. Wearing shoes that are too small can cause development and foot problems for your child down the road. On the flip side, shoes that are much too big can be difficult for your little one to walk in and may even pose a tripping hazard.
As for the actual shopping, scouting new children’s shoes can be fun, until you get to the sizing. There are many different types of shoes available, from cork sandals to sneakers made with recycled materials, which can cause inconsistencies in sizing. Plus, with overlapping size charts, kids’ shoe sizing can be a bit of a mystery, making it difficult to know just which shoe your child needs.
If you’ve ever been confused about which size shoe fits your child, you’re in the right place. Carter’s is here to help with tips to ensure you find the right fit for your child.
Shoe Buying Guidelines
Here are a few general guidelines for buying children’s shoes based on your child’s age.
Baby Shoe Size Guide
How do baby shoe sizes work? Carter’s baby shoe sizes run size 0 to 4. Keep in mind that for infants who are not yet walking, shoes are more for style and fun than function. Newborn and infant shoes are lightweight and flexible, providing support to your little one’s feet without restricting natural, everyday movements.
When your baby begins to show an interest in mobility, it’s time to look at walking shoes. Designed for your baby’s first steps, these shoes provide all-over support for your baby’s feet.
Most baby shoes have a flexible fit that allows for movement while providing stability. Shoes for new walkers should fit well and not change the way your child walks. They should also have wide enough toe boxes for wiggly toes, as well as slip-resistant soles and flexibility in an easy-on and easy-off design.
Toddler Shoe Size Guide
Toddler shoes are sizes 4 to 7 (sometimes labeled with a “T” for “toddler”). Once a child outgrows the toddler shoe stage, they move into little kids’ shoe sizes, which include sizes 8 to 13.5.
Big Kid Shoe Size Guide
How do kids’ shoe sizes work? There is some overlapping of shoe sizes for little kids and bigger kids, which can cause confusion and frustration for parents shopping for shoes. Toddler and little kid shoes run from sizes 0 to 13. Once you get into big kid shoe sizes, the numbers start back over at 1. So keep in mind that when your child outgrows their size 13 shoes, the next size up is a kid’s or youth 1 (1Y).
Understanding Carter’s Shoe Sizes
Another common cause for confusion while shoe shopping is not all brands and retailers use the same language on their shoe labels. Some brands label their shoe sizes 1 to 7 in toddlers with a “T” and kids’ sizes 1 to 7 with “Kids” or a “Y” for youth to help distinguish between a toddler’s size 5 and a big kid’s size 5. You may even see terms like “baby,” “walker,” “toddler,” “little kid” and “big kid” on shoe size labels.
With the exception of flip flops, which are labeled in general sizes XXS through XXXL, Carter’s shoe sizes are simply labeled with numeric sizes only, until you get to big kids’ shoe sizes 1 to 3, which are labeled “Y” for youth.
Little Boy and Little Girl Shoe Sizes
Unlike men’s and women’s shoes, babies’, toddlers’ and kids’ shoe sizes are gender neutral. There is no difference between a boy’s size 13 and a girl’s size 13 shoe.
Helpful Tips to Finding the Right-Size Shoe
Shoes are designed to fit a certain length of foot, with general guidelines based on the child’s age. For the best fit, measure your child’s foot before shopping for shoes.
How to Measure Your Child’s Foot
With your child standing upright and their weight evenly distributed between the left and right foot, use a tape measure to measure the length of their foot. Be sure to measure both feet, as the left and right foot are often different lengths. (In this case, buy the size that fits your child’s larger foot.)
How to Leave Room to Grow
Children grow rapidly, so buying a pair of shoes based on the exact measurement of your child’s foot means you’ll be shoe shopping again before you know it. Leaving a tiny bit of room for growth can be helpful (with the exception of sandals and flip flops).
Taking time to measure your little one’s feet and then comparing those measurements to the shoe brand’s size guide is the best way to ensure your child is wearing shoes that are the best fit.
