How to Measure Baby Feet

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Measuring a baby’s feet accurately can be a challenge. If you want to buy properly fitting shoes, though – and especially if you plan to order them online – knowing the correct size is crucial. There are several methods that work well. Whichever you choose, make sure to put your baby in comfortable socks first.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:
Drawing an Outline of Your Child’s Foot

1
Gather supplies. Grab two pieces of bond paper and a pencil. Use scratch paper whenever possible; it saves paper and helps the environment.
2
Position your baby on the paper. If possible, have someone help you hold your child still as he or she steps on the center of your first piece of paper.
3
Trace the outline of your baby’s foot. Make sure your pencil is upright – not at an angle – and trace around the entire foot. Pass around twice so the lines are as vivid as possible.
4
Repeat on the other foot. Using your second piece of paper, repeat the process for the other foot.
5
Cut out the outlines. Carefully cut both outlines from your papers. You’ll have two paper models of your baby’s feet.
6
Use the outlines as references when shopping. When you go to purchase shoes for your baby, hold each outline against the bottom of its corresponding shoe to make sure the size is right. Ideally, the shoe should be just slightly larger than the paper model.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:
Measuring Your Baby’s Feet with a Tape Measure

1
Prepare to take your baby’s measurements. Grab a tape measure, and enlist someone else to help you keep your child still.
2
Position your baby. Have your baby stand as still as possible (have someone else help minimize the squirming and fidgeting).
3
Measure your baby’s feet. For each foot, put the broad side of the tape measure against the outside, with the end of the tape measure either on the tip of the big toe or the end of the heel.
- For best results, measure two or three times. Babies wiggle a lot, and it can be difficult to get an accurate measurement.
4
Note the measurements. Write down your measurements, and shop accordingly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:
Using a Foot Measuring Gauge

1
Consult the user’s manual. Different foot measuring gauges may require slightly different procedures for measuring, so start by reading the manufacturer’s directions.
2
Position your child. Have your baby sit in someone else’s lap or in a comfortable chair, with his or her knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
3
Fit the gauge to your baby’s foot. Make sure your child’s heel sits against the gauge’s heel rest. Check that the gauge is parallel to the floor and that your baby’s ankles are at a 90-degree angle as well.
4
Measure the length of your baby’s foot. Move the toe slide until it touches the tip of your baby’s big toe. Take note of the length measurement shown in the circular window, indicated by the black lines on its sides. Add any extra millimeters in the side panel.
- For best results, make sure that your baby’s toes aren’t bent. Gently press them down against the gauge with your thumb as you measure.
5
Determine the width of your baby’s foot. Use the width tape to measure. It should be placed automatically at the correct part of the foot. Don’t pull too much; if you do, you may wind up with a tight measurement. Note the width.
6
Convert your data to a shoe size. If you live in U.K. or E.U., simply go to the Clark size calculator online (at http://www.clarks.co.uk/sizecalculator) and enter your data. The site will tell you the correct shoe size to purchase.
- If you live in the U.S., convert your measurements to inches, then consult a children’s shoe size chart (such as http://www.healthyfeetstore.com/kids-shoe-sizing-guide-with-sizing-chart.html) for American measurements.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:
Printing a 1:1 Scale Baby Shoe Sizing Guide

1
Download and print a sizing guide. For U.K. and Euro sizing, for example, you could use one like this: http://www.mothercare.com/how-to-measure-your-child%27s-feet/buyersguide-ms-clothing-sub4,default,pg.html.
- Make sure your print scale is set to “none” or “100%.”
2
Measure the line to the right of “Euro size.” To check for accuracy, measure the line on the right. It should be 220 millimeters.
3
Follow the instructions on the sizing guide. Each sizing guide will have its own directions, but generally, you’ll have your child step on the guide and measure from the tip of the big toe.
4
Convert your measurements. Depending on where you live, you may need to convert your measurements for appropriate sizing. If, for example, you live in the U.S. but have a U.K. / Euro sizing guide, you’ll need to translate your results to an American size. There are conversation charts online (for example, http://www.healthyfeetstore.com/kids-shoe-sizing-guide-with-sizing-chart.html).