Socks and booties are good for protecting your baby’s feet from the cold. However, as a new parent you might be wondering: What size shoes do newborns wear?
In this article, I will cover some key information about newborns wearing shoes, including what size shoes do newborns wear and when they should start wearing them.
Let’s get into it.
When Should I Buy My Baby Their First Pair Of Shoes?
Typically, newborns don’t need to wear shoes. This comes down to the fact that babies’ feet are underdeveloped at the time of their birth.
Your baby’s feet are structured by tissue that is similar to cartilage that will eventually form into bone through a process known as ossification.
They don’t need to start wearing shoes until they begin walking. However, you might decide that you’d like them to wear booties on top of their socks to protect them from the cold when you head out for the day with them in their stroller.
Generally speaking, baby socks are typically made from hypoallergenic, lightweight, and breathable materials such as cotton or wool.
That being said, being barefoot is still the best option for your baby when walking indoors, as this ensures that babies learn to feel what they touch.
What Size Shoes Do Newborns Wear?
Although newborns don’t need to wear shoes, the sizes for baby shoes are the same for girls and boys. Baby shoe sizes are split into the following subcategories:
Newborn (0-2 months)
Infant (2-12 months)
Toddler (1-3 years)
In USA shoe size, newborns wear size 0 shoes. However, it is deemed unnecessary for babies to wear shoes at this age.
Newborns don’t need shoes at this point since they spend the majority of their time asleep inside and won’t be putting any weight on their feet.
Socks are much more comfortable and are generally better for keeping your baby’s feet warm when they are newborn.
In addition to this, it’s essential that your children’s feet are allowed to develop as naturally as possible. The gaps between the tissues of your baby’s feet can be easily (and painlessly) bent out of shape.
Bearing this in mind, when your baby does start to wear shoes, they shouldn’t be overly tight or rigid baby shoes that can force your baby’s feet into unnatural positions.
This is why soft-soled shoes are recommended as your baby’s feet are developing.
Once your baby begins to put weight on their feet at around 6 to 9 months, the cartilage-like tissue in their feet will ossify to become fully-formed bone tissue.
Since your baby is likely to begin walking at this stage, you should ensure that they have shoes with a grippy sole and protective material surrounding their heels and toes.
You should also ensure that there is a comfortable 1cm of room to allow your baby’s toes to grow.
Tips For Buying Baby Shoes
Measure Your Baby’s Feet Often
As babies’ feet grow in spurts, you will need to make sure that you measure their size often. It is recommended that a foot measurement is taken every 2-3 months in the first 24 months of age to ensure that they are wearing the correct shoe size.
Give Them Enough Wiggle Room
It’s essential that your baby’s shoes aren’t too tight for their feet as they are developing.
Bearing this in mind, make sure that you measure your baby’s feet carefully and ensure that there is a minimum of 1 to 1.5 centimeters room so that you don’t restrict the growth of their feet and toes.
Replace Their Shoes Often
Shoes are meant to protect your baby’s feet and make their experience exploring the world easier. As I’ve mentioned above, babies’ feet grow at a rapid rate.
Bearing this in mind, you will need to make sure that you are measuring their feet and replacing their baby shoes as necessary to accommodate their growing feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should Babies Wear Soft-soled Shoes?
It is generally recommended that your baby wears soft-soled shoes until your baby is 24 months old.
Beyond the 24 month mark, babies tend to gain more confidence exploring the world walking around and are often more adventurous in walking on different surfaces.
As a result, this may require shoes that have firmer soles and are made from sturdier materials in order to ensure that your baby’s feet are protected from a variety of surfaces on walks.
However, every baby is different. You might find that they become more adventurous before 24 months, so might require appropriate footwear sooner than you’d anticipated.
Do Babies Have Bones In Their Feet?
When a baby is first born their feet are underdeveloped and they have cartilage-like tissue in their feet that will ossify to bone. This is what allows them to bend their feet easily and painlessly.
Over time, once your baby begins to apply pressure to their feet as they walk, a process of ossification occurs, turning this tissue into fully formed bones.
Should Babies Wear Socks With Their Shoes?
Yes, generally speaking, everyone should wear socks with their shoes, and babies are no exception to this rule.
Wearing socks with shoes is important for more than one reason.
Not only does your baby wearing socks with shoes keep them warm, but it also provides another layer of protection for their feet, reducing the risk of friction and blisters from occurring.
Generally speaking, you should opt for a breathable cotton sock that is elasticated in order to keep them from falling off your baby’s feet.
In Summary
Newborns don’t need to wear shoes as their feet are underdeveloped when they are first born.
Once your baby begins putting weight on their feet and walking, this is when they actually require shoes.
If you want your baby to have an extra layer of warmth when you head out for the day, you should opt for booties as opposed to shoes.
When thinking about clothing, there is so much to consider, such as sizing, the materials used, the quality of the products, and also how ethical they are. There is also the topic of fast fashion and its effects on the environment.
This is why I decided to set up our site Torly Kid, to provide parents and carers with the ultimate guide to everything related to children’s clothing and fashion. From the best outfits for crawling toddlers, to the prettiest dresses for tweens, we’ve got you covered.
