Mini Melissa Soft Ballerina Petals (Baby)

Growing feet, explained.

From first steps to big-kid adventures, we’ll help you make sense of the numbers.

First walkers

Taking those first steps. “First walker” describes a stage of development, not a separate sizing system. Start with their foot measurement, even if their size falls outside the walker range below.

Toddlers

Walking, running, and exploring. US sizes continue upward through the smaller children’s sizes. Some brands add “C” for child or “T” for toddler.

Little kids

The transition through US 12.5, 13, and 13.5 — then into 1Y, 1.5Y, and beyond. A youth size 1 is larger than a child size 13.5.

Big kids

The youth sequence continues upward. This guide groups US 3.5Y–7Y here. “Y” means youth; brand labels for “little kid” and “big kid” can overlap.

A little hop in the numbers.

US children’s sizes go up to 13.5, then start again at 1Y. Euro sizes continue upward instead of restarting.

12 → 12.5 → 13 → 13.5 → 1Y → 1.5Y → 2Y …

Find their stage below for US and Euro conversions. Ages and groupings are a general guide — brands may group sizes differently. Measure their feet rather than choosing by age alone.

Baby 0–12 months

Baby — 0–12 months
US size	Euro size
0	15
0.5	16
1	16
1.5	17
2	17
2.5	18
3	18
3.5	19
4	19

First walkers 12–24 months

First walkers — 12–24 months
US size	Euro size
4.5	20
5	20
5.5	21
6	22
6.5	22
7	23

Toddlers 2–4 years

Toddlers — 2–4 years
US size	Euro size
7.5	24
8	24
8.5	25
9	25
9.5	26
10	27
10.5	27
11	28
11.5	29
12	30

Little kids 4–8 years

Little kids — 4–8 years
US size	Euro size
12.5	30
13	31
13.5	31
1Y	32
1.5Y	33
2Y	33
2.5Y	34
3Y	34

Big kids 8–12 years

Big kids — 8–12 years
US size	Euro size
3.5Y	35
4Y	36
4.5Y	36
5Y	37
5.5Y	37
6Y	38
6.5Y	38
7Y	39

Conversions are approximate and may vary by brand and style. “Y” means youth. Not every shoe is available in every size.

No two feet are alike. Let’s measure both.

At-home sizing card (PDF)

Print the card on US Letter paper at 100% / Actual Size. Skip “Fit to page.”
Check the calibration square with a ruler: it should measure 2 inches (50.8 mm) in both directions.
Follow the heel-fold instructions. Measure both feet barefoot while standing, record the longer measurement, and don’t add growing room.

Need a hand? Hop by our Buckhead store. Our footwear specialists will help with a custom fitting.

Put a little hop in their step.