I got M's feet remeasured and confirmed that he is in the correct size, so that's good.
I figured out that part of the problem is that he curls his toes when I try to put his shoes on. I have no idea why he does this, but it's very frustrating for both of us! If anyone has any tips to deal with that, I'd love to hear them.
I have another question - does anyone ever buy shoes one size up if you find a good sale? If you do this, do you buy a full size or a half size up? The difference between a half and full size in toddler shoes seems so tiny, so I'm wondering if he'll even go to the half-size or go straight from a size 5 to a size 6.
Re: F/U to toddler hating shoes and more shoe questions
I bought up a size once and then Warner had a major growth spurt and skipped a size, so the shoes were wasted. I have not done it since...and, of course, he hasn't skipped a size since. (darn these kids!!!)
and for the putting on shoes frustration, we didn't have issues with that, but our friends little boy did. so they made up little games like "oh look, the shoe thinks your foot is SO yummy!" and then would make nom-nom-nom noises when putting the shoe on his foot. he would giggle and relax and let them put his shoes on.
missed your previous post on the topic, but audrey does the same toe curl thing. drives me BSC!
we still only use soft soled shoes like robeez and the Target knock-offs. we kept tomas in them until he outgrew the largest size (24mo, i think) and will do the same for audrey.
with tomas, we always bought a full size up when it was time to get new shoes. their feet grow so quickly at times. but at other times they may stay the same. he once wore the same shoes from june to december. we bought him new shoes in december and he'd outgown them by the end of january.
toe curling is frustrating - no tips though, just wait it out and then try and get them on.
As for buying a size up - it works better the older they are because their feet aren't growing so fast. I would buy a whole size up since I don;t measure their feet often enough that young to catch the little half size changes (or maybe I can console myself with the growth spurt idea and not that I am just not on top of it enough). If I do buy up I only buy things they will wear year round like sneakers no sandals or other seasonal wear.
When we're in the store, I'll buy a half size up from what the store folks recommend.
Like bh, I have been burned by buying stuff on sale that is way too big and then skipping right over it in a growth spurt. But, I still do it. Which is dumb, but I just can't pass up a good deal.