This is kind of off-topic but the long term future of my marriage and probably my sanity hang on finding the answer.

We are off to the States in a couple of days time and my wife is determined (to the point of obsession) to buy shoes for my 18-month old neice while we are over there.

However we do not know what her shoes size is in US sizes. She is a size 3 UK (smallest after "first shoes" size).

Can anyone tell me what size we should be looking for?

Thanks.

That's a tough one Nigel! I went to a few online shoe sites (such as Nike) but there seemed to be a gap between the youth and adult charts. In general, the UK sizes need to add a half size to equal USA sizing (example: my son's shoe says "USA- 3.5, UK-3, EUR-34.5"), but an 18 month old wearing a 3.5 doesn't sound right to me at all.
Could you bring one of her shoes with you, or even have her stand on a piece of paper and measure from her heel to the longest toe? Make sure she has all of her weight on the foot you're measuring so you get an accurate reading.

Good Luck!

You could draw a line around her foot and bring the diagram to a shoe store -- there's a chain called "Stride Rite" that specializes in children's shoes and tries to fit them correctly. However, I might suggest buying shoes a little bit larger than you think will fit and she'll have them to look forward to when she grows into them.

Most american sneaker type shoes have all three shoe sizes (US,UK and Europe) in the tongue. Drawing the foot is an excelleent idea. While I know you seem unable to persuade your wife otherwise IMHO it is imperative that you try shoes on a young child and see how they walk in them. I suppose if she buys soft fabric type shoes it should be okay. Personally I think the selection of shoes in the UK is much better than in USA for kids. So hope your wife will have an open mind and not be too disappointed. Good luck

In my opinion and experience, it's best to have the child along to be fitted for shoes, as proper fit is essential for shoes for the little ones, particularly at that young age. Surely you can persuade your wife to shop, instead, for adorable outfits and/or toys.

I know that every child is different, but my 18 month daughter wears a size 5. Just about any store that sells children's shoes can help you measure your niece's foot. The important thing to remember is that the shoes must be flexible (some shoes are pretty to look at, but don't give at all). I refuse to buy shoes at children's shoe stores like Stride Rite because I think it is criminal to buy $40 shoes that they will soon outgrow. Don't buy shoes for your niece to grow into, as was suggested, because she could easily have a growth spurt and never fit into them.

Just remember to look for "toddler" shoes (at places like Walmart). Depending on how big your niece is, she will probably wear a 3, 4 or 5. Draw her foot on a piece of paper and bring it and then make sure the show is a good 1/4 inch bigger.