Baby shoes are among the cutest things ever. You can undoubtedly use them to accessorise the outfit of a young fashionista or stylish stud muffin. They’re also an adorable baby gift idea. However, they also serve another crucial purpose: to protect your little one’s feet as they develop independence and mobility.
There may be some uncertainties surrounding the choice to get the lovely shoes. When should you buy them? When should infants put them on? Should babies who are learning to walk wear shoes? Read on to learn baby footwear facts and some handy shopping tips and tricks.
When Should Babies Start Wearing Shoes?
The truth is that infants don’t need shoes in their first few months, so try to leave your baby’s feet bare as often as possible. Of course, you’re welcome to include them in the occasional outfit or to keep their tiny feet warm. A pair of comfy socks will do, too.
Once your child starts crawling, consider buying adorable newborn shoes designed especially for crawlers or pre-walkers to keep socks in place and help your baby get used to wearing shoes. Consider these as practice for the real thing.
Once your child learns to balance, stand, and take their first steps, you could find yourself lured to the infant footwear section. While we appreciate the drive, save this step for when they can successfully toddle, which is the appropriate time to buy them a supportive pair of walking shoes.
Do Babies Need Special Shoes When They Start Walking?
When a youngster begins to take their first steps, it is crucial to protect their feet and improve their stability. Additionally, shoes provide a barrier against hazards like glass and splinters when your infant explores the outdoors.
At all stages, remember that leaving your little one barefoot will boost their development, as it’ll help your baby grip the ground as they start to walk and will provide them more stability and strength in their ankles and arches.
What to Look For in Baby’s Shoes?
There are more factors you should consider in addition to cuteness (and price) when searching for newborn shoes. Here’s what you should look for in terms of size, fit, and functionality:
Enough Room
You don’t want your infant to lose their shoes while running around, so make sure there is enough area. They should be snug across the entire foot and heel, with some leeway for toe growth. You’ll want your baby’s shoes to keep up with their rapid foot growth.
Nonslip Grip
A nonskid bottom and ridges help minimise spills and slides in a decent pair of newborn shoes. Similar to the socks that prevent you from slipping on your home’s hardwood floor and falling on your butt.
Flexible Support
Baby shoes should be bendable and flexible, providing plenty of support yet giving. The sole and heel should have cushions to avoid irritating friction.
Measure Often
Typically, it’s ideal that you get your infant fit for their first pair of shoes to ensure the sizing is correct. Naturally, you may accomplish this on your own with a simple ruler. A size 1 — roughly 9 cm long — typically fits newborns up to 3 months. A size 2 (9.5 cm) should be adequate for children aged 3 to 6 months. Many infants wear sizes 4.5 or 5 around the age of one (about 12 cm). Remember that every infant develops differently, so ensure to measure their tiny feet frequently.
No Special Features Needed
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) believes sneakers are an excellent option and advises parents to avoid shoes with wedges, inserts, or arches because they are unnecessary and may make it more difficult for the infant to walk.
Infant Shoes to Avoid
Tiny rubber crocs and flip-flops for babies may be adorable, but they can be a tripping hazard for young children who are still learning to balance on their own two feet. Additionally, they always leave a little foot that is blistered, red, and raw. Similar to how other dress shoes can improve an appearance, they don’t help your child who is unsteady on their feet. Since function comes before fashion, snap a picture of your Instagram-worthy outfit before releasing the baby’s feet!
When buying for a newborn, shoe shopping gains a new level of cuteness. Have pleasure looking through all those tiny things, but always put practicality first. Your child will take those crucial first steps with pride, assurance, and joy if they wear the proper shoes. The world better watches out: your baby is moving!
How Do I Keep My Baby’s Shoes On?
Older babies may attempt to remove their shoes on their own. Infants are infamous for kicking off their shoes. Here are some pointers for keeping baby’s shoes on:
- Ensure that it fits. The shoe should, first and foremost, fit snugly without leaving any traces behind when you take it off. Podiatric experts advise looking for the big toe by pressing down on the front of the shoe with your hand. The toes should have a few inches of leeway, but not so much that the shoe becomes loose.
- Buy shoes that adjust to the baby’s feet. If your child frequently loses their shoes, laces, Velcro, elastic ankle bands, and snaps can be handy characteristics.
- Look for a pair your little one enjoys! Test out several different shoe styles if your cute little one tries to take her shoes off. That can assist you in locating one that she genuinely wears.
