Baby's First Shoes
One question that new parents often wonder is, “When should my baby start wearing shoes?”
Most pediatricians agree that going barefoot is best for a baby’s developing feet. Walking barefoot (or in socks) helps strengthen the feet and ankles.
Once your little one begins to toddle around outdoors and in public places, it’s time to buy the first pair of “real” shoes. Shoes protect little feet outdoors and on hazardous surfaces.
What Kind of Shoe Is Best?
It’s important to buy a good quality pair of shoes for your child. Here are a few things to look for:
- Soles should be nonskid and have ridges for good traction. Rubber soles are ideal.
- Shoes should be flexible enough to bend at the ball of the foot.
- Breathable material is a must, as baby feet sweat more than adult feet.
- Velcro fasteners are quick, but once kids figure out how to undo them, the shoes will be off in a flash!
- If you go with laces, make sure they are long enough to double-tie—or just buy a longer pair.
- Contrary to popular belief, high tops are not needed for ankle support.
Shoe Shopping Tips
The best time to shop is late afternoon or evening, as feet expand up to 5 percent during the day.
Choose a store that has professional shoe fitters to guide you. Shelby Gonzalez, sales associate at Town Center Plaza’s Stride Rite, says, “Parents should always get a child fitted for shoes, both for length and width. Don’t just guess on the size.”
Gonzalez also recommends letting your child toddle around the store in the new shoes for several minutes, then removing the shoes to check for red spots or other signs of irritation. Children do not “break in” new shoes.
Keep in mind that you should be able to squeeze your pinkie between your baby’s heel and the shoe, and the full width of your thumb should fit between his toes and the end of the shoe.
How Often Should Shoes Be Replaced?
One thing that amazed me about my own children was how quickly their feet grew during the first few years. It seems like I was buying new shoes every couple of months. Turns out, my kids’ growth was right on track.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents check the fit of their child’s shoes monthly; babies typically outgrow their shoes every two to three months. Don’t assume you should just buy the next size either. Always have your tot professionally fitted for shoes.
Think about how your feet feel after a day of wearing uncomfortable shoes. Now imagine not being able to remove those shoes yourself and having to wear them every day. Put yourself in your baby’s shoes, and you will understand the importance of proper foot care.
Tisha Foley spends too much time picking up her children’s shoes around the house. She lives in Belton with her husband and two kids.