Finding the Right Fit for Baby's First Shoes

    Those darling shoes that match that cute outfit are hard to pass up, but babies really don’t need shoes until they are walking. If your baby’s feet are cold, socks or booties will work just fine until shoes are needed. Otherwise, barefoot is best wherever it is safe. Your little one will enjoy the various sensations of surfaces such as soft carpet, cool tile or smooth wood and the barefoot base will build his strength in both legs and feet. Around the age of one, your youngster will need shoes, especially for outdoor walking. Here are some tips for finding the best shoes for your baby:

•  Look for a thin, flexible sole that bends when walking. A non-skid rubber sole with ridges will offer good traction. Stiff leather baby boots are really not the best choice. We may have worn them as children and have bronzed ones to prove it, but soft and flexible is best.
• Shop for shoes later in the day because your child’s foot may be up to 5% larger at the end of the day.
• Make sure you get a proper fit. Many little ones have narrow or wide feet, but most shoes come only in medium widths. Proper fit is crucial. To check the fit, have your child stand up. You should be able to squeeze your pinky between his heel and the shoe and have about 1/2 inch of extra space between his toes and the tip of the shoe.
• Many parents like Velcro fasteners because they are easier than laces or buckles. Just remember, little ones can get those Velcro fasteners undone easier too!
• Little feet grow quickly. Check your child’s shoes every few weeks. Chances are he’ll need bigger shoes in just a few months.

Most babies appear to be flat-footed because a layer of fat hides their arches. This should disappear within a few years. You may find your child turning his toes in when he is walking; often called “in-toeing” or “toeing in”— most children outgrow this by age five. Other concerns may be that one foot turns in more than the other or a foot that rolls in at the ankle. If you are concerned about any foot problems, consult your pediatrician. Although problems are rare, early intervention is important.