We always want the best for our babies, especially as they grow; we want to provide them the best we can get. From their clothes and diapers to their shoes, we not only want them to look good but to be safe and appropriate for their age.
For the first few months of their life, we cling to socks or, weather permitting, let them go with bare feet to allow room to breathe, stretch and flex. And of course, how could we resist some adorable baby shoes during special occasions. Shoes for infants should be lightweight and be made of breathable material with flexible soles.
Babies need more than that as soon as they learn to stand and walk. They can practice walking barefooted at home to help build arches and strengthen their ankles. But they’d still need lightweight shoes with support and flexibility, which they can grip and balance. This is needed when your baby is outside and needs some foot protection. Time to head to the store and choose your baby’s first shoe!
Here’s what you need to look for:
Just-right fit
Size does matter. Your baby’s first shoes should fit her just right. If it’s too big, it may slip, slide, and even cause your baby to trip. Too small, and they’ll get uncomfortable and may pinch and restrict. Make sure to check the width by pinching the side of the shoe at its widest point. The width is correct if you can grasp a tiny bit between your fingers. You should also check the length by pressing your thumb just beyond the tip of the big toe; if there’s a thumb’s width of the room, the size is just right.
Lightweight
As they are starting to learn how to walk, they’d need lightweight shoes. It will be comfortable to wear and not bother them putting their foot in front of the other.
Flexible non-slip soles
A Baby’s first shoe should easily bend in your hand. The best walking shoes for babies are made of leather or mesh material that would enable the feet to breathe. It also must have a rubber sole for traction to help your baby on her feet. To keep your baby from slipping and prevent ground-gripping, non-skid leather or rubber soles with grooves or bumps will be perfect when the baby becomes more proficient in walking.
Padding
Baby walking shoes should offer firm support but be padded on the heels and around the ankles to minimize rubbing and comfort on the bottom.
Secure closures.
Laces, velcro, or snaps, make sure your baby walking shoes are easy for you to get on the baby’s feet but not so easy that they come loose on their own. Choose something you can quickly adjust how tight they are to accommodate a growing foot.
Also, remember that a good shoe is only as good as its sock. Socks should fit well and be of a breathable material like cotton. When socks start leaving marks on the foot, that’s your sign of moving up to the next size.
Shoes aren’t built to last forever, especially shoes your baby will grow out of every few months. Remember, shoes are there to support. Barefoot may be the best while learning, but when outdoors – always think function over fashion!