Your guide to buying the first pair of baby shoes
There is nothing more satisfying than witnessing your baby take their first little steps. It’s one of the most exciting milestones for all the parents, novices or seasoned. This is the time when they start thinking of shopping for the first pair of shoes for their baby. No wonder picking the first walking baby shoes is exciting but is also not easy for parents. Since most baby shoes are so adorable and cute, parents find it challenging to choose and get confused about which one to pick.
Before splurging on shoe-shopping for your babies, it is essential to know that the bones in their feet consist of soft and flexible cartilage that will slowly harden over time. Which means that stuffing your infant’s feet into shoes that are very tight or ill-fitting can hinder the growth and movement of the feet.
to help you out, we’re bringing you this blog to find the right shoes for your baby at the right time.
When do babies need shoes?
A baby can start wearing shoes as soon as you want to buy them. Booties and slippers are great to keep the little one warm in colder places, especially when they are newborns. Booties are a comfy alternative to bare feet for when your child is crawling and cruising inside. However, babies don’t need shoes until they begin to walk. According to paediatricians, the baby walking milestone is usually between nine and 12 months of age. Some toddlers will even start walking at 14 months.
Exploring while attempting to stand is a cue that the baby could walk soon! If your baby is beginning to pull up on furniture at home, it’s time to begin looking through your favorite baby shoe stores. Once kids start moving around often, you need a few pairs of shoes for various kinds of weather and events. Anytime your baby walks on a surface such as grass, concrete or sand, they’ll need some shoes to protect their delicate feet.
What types of shoes are great for babies?
The kind of shoes that babies need to wear depends on where they are walking. Playgrounds and outdoor movements usually need sandals, velcro shoes or lace-up sneakers with anti-skid soles. If it’s warm in weather, buy shoes made from breathable mesh on the sides and top. Apt for active babies, they’ll keep your kid’s feet cool while they explore, climb and jump. Some of the most adorable baby shoes come in fun colors and prints. You can even find designs with glitter and non-choking embellishments on the laces and straps. Baby sneakers are also available in modern colors like grey, navy and black, which are ideal for matching all outfits. Many also feature fascinating animals like bears, lions and dogs.
Special events need something a little more elaborate. Mary Janes or ballet flats with thick soles and secure straps will suit girly dresses well, also helping prevent trips and slips. Slip-on boat shoes or soft Oxford shoes go well with boy’s dress pants and dapper suspenders. If you’re expecting snow or winter weather, ensure that you buy a thick pair of snow boots for the baby. Warm weather vacations and summertime frolicking will need strappy sandals or open-toe shoes with clips or straps. Flip-flops are hazardous for small kids, as they can easily trip.
What baby shoe accessories should I buy?
Every baby boot and sneaker needs socks. While they’ll protect skin from blisters and chafing, they’ll also help to keep feet dry. Try plush cotton or terry cloth socks for comfort and moisture-wicking power. You can even find brands with wiggle-proof technology to keep them from slipping off.
If your kid is still too young for walking shoes but you want them to look stylish, buy them baby sock shoes. These are baby socks that look like booties and ballerina shoes. You can find them in many color varieties with patterns or cartoons. Try playing with colorful and neutral shades with embellishments and child-safe adornments.
Tips to buying the perfect pair of baby shoes
Flexible and Anti-skid Soles: The soles should be flexible and offer a steady grip. Bend the soles and check if they bend easily and are not stiff for your child’s growing feet.
Padding: Baby shoes for walking should provide firm support and be padded against the heel backs for the heel to sit snugly against the back of the shoe. Padding around the ankles to reduce friction and on the insole for comfort is important.
Choose a Secure Clasp: Avoid buying slip-on shoes, which are easy to put on but are easy to take off. Choose velcro or lace-up fastenings since they don’t come off as quickly.
Breathable and Lightweight materials: When it comes to baby shoes, we think there is no better material better than leather; completely genuine, breathable and soft. However, you can opt for cruelty free vegan leather shoes instead as they provide the same fit and comfort. It helps the baby’s feet stay dry and cool. Leather baby shoes will also conform to the shape of your child’s feet.
Conclusion:
Finding the accurate size and fit for baby shoes is not that complex once you get the hang of it. You can squeeze and examine the shoes from the top while your baby is wearing them. If you cannot do it, the shoes might be too tight for your child’s footsies and you need to go a size up! Ensure that there is a full thumb wide gap between the end of the baby’s longest toe and the front tip of the shoe. The shoes need to provide just enough wiggle room without being too big so that your child’s feet develop without any restriction. We hope this guide will help you buy the cutest and comfortable pair of baby shoes. Remember, there are several choices to go around in design, but make sure you choose the most practical shoes to make them last long and well tolerated by the baby.
