How to choose shoes for babies

Watching your baby take their first steps is such a joyous moment. It marks the beginning of a new phase in their development – from babies to toddlers. And amidst this excitement, it is normal for parents to race out the door and start looking out for babies' shoes, but they do not need them just yet. Putting shoes sooner wouldn't help your baby learn to walk any faster or better. Those shoes with rigid and inflexible soles can make it harder for them to walk because they hamper natural foot movement.

Some of the challenges that most parents face are figuring out the right time to buy babies' shoes, choosing the right pair of shoes, and ensuring a proper fit. Once your baby has taken the first steps, your utmost priority is to make sure you buy comfortable shoes and provide some grip on slippery surfaces.

So are you confused about how to choose the right pair of shoes for your baby? Worry not! We have curated a comprehensive guide consisting of essential tips and answering some most frequently asked questions. Read on!

Essential Tips – How to choose baby shoes?

When you are looking out for shoes for your baby, make sure you keep these criteria in mind-

• Flexible and Non-slip soles-

The toes of the shoe must be bendable up about 40 degrees easily. The key is to find anti-slip or rubber soles with bumps or grooves that would keep your child from slipping. Look for shoes that have good traction and to help keep babies on their feet.

• Choosing the suitable materials-

It is crucial that your child's feet can breathe. Thus, while browsing for your babies' first walking shoes, look out for breathable linings and upper materials made from the softest and high quality, such as cotton fabric and leather, which will mold to their feet contours. Without breathable materials, your child's feet will sweat in the shoes, which could lead to a foot health issue such as an athlete's foot. 

• Choosing lightweight shoes-

If you want your baby to move and enjoy those pairs of shoes, make sure they are lightweight. They are not going to enjoy big clunky shoes on them.

• Padding-

Look out for shoes with padding on heel backs, around the ankles, and on the bottom inside, as this provides comfort and minimizes rubbing. 

• Secured Fasteners-

When choosing babies' shoes, look out for shoes with additional secured fasteners/closures. There are a few options available while selecting the type of fasteners, such as Velcro, laces, or straps, all of which have different benefits and strengths:

• Whether you go for Velcro, lace, or straps, make sure that your fastener supports your baby's position in the shoe. Firm support will ensure that they do not have to curl their toes to keep the shoes on properly.
• The fasteners must be easily adjustable to create the perfect fit for your child.
• A Velcro strap makes wearing and taking off shoes easy breezy for busy parents. However, if your child likes to wriggle out of their boots, Velcro isn't the best option as your child can easily open it themselves. Buckle straps and laces take time to get on and off, but they can be easier to keep on during the day. Just make sure the lace is long enough to tie a double knot to avoid the hazard of tripping. 

• Choosing the right fit-

Choosing the right fit for babies' shoes can be a daunting task, and the easiest way is to break down exactly what you need. Once you have got the list clear, it becomes a lot more fun, as you choose the style and design that you most prefer. When it comes to a baby's feet, a bad fit can be less evident as at this stage toddler's nerve ending is still in the development phase. This means that even if the shoes are uncomfortable, they may not likely feel it. In such a case, the only option left to you is to measure your baby's feet before you start shopping. You need to know the width and the length. Ensure you estimate the baby's feet the first thing in the morning, for they tend to swell up during the day.

• Knowing when to move up a size-

Babies' feet grow very quickly. It is recommended that you measure your baby's feet every 6-8 weeks. However, every baby's growth is different. Some babies tend to grow faster, and they can go through periods of an intense growth spurt. Hence it is best to keep an eye on how their shoes fit them and watch out for any signs of discomfort.

FAQ - When should you buy your baby's first shoes? 

Well, there is no definite answer to this question as it depends from child to child. However, the best advice is to wait until your baby is walking unaided for a lot of the day. That is the time when your babies need their first pair of shoes to protect their tiny feet from any sharp or problematic objects or substances on the ground and to prevent injuries if any adult steps on their little toes accidentally. In any other case, babies must be barefoot to give room for their feet to breathe, stretch and grow. 

As an infant, when your baby is not yet walking, you only need to cover their feet with socks or booties to keep their feet warm. That said, there is nothing wrong with buying a pair of infant shoes to dress up an outfit, as long as you don't keep them on for too long.

Some problems to watch out for!

The bones in your child's feet are still in the development stage. The following are some of the warning signs of some issues with your child's feet that you must look out for-

• Redness on the skin- Look for the redness around and between the toes, arches, and ankles or any unusual lumps on the sole
• Nail Problems- Look out for any inflammation or discoloration of toenails.
• Deformed toes- make sure their toes are always in a straight line with the foot and not curled back.
• Posture- Watch out if your child's feet looks excessively turned in or out.

The Takeaway

Once you know all the things you need to keep in mind and watch out for, buying your baby's first pair of shoes is fun and marks an exciting new phase in their growth. Opt for the stores that specialize in high-quality infant shoes/ toddler shoes for boys and girls and have a fun range of colors, patterns and styles to choose from different occasions and seasons. Then sit back, relax and enjoy this very special time with your active little toddler.