The right age for a baby to wear shoes

Parents are often eager to adorn their child’s feet with a cute and trendy pair of shoes. But many times they are unsure and confused about the right time or age to make their little ones wear a pair of shoes. Additionally, deciding what type of shoes to buy is a task. Many parents wonder if their children should wear shoes when learning to walk. It is not recommended to give it to a baby under the age of one. You can put shoes on your baby's feet to protect them from the cold or harm, but it's probably best to let them go around barefoot. At the very least, wait until your infant is ready to walk outside. You must allow your infant to walk barefoot while he is starting to walk. This is because walking barefoot might assist your infant in developing coordination and better balance his steps. Walking shoeless also enables her feet to evolve freely without being hampered by tight shoes or socks. Your baby's bones are fragile, and cramming them into a pair of shoes too soon might compress them and inhibit appropriate growth. If you want to acquire shoes for your child who is still beginning to walk, look for ones that have a soft sole, are comfortable, breathable, and flexible.

As your baby learns to stand, balance, and take his or her first steps, you may find yourself tempted to the infant-footwear section. While we understand the desire, it's crucial to remember that when your child learns to walk, bare feet will assist them to grasp the floor and gain strength and stability in their arches and ankles. Once they've mastered toddling, you'll want to invest in a solid pair of walking shoes for them. This is when it's critical to safeguard a child's feet and improve their stability. Furthermore, shoes protect your baby from splinters, glass, and other possible risks while he or she explores the outdoors.

Baby shoes come in a variety of designs and materials and with a diverse range for various occasions. However, while purchasing one, it is of utmost importance to select shoes that are light, soft, and comfortable for the baby. Brittany Ferri, Ph.D., a certified occupational therapist, recommends nonskid or rubber soles for baby shoes since they will aid with stability when your child learns to walk. Some of the trendy shoe styles for baby boys include moccasins, boots for cold weather, walking sneakers available with Velcro, laces, or snaps options, and slip-on shoes for pre-walkers. Some of the shoe styles for baby girls are slip-on shoes for pre-walkers, booties or boots, Moccasins, walking sneakers available with Velcro, laces or snap options, and sandals with ankle straps.

Things to keep in mind while purchasing shoes for your baby

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, you don't need shoes indoors if your baby is learning to walk. Pre-walking and walking baby shoes should be flexible and made of breathable material (leather, cloth, or canvas — not plastic). Dr. Ferri also recommends picking lightweight shoes for newborns since they are the most comfortable. Find below a list of tips to consider before purchasing shoes for your little ones:

• The baby has to be capable of sensing everything beneath his feet to improve his balance. It is advisable not to push your infant to stroll in shoes as soon as he learns to walk since it will affect his strength and coordination.
• When the baby enters the age of 7 to 18 months, many indicators can reflect that your baby is getting ready to walk. You can switch from pre-walking shoes to walking shoes as soon as you notice your infant moving independently.
• You must select a shoe that provides adequate support for your baby's feet. Get your infant anti-slip, flexible-soled, and ultra-light shoes. Purchase shoes that will enable your baby's feet to breathe; synthetic materials should be avoided. Your baby's comfort takes precedence over his attractiveness; therefore choose a shoe based on its comfort rather than its appearance.

• Choose a pair with a tight fit in the heels and mid-foot. Shoes should be comfortable and not too large or too tiny. Choose a pair with just enough room for your child to flex his toes after wearing them.
• As the babies develop rapidly, they may require a size adjustment much sooner than you think. As a result, you should be able to determine when your child requires a size change.
• Finally, when your baby is ready to walk without assistance and you want to take your infant for a walk outside, you should choose hard-soled shoes.
• Purchasing shoes with non-skid or skid-resistant soles with the correct fit such that they are snug at the heels leaving room at the toes to provide comfort.
• To prevent your little ones from taking off the shoes, it is also advisable to buy shoes with higher ankles.