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The Proper Shoes for kids by Soccerangel
Your baby's feet will take him everywhere he needs to go as he explores the world around him, and the right pair of shoes will keep his feet protected when his treks involve rough terrain. Knowing when and how to buy those shoes is important before you take him on his first shoe-shopping trip.
Time Frame
Infants don't need shoes before they start walking. According to BabyCenter.com, anything but socks, soft-soled baby shoes and booties for warmth is superfluous and could potentially get in the way of developing mobility. But as soon as those first steps are taken, supportive shoes are important in protecting infants' feet outside and in other areas where walking barefoot would be hazardous. In nonhazardous situations, such as on warm indoor flooring and on soft grassy areas, however, bare feet, socks and soft-soled baby shoes help babies' feet and legs become stronger and more coordinated.
The Proper Shoes
Well-fitted infant shoes should allow for 1/2 inch of space in front of the toes. As the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension points out, anything smaller may impede foot growth, and anything larger may increase infants' risk of falling. Avoid buying pricey shoes, since new toddlers tend to outgrow shoes every six to eight weeks, but do get a soft and flexible shoe to make walking easier.
Shopping Tips
Consider shoe-shopping later in the day. Your baby's feet typically will have expanded about 5 percent by the time the day is over, according to BabyCenter.com. When testing shoes, encourage your baby to stand up in them. Your pinky finger should fit between her heel and the back of the shoe, and your thumb width should fit between the tip of her big toe and the front of the shoe, says BabyCenter.com. Have your baby toddle in the shoes for a few minutes, then remove the shoes to check her feet for any irritated areas.
Considerations
Contrary to what some may advise, high-topped shoes aren't necessary in supporting infants' ankles as they develop their walking skills, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Also, handing down shoes from one sibling to the next may hinder the younger child's walking ability because the hand-me-down shoes Mercurial Victory FG have already molded to the contours of the first child's foot.
Expert Insight
Picking up on some clues can help you reduce injury to your baby's feet. In an article on BabiesToday.com, Tom Brunick, who directs The Athlete's Foot Research and Development Center in Atlanta, recommends checking your baby's feet for red marks and suggests assessing the tightness of your baby's shoes if he takes them off on a regular basis. Get him new shoes if you notice that the toe pressure marks are on the insole's edge or if you can see only four toe marks, Brunick says.
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