When my daughter started to walk and needed her first pair of shoes, there have been stores nearby that specialized in children's shoes and helping new parents make the right purchase. Since there's not a children's specialty shoe store nearby, my daughter did some internet research to find out the when and just how of making this important first purchase. Here are 3 keys items to think about when purchasing baby's first shoes.
1.) When could it be time to put walking shoes on her little feet? When your baby starts taking those first steps, it's usually inside. Many babies will master the art of staying upright inside their home before they venture outdoors with their new learned skill. It's best for the baby to obtain the art of walking down before you decide to place shoes on their feet. It is easier for them to walk, stand and maintain their balance when they are barefoot. Allowing them to first learn how to use both their foot and toes muscles unrestricted by shoes provides them having a strong sense of balance. Time to place shoes on their feet is whenever you choose to take them outside for walking practice.
2.) What materials are best? Baby's first shoes ought to be porous enough so that their feet can breath and never become all wet and stinky with sweat. A soft canvas, cloth or leather shoe will allow their feet to breath. Flexibility in baby's walking shoes is really a must. A good test is to see how easily you are able to roll the shoe up into a ball. It's important the shoe have enough flex so your baby can continue to use their feet properly for balance. Materials that don't restrict or hinder your child's movement are best for any first shoe purchase.
3.) How should it fit? Like everything about your baby, their foot size and foot shape will change lightning fast. This is actually the time to buy shoes that fit property and not something they will grow into. There isn't any breaking in period for baby shoes because they are likely to grow out of their first pair of shoes before they wear them out. You should be in a position to slip the shoes on and off with ease. The shape of the shoe should match the shape of a baby's foot. Once they stand within their new shoes, their longest toe ought to be about a thumb's width from the tip of the shoe and also the back from the shoe should fit the heel snugly, but it should be comfortable. You don't want their foot to slide out of the shoe too easily, nor do you want it to pinch when you are putting the shoe on. Try on both shoes, just like you, one foot will be a little larger & longer than the other.
There are lots of things to bear in mind when making this first shoe purchase. Remember to watch your baby's response because they try on various shoes. This is not time to become trendy but it may be the time to be practical. Purchase the baby shoe that provides for enough free movement and doesn't hinder your child's ability to walk easily or restrict their foot's development.