How to buy your baby's first shoes.

When your child is at the age when they start to take their first steps, you may find that the several options for baby shoes may be over whelming. In this article, it breaks down the time of day to get the shoe and the tiny details that really matter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Access to on-line
• Retail that carries baby shoes.

1. When a baby begins to take their first steps, it's time to buy their first pair of shoes. A baby's first time walking might not look normal as they're learning to balance themselves and learning how to work their feet, so don't be alarmed if they have some baby fat under their arches causing them to look flat-footed or if they walk with their toes a bit in ("toeing-in") as they generally outgrow it by the time they go to school. However, if you have major concerns always consult your Doctor since fixing foot problems when they're young will be much easier.

2. Velcro, laces, sparkles, lights, and galore. They don't need to be ultra fancy with glitter or lights as they'll outgrow them in a few weeks, anyway. Every month always check their shoes for any cracking on the soles or tears/worn away areas.

3. When it comes to a baby's first pair of shoes, the only things to really look out for is what will help them as they learn to walk? A few things to keep in mind: safety, comfort, and how the shoe will stay on. Before you go shopping, be mindful of the day and time when you go. The morning's not the greatest since a child's feet is 5% smaller but will grow out again in the middle of the day, and when it's too late in the evening, the feet swell up to be too big. So, you should go shopping sometime around the afternoon and when the baby's in a good mood.

4. You want to look at soles of a shoe first. They should not be flat and smooth. The soles of a baby's shoes should be non-slip and has plenty of traction, however, stay away from extra thick soles as they will cause the baby to trip while walking.

5. For a baby to want to keep their shoes on, you must look for comfort. Some suggestions would be canvas, cloth, or soft leather as they allow "breathing" room in the shoe so the baby's feet won't sweat. Avoid synthetic uppers which will cause your baby's feet to sweat. Leather is a good material for baby shoes as they are durable, strong support for baby's feet, and very breathable material. Remember, a baby does not have to "break-in" their shoes. When you find a pair, have the baby wear the shoes and allow them to walk around for a while and then take the shoes off and inspect your child's foot for any indications of pinching or chaffing. Make sure the shoe has enough toe space for your baby and enough room for the foot to be comfortable. To do this, you should always be able to place your pinky finger at the back of the shoe between the shoe and your baby's heels.

6. Velcro, slip-on, or laces? Velcro aren't time consuming and they're easy for a young mind to put them on themselves, however, they're just as easy for the child to take off. Slip-on's are very simple to put on however you want to make sure they stay on before buying a pair. Laces are more time consuming and since you'll be tying the shoes over and over, be sure to find a pair with long enough laces that will be easy to work with.

7. Also keep in mind that sometimes going bare on safe walking grounds is better since walking bare foot helps them build strength and coordination in their legs and feet- and they also enjoy the different textures they get exposed to.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to go shoe shopping when your baby is in a good mood. Or you'll be the person struggling with the loud crying baby.
• Velcro aren't time consuming and they're easy for a young mind to put them on themselves, however, they're just as easy for the child to take off. Slip-on's are very simple to put on however you want to make sure they stay on before buying a pair. Laces are more time consuming and since you'll be tying the shoes over and over, be sure to find a pair with long enough laces that will be easy to work with.
• Always check to make sure the shoe does not rub your child's skin too roughly (most likely too small of a size) or they'll never want to wear shoes.

[jmessina10]

on 6/26/2008 Great article and good tips!