How to Fit Shoes for Toddler

It is an exciting time when your baby takes his first steps. Parents want to give their toddler’ s the tools they need to give them a good life. One of the most important things you can give your toddler is shoes which fit correctly. Do not worry about buying your kids baby shoes until they begin to try and walk. A baby is better able to practice taking steps better when he is barefoot. Shoes make it harder to balance when they are learning.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find reputable baby shoes stores who train their sales personnel to measure a toddler’s foot properly. The shoes offered should be made of light weight material and flexible. If the sales person has been trained to fit babies and toddlers listen to what they say. A toddler will not be able to tell you if the shoe is not fitting.

2. Check the fit of the shoe by inserting your pinkie into the heal and make sure the pinkie fits snuggly. Do the same in the area where the shoe meets the ankle. Feel around this area to make sure there are no rough seams which could cause blisters. Feel the tip of the shoe while your child is standing to make sure there is about ½ inch of space between the big toe and the shoe’s tip.

3. Allow your toddler to walk around the shoe store as much as possible. Watch to make sure the shoe is not loose and the heel slipping up and down as he walks. Check his feet for any marks when you take the shoes off.

4. Avoid high-top shoes for toddlers. They increase the risk for injuries to the ankle. You should also avoid any shoe which toots arch support. Most toddlers have flat feet because their arches are developing. Avoid shoes made of synthetics. The shoe’s material should be breathable because toddler’s feet sweat. A toddler’s shoe should have softer soles and be more flexible to help them with balance.

5. Watch your toddler as he grows. Unfortunately, they may need new shoes often! Watch to see if your toddler is hobbling, pulling at his feet or whining when it is time to put on shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for shoes with adjustable fastenings which can be altered as your toddler’s foot grows.
• Shoe stores with trained fitters can be expensive. If you are unable to afford the pricier shoe store, stop buy and have your toddler fitted. Then see if you can find the same shoe somewhere else cheaper. Remember, these shoe stores provide us with the trained fitters so buy from them when you can or if there is a sale.
• Avoid used shoes when a baby is learning to walk. Shoes will conform to the wearer’s foot and you do not want your baby’s foot to conform to someone else’s mold.