Few moments are as stressful and adorable as witnessing your infant take those first few shaky steps. One minute, they are a little rascal crawling, and the next, they are standing and trying to gain confidence all on their own. This precious moment, however, comes with one important question – what shoes should we get to help them celebrate this huge milestone?
Before you rush out to find the cutest shoes for your infant, let’s first understand what those tiny feet actually require. To cut the suspense, it’s not about glittering shoes, bows or miniature versions of your favorite sneakers. The focus is to discover footwear that will help your child cope and develop in the exciting yet slightly chaotic world of walking. Here’s what one needs to know in order to find the perfect pair of shoes for babies learning to walk.
Is There A Purpose to Baby Shoes?
At first glance, baby shoes might seem like a mere fashion statement (and yes, those tiny shoes are adorable). However, when your child is trying to walk, the shoes worn are critically essential on how the feet grow.
However, remember, every toddler is different, and as such, it’s worth mentioning to focus on a shoe that keeps their feet healthy in mind as they grow older.
The Question At Hand: Do Toddlers Require Shoes?
Now, before we start talking about the perfect pair of shoes for toddlers, it’s worth mentioning that one question that comes to everyone’s mind: Such a small pair of toes, do they even need shoes? The easy answer, at least for indoors, is that the toddler doesn’t need shoes. A baby’s foot requires air circulation as this helps in strengthening the muscles and improving the sense of balance. So, if the bare skin is touching an insulated floor or surface, it would automatically offer a boost in coordination while also adding the advantage of a mini workout, so to speak.
But, as soon as a toddler comes into contact with any uneven surfaces or feels the heat of a hot pavement, shoes become imperative. Shoes are like a suit of armor that protects the baby’s toes from any injury, be it a paper cut at the mailbox or an instant stub against furniture.
Features of Walking Shoes for Infants
Stepping into the store to buy shoes for your little one comes with a lot of choices. A number of questions may arise in your mind but there is no need to worry, you do not have to be a specialist in foot matters. Keep this simple checklist handy:
1. Look for Objects that Are Quite Agile
Your child’s feet are in their formative years and your child’s shoes should be treated the same way. They should be searching for carpets that leave foam floor jokes. Stiffness in shoes should be avoided at all costs as it restricts ease of movement.
2. Space is Everything
Shoes that do not fit properly will hamper your child’s growth and movement so make sure they have a comfortable space. A thumb’s width of space should be left between the toes and the end of the shoe, and be sure that the shoes do not fit too tightly around their tiny feet.
3. Comfortable Fabrics
The user should remember that infants tend to sweat a lot during breaks, which may affect the materials’ quality. Always keep in mind, above all else, to look for shoes that have good airflow and are made with leather or mesh.
4. Non-slip Soles
Let’s be honest, babies are already pretty wobbly! The last thing they need is a pair of shoes that make every surface feel like ice. Look for shoes that have non-slip soles so that they have excellent stability.
When to Replace Baby Shoes
On average, you would buy shoes for your child every other month. Yes, it is a lot, but those tiny feet never stop growing, and thus, looseness in shoes becomes necessary.
A surefire way to be on the lookout for signs of them outgrowing the shoe is by pressing the front thumb of the shoe; further indicators include feet getting cramped or the shoe looking battered. If you notice any of these signs, then it is likely time to purchase new shoes for the child.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, when looking for shoes for toddlers, do not only consider fashion, also bear in mind their comfort, safety, and healthy growth of the feet. Look for shoes made out of soft, breathable materials that come with flexible soles and do not fit tight but still hold the shoe in place. Also, ensure that children are allowed to walk barefoot from time to time. With new shoes, the toddlers are ready to start a whole new journey into the world. It is a whole new journey for both the parents and the kids; happy shoe shopping.