Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes - What Type is Best For Baby?

Doctors now know that the best pair of shoes for4. Non-skid, flat bottoms. For safety reasons, your
your baby are actually no shoes at all. If you've beenbaby's shoes should not be slippery on the bottoms.
eyeing all of those cute miniature sneakers and babyIf you choose shoes with a leather bottomed shoes,
booties, this may not be the news you want to hear.make sure that they are scored or textured in some
In days gone by, white leather baby booties wereway to prevent slips and falls. To create more
bought at the first sign of baby standing on his ortraction on a pair of shoes, you can use sandpaper
her own two feet. It was believed that the shoesor adhesive tape on the shoe bottoms.
would help baby learn to walk. But now we know5. Supportive, firm counters. The part of the shoe
that when baby walks barefoot, it helps to developbehind the heel should be firm with padding at the
arches and make ankles stronger. Some shoes eventop. A smooth seam will ensure that baby's feet are
will alter your baby's natural gait. Occasionally, though,comfortable too.
there will be situations when wearing shoes makes6. Good fit with room to move. Shoes that are a little
sense for safety and appearance. Baby will needtoo big are better than having shoes that are too
shoes for walking outside or for dress up times too.small when it comes to baby. Be sure to have your
When it's time to chose a shoe for your baby, you'llbaby's feet measured by a professional and if baby
want to choose a pair that's as close as possible towill often wear thick socks, make sure that the
bare feet. Here's what you should look for:shoes are tried on with the thick socks on. Shoes
1. Soles that are flexible. Thin, flexible soles are theshould be checked when baby is standing and
best. Sneakers are generally flexible but the thicknesswalking. The heel should not flop up and down as
of the soles may interfere with the natural motion ofbaby walks. You should tryto mash down with your
your baby's foot and may cause more frequent falls.thumb between the tip of the toe of the shoe. A
Shoes designed specifically for first walkers are eventhumb's width is just right. You should also be able to
more flexible and have thinner soles as well,insert your pinky between your baby's heel and the
therefore, falls will be less likely.back of the shoe. Be sure to check the fit of your
2. Low Cut Ankles. Resist the temptation to buy highbaby's shoes often, as he or she may go through
top shoes for baby, even if grandma swears byfrequent growth spurts. It is not uncommon for a
them. High top shoes will interfere with anklebaby to outgrow a pair of shoes in as little as six
movement and development of ankle strength. Highweek's time. For this reason, durability is not usually a
tops should never be used to help steady a first timefactor. Your baby will likely grow out of his or her
walker.shoes before there's time to wear them out.
3. Flexible and Breathable Uppers. Cloth, leather, or7. Avoid irregular shapes. Shoes with pointy-toes and
canvas will allow babies foot to have maximumodd shapes can create problems with baby's toes as
freedom of movement. Babies foot needs air to stayhe or she grows. Wide, roomy shoes are best.
healthy too. Imitation leather or plastic is often stiff8. Avoid used or hand-me-down shoes. Resist the
and will cause babies foot to sweat. If you find thattemptation to save money by buying used or taking
your baby needs to wear snow or rain boots, onlyhand-me-down shoes from friends. Shoes will often
use them as necessary. Baby should not wear rainmold to the wearer's foot and will not be an optimal
boots or snow boots for prolonged periods of time.fit for your own baby once this has happened.