| While a number of medical experts have said that | | | | Parents should first make sure that the infant shoes |
| infant shoes are necessary for babies, commonsense | | | | provide enough safe for the infant's feet. These are |
| would say that this is not completely true. Babies | | | | for two reasons-the infant's irregularly-shaped feet |
| need the protection of infant shoes on their feet, | | | | and the growth of the infant's feet. This also |
| especially since they are still unable to discern the | | | | provides comfort since tight-fitting shoes can cause |
| hazards around them. Infant shoes also have other | | | | cuts and sores, making them painful to wear. But do |
| purposes, such as providing warmth for their feet. | | | | not buy shoes that are too large since they can |
| Unfortunately, it is difficult to find the right shoes for | | | | cause the infant to fall and trip. |
| babies. The feet of a newly-born are different from | | | | The growth of the infant's feet is rapid and fast, so |
| regular feet, not just size but also in proportion. Unlike | | | | parents should expect to a new pair of shoes every |
| the regular developed feet, which are rectangular in | | | | three to four months, until the body of the infant |
| proportion, infant feet are square-shaped. The width | | | | has developed. |
| of an infant's feet is as the as its length, making | | | | Lace-up shoes are also a poor choice of infant shoes; |
| them wider than what the regular feet should look | | | | this kind of infant clothing should be reserved when |
| like. However, many shoe manufacturers do not | | | | the infants are old enough to tie their own shoes. |
| consider this when developing this kind of infant | | | | The lace of these shoes can also cause the infant to |
| clothing. Therefore, it is usually hard for parents to | | | | trip and fall, so they are very risky. Instead, parents |
| find infant shoes would fit perfectly on their children. | | | | can but soft-sole Velcro infant shoes, which are |
| But while it could be difficult to find the right kind of | | | | suitable for infants from those who are just starting |
| infant shoes, it is extremely important since the | | | | to crawl to those who are beginning to walk. |
| littlest detail in a baby's growth can alter or hinder | | | | Soft-sole shoes are ideal because they flexible and |
| their development. Children's clothing and practically | | | | light, making it easier for the infant to learn how to |
| any kind of baby apparel can affect certain growth | | | | walk. |
| areas. In particular, according to the American | | | | The most important consideration when buying infant |
| Academy of Pediatrics, giving a baby the wrong fit | | | | shoes is the comfort and protection it can give. Later |
| of shoes can make their first step harder. Parents, | | | | on, when the infant has grown, parents will have a |
| therefore, should not shop blindly-especially when it | | | | wider range of choices. But until then, parents should |
| comes to children's clothing, especially for infants. | | | | prioritize shoes that provide comfort and protection. |