| Are you sick of spending money to buy toddler | | | | this is not a good sign. Small children often do not |
| shoes that don't fit? | | | | fully relax their toes while trying on shoes, so this |
| You are not alone. A few years ago, I bought 7 pairs | | | | "poking" so commonly done by shoe salespeople is |
| of shoes for my oldest daughter, who was then | | | | completely worthless. Your child's toes are likely |
| three years old. After spending over $150 on her | | | | "curled" and the size won't be correct. If the retailer |
| shoes, I decided to take another route -- to find a | | | | doesn't offer a sizing chart to accurately measure |
| pair of shoes that that fit properly and that were | | | | your child's feet, then the new shoes won't fit any |
| made to last. When I did, I actually found that the | | | | better than the old ones. |
| shoes not only lasted longer for her, but they often | | | | * Responsive customer service is also important. If |
| worked fine for hand-me-downs to her little sisters. | | | | buying shoes online, you should be able to IM (instant |
| In the long run, buying better-fitting and better-made | | | | message) a representative during the order process |
| shoes has saved me a bundle. | | | | if you have questions. You should also receive email |
| After raising three daughters and having many | | | | notification of order confirmation and shipping. |
| shoe-buying experiences, here are the keys I've | | | | If buying shoes in a store, you should find a store |
| found to successfully buying toddler shoes: | | | | with lots of experience fitting children. Also look for a |
| * Personally, I prefer to shop online. As a busy | | | | store with a wide selection in toddler shoes -- so |
| parent, this allows me to shop whenever I want. | | | | they won't be encouraging you to buy the size they |
| Taking your kids to a shoe store is a little like herding | | | | have in stock, rather than the size that correctly fits! |
| cats -- they get into things they shouldn't, and | | | | * A shoe that is well-made -- with quality stitching |
| generally end up completely off track. You can | | | | and fasteners that are sturdy -- is worth it. Cheaply |
| always pause the online shopping experience and | | | | made shoes will fall apart or fall off, making them less |
| come back later if things get too crazy, and that's a | | | | likely to be comfortable and safe for your little one. |
| lovely perk. | | | | * Finally, try to find a shoe that your child likes but |
| Another reason online shopping works so well with | | | | that isn't associated with a fad. Trust me, one day |
| toddlers is that young children also are naturally shy | | | | your toddler will wake up and refuse to wear |
| around strangers. Getting their feet measured by | | | | anything associated with her favorite princess or his |
| salespeople and making it through the sales process | | | | favorite superhero, and the last thing you need is a |
| can be very difficult. They are much more relaxed | | | | daily struggle over shoes. As your child learns |
| (and the measurements are more accurate) when a | | | | independence, a pair of shoes that are simple to put |
| caregiver does the measuring. | | | | on is also a real bonus time-saver. |
| * For the shoes to fit, your child's foot must be | | | | The key to buying toddler shoes is to find a |
| measured. An online retailer should offer you a sizing | | | | well-made shoe that fits correctly. By pairing up these |
| chart that you can print out and use to make sure | | | | two things, you'll find that your toddlers shoes will |
| the shoes you order will fit. | | | | last much longer, and you'll save money in the long |
| If you go to the store and the salesperson pushes | | | | run! |
| on the shoes to determine where your child's toe is, | | | | |