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Buying The First Baby Shoes

Also: Baby Shoes, Baby Slippers

What Is The Right Time To Buy Baby Shoes?

Most parents look forward excitedly to the first steps of their Bouncing New Baby. Well, not so new by now, but life's taking on a whole new dimension for your baby; and for you, of course, as you struggle to keep up with and anticipate her every new move

While those first few steps are undoubtedly an exciting time for all concerned, they do bring with them some very basic practical issues, one of which is choosing the first baby shoes. Once your baby takes those first steps, it is definitely time to buy baby shoes.

Does baby have to have shoes? While it is quite acceptable, and even helpful, to allow a new walker to go barefoot while learning to balance and totter around effectively, there are situations where shoes essential due to hazardous or perhaps insanitary conditions. As a general rule barefoot is alright inside the home, but it is better to wear baby shoes outside. That does of course vary between countries; here in the Philippines, for example, you are more likely to see a barefoot baby outside than you would in England. However, foot hazards are more likely outside wherever you are.

Walking without baby shoes helps babies learn to use their feet and toes effectively in balancing, so it’s a good idea to allow them to be without baby shoes whenever it is safe to do so. On surfaces that may contain hazards, however, shoes are needed for their protection.

Features To Look For Baby Shoes

Choosing baby shoes is not like looking for adult shoes. Baby shoes should be both comfortable and flexible. This will encourage baby to walk in them more. Look for shoes that are made of breathable material, which helps the baby’s feet not become too hot and sweaty, which can lead to fungal diseases such as athlete's foot The soles should offer some traction, but should not be so thick that the baby is unable to feel the floor. Thick and heavy shoes are more likely to lead to your baby toppling over.

Remember also that baby shoes are not the same as those for adults and older children, in that they do not need to be “broken in” by the baby. Baby shoes are not usually worn long enough to be either broken in or worn out. When fitting a baby shoe, ensure that it does not rub the baby's feet the wrong way, and that there’s lots of room to grow. 

Bear in mind that buying baby shoes will be a regular occurrence for some time. Babies grow faster than you may expect, and you could be looking for new baby shoes about once a month.

For your first few pairs of baby shoes, you may prefer Velcro fasteners rather than laces. It’s easy for babies to untie shoelaces, which will have you either retying them regularly or worrying all the time that they will trip over a loose shoelace. As the child gets older, though, try to find some point to switch to laces. That will ensure your child can at least learn to tie show laces!