When Can Babies Start Wearing Shoes?

Should Pre-Walkers Wear Footwear?

Shoes are often used as accessories by parents when it comes to going outdoors. But for the pre-walkers and newborns, is it necessary? The feet of your baby will be developed till the age of 4-5 years and footwear may create a hindrance to the proper growth of the feet. Moreover, the natural connection with mother earth is also very necessary for babies so that they can feel the goodness of the earth.

Therefore, till your baby is not walking confidently, being barefoot is the best for babies in most cases. Shoes can be used as accessories and if needed for warmth, but not for a long time.

Can Wearing Shoes Develop Strong Ankles in Babies?

As per pediatricians and researchers, the natural growth of your baby is the best way to make them strong, balanced, and confident. Shoes are meant to protect them from external hazards that may harm their feet. But to develop their legs, feet, and ankle, it is advisable to go barefoot.

Popular Shoe Styles for Baby Girls and Baby Boys

For the last couple of years, baby footwear has been an essential part of baby wardrobes. In fact, reputed companies have specific designs, research, and development centers that suggest how much they are focused on the baby’s first shoes.

When buying shoes for their little one, parents are really concerned about the style or type which best suits their baby. You can find athletic sneakers, high boots, leather loafers, and all the rest of the styles available in the market. Below are some popular styles of footwear for your little one:

1. Leather booties
2. Cotton slippers
3. Fleece baby sleepers
4. Velcro loafers
5. Slingback clogs
6. Slip-on Crocs

Baby Shoe Sizes by Age

It is important to select the perfect size for your love and this is not as easy as we think. The size not only gives comfort to your baby, but also allows healthy development of the feet. So, to make it easy, you need to check the points given below before ordering the new pair of shoes:

1. Measure your baby’s feet with measuring tape or a ruler.
2. Check the size with the shoe size chart from the brand you want to buy.
3. It is recommended to select a little larger size as your baby may get irritated if the shoe fits tightly.
4. Keep a small extra space at the toe to allow growth.

Generally, baby shoe size is defined by age group. For example, you will find sizes for 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and so on. It is always good to measure the size and check the age-group size before deciding to buy a beautiful companion for your little champion.

Tips for Buying Shoes for Babies

When you are planning to buy newborn baby shoes, you must consider the comfort of the baby first. We all generally ignore the importance of shoes, but, undoubtedly, an ill-fitted shoe can damage the feet badly. Some tips are mentioned below about how to buy shoes for a newborn:

1. Check the fit

First of all, check the fitting of the shoes. Whether your baby will be comfortable with this or not. Check for the softness, quality of material, presence of rough edges, etc.

2. Anti-Skid

You should select a pair of shoes that have an anti-skid sole but are soft enough. At the starting ages, babies used to run randomly and at any place. They do not have control over their movement either. Therefore, it is always recommended to go for soft anti-skid sole newborn shoes only.

3. Washable

It is preferred to buy a washable pair of shoes at this stage. Initially, babies have a tendency to run and also have no control over how to put their feet on the floor. So the chances of the shoes getting dirty are very high. And you do not want your little one to wear bad-looking shoes. Moreover, from a hygiene point of view, it is recommended that you wash the newborn baby’s shoes frequently.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

The initial stage of walking is a very crucial phase for your baby. If the shoe you choose for your lovely small one is not proper, it may cause severe damage or lead to pain for him/her. Therefore, you must have a cautious look at the below points:

1. Improper Appearance of Feet

If you observe the walk, you can notice whether it is proper or whether the little one is facing some problem. If the feet appear inward or outward direction, the root cause behind this is the wrong size or ill-fitting shoe. Your baby is not comfortable and that’s why trying to manage by distorting the normal walking style.

2. Deformed Toes

Closely observe your baby’s feet after you open the shoes. If you see any sign of deformation on the toes that means the shoe size is small.

3. Not Putting Feet Properly

If you see that your baby is crying and not putting his/her feet properly on the floor, it is an alarm to you that the little one is having some problem. Immediately open the shoes and check how your baby is reacting after this. You will get the reason immediately.

4. Discolored Nails

If you see that the toenails are fading or discolored, it’s time to change the pair of shoes.

5. Redness on Ankle

If the cushion of the back side of the shoe is not proper or the material is not good, it causes redness or soreness on the back side of the ankle. If your baby is avoiding putting the ankle on the floor or walking on the toes, check for this issue.

The first step of the baby is always a very precious moment for the parents. Gradually, when the little one starts to explore the world with his/her feet, it’s time for the best companion, a pair of shoes. The better you select, the more your infant will enjoy the outdoors and explore the beauty of mother nature.

Read Also: Crooked Feet In Babies