Dressing a baby is a dreamy experience for the parents. The baby pictures with the cute dress fill everyone’s hearts with love irrespective of age. Pregnancy will have you go on a shopping spree and you will end up with loads of baby dresses and everything more than they ever need. Then you will be imagining how your baby will look like in those clothes. I did it, I know you did it and every one of us has done it.
No dress is complete with a stunning pair of shoes. It is the same for the babies so you might have wondered when you can put real shoes on your baby. When the baby can stand by themselves and walk with support, it feels like the time to put a pair of shoes on him and enjoy the new look of the baby. But is it the right time to put shoes on your baby? Keep reading to know when is the right time to try shoes on your baby, how to buy a fitting pair, and much more about the baby shoes.
CONTENT
1. When can my baby wear shoes?
2. Can my baby wear shoes while learning to walk?
3. Do shoes strengthen the ankles of a baby?
4. How to find the shoe size of my baby?
6. Signs that your baby is wearing the wrong shoe size
1. When can my baby wear shoes?
The answer to this question is not much complicated. Although the tiny baby shoes are so adorable, you should not hurry to put shoes on your baby. You can put shoes on your baby when they are ready to walk outdoors. It is better to let him walk barefoot when he is learning to walk. Walking barefoot will help the baby to develop good coordination and balance.
2. Can my baby wear shoes while learning to walk?
When your baby starts to walk you might feel like the baby needs shoes to protect his feet from cold and potential injuries. But it is not recommended to put shoes on new walkers as they are still learning the natural process of walking.
Standing on their feet and taking steps needs more skills than you think. Feeling the floor directly on their feet can fasten this learning process. If you think your baby needs shoes on their feet before he starts to walk properly, you can go for a pair with a soft sole. Make sure that the pair is comfortable, breathable, and flexible.
3. Do shoes strengthen the ankles of a baby?
If your baby can stand up by himself and walk, their ankles are already strong enough. There is no research confirming that shoes strengthen the ankles of a baby. Shoes are good as a protector for their little feet from injuries and cold but it has no support beyond them. It is always good to allow a baby to feel his surrounding as it is an effective way of learning for a toddler. Let them walk barefoot inside the house and put on shoes only when going outside.
4. How to find the shoe size of my baby?
When your baby is ready for a pair of shoes or you decide to buy a pair of pre-walker shoes, the next question pops out. What shoe size will fit my baby? The size of the baby shoes is very important as it will affect the comfort of your baby. An unfitting shoe can lead to pains and injuries. Here is a guide to finding the shoe size for your baby. These are generic shoe sizes based on the age of the babies.
- The babies from 0 to 3 months may need size 1 shoe (3.5 inches approximately).
- If your baby is between 3 to 6 months, he/she may require a size 2 shoe (3.75 inches approximately).
- For babies of age from 6 to 9 months, you may need to buy size 2.5 or 3 (4 to 4.20 inches).
- 9 to 12 months old toddlers may fit to size 3.5 or 4 (4.20 to 4.5 inches).
- If your toddler is 12 to 18 months old, you may need to go for size 4.5 or 5 (4.5 to 4.75 inches).
- For toddlers from 18 to 24 months of age, you may require size 5.5 or 6 shoes (4.75 to 5.25 inches
You can also measure the size of your baby’s feet in inches and match them with the shoe sizes given above. Visiting a shop and purchasing a well-fitting shoe will be the best option but if it is not possible for you especially given the Covid situation, you can use the size chart and make the purchase.
5. Tips for buying baby shoes
Never be too quick to put shoes on your baby. You do not have to make him wear shoes as soon as he begins to walk. It can hinder the baby’s balance and coordination. A baby needs to feel everything under his feet well so he will be able to balance himself better. Watch out for the signs which communicate to you that the baby is ready to walk. If your baby is from 7 to 18 months of age, you can expect to see these signs. When you notice these signs, the transition from pre-walking shoes to walking shoes should happen immediately. Walking in pre-walking shoes is dangerous for your baby as soft-heeled shoes are slippery and do not support the balance.
The most important fact to consider when shopping for shoes is choosing the right type of shoe which can provide good support and is comfortable to your baby’s feet. Anti-slip, flexible sole and lightweight shoes are the ideal shoes for a baby who is new to walking.
The pair of shoes you choose for your baby should fit comfortably on the heels and the mid-foot. Choose a shoe size that is neither too big nor too small. A perfectly fitting shoe will have enough room for your little one to move his toes after wearing them.
The baby shoes should allow the tiny feet of your baby to breathe. Shoes made of synthetic materials should not be put on a baby’s feet. Shoes made of good-quality mesh or leather shoes will keep your baby cozy and safe.
It is a fact that the babies grow in a time of blink. Therefore, you will have to change the shoes of your baby frequently and go for one size up. It is important to identify when your baby needs a larger-sized shoe.
The shoe fasteners should also be considered when purchasing a pair of shoes for your baby. You can choose the one that suits you the best from straps, velcro, and laces.
I know how tempting to buy those colorful and cute shoes but the comfort and safety of your baby should be the priority than the looks. Do not buy shoes made of synthetic materials or made in odd shapes just because they look good.
6. Signs that your baby is wearing the wrong shoe size
Finding the right shoe size for your baby is critical as wrong sizes can affect the delicate feet of the baby in an adverse manner. Here are few signs that your baby is not wearing the perfect shoe size for him.
- The baby’s feet appear to be curved inward or outward.
- The toes of the baby appear to be deformed.
- The nails of the toes are inflamed or discolored.
- The feet have lumps, redness, or have become sore.
