Handy Tips for Buying Baby Shoes
Babies begin to walk on average between the ages of 9 and 19 months. Of course, all children are unique and some will be earlier walkers, while others will take a more laid back approach to personal mobility.
For babies that are crawling, shoes may seem unnecessary. However, a pair of well fitted pre-walkers with plenty of toe room will keep feet warm and protect from bumps and bruises as they make their first explorative forays into the wider world.
Choose baby shoes with plenty of wiggle room for toes as the nerve endings in your baby’s feet are not very well developed at this stage and they may not feel that shoes are uncomfortable or too tight. Also remember that most children have one foot bigger than the other. Always fit shoes to the larger foot to avoid any restriction.
Babies are often totally fine wearing just socks or tights to keep their little feet warm, indeed going barefoot regularly is important for normal foot development. That said, there will be times when you want your little bundle of joy to be well shod. Perhaps you have bought a special outfit that needs the perfect finishing touch of just the right shoe? In these situations, I go to French company Vertbaudet and choose from their baby shoes collection. They have many styles to choose from for girls and boys. I personally love their little baby girl ballerina pumps which come in a range of colours and have easy fastening. They add the cutest final touch to any baby girl’s outfit.
Vertbaudet baby shoes for boys come in many styles from trainers, sandals, and boots by Kickers, Chipie and others with handy features to help your little one fasten their own shoes. With a range so comprehensive, your hardest decision will be choosing which shoes not to buy!
Once you have found the perfect pair of shoes for your baby and you are happy that the fit is correct, remember to regularly check that they are still fitting comfortably. Children’s feet grow in spurts and it is wise to check babies and toddler’s shoes every six to eight weeks. Check for sufficient toe room and width. If your child keeps pulling off the shoe, check there is nothing causing them discomfort. Babies cannot talk so they communicate with their actions a lot of the time.
It is best to buy baby shoes made from natural materials such as leather, cotton or canvas. Natural materials in uppers and linings allow for moisture to escape. Even baby’s feet get sweaty and if moisture can’t escape through breathable materials, a breeding ground is created for bacteria and fungal conditions such as Athlete’s Foot can develop. If perspiring feet are a problem it is a good idea to rotate your child’s shoes, allowing them to get a thorough airing between each wear.
Beware also of putting your baby’s feet into any shoes that are too rigid. A supple and flexible model is best suited to young ones. Remember, the bones in their feet are still soft and developing and any shoes that are rigid or restrictive can damage them.
So, that’s the news on baby shoes. What to look for. What to avoid. Where to go for the best value and selection of top quality baby shoes. What are you waiting for?
