Baby’s First Walking Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones
By Tricia O'Connell
 Any
parent of an active toddler has asked this question: “When should my child start
wearing shoes?”
There is no clear consensus Some parents buy shoes as soon as their baby
pulls herself into a first tentative stand; others wait as long as possible,
preferring not to constrict their children’s feet
“As a general rule, kids will need shoes when they are ready to start walking
around outdoors,” says Peggy Wells, who is both a mother and president of Pip
Squeakers, a children’s shoe company. “You will want something that protects
your baby’s feet but still allows for some flexibility,” she explains.
For parents contemplating purchasing their baby’s first shoes, here are some
suggestions for things to consider from the experts at parentsplace.com and
pipsqueakers.com:
* Make sure you get the proper fit. Shoes that are too tight or too loose could
be painful or cause blisters, and may even hamper walking. Have your
pediatrician measure your child’s feet, during the regular check-ups. This will
provide you with an accurate measurement when you refer to a shoe company’s
sizing chart.
Avoid stiff, high-top
leather shoes; there is no evidence that they help babies
walk. Instead, look for something soft and flexible that
allows your baby to use the movement of his feet to maintain
balance and to walk. They should be made from canvas or some
other breathable material, and have flat, flexible, non-slip
soles.
* Get shoes your child likes. Pip Squeakers shoes make a
pleasing “squeak” that children enjoy. “It encourages them
to move, walk and explore their surroundings,” says Wells,
who adds that children enjoy creating the amusing sounds
with each step. An added benefit is safety: the sound allows
parents to more easily track the movements of their toddler
and keep them within a close radius.
* Safe closures. Make sure that your baby’s shoes fasten
well. Double-knot laces so that they are less likely to come
undone and make sure buckle straps are secure without being
too tight. Velcro fasteners are the easiest option.
* It is normal to have a slight discrepancy in foot size
between the two feet; you want to make sure to go with the
shoe size that fits the larger foot. Allow about one-half
inch of space at the end of the longest toe to the end of
the shoe. The toes should be able to wiggle freely, and the
heel should not slip with normal walking.
* Get the baby walking shoes that is most comfortable for
your child, even if it is not the same size that the
measurement device indicates. Be aware that sizing differs
with each shoe company, so refer to their respective sizing
charts. It is advisable to inspect the shoe fit every couple
of weeks, to insure the continuing comfort of your child’s
feet.
Because of their unique ability to make sounds, Pip
Squeakers shoes may be of interest to parents of children
with disabilities who may have vision or mobility problems.
Source:
www.pipsqueakers.com |
AllAboutDress.com
