Baby's first shoes - is it a girl or a boy?

Shop for baby shoes online - UK - USA
(consider buying from the USA - see the advantages and disadvantages here)

It goes without saying that baby’s first shoes are an important matter, whether it's a girl or a boy. Even for people without children, seeing a pair of baby shoes in a shop can send them into fits of delight because baby shoes are so tiny, cute and colourful! You can even get designer trainers made in baby sizes these days and so your children have no excuse not to have better dressed feet than you. But there are also important things to consider when choosing baby shoes, such as safety and allowance for growing feet.

Of course, one of the most important stages in a child’s life is learning to walk, and the right pair of shoes can really help them find their feet. Experts recommend soft flexible soles for children that are learning to walk as they are the next best thing to actually being bare foot, which helps children to balance, whilst protecting those same feet from scrapes on the floor as they totter about. Shoes need to be secure on the feet, so something like an elasticised band around the ankle can help them stay on the feet. Comfort, of course, is premium to cushion and protect feet, whilst keeping the feet cool and well ventilated, without chafing.

The next two most important features are durability and practicality, for children run around a lot and get lots of wear out of their shoes, so the shoes need to last well otherwise you’ll be buying a new pair every week.

What a lot of things to consider when choosing baby shoes! Luckily, there is a huge selection available from which to choose, and so you are bound to find something you like. Remember, the best way for a child to learn to walk and develop healthy feet is to go barefoot, especially if it is warm and you are indoors on a safe surface. This allows the muscles to develop and toes to learn how to balance and grip properly, and may prevent flat footedness. Children only really need shoes to protect their delicate feet and provide grip on smooth surfaces. For the nerves on the feet to work properly, babies need to be able to feel their feet when they are learning to walk to allow sensory development.

Thus look out for the following in baby shoes:

- flat, flexible, soft soles

- a grip/traction similar to the foot itself, such as soft leather

- light, with enough shoe to cover and stay on the foot

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Baby Shoes

Contact | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Advertising |  Subscribe in a reader