What are the characteristics of good baby shoes?
Pandora asked:
Hi! My son is nine months old and he has been taking small steps. People think that he might walk before turning one.
Hi! My son is nine months old and he has been taking small steps. People think that he might walk before turning one.
1. What are the characteristics of good walking shoes for babies under 12 months? Should they be heavy or light? What about the type of sole, etc?
2. What are some of the recommended shoe brands for babies? I mean those that would promote proper structure, growth etc.
Thanks for all your answers!
Get him some Robeez!! I got some for my son; they are the BEST for babies learning to walk!!
They come in sizes:
0-12 months.
12-24 months.
2-4 years.
They also sale a generic brand of Robeez at Target under the name brand ‘Circo’ for about $12 per pair.
light shoes are better for babies when they are learning to walk.. heavy shoes will cause falls.
Payless sells shoes that promote structure and growth. Thats there I buy my daughters shoes as they have 1/2 sizes as where some places dont.
shoes should be light, leather or cotton canvas.
they must be fitted properly by a good shoe shop, after measuring the little guys feet.
start rite, clarks… there are a few good makes, but the fit is more important than the make.
they must be soft and flexible to begin with, and have plenty of room for little toes to spread out. they usually have a leather sole.
don’t forget to make sure his socks fit too.
if he’s cruising around the furniture indoors, try to leave his feet without shoes as long as possible.
if he’s starting to walk outside, he will need a shoe with a rubber type sole.
if baby is walking inside, let them go barefoot, helps them develop their foot muscles and balance…shoes are for outside if needed or when they have mastered walking and are alittle older…hth
He’s better off not wearing shoes at all.
but if you do, make sure they are definitely light and soft flexible soles - do not get any that are hard whatsoever, it’s crucial in the process of them learning to walk that they are able to move their foot around and grip etc, If he’s not walking yet he’s is definitely better off not wearing shoes at all, as it’s not good for their lil feet. that’s what a shoe clerk told me when I was looking for shoes for my 2nd daughter when she was about that age.
Barefoot.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, “Allowing the youngster to go barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength as well as the grasping action of the toes.” Doctors also recommend that children first learning to walk go barefoot or wear soft flexible shoes.
But if you’re going someplace, shoes are required. I would go with Robeez or the imitation that’s cheaper. They sell those at Target, StrideRite, etc. You want the closest thing to barefeet as possible.