Selecting the perfect baby shoes
Selecting shoes for your little one can be a daunting task. The tips mentioned below will help you choose the perfect shoes for your baby.
(1) Shop effectively: You can avoid buying shoes until your child begins to walk. For the first pairs of shoes, it is advisable to visit a children’s shoe store where you can meet trained staff members. These people are very conscientious about measuring the width and length of their child’s foot.
(2) Find the best fit: Choose brands that are designed exclusively for young children. Toddler shoes are usually made of lightweight materials, such as mesh or high-quality leather. Your baby’s shoe should contain a roomy toe box, but should fit comfortably when your child moves. You can even look for shoes that have removable inserts.
(3) Skipping extra effort: The two features parents don’t have to worry about are ankle and arch support. Flat feet are good for young children who have arches in the developmental stage. In addition, your child’s ankles need to be free for the muscles to develop and prevent injury. It is advisable to avoid buying high-heeled shoes, as they pose the risk of injury to the ankles when young children fall.
(4) Try them: Once you get a shoe that fits well, let your child walk around the shoe store. Watch for a loose or slippery heel when the child walks and also for red marks on their feet after taking off their shoes.
(5) Examine the foot: Young children’s feet grow rapidly, usually increasing in size every 2 to 3 months. If your child is happy to wear the shoe for months and suddenly starts taking it off, rubbing his feet, jumping, these are signs that your child is ready for a new pair.
(6) Refrain from worn footwear: Buying shoes for your babies can be an expensive business, especially since you have to replace them every few months. But don’t go for second-hand shoes for your baby while he/she is still mastering motor skills like jumping, running and walking. Only a new shoe can perfectly fit your baby’s growing foot. Since no two feet are the same, buying new shoes ensures that the inside of the shoe won’t mold to someone else’s foot.