Choosing the correct first shoes for your baby is not an easy task. How do you correctly measure your kid’s feet? Do shoes affect a kid’s walking? Should you get separate footwear for indoors and outdoors?
You’re mistaken if you think the prettiest or the most expensive shoes will do the job. There are many considerations for buying your baby’s first shoes. In this article, we’ll guide you in choosing your little one’s first walking shoes. So, take note and help your kids take a comfortable first step.
Can your kids wear shoes?
During the first 8 months of your little one, you’ve probably bought multiple pairs of children’s shoes. But the footwear is more for looks than protection. Of course, babies can wear shoes. It’s just up to you, parents, to give them the correct one depending on the activity they’ll be doing.
You don’t need your baby’s first walking shoes to be the most expensive ones. In their first months of walking, they will mostly stay indoors. So, your priority is to give them comfortable footwear, so they don’t stress their feet too much as they try walking.
When your baby can comfortably walk, you can change their shoes to something more suitable for walking for extended periods and the outdoors.
Are these the correct baby shoes?
Don’t go straight to famous brands. The names might be tempting, but the shoes might not suit your kid’s needs. To help you choose the most suitable footwear for your little one, here are some factors you should consider.
Pick out the correct material.
Doctors recommend light shoes for your kids. Your kids’ leg muscles are not yet fully developed during their early years. Letting them wear heavy shoes will put stress on their feet and might cause them to fall over. Soft leather shoes are an excellent choice because they’re lightweight and durable.
Another excellent choice is a mesh-type material. Aside from being lightweight, it’s breathable. It can keep your kids’ toes dry and fresh all day. It’s also quick to dry, allowing your baby to use these types of shoes in a wet environment.
Stay away from arch support.
Don’t worry if you see your little ones have flat feet. It’s normal for babies. Their foot structure is still developing, and their arch will form once they grow older. Furthermore, doctors don’t recommend a walking shoe with arch support because these are usually designed with heels. Your kid’s ankles can’t handle heeled shoes yet.
Their ankle muscles are just starting to develop and they’re just learning how to balance. Letting them wear heeled shoes will increase their risk of falling and sustaining ankle injuries.
Choose the right fit.
Many parents think that buying a bigger shoe size for their kids will save money because they will grow into it. It’s a good technique for saving money but not for teaching your kids how to walk. Oversized baby walking shoes can put your toddler at increased risk of slipping and falling over. So, it’s better to keep those big shoes stored, and use them in the future when they fit your kids perfectly.
Furthermore, small shoes can also be uncomfortable for your kids. Kids don’t usually know how to show their discomfort, but you can see it on their feet. When you see red marks on their skin, it means that their shoes are too tight.
It’s hard to get a perfect fit because your kid’s feet will grow again after some months. When you buy their shoes, a great indicator is that the shoes have space for your pinky finger in between the shoe and their ankles.
Laces or no laces?
Sometimes it can be tricky to decide whether to buy shoes with laces. The primary purpose of laces is to keep the shoes on your kid’s feet. But if they run around so much, the laces tend to loosen over time and may cause your kid to trip. An excellent alternative for laces are shoes with Velcro straps—they’re easy to secure, and your kids can even put them on themselves. Putting on their shoes is their first step to learning independence.
You can opt to go with no laces at all. There are slip-on shoes or slippers for kids. Just remember to get shoes that fit, so they don’t fall while using them.
Sole material.
The last thing you want is for your kids to slip while wearing their shoes. It’s essential to check the material of their soles and, if possible, purchase the one with traction to give the extra grip. Rubber soles may be the perfect soles for your kids. They are comfortable, lightweight, non-slip, and flexible. You can consider other materials too, but make sure the soles won’t slip on any terrain your kids may walk on.
Pair the best baby walking shoes with Ashtonbee’s baby knee pads
Your toddler will fall numerous times as they learn how to walk. It’s part of the process. But you can prevent injuries by giving them the proper safety gear. Ashtonbee offers you the best baby knee pads available in the market. We can guarantee you that these knee pads will protect your babies from bruising and injuries.
Here are some of the excellent features of Ashtonbee’s baby knee pads:
- The knee pads are cushioned and protect your baby’s knees from any possible injuries. In addition, they are soft and comfortable, so your kids can wear them without any discomfort.
- The knee pads are highly flexible and fit almost all babies. It adapts to the shape of your baby’s knees to ensure the whole area is well-protected.
- The knee pads are made from 100% organic cotton and other premium materials. They are also washing machine-safe. Your kids can surely use these knee pads for a long time.
- Each pack comes in 3 pairs, perfect for your baby girl or boy. Furthermore, it only costs $12.99. A great deal for a high-quality product.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to your baby’s needs, comfort and quality are things you should prioritize. It’s not always about the price. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to be educated about what you buy for them. We hope this article helps you find the best shoes for babies learning to walk.
Don’t forget to browse our catalog for more premium quality baby needs. Shop with us now!
