Your child's first steps are some of the most anticipated moments for parents. After your cuties takes those first strides from the coffee table to the couch by themselves, you might start thinking about shoes that will be good for them. Your new walker is going to need you to be mindful of their developing skills, balance, and feet! According to an article on Bundoo, there are a few different things to keep in mind when choosing those cute kicks for your babe.
1. Soft soles are a great way to go.
Freshly Picked Moccasins - Flower Pack - Stance Collaboration
Because your baby's feet are still developing their structure, it is believed that they do not need arch support until about 2 or 3 years of age. The theory behind this is that it is important for your little one to feel the ground in a natural way so that he or she can develop appropriate balance and arches. We love Freshly Picked and Piper Finn which are both made from leather and are recommended for developing good support! Plus, these are stylish soft sole shoes for your new walker so you really can't go wrong.
2. You should measure both of your child's feet for fit.
Your child is too young to tell you if their shoe is fitting in an uncomfortable way, so it is a good idea to measure the foot against the shoe! So, how do you know if it's a good fit? (1) You should be able to comfortably fit your pinky between your child's heel and the heel of their shoe; and, (2) You should be able to have the tip of your thumbs space between their toes and the toe of their shoe.3. Choose breathable materials so that your child's foot can breathe.
Freshly Picked Moccasins - Blue Spruce
Nobody likes stinky, moldy feet. You can even get a small pair of no-show cotton socks to go with that new pair of shoes!
4. Make sure the shoes aren't slippery when your little one is walking around.
You can check the soles of the shoe and make sure they have stability for walking without slipping. Slipping may be inevitable, but slipping a lot could hinder your child's acquisition of the new found skill of walking! That being said, some early shoes (like the leather ones mentioned above) can get more slippery as they get dirtier over time. Just make sure you give them a quick wipe down every once in a while to keep them nice and clean!5. Allow for barefoot time walking.
Unless your child is walking on an extremely dangerous surface, you will want to give your child lots of practice inside your home or comfortable environment.Well, that's about it for your new walker!! Check out the store and see the selection we have for your cute kids, fit for when they just start walking well into the toddler years!!
