Has your baby begun to take steps? If the answer is yes, it would be wise to put him or her in good shoes until he or she is ready to walk. Good shoes will help your baby walk more comfortably. So, to help parents around the world, here are some of the best shoes for babies learning to walk.
It can be tempting to choose the best pair of shoes you can find on the shelves, but not all baby walking shoes are created equal. It is essential to purchasing a pair that can fit and protect little toes while encouraging toe development and flexibility. In evaluating products, we carefully considered recommendations for age, material, design, and cost-effectiveness.
The early years are a very important time in a child’s life when the slightest stimulus can affect the rest of his or her life. Even shoes that are just a little too tight can lead to serious injuries and deformities. Therefore, it is vital to choose the right shoes for your child.
Best Shoes For Babies Learning To Walk
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Measure
Your toddler won’t be able to tell you if their shoes are too tight at the toe or too loose at the heel because little ones have a habit of holding their toes back. So it is advisable to check them carefully. While your baby is up, tell him to put the weight on both feet and try the following.
Length Test:
See if you can press your thumb between the baby’s big toe and the end of the shoe. Having about 1cm of space will give your little one room to maneuver, but not so much room that he will drag his toes.
Width Test:
At the widest point of the shoe, check if you can grab some shoe material between your toes. If you have a large amount left in your toes, it means that the shoe is too wide; if you have nothing left, it’s too tight.
Heel Test:
Check the rib by sliding the little finger between the shoe and the child’s heel. It should fit perfectly.
Lightness
Little walkers have a hard time walking around barefoot, and a heavy shoe can make it even more challenging to put your foot on any surface. Shoes must be breathable and light. Regardless of what material they are made of, they must replicate a barefoot experience.
Flexibility
Pediatricians warn that shoes that are too stiff can cause foot deformities, weakness, and loss of mobility. So make sure the children’s shoes you choose are flexible – you should be able to fold and rotate them in every way. And you should be able to feel your baby’s toes through the skin.
Non-Slip Soles, Padding, And Secure Closures
In walking shoes, the rubber or leather soles are designed to cling to the ground, giving your baby more traction as he begins to take his first wobbly steps. The padding on the hips, heel, and soles of children’s shoes ensures maximum comfort.
Laces, velcro, or press studs allow you to adjust the size and fit so that they fit and sit better on your little one’s feet.
No corrective function
Babies don’t need ankle support – those muscles need space to develop and strengthen on their own. In the opinion of pediatricians, the presence of corrective features intended to “support” the feet (such as inserts and special arches) are not a good idea, since they have not been shown to help the child acquire the correct walking movement.
Price
Look for a pair of designer shoes at the best value for money possible, for one simple reason: the baby’s foot grows quickly and after about three months they will no longer fit. You will then need to purchase a new pair.
And most importantly, don’t be fooled by high prices into thinking they are better; a reasonably priced pair of shoes will likely fit just as expensive as one. Don’t spend more than 25 – 30 dollars: it’s not worth it.
Features Of Best Shoes For Babies Learning To Walk
Non-Slip Soles
Non-slip insoles provide the perfect foundation for your child’s first steps. In addition, the protective, flexible, and lightweight slip-resistant outsole support new movements for children who are not yet comfortable with walking. This slip resistance ensures safety with every step.
Easy-Fitting Model
This model is easy to put on, with the child’s foot going directly into the shoe. Therefore, there is no difficulty or restriction of movement. The opening is wide and adjustable for an optimal fit.
Memory Foam
Memory foam provides the comfort your child needs to take the first step. The lightweight material gently cradles the foot and encourages frequent and natural movement without disturbing the child’s coordination.
Flexibility
Flexible shoes promote arch development and support the feet during this period. Lightweight, breathable, flexible materials allow your child to focus on learning to walk without having to lift heavy shoes with each step.
Seamless Construction
The design and construction of the shoe minimize seams, creating a shoe that wraps around the baby’s feet. Since babies’ feet sweat much more than adults’, the lining of the shoes has antibacterial properties.
High-Grade Materials
Most Soft Motion shoes feature leather uppers for maximum durability without sacrificing breathability or comfort.
Breathability
Finally, it is important that the shoes be breathable. Shoes made of breathable materials are good for releasing heat and allowing evaporated sweat to pass through. This keeps the baby’s feet dry and more comfortable and also prevents fungal infections.
How To Measure For First Steps Shoes
As for the measurements, the shoes should not be too big, but leave the right space of 5 mm between the finger and the toe. Check these measurements periodically: the feet grow fast! Many make the mistake of buying larger shoes in anticipation of future growth.
Even if worn for a short time, these shoes accompany the development of the plant and the child’s posture. A shoe that is too wide would not provide adequate stability and could compromise the child’s learning: it is better to change a pair more so as not to risk!
FAQs
What are the effects of baby shoes on the baby’s posture?
It is important, at this stage, to pay attention to the child’s posture, checking the position of the ankles and knees. During the transition phase between the posture on all fours and standing, some tend to lean the sole sideways. Initially clumsy and uncoordinated movements will adjust over time. For this purpose, the flexible but functional support of the soft sole allows the child to correctly discharge the weight and freely experiment with their motor skills.
Are they suitable for external use?
As we have already mentioned, first step shoes are especially indicated when children walk outside or on surfaces other than the floor of the house. Compared to non-slip socks, footwear for first steps in fact supports the foot, protecting it from the cold and allowing the shock absorption of irregular surfaces. The flexibility of the sole shouldn’t scare you.
A soft and enveloping structure is essential to facilitate the baby’s movements without forcing him into incorrect positions or postures. Finally, the toe and heel are usually reinforced, so as to support the baby even when he is crawling or playing on the ground. That said, don’t be afraid to let your baby walk barefoot on sand or soft, safe ground. Let him experiment and explore the environment around him!
Should children wear shoes when learning to walk?
When children learn to walk, they should be barefoot or in a shoe with the softest possible soles so that they can feel what their feet touch and develop muscle strength. When children walk confidently on their own for any length of time, they can switch to a firmer-soled shoe.
Should the child always wear socks with shoes?
Yes, put them on every time he wears shoes, because they reduce the friction of the skin against the shoes. In addition, the socks help absorb excess moisture, avoiding the onset of redness.
Can babies wear socks at night?
For babies and children, it is best to avoid electric blankets or thermal socks. The surest way to promote sleep is a nice warm bath as part of their bedtime routine. And after that, you can also have your little one wear a pre-warmed pair of socks.
Conclusion
Finally, in this final installment, we hope you now have an idea of the best shoes for babies learning to walk. Once you have made your choice, all you have to do is sit back and watch your baby toddle along.
We hope this article has been helpful in purchasing new walking shoes for your baby. Thanks for your time! I hope you have a great day.
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