Your baby’s first shoes

If the shoe fits…

You’ll be tempted to dash to the shoe store the moment your baby takes those first wobbly steps – but hold your horses! The best way for her to hone her newly acquired walking skills is to use her bare feet for the first few weeks (though if it’s chilly, socks with grip soles are the next best thing).

Once she’s steadier, follow these tips for buying first shoes:

• Get her feet properly measured The bones in a young child’s foot are pliable and easily damaged by ill-fitting shoes so get her measured for her first pair (Stride Rite offers this service) and then continue to get her feet measured every six weeks as young children’s feet grow very rapidly in the first few years.
• Shop in the afternoon It’s not a myth that feet expand as the day progresses, and your child’s will too – by as much as 5%.
• Choose breathable fabrics such as soft leather or canvas. Avoid synthetic uppers, which can cause sweating.
• Soles should be non-skid and flexible.
• Check the fit You should be able to squeeze your little finger between your baby’s heel and the shoe and his toes should sit a thumb’s width away from the end of the shoe to give him room to wiggle his toes and grow!
• Laces or Velcro? Make sure laces are long enough for a double knot. Velcro makes it easier to put on your child’s shoes – but bear in mind they’ll also be easier for your child to take off!

 

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