Introduction
Bringing new babies into one's family is truly a miracle, but as almost anyone can tell you, babies need a lot of new gear. Luckily, when you have a newborn, he or she will not need shoes just yet, unless you choose to buy soft-sole shoes for warmth or appearance. Many doctors believe that putting hard-soled shoes on an infant can lead to developmental issues. However, once your babies start walking, he or she will need shoes to protect their feet and prevent them from sliding on slippery surfaces. If you have a baby who will soon be walking or has just started, here are some tips on how to buy shoes for babies.
Step 1
One of the main things to keep in mind is that your baby's foot is still developing. Because of this, flexibility is key. Babies need soft, flexible shoes that you can bend and twist, not hard shoes that feel like something an adult would wear. Usually, a shoe made of soft leather, canvas or cloth will do the job.
Step 2
Pay close attention to the soles of the shoes. They should be flexible, but they should also prevent babies from sliding when they walk. Most good baby shoes will have soft rubber, nonskid soles. If you can't bend the sole, this is not a good shoes for babies to wear.
Step 3
Decide whether you want laces or Velcro. This one is more of a personal preference for parents, and each type of shoe has its own pros and cons. Shoes with Velcro are easy to slide on and off, but this usually means babies will learn how to slide them on and off as well. Laces may take a little more time, but mom or dad can double knot them and your little one will have a difficult time trying to figure out how to remove them. However, shoes with laces may end up needing to be retied over and over throughout the day. In addition, some people just like the way one style or the other looks.
Step 4
This may come as a surprise to you, but shopping at certain times of the day can be beneficial when buying shoes for babies. Babies tend to swell later in the day, so buying shoes in the late afternoon may be a good idea to ensure you get a good fit. You may also want to take into consideration when your baby is in a good mood. Most babies are not going to enjoy the process of trying on several pairs of shoes, and if they are tired, hungry or fussy when they are doing it, it will not be a pleasant experience for anyone involved.
Step 5
A baby's foot grows pretty fast. Be prepared to check their shoe size almost every month throughout the infant and toddler years. A pair of shoes that is a poor fit can cause development problems or even pain. The shoe should have a little room on the sides so that the foot does not feel like it is stuffed into the shoe, and there should be about half an inch between the tip of the big toe and the tip of the inside of the shoes. You will also want to keep an eye out for blisters or redness, a sure sign of a poor fit.
Tips
Remember, just because it is cute, does not mean it is a good shoe for babies. Many parents fall into the trap of buying the latest trends for their babies based on appearance only. There are many shoes for babies that are both attractive and comfortable.
