Is your little munchkin getting bigger by the day? Already feeling keen on exploring the world around them? There’s no limit to what our little ones can achieve and learn from a young age, so it’s only fitting that they have the right tools to support them along the way – enter baby shoes!
While they’re different from our adult footwear in terms of size, material and design, the one thing these shoes have in common with regular shoes is the important role they play in protecting those delicate tootsies. Whether you’re assembling newborn baby girl outfit ideas or stocking up on baby boy clothes, a comfy pair of infant shoes is definitely a must-have on your list.
When Do Babies Need Shoes?
Truth be told, there’s no specific age requirement when it comes to putting shoes on your baby’s feet. However, most doctors recommend that you wait until they’re at least 3 to 6 months old before making the switch from socks or booties. By keeping them barefoot for the first few months, you’re actually helping to strengthen the muscles in their feet and ankles, which is crucial for their future mobility.
At this age, babies start to become more active and might begin crawling or scooting around, which means they’re at a higher risk of injury if they’re not wearing anything on their feet. The bottom line is that you’ll know when your baby is ready for shoes based on their activity level and whether they’re reluctantly starting to take their first steps.
How To Find the Right Fit?
Of course, your main priority is to find a pair of infant shoes that fit well and feel good on your baby’s feet. Here are a few things that’ll come in handy when you’re on the hunt for the perfect footwear:
Measure Your Baby’s Feet
Measuring your child’s feet is always the best way to find out their shoe size, but it can be difficult to do on a wiggly baby. You’ll need to wait until they’re in a good mood and are relatively still before attempting to take any measurements.
Once you’re in that scenario, take a soft tape measure and place it against the bottom of their foot, making sure to start from the heel. Then, simply follow the contour of their foot all the way to the end of their longest toe. If you don’t have a tape measure, you can also trace their feet onto a piece of paper and then use a ruler to measure the length and width afterwards.
Compare to Size Chart
You can consult manufacturers’ size charts to find infant shoes that correspond to those measurements. These will vary from brand to brand, so be sure to double-check before making your purchase.
Make sure to take into account the width of your baby’s foot as well, as some brands offer different width options while others only carry one size. In general, you’ll want to look for shoes that are about 2 cm longer than their feet – this will give them enough room to wiggle their toes and prevent any discomfort.
Check the Final Fit
When you’ve found a pair of shoes that you think will fit, it’s always a good idea to do a quick check to be sure. The best way to do this is by slipping the shoe on your baby’s foot and then gently pressing down on the front to see if their toes are touching the outer edge of the shoe.
You should also be able to slide your pinkie finger in between their heel and the back of the shoe with ease. If you come across any resistance or you can’t fit your pinkie in, it means the shoe is too small and you’ll need to size up.
Extra Tips for Baby Shoe Shopping
Apart from the size and feel of the shoe, there are several other factors you should keep in mind when shopping for newborn shoes. By keeping these in check, you can be sure that you’re making the best purchase for your baby’s feet.
Avoid Hand-Me-Downs
While it might be tempting to take advantage of hand-me-downs, it’s generally not a good idea to do so when it comes to shoes. This is because shoes conform to the shape of babes’ feet over time, so a pair that’s been previously worn might not fit as well.
Additionally, shoes that have been lying around for a while might also be home to bacteria and fungus, which isn’t something you want your little one to be exposed to. These may cause infections or other problems, especially if your baby has any cuts or open wounds on their feet.
Always Go Larger
If you’re stuck between two sizes and can’t seem to make a decision, it’s always better to go with the larger one. This is because babies’ feet grow incredibly fast, so they’ll be out of their shoes in no time.
Additionally, shoes that are too big can always be remedied with socks or shoe inserts, but shoes that are too small will be uncomfortable and might cause blisters or other problems. So, when in doubt, size up!
Look For Models That Are Easy To Put On and Off
Newborns aren’t exactly known for their patience or cooperation, so you’ll want to make sure that you choose a pair of shoes that’s easy to put on and take off. After all, the last thing you want is to be struggling with tiny shoes while your baby is wailing uncontrollably.
Avoid shoes with laces or other complicated closures, as these will only add to the frustration. Instead, look for slip-on shoes or those with Velcro straps that can be adjusted to get a snug fit.
