When To Buy Your Infant Shoes

As your baby gets older, you will be faced with the decision on when to purchase a pair of soft-soled shoes for your child. This can be a difficult decision since the choices you make now will probably affect your infant in the future. There is a time for your child to wear simple booties and when they should be wearing soft-soled shoes. If your child has not started crawling or walking there is no need to invest in a pair of booties or soft-soled shoes. If you are concerned with keeping your baby's feet warm in cooler weather, then a pair of booties would be a good purchase. If you feel that your child should wear soft-soled shoes when they are outside of the house there are a few simple rules you should follow. You want to make sure the shoes you purchase are large enough to allow for a full range of movement for the toes and feet. Another good rule is to make sure the material is very soft and allows for the child's foot to breathe.

As your baby starts to become more mobile by crawling, a soft pair of booties would be a wise investment. Due to the fact that the tops of their feet will be rubbing across the floor, some protection would be advisable. Although very delicate, babies' feet are also very tough, and can naturally withstand the chaffing caused by crawling. Socks are adequate, but generally will end up trailing behind their feet most of the time. A sturdy pair of booties will be a better and safer fit for your child. When your child begins to walk, it is now the right time to buy a pair of soft-soled walking shoes for them. While it is still good to allow your child to walk barefoot so their feet can develop naturally, there will be times they need the protection of a soft-soled shoe for practicality or hygienic reasons. The best options for your child would be a shoe that has a non-slip sole and is soft and flexible.

You want to be sure that the sole is thin enough that the child can feel the floor. Make sure the material is soft and breathable to help keep their feet cool and comfortable. To check the fit of your baby's shoe, you should be able to fit your little finger between the heel of your baby's foot and the back of the shoe, also there should be a thumbs width gap between the big toe and the front of the shoe. Due to a child's phenomenal growth rate, it is necessary to check the fit of your baby's shoes once a month, as children's feet grow at different rates there is no set period to purchase a new pair, but expect to buy a new pair every three to six months.

Check the shoes often for signs of wear or damage, for example cracks on the bottom or holes or flapping parts on the top. Purchasing your infant's first pair of shoes can be a nerve-wracking experience or one that is simple and efficient. After doing the necessary research and understanding the mobility level of your child and where they will be crawling or walking, you will be able to make an educated purchase and protect your infant's feet now and in the future.

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