Baby?s First Shoes: How to Choose the Right Ones

Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question: "When should my child start wearing shoes?"

There is no clear consensus. Some parents buy shoes as soon as their baby pulls herself into a first tentative stand; others wait as long as possible, preferring not to constrict their children's feet.

"As a general rule, kids will need shoes when they are ready to start walking around outdoors," says Peggy Wells, who is both a mother and president of Pip Squeakers, a children's shoe company. "You will want something that protects your baby's feet but still allows for some flexibility," she explains.

For parents contemplating purchasing their baby's first shoes, here are some suggestions for things to consider from the experts at parentsplace.com and pipsqueakers.com:

* Make sure you get the proper fit. Shoes that are too tight or too loose could be painful or cause blisters, and may even hamper walking. Have your pediatrician measure your child's feet, during the regular check-ups. This will provide you with an accurate measurement when you refer to a shoe company's sizing chart.

* Avoid stiff, high-top leather shoes; there is no evidence that they help babies walk. Instead, look for something soft and flexible that allows your baby to use the movement of his feet to maintain balance and to walk. They should be made from canvas or some other breathable material, and have flat, flexible, non-slip soles.

* Get shoes your child likes. Pip Squeakers shoes make a pleasing "squeak" that children enjoy. "It encourages them to move, walk and explore their surroundings," says Wells, who adds that children enjoy creating the amusing sounds with each step. An added benefit is safety: the sound allows parents to more easily track the movements of their toddler and keep them within a close radius.

* Safe closures. Make sure that your baby's shoes fasten well. Double-knot laces so that they are less likely to come undone and make sure buckle straps are secure without being too tight. Velcro fasteners are the easiest option.

* It is normal to have a slight discrepancy in foot size between the two feet; you want to make sure to go with the shoe size that fits the larger foot. Allow about one-half inch of space at the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. The toes should be able to wiggle freely, and the heel should not slip with normal walking.

* Get the shoe that is most comfortable for your child, even if it is not the same size that the measurement device indicates. Be aware that sizing differs with each shoe company, so refer to their respective sizing charts. It is advisable to inspect the shoe fit every couple of weeks, to insure the continuing comfort of your child's feet.

Because of their unique ability to make sounds, Pip Squeakers shoes may be of interest to parents of children with disabilities who may have vision or mobility problems.

Tricia O'Connell is a special needs teacher, and is now in her 20th year of teaching. She is also the co-founder of Pip Squeakers. For more information on children's shoes and Pip Squeakers, visit http://www.pipsqueakers.com or call (866) 722-4535.

---

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to... Read More

What to Do if the Baby Shower Guests Dont Know Each Other

A baby shower is a simple celebration of family and... Read More

The Personality Traits Of A Taurus Baby

Your Taurus Baby..April 20 - May 20Taurus babies are usually... Read More

The Perfect Baby Shower Gift

Have you found yourself frustrated trying to decide what to... Read More

Baby Showers To Remember

Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More

How to Choose a Car Seat That Meets The Needs of Your Baby

There are many types of car seats available on the... Read More

Potty Training Dolls - Why Use a Potty Training Doll to Assist in Potty Training Your Child?

The idea of using potty dolls to potty train toddlers... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More

Playing With Food Words: Teaching Mindfulness to Preschoolers

The most powerful way to instill a love for language... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic and Unique Baby Names

Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby... Read More

Perfect Baby Shower Hostess Gifts

Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More

Your Baby Nursery - Decorating a Fabulous and Functional Room

Decorating a baby nursery can be one of the most... Read More

Car Seats and Newborn Babies

I remember very clearly the first day we brought our... Read More

Favorite Cake Flavors for Baby and Bridal Showers

A cake is an excellent treat at any party, especially... Read More

Baby Gift Baskets ? A Personalized Way to Show How Much You Care

When baby showers abound what can you give to that... Read More

Baby Proof Your Home - Frequently Asked Questions

Keeping your baby safe at all times is one of... Read More

20 Popular Quotations About Babies

1. "A baby is God's way of saying the world... Read More

Your Baby And Social Skills

Your baby's first year is filled with many challenges and... Read More

Traveling With Babies

If you start baby travel slowly and plan wisely, both... Read More

Infantile Cradle Cap - Symptoms and Treatments

What is cradle cap?What is the cause?No one really knows... Read More

Four Problems and Solutions on Feeding Your Newborn

Parents always want to give their babies the very best.... Read More

Stammering Toddler

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More

Special Considerations for the Premature Baby

Every parent hopes and prays that their newborn will be... Read More

Potty Training Facts

Potty training, toilet training, toilet teaching or toilet learning are... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby

Your Pisces Baby..February 19 - March 20Your baby will have... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

Under Carpet Heating In The Nursery ? To Help Your Baby Sleep Through The Night And More!

As new parents, we all want what's best for our... Read More

Beyond Flash Card : How To Do The Infant Visual Stimulation In Fun And Creative Ways

Babies learn about the environment surrounding them through five senses:... Read More

How to Buy Used Baby Clothes Online!

There are multitudes of ways to purchase used clothing for... Read More