Whatever you choose to put on your child’s paws has to be soft, comfortable, and fit properly. Steer clear of any shoes that might squash or restrict your child’s feet. To give their feet the chance to develop properly, their tootsies must have as much wiggle space as possible. Here are the types of shoes that your little one can wear, as well as important considerations regarding shoe construction to keep in mind.
Crib shoes, sometimes known as pram shoes, are the first type of footwear that your little one may wear. These shoes have extra-soft soles and are meant to keep the feet warm and cozy. Booties are a great example of a crib shoe.
Pre-walkers are another type of soft-soled shoes that serve the purpose of keeping a child's feet warm. They are lightweight with a thin, flexible sole that provides protection rather than support. The sole is what sets apart crib shoes from pre-walkers – although both types of shoes have soft soles, the latter isn't necessarily made of fabric. As a result, pre-walkers offer a bit more protection than crib shoes.
Unlike a crib shoe or a pre-walker, a first walker shoe is designed to be worn outside by tots who have gained enough confidence to pound the asphalt. First walkers feature firm soles, but they should still be flexible to ensure that they aren’t too hard on your little one’s tootsies.
The Importance Of Shoe Construction
Whether you’re buying crib shoes, pre-walkers, or first walkers, it is important to carefully consider the construction of a shoe as it will directly impact your child’s comfort and general foot health.
The upper part of an infant should ideally be constructed from mesh, canvas, or leather. As you might know, most babies have naturally sweaty feet, so you want to go for a shoe that is made from natural or breathable materials that will allow for sufficient circulation.
The insole of a baby’s shoe does not require any specific arch support. Babies under 16 months have flat feet, so they don’t require arch support in their shoes. Your main concern when it comes to your child’s insole at this stage should be if it is protective or absorbent enough.
Just like with adult shoes, the outsole on shoes meant for babies should provide both cushioning and traction. Additionally, this part of the shoe should also be flexible – you should be able to bend it without much effort.
A toddler shoe should have an enclosed heel to provide ankle protection. Baby shoes should not feature any type of high heel. This is because heels could cause long-term damage to the arches of the feet, among other problems.
Final Thoughts
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should only wear socks in their earliest days. That said, the AAAP recommends that shoes can be worn if they are intended to prevent infection and injury, as well as preserve foot warmth. When choosing shoes for your little one, comfort and fit are the most important consideration, so keep that in mind if you plan to go shopping.
