29.03.2024

How to choose shoes for the first steps: 9 tips

The health of his legs in the future largely depends on the shoes that the baby wears. Therefore, the first shoes should be chosen wisely, taking into account all the nuances. A few secrets on how to choose the right shoes will help you with this.

Secret 1. There is a time for everything

To begin with, do not rush and put on boots for a three-month crumb. The child needs the first shoes only by the time he starts to get up, which means no earlier than 9-12 months of age.

Until that time, get along with smart socks and lace booties.

Secret 2. New and on the foot

The first shoes should be new, and not used even with close friends or relatives. The fact is that the shoes take the form of a child’s legs, and if you wear already worn shoes on the baby, it may not fit him and, even worse, deform the foot. And you will not notice this, but the baby will not be able to say that he is not comfortable.

Toddler shoes should not be outgrowed or end to end. The optimal distance from the nose of the shoe to the toes of the child is about 1 cm (this can be easily checked by pressing the toe of the shoe with your finger).

Secret 3. Natural material

Thinking about purchasing the first shoe, pay attention to the materials. Give preference to natural breathable coatings: leather, textiles. It is important that the natural material is not only outside but also inside. Feel the shoes – is it too hard or, on the contrary, soft? Shoes for crumbs are not shapeless slippers, they must have a form, but at the same time, the child should be cozy and comfortable in these shoes, without the pressure of any details.

Secret 4. Secure hold

One of the main indicators of the quality of children’s shoes is the fixation of the foot and ankle joint. This is possible thanks to a hard back and front adjustment (using lacing, Velcro or fasteners). It is best to fix the foot with laces, but it is not very convenient to constantly tie and untie the lacing. In addition, the baby may trip over the shoelaces. Therefore, most parents prefer Velcro – it is better if there are several of them on shoes. But the fasteners and locks fix the worst of all foot.

Secret 5. Flexibility and relief

Before you buy baby shoes, try bending its sole. The ideal sole should be stiff, but flexible and bend almost in half. In addition, it will be better if the sole has relief. This will help the shoe not slip, especially when it comes to winter shoes. Shoes should not be slippery and inside – it is better if the inner insole has its own relief, then the baby’s leg will not move out. Plus a relief insole will help your baby avoid flat feet.

Secret 6. Heel – an important element

Sneakers and flat shoes are best purchased later. And the first baby shoes should be with a heel. Even when it comes to sandals or boots for the boy. The optimal heel height for one-year-old crumbs is 3-5 mm. The older the baby, the higher the heel. So, it is better for a two-year-old child to choose shoes with a heel of about 1 cm.

Secret 7. Orthopedic shoes – not a panacea

Many parents, buying the first shoes for the baby, immediately take orthopedic. However, if the child does not have foot pathologies, then doctors do not advise doing this. This is because physiologically the child has fat pads on the feet, and the presence of an arch support (which orthopedic shoes have) is not required. On the contrary, it can affect the deformation of the foot. Therefore, without the advice of a doctor, choose ordinary shoes.

Secret 8. Shoes are protection

Do not forget that shoes are needed in order to protect the foot, especially the delicate toes of the baby. Therefore, give preference to models that have front protection – a closed nose: so the pebbles will not get inside, and when hit, the child will not damage the foot. Ideally, the nose should be upturned, this will help to avoid pressure on the fingers.

Secret 9. Quality is on top

The first shoes for the baby should be of good quality. Before buying it, carefully check every centimeter – are there any rough seams or bulging elements? After all, any flaw can cause pain or rub the leg.

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