Shoes for Infants and New Walkers – Do They Really Need Shoes?
Every stage of infants’ growth is vital. Parents need to monitor the development of their babies if they are matching with the preset milestones. Infants learning to walk is one such milestone that parents need to watch. The age when children learn to walk differs with every child. It can be anywhere around 10-16 months.
At this juncture, it is essential to know what kind of footwear to choose for babies during their early stage of learning to walk. It is a common situation that many doubts occur to parents at this instant. Not surprisingly, parents would do enough research about walkers shoes for babies to clarify their related doubts.
Why does my baby need shoes?
Babies’ feet are flat, unlike adults. It takes around 6 years for babies to develop curves in their feet and get to their final shape. It is why footwear plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of their foot and shaping them.
Tight shoes might hamper the growth of your baby’s foot. They can also trigger conditions like ingrown nails and rough soles.
Choosing shoes that fit well will turn walking into a comfortable experience for your babies. Good shoes will provide enough support and grip to their feet, thus minimizing the risk of falling and injuries.
It is vital to introduce shoes at the right age. However, shoes do not help in making the baby learn to walk faster. The age of walking varies from infant to infant and generally falls in the range of 10-16 months.
Leaving your baby barefoot will allow their muscles to strengthen. It renders the adequate exposure their toes need to acquire shape and strength. Hence, as much as possible, let your baby crawl and try to walk barefoot.
However, if you live in cool places and wish to provide warmth to your baby, socks and booties will help.
Walkers shoes for babies
Walker shoes for babies are one of the top choices to introduce them to footwear. They are designed specially to impart comfort and grip to the children that are learning to walk by taking the support.
The difference between walker shoes and other shoes is their focus on offering comfort to the child. The sole of the walker shoes is both flexible and sturdy enough to encourage them to walk.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind while choosing the best walkers shoes for babies:
• Opt for shoes with a rounded toe design. They allow free movement of your toddler’s toes and do not hurt them.
• While measuring the foot size of the toddler, note down the length and width of the foot. If the length of the shoe fits but not the width or vice versa, the shoe won’t be of any use.
• Inspect the soles of the walker shoes. They should allow ample space for the baby to move their toes freely when they wear the shoes.
• The sole should also be flexible and bend along with the baby’s foot.
• Choose walker shoes from brands that specifically cater to the needs of toddlers. Shoe brands meant for adults might not always help when it comes to kids.
• Invest in good quality walker shoes from brands that adhere to Pediatric association recommendations. Shoes from brads pass all tests and assure quality and comfort for your baby.
• Shoes for toddlers must be easily washable. Kids take no time to dirty their shoes by playing in puddles and soil. Hence, read the manufacturer’s guide to know how to clean the shoes, so you prolong their life as well as provide hygiene to your baby.
• Kids can also spoil shoes with urine, poo, and food. Dark color shoes can be a little easier to clean and might make your life easy dealing with your naughty kids.
Summing Up
Walker shoes can allow the best grip on your baby while walking. They make a great choice to accustom children to walk. Make sure to pick those that offer comfort and grip to your baby. The shoes must also be washable and moderately priced. Measuring the foot size and going through reviews also help in choosing the best shoe for your toddler.