You should wait to put shoes on your baby until after they are walking.
Putting shoes on your baby before they are walking offers no benefit and can even hinder their development. Babies learn to walk by feeling the ground with their feet, which helps them develop their balance and coordination. Shoes can interfere with this process.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Why Wait Until Walking?
- Development: Barefoot is best for development. Allowing your baby to feel different textures and surfaces with their feet strengthens the muscles and improves balance crucial for walking.
- Foot Health: Baby feet are soft and pliable. Shoes can restrict natural movement and potentially affect foot shape if worn too early or if the shoes are too tight.
- Protection: The primary purpose of shoes is to protect your baby's feet from injury, especially when walking outdoors on rough or uneven surfaces.
- Warmth: Socks or soft booties are sufficient to keep your baby's feet warm indoors before they're walking.
What to Use Before Shoes
- Socks: Socks provide warmth and some protection when crawling or scooting indoors.
- Booties: Soft booties can also offer warmth, and some have non-slip soles to help with traction when your baby starts to stand.
- Barefoot: As mentioned, going barefoot as much as possible allows your baby's feet to develop naturally.
What to Look For in First Walking Shoes
When your baby is walking and needs shoes, look for:
- Flexibility: Shoes should be flexible enough to allow natural foot movement.
- Breathability: Choose breathable materials like leather or canvas to prevent sweaty feet.
- Proper Fit: Shoes should fit comfortably, with about a thumb's width of space between the longest toe and the end of the shoe. Get professionally fitted.
- Lightweight: Heavy shoes can be tiring for new walkers.
- Secure Closure: Velcro straps or buckles will help keep the shoes on your baby's feet.
In summary, hold off on shoes until your baby is actively walking, and then prioritize shoes that are flexible, breathable, and properly fitted. Before walking, socks or soft booties will provide warmth, but barefoot time is essential for healthy foot development.
