A baby's first independent steps are an event that is remembered for a lifetime. It fills the hearts of parents with joy, pride and, of course, excitement. After all, you want every movement, every step of little feet on the ground to be safe, comfortable and healthy. That is why choosing the first shoes is not just another purchase, but an important stage in caring for the proper development of your child.
Why you shouldn’t put your baby in “someone else’s” shoes, how to choose the right size and what to pay attention to when choosing - we’ll talk about all this later.
The right shoes for children: what should they be like?
Just yesterday, your baby could barely get up on his feet to look at the world around him from his height; he swayed unsteadily and a minute later - boom! - tired, he sat down, lighting up everything around with a toothless smile. Soon his little legs will get stronger, the child will be able to stay upright longer, and after a while, he will try to walk. The days will fly by, so now is the time to buy the first shoes in his baby’s life.
Perhaps you have already collected a small collection of children's shoes - from delicate slippers to booties, buying your favorite models in stores; Chances are, numerous relatives and close friends have already given you gifts from their little ones – almost new, miniature sneakers and boots worn for just a few months…
Stop! You don't need that! Remember the main rule that governs the entire science of "what orthopedic children's shoes should be like." Any shoes you put on your child must be new! This is a necessary condition for the feet to develop properly and remain healthy.
The fact is that used shoes are a kind of footprint of the previous owner. By receiving used – even slightly used! – shoes as a gift, the baby also receives the imprint of someone else's foot, and the soft, pliable foot diligently repeats the proposed shape. The individual curves, depressions, and bumps left on the surface of the insole will likely not match the contours of your baby's foot. This can lead to foot malformation, especially if the previous owner had foot deformities.
How to choose the right shoe size for your child?
Before deciding what shoes to buy for your child, familiarize yourself with the sizing chart and choose your size. Parents often encounter minor difficulties during their first purchase due to inexperience, but these are usually temporary—they'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. In the meantime, we'll teach you how to determine a child's shoe size for children under one year old.
Place your child on a piece of cardboard and play the "trace the foot" game with them: hold a pencil perpendicular to the surface of the cardboard and trace the foot. The pencil will likely tickle the foot, so make sure the drawing is as accurate as possible. The child should be standing while measuring. Cut out the resulting stencil and go shopping with peace of mind – by inserting the finished print into shoes and boots, you will save your fidget from tedious fittings. Be sure to keep the receipt or make sure the seller is reputable so that you can exchange the model if the size is not right.
You can read more about how to choose a child's shoe size in our article: “How to correctly measure a child's foot to choose a shoe size?”
As for what children's shoes should be, there are a number of requirements that determine the model as correct and recommended for children who are still getting ready or have just started walking.
What should the first shoes be like?
- Made from natural materials. Leather, suede, fabric, cotton – all this should be of good quality – and nothing else. Yes, it is expensive, but health is more important! Also pay attention to the quality of the product and the seam finish—anything that could cause discomfort should be avoided.
- A heel counter that secures the heel—excessive movement in this area can cause injury.
- A flexible sole (unless otherwise recommended by a doctor) to prevent the foot from being cramped—you should be able to bend it by hand without effort or damage.
- A large arch support in first shoes is not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor. A child's arch is not visually defined—it will develop later. So, you'll need an arch support later.
- Convenient and reliable fixation elements - so that putting on and taking off shoes is easy.
Before buying your first shoes, it's a good idea to consult an orthopedist or pediatrician - they will tell you whether to buy regular everyday shoes or take into account the individual characteristics of your baby's foot.
And - easy first steps for you!
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