Any parent of an active toddler has asked this question: "When should my child start wearing shoes?"
There is no clear consensus. Some parents buy shoes as soon as their baby pulls herself into a first tentative stand; others wait as long as possible, preferring not to constrict their children's feet.
"As a general rule, kids will need shoes when they are ready to start walking around outdoors," says Peggy Wells, who is both a mother and president of Pip Squeakers, a children's shoe company. "You will want something that protects your baby's feet but still allows for some flexibility," she explains.
For parents contemplating purchasing their baby's first shoes, here are some suggestions for things to consider from the experts at parentsplace.com and pipsqueakers.com:
* Make sure you get the proper fit. Shoes that are too tight or too loose could be painful or cause blisters, and may even hamper walking. Have your pediatrician measure your child's feet, during the regular check-ups. This will provide you with an accurate measurement when you refer to a shoe company's sizing chart.
* Avoid stiff, high-top leather shoes; there is no evidence that they help babies walk. Instead, look for something soft and flexible that allows your baby to use the movement of his feet to maintain balance and to walk. They should be made from canvas or some other breathable material, and have flat, flexible, non-slip soles.
* Get shoes your child likes. Pip Squeakers shoes make a pleasing "squeak" that children enjoy. "It encourages them to move, walk and explore their surroundings," says Wells, who adds that children enjoy creating the amusing sounds with each step. An added benefit is safety: the sound allows parents to more easily track the movements of their toddler and keep them within a close radius.
* Safe closures. Make sure that your baby's shoes fasten well. Double-knot laces so that they are less likely to come undone and make sure buckle straps are secure without being too tight. Velcro fasteners are the easiest option.
* It is normal to have a slight discrepancy in foot size between the two feet; you want to make sure to go with the shoe size that fits the larger foot. Allow about one-half inch of space at the end of the longest toe to the end of the shoe. The toes should be able to wiggle freely, and the heel should not slip with normal walking.
* Get the shoe that is most comfortable for your child, even if it is not the same size that the measurement device indicates. Be aware that sizing differs with each shoe company, so refer to their respective sizing charts. It is advisable to inspect the shoe fit every couple of weeks, to insure the continuing comfort of your child's feet.
Because of their unique ability to make sounds, Pip Squeakers shoes may be of interest to parents of children with disabilities who may have vision or mobility problems.
Tricia O'Connell is a special needs teacher, and is now in her 20th year of teaching. She is also the co-founder of Pip Squeakers. For more information on children's shoes and Pip Squeakers, visit http://www.pipsqueakers.com or call (866) 722-4535.
One of the first decisions we make is if we... Read More
When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More
A cake is an excellent treat at any party, especially... Read More
Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More
Babies and young children have thinner and more delicate skin... Read More
Sounds great ? doesn't it?Or does it sound too good... Read More
With so many different aspects of a shower to plan,... Read More
Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three... Read More
With our twin boys getting ready to start solid food,... Read More
A baby shower is a great way to welcome a... Read More
Growth charts are tools your pediatrician can use to keep... Read More
Baby Gifts from gift certificates to very expensive toys. Something... Read More
Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for... Read More
You have made the decision to grow your own vegetables.... Read More
Surviving a baby with colic truly deserves an award of... Read More
Your Sagittarius Baby..November 22 - December 21 Young Sagittarians are... Read More
When to have a baby shower is a personal choice.... Read More
No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More
Having a baby can be one the most life-changing experiences... Read More
The addition of a new child to a family is... Read More
Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More
How To Clone The Perfect BabySheep, Cows, pigs, mice, donkeys,... Read More
You will need to begin gathering the things your baby... Read More
Baby slings are one of those things that have been... Read More
Baby modeling isn't an exclusive art - nor is it... Read More
Baby boy invitations are the first thing you'll need to... Read More
There's an epidemic in our culture. Have you heard of... Read More
One of the easiest and safest ways to carry your... Read More
Do you want your baby to be thrilled by his... Read More
Products are recalled all the time for posing a danger... Read More
There are many different ways to potty train your toddler.... Read More
Goodbye Bertha, Hello Kaitlyn! The top baby names of today... Read More
Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once... Read More
One of the first decisions we make is if we... Read More
Decorating your child's nursery is an exciting experience. Your little... Read More
The baby carriage or buggy has come along way. Thanks... Read More
Every mother wants an enchanting baby shower for her new... Read More
Babys dresser or baby chest of drawers make up the... Read More
The history of names is so ancient that no one... Read More
You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More
Your Sagittarius Baby..November 22 - December 21 Young Sagittarians are... Read More
You have a baby shower planned for a friend; you... Read More
When bringing home your new baby, there are so many... Read More
Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How... Read More
Just like Willy Nelson, I could not wait to get... Read More
The experts often tell us that in order to ensure... Read More
As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More
Wooden high chairs with their looks and functionality make a... Read More
The best birth announcement is both practical and sentimental. Welcome... Read More
Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants... Read More
With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More
Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest... Read More
Ask first time parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they would... Read More
Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no... Read More
There is actually a bit of controversy about this question.... Read More
Baby clipart is the perfect accent to all of your... Read More
Colic hurts. Any parent who has an affected child will... Read More
You have just learned that you are expecting a baby.... Read More
The design of your home has an amazing affect on... Read More
The perfect way to spoil the baby shower games is... Read More
You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More
The play has many more functions for toddlers than for... Read More
One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks... Read More
Does size matter? No, not that! Is your baby too... Read More
The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More
What is cradle cap?What is the cause?No one really knows... Read More
Babies & Toddler |