Shoes – they’ve been the detriment of many, many pocketbooks throughout the ages. Especially for girls, there are shoes in every color, every style, and every shape imaginable, and the lure often starts with baby shoes!
We’ve all seen them, those teeny tiny name-brand sports shoes, beckoning to us, often with a price tag that could feed a family of two for a week. How then, when our tiny tots start standing, do we pick shoes that offer the support needed, while still maintaining our pocketbooks? Here are a few guidelines:
Expensive isn’t better – while you do want to look for certain things when buying your baby’s first pair of walking shoes, buying the most expensive pair in the store is often not the best choice. Choosing a shoe for a baby that isn’t yet on the move is relatively simple. Buy what you like, but make sure your baby has room to wiggle his or her feet. Don’t buy a shoe that is too tight or too short. Babies often have wide feet and need room to expand their toes.
Make sure they’re roomy – A baby who is standing or learning to walk has feet that are growing at a rapid pace. A general rule of thumb is to make sure that there is enough room between your baby’s toes and the end of the shoe to place an index finger (about ½ inch.). A common mistake parents make is to leave the baby in their stroller while trying shoes on them. You need to stand the baby up so that he or she can place enough weight on their foot to allow the foot to completely expand. That way you can also make sure that there is enough room for your baby’s precious piggies to wiggle around freely. When in doubt, ask a store clerk or go a half size bigger.
Does Ankle Height Matter? – Yes, but it’s not crucial. When your baby starts walking, a shoe that comes up slightly higher on the ankle can provide additional support. This is helpful but not absolutely necessary. The main thing you want to be sure of is that you’re buying a sturdy shoe in the right size.
Shoe shopping can be fun (when your baby is in the mood for it, that is), so have fun picking out your favorite styles and colors. Now that you know the facts, you don’t have to break the bank to provide your baby with a good, solid, walking start. Besides, you’ll be buying another pair in a month or two anyway!