Picking the Right Footwear to Help Your Child’s Feet Grow

Babies feet are soft and supple and do not require baby shoes until they are around 11-13 months and are starting to walk. Prior to this it is best to put your baby in a cosy pair of socks and bootees which are less constricting than shoes and will not damage the foot development. Make sure never to use bootees or all-in-one suits and pyjamas with feet if they are too tight.




Image courtesy of Vertbaudet


 

 Once baby starts walking most new mums are out there buying the first pair of shoes; but before you do remember that baby’s feet grow quickly and you may need between two to three pairs of shoes or more in a year. New shoes should be wide enough for the foot to sit flat in the shoe as your baby's feet have not yet developed an instep, or more accurately, the instep of a baby is still covered by a layer of baby fat. Buy a shoe which has around 4cm of space above the big toe to allow room for growth. Your baby needs to be able to wiggle toes and use them in a gripping motion, essential for learning to walk, making it so important that baby shoes always fit properly.


The best type of shoes to buy has non-slip soles and an uncomplicated strapping system. For example, canvas shoes are ideal for summer months as are sandals. For the wintertime you can buy fleece lined lace-ups for little boys and for girls shoes, the traditionally adorable Mary Janes.



Your little one will be most comfortable in shoes made from a soft conditioned material which is well lined. Check frequently that your child is not outgrowing their shoes by monitoring that 4cm space above the big toe. Check that the foot is not being squashed in a shoe which has become too narrow. If your baby starts to grizzle when you put on his shoes or if she has red marks or the beginnings of a blister, these are surefire signs that your baby needs new shoes.

 Babies grow at a rate of knots as do their feet. It is so important in later life that a baby is brought up wearing correctly fitting shoes. The right size of shoes gives support to the foot and helps the baby to walk confidently. Baby shoes should always be correctly fitted. Remember when you are up sizing on shoes to do the same for socks.






Image courtesy of Vertbaudet

Shoes with a soft and supple sole are best to help your baby take those first new steps. Try to avoid using hand-me-down shoes as they will be moulded to the foot shape of the original wearer and will not give your baby the required support.

Looking after your baby’s feet now is a worthwhile investment to give baby the best possible start in life.
 Vertbaudet offers a range of baby clothes, children’s clothes and home collections for your little ones. Their Summer Sale is now on, with hundreds of items reduced by up to 60%, so hurry while stocks last. Shop now at http://www.vertbaudet.co.uk/shop/summer-sale.htm