When to buy your child's first shoes?

The toddler learns a new skill from scratch that will allow him to function more independently in the world. The parent watches from the side without disturbing - and this is the most valuable help on his part. The child overcomes his weaknesses in small steps and explores his surroundings. When will it be time for walking? When is it time to buy walking shoes?

Learning to walk – what shoes to choose

You should not rush into purchasing them. Only when the child begins to move independently can he try his hand at wearing appropriate footwear. Let's remember that for little feet the first shoes are a completely new and unknown experience, so let's make sure not to disturb the natural process of learning to walk.

The toddler explores the terrain with his feet, paying attention to unevenness and different textures. It's a very inspiring range of different experiences for him. Therefore, footwear cannot be too stiff and restrict free movement.

Baby's first shoes – what to pay attention to?

First of all, weight and workmanship. Shoes that are too heavy will tire little feet. This will make it difficult for your child to move and will become a source of negative associations. But the newly acquired skill should be fun!

Footwear for learning to walk cannot be stiff. Too hard uppers and backs as well as a thick and heavy sole will restrict the child's leg. The first months of learning to walk are a time of tripping, testing your abilities, learning how to balance and get up efficiently after a fall. During such a period, the child devotes a lot of concentration and commitment to getting from point A to point B. He overcomes his weaknesses and puts a lot of commitment into the entire educational process. Footwear should be his greatest ally at this time.

Let's take a look at how the shoes are made. Are they flexible and bend at 1/3 of their length? It is important that they have a properly profiled insole and a soft sole that will cooperate with the foot during its natural operation from the first days of use. Let's pay attention to what children's shoes are made of. Natural leather and a breathable insole will work great. Depending on the season, adjust the style and possible type of insulation. Let's measure the baby's feet carefully. Shoes that are too loose will cause your toddler to constantly fall over.

Walking independently and wearing your first shoes

The first shoes should be in a toddler's wardrobe only when he or she starts moving around confidently and consciously. Walking unsteadily over furniture is not the time to try on cute sandals or loafers. While walking, the foot is constantly undergoing intense training. Let her do it undisturbed, barefoot.

When deciding to buy the first shoes, we must take into account what stage our child is at. If he marches more and more confidently and does it without belays, we can think about a debut pair. Let's observe whether the child moves confidently in the shoes. Does it kick its feet from side to side as if it feels a weight or other discomfort? Shoes that are too tight will cause abrasions, while shoes that are too loose will cause sloppy walking, stumbling and shuffling - they may also contribute to injuries.

The natural process of learning to walk

It was once believed that a child should be helped when he was learning to sit up and take his first steps. Walkers were used and propped up with pillows. Similar practices were used in the selection of footwear. Orthopedic shoes were perceived as protecting against deformation, stiffening the foot so that it would not bend and at the same time guaranteeing a safe gait. Meanwhile, the foot has to "train" itself, and too high uppers and stiff soles will not help. Unless a doctor (in exceptional cases!) recommends such a solution, you cannot buy medical footwear for your child without a reason.

When analyzing when to buy walking shoes for a child, we cannot use any ready-made formula. Children of different ages begin to crawl, crawl, then sit and walk. Up to 18 months of age, a baby has time to calmly and at his own pace acquire the ability to take steps. Let's not rush him into this. Buying shoes prematurely won't help him. Patience will be your best advisor here. Let's watch the baby. If he enters the world of independence and moves without our help, let's look for a model and go shopping!