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 takes small steps to overcome his weaknesses and explore his surroundings. When will it be time for walking? When is it time to buy walking shoes?

Learning to walk - what shoes to choose

Do not rush to buy them. Only when the child begins to move independently, can he try his hand at wearing appropriate footwear. 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 varied textures. It is a very inspiring range of different impressions for him. Therefore, footwear cannot be too stiff and restrict free movement.

The first baby shoes - what should you pay attention to?

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

Walking shoes must not be stiff. Too hard uppers and backs as well as a thick and heavy sole bind the child's leg. The first months of learning to walk are a time to stumble, test your abilities, learn how to balance and get up efficiently after a fall. In such a period, the child devotes a lot of concentration and commitment to get from point A to point B. Overcoming his weaknesses, he puts a lot of commitment into the entire educational process. Footwear should be his greatest ally at this time.

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

Walking independently and the first shoes

The first shoes should be in the toddler's wardrobe only when he confidently and consciously begins to move. Tumbling around furniture is not yet the time to try on cute sandals or moccasins. While walking, the foot is constantly engaged in intense training. Let her do it without any obstacles, barefoot.

When deciding to buy the first shoes, we must take into account at what stage our child is. If he marches more confidently and does it without backup, we can think about a debut pair. Let's observe if the child moves with the shoes confidently. Do not throw your feet sideways, as if feeling weight or other discomfort. Too tight shoes will leave abrasions, while too loose shoes will contribute to careless walking, stumbling and shuffling - they can 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 down and take his first steps. Walkers were used and pillows were supported. Similar practices were used in the selection of footwear. Orthopedic shoes were perceived as protection against deformation, stiffening the foot so that it does not bend, and at the same time a guarantee of a sure gait. Meanwhile, the foot has to "train" on its own, and too high uppers and stiff soles will not help. Unless the doctor (in exceptional cases!) Recommends such a solution, you cannot buy your baby footwear without a reason.

When analyzing when to buy a child's walking shoes, we cannot use any ready-made formula. Children of different ages begin to crawl, crawl, and then sit up and walk. Until the age of 18 months, a toddler has time to calmly, at his own pace, learn to take steps. Let us not urge him on this. Buying shoes prematurely will not help him. Patience will turn out to be your best advisor here. Let's watch the baby. If it enters the world of independence, moving without our help, let's look for a model and go shopping!