The shoe factor
Many mothers cannot wait to adorn their baby’s tiny feet with footwear. The time that a baby gets to walk calls for a celebration, and which way to do it but to get your angel a pair of shoes?
Don’t they look cute? Those tiny little feet encased in tiny cute shoes. Male or female, I am yet to see a baby’s shoe that is not attractive. And when the little one comes, many parents’ cannot wait to dress up their baby in footwear. But how much do I invest in buying shoes for my little one?
Comfort versus cost
As a mother, and given the financial crunch, I obviously want to get value for my money. So what do I have to factor in before I purchase that to die for boot? Granted, children grow very fast and hence outgrow their wardrobe at the same rate. Still, you want to get value for your money, and at the same time you also want to get shoes that will help, and not get in the way of your baby’s new found ability—walking. Baby footwear can be used for both play and dress. Of course you want your little angel to look good, but you also want his feet protected while at play. And the fact that baby does not walk around much does not mean that his footwear is not important. He wants to look good and be comfortable.
When is the best time to have baby wear shoes?
Most parents will rush to the shops to get a pair of shoes for their toddlers, once the much anticipated first steps are made. However it is also advisable to let him walk barefoot occasionally. This will help him find out how their feet work without shoes. You as the parent will however determine when is best to have shoes on and when baby can go barefoot—you want to protect the small feet from any form of physical harm. If you were lucky to get a baby shower, you probably received a pair or two from friends and family. Meanwhile you just have to contend with just looking at the shoes till your child starts walking.
What kind of baby shoes should I buy?
Shoes can be found for both walkers and pre-walkers. Of course babies do not need actual shoes until they start walking. But they can still do with a pair; it is good enough for them to sit pretty in them, looking good. For your non-walking baby, you can get him hand-made cloth infant shoes. These come in shapes and sizes and your baby’s senses will be stimulated as he looks at his shoe adorned feet. Otherwise, it makes more sense to get your child closed shoes immediately they start walking. The open shoes, including the to die for flip flops and sandals can be saved for later, when your little one becomes a veteran in the walking department.
What material is best for baby shoes?
Whatever shoe you opt to buy, ensure that it is soft and flexible. This will see to it that baby can properly balance on his feet. A heel that is non-slip is a must, you do not want baby slipping and falling. Also get a sole that is appropriate—not too thick despite having plenty of traction. The shoe you buy should allow baby to wriggle her tiny feet when he feels like; you do not want them to get stiff! The material should also be breathable, to allow for plenty of ventilation. You want baby’s feet to be cool and comfy.
How should the shoes fit?
“They should fit in a way that baby’s feet are not pinched or chaffed. They should not rub on his skin; if this happens, get a bigger pair. The best way to ensure you get the perfect lit is to be able to fit small finger between the heel of the shoe and baby’s foot. Also, there should be approximately a thumb-width between baby’s toes and the end of the shoe.
Laces or velcro?
Shoes with laces need to be tied. Hence many parents opt for velcro baby shoes. This depends on one’s personal taste though. Lace-up shoes are more difficult for babies to take off. Velcro is also easier to figure out for the young mind, and to remove too. If you opt for shoes with laces, ensure that the cords are long enough. And if the shoe is a slip-on. put it on several times while still at the shop to ensure it slips on easily and that it does not fall when baby walks.
When is the best time to shop?
Just like with adults, baby’s feet will swell towards the end of the day. To ensure that the shoes are not too tight, shop at this time. To make sure your baby enjoys the shoe shopping experience, let him rest and feed before heading to the stores. This way he will be able to model best and have fun even as you decide on what is best for him.
How often should I buy shoes?
Of course this is determined by your baby’s growth rate. The best way to determine this is by doing regular foot measurements of your baby’s feet, say monthly. This goes a long way in deciding how big or small a shoe you should get. It is also important to note that every baby is an individual and that each and everyone’s growth rate is unique. Many parents though confess to buying shoes at least every three to six months.
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