Best Baby Shoes That Won't Impact Their Development (Or Worse!)

Summary

In this video, Morgan, a pediatric nurse and new mom, shares insights on choosing baby shoes that support healthy development. She emphasizes the importance of letting babies walk barefoot initially to learn proper walking skills. Morgan demonstrates the key features of good baby shoes, such as flexible soles, breathable materials, and proper fit. She also discusses common shoe mistakes to avoid, like high tops or shoes with smooth soles that can hinder walking. With personal experience and practical advice, Morgan helps parents choose the right shoes for their child's growing feet.

Takeaways

• 😀 Barefoot walking is recommended for babies to learn how to walk before putting on shoes.
• 😀 It's important to wait until your baby can walk without support before introducing shoes.
• 😀 Getting your child's feet properly fitted at a shoe store can prevent issues, especially if they have a wider foot.
• 😀 Velcro shoes are ideal for babies as they are easy to put on and avoid the choking hazard of laces.
• 😀 Good shoes for babies should have a flexible sole that provides support but allows bending.
• 😀 Shoes with grooves or ridges on the bottom help with traction and balance for new walkers.
• 😀 It's recommended to limit the number of shoes you buy for your baby due to rapid foot growth.
• 😀 Stride Rite and New Balance are excellent brands for babies with wider feet, offering supportive shoes with grip.
• 😀 Avoid shoes with thick soles, which can hinder your baby’s ability to feel the ground while walking.
• 😀 High-top shoes can restrict a baby’s ankle movement and make it harder for them to learn to walk.
• 😀 Shoes with smooth bottoms or no traction are unsafe and not recommended for babies learning to walk.

Q & A

Why is it important for babies to learn how to walk barefoot first?

Babies should walk barefoot first to help them learn balance, coordination, and foot movement. Walking without shoes allows them to feel the ground, which aids in developing the muscles and skills needed for walking independently.

What is the benefit of taking your child to a store for a shoe fitting?

Visiting a store for a shoe fitting ensures your child's shoes are the correct size and width, preventing discomfort or development issues. It also allows parents to avoid the hassle of guessing sizes online or dealing with returns.

Why is Velcro preferred over laces in baby shoes?

Velcro is preferred because it’s easier for parents to put shoes on their babies quickly. Laces can also present a choking hazard, which makes Velcro a safer and more practical option for young children.

What features should you look for in a good baby shoe for walking?

A good baby shoe should have a flexible sole, ridges or grooves for traction, breathable materials, and a not-too-thick sole to provide adequate support without restricting movement. It should also avoid a high top that could constrict the ankle.

How do wider shoes, like those from Stride Rite and New Balance, benefit babies?

Wider shoes are beneficial for babies with broader feet. They prevent the shoes from being too tight, allowing for comfort and proper foot growth. Brands like Stride Rite and New Balance offer wider options to cater to children who need more room in their shoes.

Why are smooth-bottomed shoes considered unsafe for babies learning to walk?

Smooth-bottomed shoes lack traction, which increases the risk of slipping and falling. Babies need shoes with grips or ridges on the sole to help them maintain balance and avoid injuries as they learn to walk.

Are high-top shoes suitable for babies who are just learning to walk?

High-top shoes are not ideal for babies learning to walk because they can restrict ankle movement. When babies are just starting to walk, their ankles need to move freely to help with balance and coordination.

When is it appropriate to introduce shoes with a thicker sole or higher top?

Thicker-soled or high-top shoes can be introduced once a child becomes a confident walker, typically after they have mastered the basics of walking and have good balance and coordination.

How quickly do babies’ feet grow, and why is this important when buying shoes?

Babies' feet grow rapidly, which is why it’s important to buy only one or two pairs of shoes at a time. Over-purchasing can lead to unused shoes, and buying too many can be a financial burden as their feet will outgrow them quickly.

What are the risks of using shoes that provide no support, like soft cotton shoes or purely aesthetic footwear?

Shoes that provide no support, like soft cotton shoes or shoes made solely for aesthetics, can be dangerous for babies. They don’t offer any stability, which can impede their ability to walk properly, and the lack of grip increases the risk of slipping and falling.