Baby Shoes

Why Buy Baby Shoes, Anyway?

Apart from the obvious cuteness factor, you may be wondering why you need to buy baby shoes. It's a good question. Babies aren't likely to be walking anywhere and their feet are growing fast. So, why do they need shoes?

Well, once a baby is old enough to start taking his/her first steps, there's always a chance that he/she could step on something sharp or uncomfortable. Even the tidiest home in the world may contain hidden hazards. It's simply safer to protect your baby's feet with some kind of covering.

Once your baby turns into a toddler, shoes bring an added bonus if you buy them from a store like Pipsqueakers.com. These shoes give a soft squeak with every step, so you'll always know where your baby is--and what he/she is up to!

When to Buy Your Child's First Pair Shoes

If your baby hasn't started walking, you don't need to think about buying shoes just yet. In fact, leaving your baby's feet bare or kept warm in a pair of socks will give them time to grow and strengthen. Once he/she starts to take those tentative first steps, however, a soft pair of shoes may be in order.

What to Look for in Baby Shoes

Bobux baby shoes

The most important thing to think about when you're shopping for baby shoes is that your baby shouldn't really be aware of his/her shoes. That all-important first pair of shoes should be soft enough for the foot to flex, and for the baby to feel the ground under him/her. This is not the time for thick soles or stiff fabrics! Remember, your baby is still learning how to use his/her feet; the last thing you want to do is hamper that development.

High-top shoes are also a bad idea: they'll force baby's ankles into an upright position, when he/she may need them to bend. The purpose of your baby's first pair of shoes is to simply protect the feet and provide a little bit of a grip. Comfort is far more important than style, so concentrate your efforts on finding the most comfortable pair of shoes you can.

Soft Shoes and Moccasins

Some of the most popular baby shoes right now have soft leather soles. Essentially baby moccasins, they protect your baby's feet, but allow the feet to flex and grip naturally. Two of the most popular brands of soft leather-soled baby shoes are Robeez and Bobux.

Getting the Right Fit

Fit is everything when it comes to buying baby shoes, and it's important to make sure that your baby's new shoes won't pinch or chafe.

Most children's shoe stores will be able to offer some assistance with your purchase. If not, follow these tips for the perfect fit:

• Always take your baby with you when you're buying shoes for him/her. As tempting as it may be to pick up a cute pair of baby shoes when they catch your eye, it's important to make sure they fit before you get out your credit card.
• Have baby stand up to try on the shoes.
• You should be able to fit your smallest finger in the gap between your baby's foot and the inside of the shoe. If you can't, the shoe is too tight and may be cramping your baby's foot.
• Remember that your baby's feet grow just as quickly as the rest of him/her. Check the fit of the shoes every few weeks, and make sure that you replace them as soon as they start to feel tight. If cost is a factor, stores like Babywear Exchange offer high-quality nearly-new shoes. Of course, there's always eBay and UniqueHomeStore!