1. Sensible Shoes

2. As your baby spends more time on his feet, you may be wondering if he should wear shoes. The general rule of thumb is to use shoes for warmth and protection. When in the house, socks with gripper soles work wonderfully.When in the house, socks with gripper soles work wonderfully. The foot is an extremely complex body part and made up of many muscles.The foot is an extremely complex body part and made up of many muscles. Providing time in stocking feet allows babies to develop the small muscles that help with balance.Providing time in stocking feet allows babies to develop the small muscles that help with balance.

3. A Good Fit When using shoes for temperature or safety reasons, select shoes that are economical enough to be thrown out when your baby outgrows them.When using shoes for temperature or safety reasons, select shoes that are economical enough to be thrown out when your baby outgrows them. To check for fit, there should be one adult thumbs width between the end of the shoe and the end of your babys big toe.To check for fit, there should be one adult thumbs width between the end of the shoe and the end of your babys big toe. Shoes that are too small or too large will make it harder for your baby to walk.Shoes that are too small or too large will make it harder for your baby to walk.

4. Flexibility Another feature to look for is a flexible sole, especially if your baby is just learning to walk.Another feature to look for is a flexible sole, especially if your baby is just learning to walk. The shoe should bend easily and have a flat bottom to help him balance.The shoe should bend easily and have a flat bottom to help him balance. Loop and hook fasteners (Velcro) or tie shoes are both fine as long as your babys foot stays snuggly in the back of the shoe.Loop and hook fasteners (Velcro) or tie shoes are both fine as long as your babys foot stays snuggly in the back of the shoe.

5. Choose Economy Shoes do not need to be expensive to provide your baby with what he needs.Shoes do not need to be expensive to provide your baby with what he needs. Parents sometimes hear that shoes have to have arch support or wide widths.Parents sometimes hear that shoes have to have arch support or wide widths. A babies arch does not develop until around 2 years of age, so arch support is not necessary for first shoes.A babies arch does not develop until around 2 years of age, so arch support is not necessary for first shoes. Shoe companies know that babies feet are wide and make shoes to accommodate wide widths.Shoe companies know that babies feet are wide and make shoes to accommodate wide widths. High tops do not offer greater support. They do offer your baby a greater challenge when he tries to take them off.High tops do not offer greater support. They do offer your baby a greater challenge when he tries to take them off.