Parents often find themselves in a never-ending maze when it comes to picking the best toddler and baby shoes. The reason is that their feet are still in the developing stage and demand particular support. Footcare MD comes ahead with an interesting revelation. They say that shoes for toddlers, from 9 months to 3 years, should offer sufficient space for the foot to breathe because their feet tend to sweat heavily. Therefore, parents should avoid purchasing synthetic materials that don’t allow the feet to breathe. The ones having babies from 9-18 months, should go for a high-top shoe since that will remain on them as compared to an oxford or a low-top athletic shoe.
Do you find this situation relatable to yourself, and you were wishing for some assistance revolving around the best walking shoes for toddlers? Then, today is your lucky day as this blog will discuss choosing the right walking shoes for babies, baby shoe recommendations, and tips for buying toddler shoes.
Understand Your Baby’s Foot Development
Before rushing into things, as a parent, it is crucial for you to understand your baby’s foot development. Your toddler goes through the following phases:
Cruising
Cruising is the stage where your baby holds onto big things, such as furniture, for support before walking. At this stage, you can purchase shoes with soft soles that will serve the purpose of comfortable baby shoes. These will further assist in protecting their feet from slight scratches and offer comfort in the form of cushioning.
First Steps
When your baby begins to take their first steps, you will want to give them the best baby shoes for walking. However, you will need to invest time and effort in grabbing shoes that have a firm sole and a proper structure. Why are we emphasizing structure and sole? Because that will offer the required stability and support for the development of their small feet.
What Features Are Necessary To Pick The Best Baby Walking Shoes?
When you are on your way to lay your hands on the first walking shoes for toddlers, there are some necessary features you must keep in mind. They are as follows:
Flexible Sole
Your toddler’s first walking shoe must comprise a flexible sole. The benefit of such a sole is that it has enough room for natural foot movement. You will not get this element in shoes with stiff soles that only interrupt the growth of your baby’s feet, due to which they will have trouble walking normally as well.
Good Support
Search for shoes that provide proper arch support and enough space for your baby’s ankle to remain stable. In this case, get shoes designed with a sturdy counter and closed heel.
Non-Slip Outsole
Your baby is on its way to maintaining its balance, and during this, it will fall multiple times. Therefore, look for shoes with a non-slip outsole, which will play a pivotal role in preventing your baby from slipping and falling on various surfaces.
Cushioned Insole
Walking shoes with cushioned insole assist in protecting your baby’s feet on rugged surfaces and provide comfort, which will make them happy throughout the day.
Proper Fit
While trying different shoe sizes, make sure that the shoes fit properly without feeling too tight. The shoe should align with the small toes so they can wiggle without hindrance.
What Are The Different Types Of Toddler and Baby Shoes?
Well, you must have come across the saying that no shoe size fits all, which applies well to picking the best toddler and baby walking shoes. Because there are different types of toddler and baby shoes, which are as follows:
Soft-Soled Shoes
Soft-soled shoes prove to be an ideal choice for pre-walking babies. The benefit of such shoes is that they are super light in weight and flexible enough that your baby can move their feet. They also open the ground for natural foot development.
First Walking Shoes
Once your baby begins to walk, it is time for you to select shoes that have a firm sole and good support. Shoes with these features protect your baby’s foot development and provide the required stability.
Toddler Shoes
Your baby will grow and, before you know it, enter the toddler stage. Then, you will hunt for toddler shoes designed with features like a wider toe box and adjustable straps so that you can tighten or loosen them according to your toddler’s comfort level.
Some Tips For Buying Toddler and Baby Shoes
It’s okay if you had no luck picking the best toddler and baby shoes and returned empty-handed. We have assembled a few tips for you to make buying small shoes easier for you. They are as follows:
Regularly Measure Your Child’s Feet
It is highly recommended to regularly measure your child’s feet. Why? The reason is that the feet of babies grow amazingly fast, and you will not like to purchase the wrong size for them. Therefore, take a proper measuring tool and see their recent size to buy the correct shoe.
How Active Is Your Child?
How active is your child? If they are always playing in the house or engaged in their favorite physical activities, you will have to buy shoes with more durability and support features. Otherwise, your toddler will complain of foot aches.
Secondhand Shoes Mean Discomfort
Secondhand shoes mean discomfort, so we don’t suggest parents buy them too. Such shoes will hinder your toddler’s foot growth and development. Furthermore, these shoes can not offer the required support while your baby is cruising or walking and attract bacteria as well.
Give Priority To Comfort
Comfort is essential when buying shoes for your baby or toddler. Uncomfortable shoes can irritate your little one and discourage them from walking. Prioritize comfort by checking the sole of the shoe for flexibility, which allows for natural foot movement. It’s also important to ensure that the footwear is made from breathable materials to keep their feet cool and dry.
Additionally, always check the size of your baby’s feet to avoid purchasing shoes that are too tight or too loose, as both can cause discomfort. Focusing on comfort will help your child enjoy their time on their feet and support healthy development.
The Stage Of Development
At which stage of development has your toddler reached? Consider that as well since that matters when you pick the type of shoe. If your baby is in the pre-walking phase, then shoes with soft soles are the perfect choice. But, if the tiny person has taken their first steps, then you need to lay your hands on shoes designed with good support and a firm sole. That will help them to maintain their balance and remain comfortable whenever they feel like walking again.
Don’t Overload Shoes
Friends and family will give you multiple suggestions on keeping a good stock of shoes for your baby. But everyone forgets that babies’ feet have the potential to grow fast. Whatever shoes you receive or purchase will be according to the previous size, and as a result, the entire investment will be viewed as a waste of money and effort. Therefore, it is recommended not to overload shoes and buy more when necessary, based on the new size.
Go For Online Shopping
If the thought of physically going shoe shopping feels overwhelming, opt for online shopping! We understand that taking care of your baby all day can leave you with little energy, making virtual shopping a convenient solution. With just a click, you can browse a wide range of products from the comfort of your home.
Start by searching for reputable retailers and reading their reviews. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or other parents for recommendations on baby and toddler shoes. Explore multiple websites to compare collections, colors, sizes, and, most importantly, prices to ensure you make an informed decision.
Also, take a moment to review the return policy in case the shoes don’t meet your expectations. By doing your homework and selecting the best toddler shoes, you can confidently add them to your cart and enjoy the ease of online shopping!
Conclusion
We hope you were able to grasp sound knowledge from this toddler shoe-buying guide and now you are on the way to picking the best walking shoes. Furthermore, if you need to purchase premium-quality walking shoes, then enter the world of Pat Pat. The platform will impress you with a wide range of similar shoes and that too at reasonable rates.
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