Nothing’s more exciting than bringing a little one out into the world. Watching the development of a child is a wonder. It is a joy to see them roll on their back for the first time or hear their first words.
It gets even more exciting when they begin to stand on their own. Your baby becomes a toddler, then they’ll go anywhere their little feet take them. When this time comes, you’re going to want to protect their feet as much as possible. But with so many toddler shoes in various colors and designs available, how could you choose the best ones?
Fear not, momma! Here’s a list of what you should look for when picking your toddler’s first pairs of shoes.
Hard Rubber Soles
You might be thinking of choosing soft-soled shoes for your toddler. However, these soles are only good for kids under a year old. Once your little one begins ambulating, you should let them wear hard-soled shoes during this time.
Always consider rubber soles. Expect your child to find ways to expend their boundless energy. Rubber soles will keep them from slipping and sliding and protect them from getting further injuries. When browsing stores, look for podiatrist approved kids shoes. Shoes like these are tried and tested to ensure your child’s safety when walking.
Sturdier soles are more comfortable too. Imagine yourself walking on rocky ground on soft jelly shoes. Now imagine your child in the same scenario. Not a fun feeling, right? Your kid is still learning how to walk properly at this age, so it’s best to make sure their shoes keep them safe and secure.
Lightweight And Flexible
When finally choosing shoes, pick sneakers instead of boots. Boots will constrain your toddler’s feet and ankles. Sneakers give your kid’s feet more freedom and flexibility. Avoid buying shoes made of stiff material as these can hinder and deform the natural growth of their feet. These may even weaken their foot muscles.
Though boots for toddlers may seem light for adults, kids may find them heavy to wear. Heavy shoes might even impede the development of their still-growing kneecaps.
Good shock absorption
Kids love moving and jumping around a lot. A low-quality toddler shoe might fall apart after a few uses. That’s going to make you spend more on shoes they won’t even wear forever.
Lightweight shoes with good shock absorption are more comfortable for an active tot to wear. Your kid can play and explore for hours on end without having to drag their feet around all day.
Canvas, Mesh, Or Leather
Your kid’s feet need to breathe too! Shoes with parts made of canvas or mesh can help with the air circulation around their feet during active days. Leather is also a great choice as breathable material. Both are also flexible and perfect for energetic tots.
Opt for tied shoes instead of strapped ones. They’ll stay secure on their feet and are more adjustable. Tied shoes will also give your child the opportunity to learn something new. Check out these hacks to teach kids how to tie shoelaces by themselves.
No Heels
Letting your daughter wear cute heels is tempting. However, these shoes will cause major complications that will follow her until adulthood.
Closed-toed heeled shoes will also push your kid’s feet forward, cramping their toes. Your toddler’s feet are still growing and developing so it’s wise to avoid altering nature’s course.
Affordable
Feet can continue growing up until a person’s adulthood, usually in their early 20s. Younger children can grow up to nine sizes within the first three years of their life. That’s a lot of shoes to fill and throw away.
Good-quality toddler shoes might cost a bit more, but you can still find other options of the same quality at a more affordable price. You can try buying shoes and other children’s clothes off-season to save money. Or head over to a discount store, and you might bump into some great finds. Join a swap group and trade or buy preloved toddler shoes for less.
Most parents would want to splurge for their kids. But it’s still economically wise to go for affordable yet good-quality shoes. If they’re that good, you may even let your next toddler wear them as a hand-me-down.
Baby Steps
When shopping for shoes, bring your toddler with you to ensure an accurate fit. Let them wear the shoes with socks and let them walk around a bit. Check for red marks of any size on their feet after you take the shoes off, or ask your kid if anything hurts.
You’ll know toddler shoes have a good fit if it has a pinky’s width of space between your child’s heel and the shoe’s heel. Also, check if the shoe’s toe box isn’t too cramped and stiff. Your tot will thank you (maybe not directly) for the comfy shoes they can wear whenever it’s playtime.
