During the first months our children move barefoot or with socks in order to protect them from the cold. But after taking his first steps we must think about buy their first shoes. Baby-friendly shoes that allow the feet of the little ones to develop correctly and move comfortably.
There is no rush to buy your first shoes. However, when the time comes, it is important to pay attention to the guidelines that specialists share and not bet on inherited models, too tight, or made of any material. Today we share with you the characteristics that a respectful shoe for your baby.
When to start using them?
Walking barefoot is essential for the correct development of the baby's sensory system. That is why we should never be in a hurry to put on shoes, because by doing it before they walk we will be limiting their perception and making it difficult for them to develop normally.
During the first months of life and if the temperatures are low, the ideal is to put them socks or booties the baby to protect him. At home, if you enjoy heating, the idea is that your feet are barefoot since with them they process information regarding materials, objects, finishes, temperatures...
And when the baby starts to crawl? Not only are shoes not necessary, but they are counterproductive as they make it difficult for them to move. It's not until baby take your first steps when you will have to worry about buying your first pair of shoes for your outings.
How should the shoes be?
When the baby begins to take his first steps, that will be the moment when you will have to think about buying his first pair of shoes. But not just any, you should avoid inherited shoes and take care that they can move comfortably with them, paying attention to the following characteristics:
- the right size. Ideally, there should be 1,5 centimeters between the baby's longest toe and the shoe. Since the foot grows rapidly in childhood, it should initially be loose, but not too loose so that the foot does not dance inside.
- The last must be wide. A wide last and a flexible, rounded toe box ensure that the child can move his toes well inside the shoe.
- Forget the boots! Experts have agreed that for the correct development of the child it is important that they can move the ankle freely, so you must avoid shoe height exceeding the ankle.
- The material must be breathable. You should choose shoes made of a breathable material so that the baby's feet do not overheat. Once they start walking they don't want to stop and it is important that the feet are ventilated to avoid sweating and excessive humidity. Leather, wool and cotton offer good results since they are also flexible, but synthetic materials are not.
- The sole should be firm but flexible and non-slip. Shoes have a purpose: so that the little one can also take his first steps outside the home and it is important that he feels comfortable and safe.
- The shoes they should be light. Do not weigh too much in order to make it easier for the baby to move without impediments.
- Avoid laces. The ideal in younger children is to avoid laces and with them accidents.
- They must be new. Some respectful shoes for the baby must adapt to the anatomy of their foot, so it is not advisable to use ones that have already taken the habit of another child.
These are the most important characteristics to buy respectful shoes for the baby. But it is also important to review the footwear and be aware of changes in sizes. When they are babies they immediately fit tight and squeeze them and it is something that we must avoid so that it does not cause damage to the foot.