Are they ready for their first pair of shoes?

“Every adventure requires a first step”

Is my child ready for their first pair of shoes?

Seeing your little one take their first steps is such an exciting milestone. However first shoes should only be considered once they have been walking unaided for about 4 to 6 weeks or when they are walking more than they’re crawling. Children need the time to practise those steps barefoot before purchasing the perfect first pair. Never push your child to start walking if they’re not ready.

Does my child need shoes when they are crawling?

Barefoot is best for babies who are crawling and in the early stages of mastering how to walk, so don’t be tempted to get shoes too early. Little feet are very delicate, and toes need room to wiggle which allows them to balance and develop naturally. However, to keep feet warm when your child is outside and to protect toes against bumps and scrapes from hard floors, fitted pre-walkers are a good option. They allow plenty of room for feet to grow, provide protection and to gain confidence.

Why are properly fitted shoes so important?

Children’s feet tend to grow rapidly for the first 4 years of life, but can take up to 18 years for the foot’s bone muscles and ligaments to harden into adult form. Properly fitted shoes play a vital role in helping to safeguard healthy development of your child’s feet.

When your child is very young the bones in their feet are made of soft, spongy cartilage which can easily be pushed out of alignment by shoes (and even sleepsuits and socks) which don’t fit properly.

The nerve endings in babies’ feet also take time to develop, so your child may not be able to let you know if their feet are sore or squashed by their shoes. At best, poorly fitted shoes won’t wear well, so never settle for anything less than the perfect fit. It is essential that children’s shoes are always fitted by an expert shoe fitter.

The perfect brand for your little one:

We stock multiple brands that create suitable, soft, supportive first shoes.

• Start Rite
• Ricosta
• Clarks
• Bobux