We love our babies, from the tips of their heads down to their little piggy toes! But are we doing the right things for our baby's feet to help them grow properly? What kinds of shoes are best for baby? Are any kind of shoes best, or should baby go barefoot? At what age should I put shoes on my baby? Many parents have these questions, but the answers they receive vary quite a bit. Fortunately, pediatricians and medical experts have weighed in on the issue and come to our rescue.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, it is unwise to force a child to walk. When he or she is physically and emotionally ready, they will (and then, watch out!). As any parent will tell you, all children are different. In fact, the age for independent walking can range from 10 to 18 months. As your baby's feet are developing, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing your child to go barefoot will help the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength. Walking barefoot helps toes get a better grip and develops foot strength naturally. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.
The Canadian Pediatric Society tells us that, until toddlers have been walking for at least a few months, the only purpose of footwear is to protect the child's feet and to offer some grip on smooth surfaces. With soft-soled shoes, muscles can move and flex naturally. The more flexible the shoe, the more the foot muscles will work. If a shoe is too stiff or solid, the muscles will be inhibited in their attempt to maintain balance with the child's foot and leg.
As noted in the book, "What To Expect The First Year," by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg and Sandee Hathaway, "shoes for infants should be lightweight, made of a breathable material (leather or cloth, but not plastic), with soles so flexible that you can feel baby's toes through them (hard soles are absolutely out). Shoes with stiff ankle support (high-tops) are not only unnecessary and unhealthy for feet now, but will be when baby starts walking too.
Experts agree that the feet, like hands, develop best when they are bare, not covered and confined; walking barefoot helps build arches and strengthen ankles... Even walking on uneven surfaces, such as sand, is good for her feet since it makes the muscles work harder. But for safety and sanitation, as well as appearance, your baby will need shoes for most excursions, as well as for special occasions. Choose shoes that are closest to no shoes at all by looking for the following:
Flexible soles
Shoes that bend fairly easily when the toe is bent up will interfere least with the foot's natural motion. Your best bet is to look for leather or rubber soles that bend easily. Many doctors recommend sneakers for their flexibility, but some maintain that traditional first-walker shoes are even more flexible and babies are therefore less likely to fall in them. Ask your baby's doctor for a recommendation, and test those available at your local store before making your decision.
Low cut
Though high-top shoes may stay put better than low ones, most experts believe they are too confining and interfere with ankle movement. They certainly shouldn't be used to prop up a baby who is not yet ready to walk.
Porous and flexible uppers
To stay healthy, feet need to breathe and to get plenty of exercise. They breathe best, and have the most freedom of movement, in shoes of leather, cloth or canvas. Plastic or imitation leather is usually stifling and sometimes stiff, and tends to cause the feet to sweat excessively. Avoid "running" shoes with wide bands of rubber around them, since they can also increase sweating. If you purchase rain shoes or boots that are made of plastic or rubber for your baby, use them only when needed, and take them off as soon as she is indoors.
Standard shapes
Unusual styles - such as cowboy boots or pointy-toed party shoes - may make a fashion statement, but they can also distort the foot as it grows. Look instead for a shoe with a broad instep and toe and a flat-as-a-pancake heel."
So, when picking out shoes for your baby, remember to think natural and flexible!
