Between birth and two years old, your baby will develop at an extraordinary rate, and each milestone will be a new source of wonder for you. Discover with us the major stages of their development and how to communicate with them to help stimulate their growth. his awakening l.
When it comes time to buy your baby their first pair of shoes, how do you find the right one among the dozens of models you can admire in shop windows? It's best not to give in solely to an aesthetic impulse, but also to pay attention to a few key points!
During the first few months, your baby doesn't need shoes: direct contact with the ground, barefoot, in socks, or in soft leather booties, allows them to find their balance more easily and gradually strengthen their little feet. But when they start standing and taking their first steps (between 9 and 18 months approximately, depending on the child), it's time to give them their first real pair of shoes! An important choice, not only for your baby's comfort but also for the healthy development of their feet.
First shoes: rigid or flexible?
HAS During the early stages of walking , your baby's feet are still naturally flat and their legs slightly bowed. It was long thought that to help the arch of the foot develop and the legs straighten, baby shoes should have a rigid heel counter and a pronounced arch support. Most models sold today are still of this type.
However, in recent years, podiatry research has tended to prove that baby feet never develop better than when bare: the ideal would be direct contact with the ground, which gives better balance, helps little feet to build muscle and the arch of the foot to form naturally.
But of course, leaving your child barefoot outside is out of the question… To ensure their comfort, prevent slipping, and protect their feet, several brands now offer soft shoes, made of leather or canvas to allow the skin to breathe, with a light and flexible sole. Whenever possible, choose a model with Velcro closures, which adapt precisely to the shape of the foot and are easy for the child to fasten or unfasten themselves.
The right size
Sometimes we're tempted to choose shoes that are a little too big so they last longer… A mistake to avoid! Not only are shoes that are too big uncomfortable, but they can also compromise your little one's still-developing balance. Your shoe store can certainly offer you a foot measuring device to accurately measure their feet.
From one shoe size to another
Babies' chubby feet aren't very sensitive. Your little one probably won't realize when their shoes are getting too small. You'll need to check regularly by pressing on the front of the shoe when they're standing: there should be about a centimeter of space between their toes and the end of the shoe. Keep in mind that until they're about 3 years old, they'll change shoe sizes approximately every 4 months: quite a collection of shoes to look forward to!
During the first few months, your baby doesn't need shoes: direct contact with the ground, barefoot, in socks, or in soft leather booties, allows them to find their balance more easily and gradually strengthen their little feet. But when they start standing and taking their first steps (between 9 and 18 months approximately, depending on the child), it's time to give them their first real pair of shoes! An important choice, not only for your baby's comfort but also for the healthy development of their feet.
