Baby Shoes

Having a baby is an exciting experience, but it can be a little nerve-wracking if you aren’t sure about what clothes and shoes to buy for your bub. There are so many different brands and stores advertising and selling baby shoes that it can be hard to know which to choose, so here are some basic guidelines for finding the perfect fit for your little one. Major brands are generally very reliable when it comes to quality and fit, but if you ask around you may find there is a small local supplier producing shoes of a similar quality, for perhaps a lower price. If you aren’t sure however, going for a well-known brand is the best option.

Fit is very important for a baby, and as they are constantly growing it can be hard to know which size to go for. Generally speaking, a little larger is better than a little too small, but avoid buying shoes more than one size too large, as your baby’s feet may slip around in these large shoes, and if they are beginning to walk, it can trip them.

Comfort is equally important, and for that reason soft comfortable fabrics such as cotton blends are ideal, with a flexible rubber sole. Shoes should be breathable and supportive, without putting pressure on the foot. Most babies shoes do not need arch support, but toddlers shoes do.
If your baby has not yet started to walk then the sole can be quite thin, as it is just there to provide grip for crawling, and protection for when they are helped to stand. Velcro tabs are a very convenient way of fastening baby shoes, and are less time consuming and restrictive than laces. However if your baby is a cheeky one, and likes to undo the Velcro, then two-way Velcro closures are a good way to ensure the shoes stay on!

If you are still unsure about what to buy for your baby, try going to a specialist shoe store (rather than a department store) and ask the assistant there about fit. There are many shoe stores that cater only to babies and small children, so that is a perfect place to start.
Good luck and happy parenting!