Most young children begin to learn to walk anywhere between the age of 8 and 18 months. Your baby’s first steps are considered to be one of the most important and memorable milestones you’ll witness of your child’s growth.
In preparation for the transition, it's important that your baby's feet are well protected and taken care of.
When it comes to choosing your baby’s first shoes, it can be difficult to know what to look for and how best to take care of their delicate feet. Choosing your baby’s first shoes should be done with care.
To make sure you have all the information you need before buying your baby’s first shoes, we'll share some valuable advice and information on soft-soled baby shoes.
Why Go For Soft-Soled Baby shoes?
Between the ages of 8 and 18 months, your baby’s body goes through significant changes and development.
The foot for example is one of the most complex parts of their body with 2 bones and 35 joints.
Due to an underdeveloped foot structure, baby’s are often flat-footed or have their feet turned inwards when they first begin to walk as their ligaments are still underdeveloped and their muscle strength is weak.
It’s advised that when a baby begins to start learning to walk that they remain bare-footed as much as possible.
This is because their feet are highly sensitive and being barefooted enables them to feel the ground and become more balanced.
It also enables them to stretch their feet and wiggle their toes. However, as your baby begins to walk more frequently, it’s advised that you provide them with soft-soled shoes.
Soft-soled baby shoes are a great way to not only ensure that your baby’s feet are comfortable and protected but they are also soft enough that they can still feel the ground and therefore contribute toward their foot development.
Soft-soled shoes are great for baby’s on the move. They provide comfort and protection and enable your child to explore freely whilst enabling their feet to continue developing properly.
Growth And Development
It’s advised that you choose soft-soled shoes over hard-soled shoes for growing baby feet as they enable freedom of movement and are not restrictive.
Whereas, hard-soled baby shoes can restrict movement and hinder development that can cause abnormalities and foot problems later on down the line.
First-time walkers need a flexible pair of shoes with a soft sole that enables them to walk with confidence as they provide a sturdy but comfortable structure and sensitive sole that enable your child to chase their curiosity.
The Benefits Of Soft-Soled Baby Shoes
There are many benefits to providing your baby with soft-soled shoes when they start walking. Soft-soled shoes made from soft leather and natural rubber enable your baby to move naturally.
This is a great way to promote their development whilst protecting their feet especially when they begin to venture outdoors. Many brands make soft-soled baby shoes from organic and premium materials.
These types of shoes are great for ensuring that your baby's feet are ventilated and these shoes are made from breathable, hypoallergenic materials that are not only kind to your baby’s skin but are also considered to be more hygienic.
How To Take Care Of Your Baby’s Feet
When your baby starts to walk, it’s important that you consider how you take care of their feet.
Not only is it important to ensure that their feet are clean, but it’s also important to ensure that when they are wearing shoes, the shoes you choose fit comfortably and securely and provide them with gentle support that enables them to move naturally.
Whilst we’ve established that wearing soft-soled shoes is beneficial, it’s essential that you get a balance of how frequently you put shoes on your baby and still make sure that they frequently walk barefooted to allow their feet to stretch and for their muscles to build strength.
The Best Soft-Soled Shoe Brands
Many brands offer high-quality and affordable soft-soled baby shoes that support natural development. A couple of leading brands for finding great soft-soled shoes include;
All of these brands provide soft-soled baby shoes that are made of high quality and are flexible and comfortable to encourage your baby’s development and walking capabilities.
They are committed to creating shoes that fit your baby comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find High-Quality Soft-Soled Baby Shoes?
You can find the soft-soled baby brands above on Amazon.com.
Many brands offer high-quality and affordable soft-soled baby shoes, now that you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair for your baby.
You can also find soft-soled baby shoes on independent manufacturers' websites as well as second-hand stores.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Pair Of Soft-Soled Shoes?
When you have decided that it’s time for your baby to start wearing soft-soled shoes, there are a couple of features you should consider to ensure you choose the right shoes.
These include ensuring that:
They are a lightweight and have a flexible and soft sole and stiff shoes can hinder walking development and restrict movement
They fit comfortably and are not too tight or too loose
They have skid-resistant or non-skid soles to enable your baby to explore safely
They are made from natural and breathable material for maximum comfort
Takeaway
Your baby’s first steps are a significant milestone for both you and your baby. What better way to mark the occasion than to provide your baby with high-quality soft-soled shoes that they use to develop.
Now that we’ve given you all of the information you need to find the best soft-soled shoes, you’ll be able to find a pair of shoes that are flexible, fit your baby comfortably and support their natural development.
When thinking about clothing, there is so much to consider, such as sizing, the materials used, the quality of the products, and also how ethical they are. There is also the topic of fast fashion and its effects on the environment.
This is why I decided to set up our site Torly Kid, to provide parents and carers with the ultimate guide to everything related to children’s clothing and fashion. From the best outfits for crawling toddlers, to the prettiest dresses for tweens, we’ve got you covered.
