Baby’s first shoes can be made of wool or fabric, but when the baby starts to walk, between 15 and 18 months, it is necessary to invest in a good shoe that can protect the feet without causing damage or deformities and that can even help the baby walking.
Wearing inappropriate shoes may be more economical at the moment, but this could end up harming the baby’s motor development, as well as harming the development of all curvatures of the foot, favoring the appearance of flat feet or causing blisters and calluses.
Therefore, choosing shoes according to the baby’s age and stage of development is important for their adequate growth and for the prevention of spinal, posture and foot problems, and it is recommended that the pediatrician be consulted in case of doubts or presence of symptoms that indicate changes in the baby’s walking.
Types of shoes for babies and children
Children and babies need special shoes throughout their development, as their feet are not completely formed and are constantly growing. The type of shoe must be suitable for each stage of development:
Age between 0 to 6 months
At this stage of development, shoes are not necessary, as the baby has not started to walk, and the baby can wear seamless socks. However, both socks and shoes should aim to protect your feet from cold, shock and humidity. Shoes for this age should be:
- Made of flexible material;
- With velcro closure;
- Soft, seamless interior;
- With fabric sole, smooth and soft.
Shoes for children aged 0 to 6 months must have a round or square toe and must not be too tight. Furthermore, the back should be flexible and soft and have an elevation.
Age between 6 to 18 months
Shoes for this age remain optional, however their use is recommended to protect the baby’s feet from different types of soil. The characteristics of the shoes remain the same as at the age mentioned above, taking into account that the rear part can be high and always paying attention to the softness and flexibility of this part.
Age between 1 and a half years to 3 years
At this age, the baby already walks with both feet and, therefore, it is necessary to change shoes, which must:
- Have a round or square tip with a reinforcement to protect your fingers;
- Be soft and flexible;
- Have a flat sole and, if it has any height, it must be between 3 and 5 mm;
- No internal seams.
The part of the shoe where it is attached must be on the instep. Furthermore, the material must allow the foot to breathe to avoid moisture.
Age between 4 and 7 years
Children between 4 and 7 years old tend to play more, running and jumping more frequently, for example. Therefore, the shoe must have a flexible sole 5 to 10 mm thick that provides cushioning, and the height must be between 5 and 10 mm. The recommended type of closure is velcro, so that it is easier for the child to take it off and put it on.
It is important that if any sign of pain, change in the way of walking or changes in the foot is noticed, the pediatrician is informed, as this may indicate shoes that are more appropriate to the age.
How to know your shoe size
To find out what size the child is wearing, it is necessary to measure the size of the sole of the foot using a ruler or a special measuring device that is usually available in shoe stores, where it is possible to remove the template present in the shoes and compare it with the child’s foot. child. The idea is that the insole is at least 1 finger larger than the foot, so that it is comfortable.
Shoe size table for children aged 0 months to 5 years
The following table shows the possible size of the baby’s and child’s foot, taking into account the foot in centimeters and the child’s age:
Shoe size table for children between 6 and 10 years old
From the age of 6, foot size varies according to the child’s growth rate. The table below indicates the shoe size according to the foot size in centimeters:
Shoe sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer and, therefore, some stores use a measuring device to check the most appropriate shoe size for the child.
Shoes are really necessary when the baby starts to walk, and it is recommended to change them every 2 to 3 months, and should be replaced with shoes that are a size larger, but not too big, as there is a risk that the baby will fall.
When to change your child’s shoes
Children’s and baby’s feet are constantly growing and, therefore, it is important that the shoe size is appropriate to their growth and should be changed regularly to avoid complications that could alter the way they walk, posture and spine. Therefore, changing shoes should take place according to the child’s age:
- From 0 to 1 and a half years: change every 2 months;
- From 1 year and a half to 2 and a half years: change every 3 months;
- From 2 and a half years to 4 years: change every 4 months;
- From 4 to 6 years: change every 6 months;
- From 6 to 9 years old: change every 3 to 4 months.
It is important to frequently observe the child’s footwear and feet to assess the wear of the shoes and whether there are signs on the feet that indicate that the footwear is causing pain or irritation, for example, that the shoe needs to be changed.
Care when choosing your child’s shoes
To buy shoes for their child, parents should check whether the shoes are comfortable, checking whether when they put the shoe closed and as a sock, there is 1 to 2 cm left in front of the big toe. Another precaution is to check the quality of the fabric, as children run, jump and drag their feet on the ground and, therefore, the fabric must be resistant and long-lasting.
One of the most important features of a child’s shoe is that the insole has an upward curve to help form the arch of the child’s foot. All babies have flat feet from birth and around the age of 3 or 4, the arch of the foot starts to form and, therefore, choosing a semi-orthopedic shoe or sandal is an excellent strategy to prevent the child from having flat feet. plan and require treatment.
Velcro shoes and sneakers help children put on themselves and not accidentally untie themselves, preventing falls. If the insole of the shoe has cushioning, the better, as this will ensure complete comfort for the child. Taking these precautions prevents the formation of blisters and ensures the good development of the baby’s foot.
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