WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN BABY’S 1ST SHOE!
I HIGHLY recommend WAITING to put your baby’s feet in shoes until they are walking and it’s for safety reasons!
Shoes can really hard and their feet and the wrong shoes can cause their feet to get squished and they can’t develop correctly.
I rarely have my babies in shoes and I avoid it at all costs, except for when we go to the park or somewhere outside when there could be sharp things.
When my babies DO need to wear shoes, here is what I look for!
1. Shoes that have a wide toe. This will allow the toes to still be able to spread out in the shoe and not get squished.
2. Soft soled shoes. The test for this is to see if you can bend the shoe in half, if you can then you know it’s soft and flexible enough!
Here are some of the brands I’ve found that fit this description and I feel comfortable with my babies wearing:
1. Stride Rite (can be found at Target)
2. See Kai Run (can be found at Target)
3. Ten Little (can be found on their website)
#lemon8partner #firstshoes #innatebaby #toddlershoes #momsoflemon8
When it comes to baby's first shoes, I learned that waiting until they're actively walking is key for healthy foot development. But once they're ready to explore outside, choosing the right pair feels like a big decision! I've been through it, and I want to share even more about what I've discovered. First, let's really dive into that 'flexible sole' everyone talks about. It's not just about bending the shoe in half, which is a good start! A truly flexible sole means you should also be able to gently twist the shoe. Think about how your baby's foot moves naturally – a good shoe should mimic that freedom, allowing their tiny foot muscles to strengthen properly. This natural movement is crucial for developing balance and coordination as they learn to walk, run, and jump. Stiff soles can actually hinder this development, almost like putting their feet in casts, preventing those essential muscles from engaging. And let's talk more about the 'wide toe box'! This was a game-changer for me. Imagine your own toes being squashed together all day – uncomfortable, right? For babies, it's even more critical because their bones are still soft and forming. A wide toe box ensures their toes can spread out naturally, preventing issues like bunions or hammertoes down the line. Always look for a shoe that is widest at the toes, giving plenty of room for wiggling and natural splaying, just like they would barefoot. While barefoot is best indoors for optimal development, life calls for shoes sometimes! When my little ones started exploring outside, especially at the park or in the backyard, that's when a protective, flexible sole shoe became a necessity for safety. I always check the ground first for sharp objects, hot pavement, or anything that could hurt their delicate feet. It's not just about walking; even crawling outside on rough surfaces can warrant soft shoes. And for those exciting developmental milestones like cruising and climbing, well-fitting, flexible shoes offer protection without restricting movement. Think about what a 1-year-old is doing – they're not just walking, they're exploring *everything*! From playground adventures to simply toddling around the yard, protecting those precious feet becomes essential. Finding the right brands felt like a quest, but it's worth it for healthy development! Stride Rite has been a classic for a reason, often found at Target, offering great support. See Kai Run, also often at Target, has adorable styles with good flexibility. And Ten Little, which I found online, is fantastic because they focus so much on developmental footwear. When you're evaluating any brand, always do the 'bend and twist' test, and make sure there's ample room for those little toes to splay out naturally. Don't be swayed by cute designs if they compromise on healthy foot development. Remember, we want those happy, healthy toddler feet to keep exploring the world!
So cute