Sub-navigation

• « Previous
• Next »
• Back to features list »

Your baby’s developing feet and buying shoes

The first year of life is the most important in the development of your baby’s feet. Her feet are very soft and any unusual repetitive pressure can cause them to deform.

Going barefoot helps natural development

It’s been proven that walking barefoot early in life helps your baby’s feet to form properly and also helps with general muscle growth and development. This is because the toes are being left free to perform the natural grasping actions that allow a baby to gain strength and co-ordination in the feet. It’s only really necessary for your baby to wear proper shoes when she’s walking outside.

Outdoor shoes

Of course, being barefoot isn’t always going to be the practical option for your baby. When you’re out and about, a good pair of soft, lightweight and flat shoes will help your baby’s feet continue to develop in the right way. Your baby should have been walking independently for a few weeks before you buy her a first pair of shoes.

How to choose the right shoes

Children’s shoes can be expensive, and the younger your baby the harder it is to get an accurate fit. She won’t be able to tell you properly how her feet feel so you’ll need to use very accurate measurements.

Although you’ll need to choose shoes that allow room to grow, shoes that are too big can be as much of a problem as shoes that are too small.

If the shoes are too heavy they will impede your child’s movement and could affect the development of the feet. So ensure they are light and soft enough for toe and foot mobility. The shoes should be made from breathable natural materials, ideally leather.

Sensible shoes don’t need to be boring. Velcro fastenings on shoes are much easier to use and babies will love the sound of it. The more cute, fun and colourful the shoes look, the more likely it is that your baby will enjoy wearing them.

Measuring feet correctly

Take regular measurements

One thing you can guarantee about baby feet is that they will continue to grow rapidly and you’ll be making regular trips to the shoe-shop.

Make sure you get your baby’s feet re-measured whenever you go to buy new shoes to make sure you’re still getting the right size.

How to measure correctly

• If you are not 100% sure of how to measure your child’s shoe size accurately go to a reliable shoe shop where there will be staff trained in fitting children’s shoes.
• They’ll probably advise you to choose a comfortable pair of shoes that still have some room for growth, but aren’t too large.
• Children’s feet should only be measured when they’re standing up.
• Allow 0.5 to 1 centimetre of extra space around the foot when you’re measuring.