Added: 09/01/2006 |
How to Buy the Correct Pair of Children's ShoesYour little one is crawling and soon will be walking. Their little feet will be getting a good work out. It is time to start looking at purchasing a pair of children's shoes for your child. Don't know where to start? First thing is first, a little research will go a long way. Knowing what you need to look for and where to go will help you help your child in finding the best pair of shoes to fit his or her stage in their process of learning to walk.
Are you buying the most appropriate shoe for your child? Children who are crawling do not necessarily need shoes. They only need something to keep their feet warm such as a pair of socks or booties. If you would like to buy your child a pair of shoes, mainly for the cuteness factor as all moms do, you can purchase a pre-walking shoe. Make sure that what you are purchasing is flexible so the shoe can bend with their feet.
The next type of shoe to come along in your child’s life is the toddler shoes. This is a very big step to take as it is important to by the type of children’s shoes that will fit you child the best. You do not want the shoes to be too tight and led to problems such as ingrown toenails or calluses on their tender little feet. You also don’t want to the shoe to be too loose causing their feet to pop right out of the shoe. Keep in mind when buying toddlers shoes that those under 16 months will grow one-half foot size every two months, 16 – 24 month olds will grow one-half foot size every three months, 24 – 36 month olds will grow one-half foot size every four months, and those over the age of three will grow one-half foot size every four to six months. This is important to know this so you can keep a watchful eye on your child’s feet.
Make sure when purchasing toddlers shoes that they are breathable. Children’s feet tend to perspire and therefore need a material that will allow their feet to breath. Also be sure to look for a high top shoe. This will help their tiny feet to stay in the shoes much better than a lower shoe such as a tennis shoe. In addition to the above the soles of the shoes need to be smooth and flat. This will prevent the shoe from grabbing onto the floors surface and help in preventing a nasty tumble.
Once your child is age three years old and above they have been walking for what seems like forever. Children's shoes by this stage in their life come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. As long as your child is growing so are his or her feet. You need to continue follow the cardinal rule of making sure they are the right size for your child and that they fit appropriately. It is at this stage in a child’s life that they can develop such problems as flat foot or a high arch. If you suspect your child has a problem, contact your physician.
As a mom of a toddler learning to walk the best place to purchase children's shoes is Stride Rite. Stride Rite developed the Natural Motion System in which they collaborated with the medical community in designing a shoe that is the closest thing to being barefoot. They also came up with Toddler Tech which supports your active toddler’s feet. And finally they also came up with Kid Tech in which Stride Rite notices that children are involved in many different types of activities and therefore designed a shoe to withstand the different elements that children will put on their shoes. Granted, you will pay a pretty penny for the shoes, but Stride Rite will take your child from crawling, to cruising, and to walking, but it is worth every penny of it knowing that they have the best of the best.
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