Help your new walker put her best foot forward by saying bye-bye to bare feet and hello to killer kicks!
Two words most of us love to hear? Shoe shopping! But it’s a different story when you go shoe shopping for your toddler. Most of the time, he’ll wiggle out of your lap or throw a kicking-and-screaming tantrum, right there in the store. And it can be tricky to figure out whether they’re actually the right size. “A toddler can’t use words to tell you that he doesn’t like the way something feels,” says Dr. Amina Hassan, a podiatrist (specialist of the foot, ankle and lower leg). “It’s really important to find shoes that fit properly when she’s learning to walk - otherwise he could stumble more and take longer to develop the skill.”
Follow these foot notes to find a pair that fits your child well.
Shop Smart
You can put off buying shoes until after your child starts to walk (usually between 10 and 18 months). They are only for show before then, and your kid will be able to practice taking steps better when he’s barefoot. (Shoes make it harder to grip the ground and learn to balance). Wait until afternoon to make the trip because most kids’ feet will swell during the day.
Find a Good Fit
Pick brands that are made specifically for toddlers. Good shoes for little walkers are flexible and made of lightweight materials, such as leather or high-quality mesh. To check the fit, insert your finger into the heel (it should fit snugly) and into the point where the shoe meets the ankle (to rule out stitching that could cause blisters). Then, feel the shoe’s tip while your child’s standing to make sure there’s about half an inch of space between the big toe and the tip.
Skip Special Support
Two features you don’t have to worry about are arch and ankle support. Flat feet are normal for toddlers whose arches are still developing. Plus, your kid’s ankles need to be free to build muscle and prevent injuries. Pediatricians do not recommend high-top (ankle-high) shoes because they found out that there’s more risk for ankle injuries when toddlers fall in these types of shoes.
Test Them Out
Once you find a shoe that you think fits well, have your kid toddle around in the store. Watch for a firm grip when he walks and any red marks on his feet after you take the shoes off.
Monitor The Fit
Toddlers’ feet grow rapidly, often every two to three months. “If your child has been happily wearing the shoes for months and suddenly starts taking them off, hobbling around, or rubbing his feet, those are late signs that he’s ready for a new pair; so go shoe shopping immediately.
Avoid Used Shoes
Resist the urge to give your child hand-me-down shoes while he’s still trying to master motor skills (walking, running and jumping. New shoes will better adapt to your toddler’s growing and developing foot, say experts. No two feet are the same, and buying something new ensures that the inside isn’t moulded to someone else’s foot.
